Essay Scholarships

So maybe you’re a brilliant writer, or maybe you’re just going for the most efficient way to rack up the college scholarship money. Either way, you’ve decided that the key to funding your education lies in winning scholarship essay contests. Essay scholarships are awarded in numerous fields to students of varied backgrounds. Some essay scholarships have requirements in addition to the essay, such as GPA or financial need, whereas others are judged solely on the merit of the writing submitted. No matter what the criteria are, essay scholarships are a great way to use those writing skills you’ve been practicing to help pay for school.

The scholarship application process for essay scholarships is much the same as for other scholarship opportunities—you need to fill out the scholarship application, gather all your materials, double-check that you’ve met all requirements, and then submit your completed application packet before the deadline. With essay scholarships, especially, you should start this process early and leave yourself plenty of time to formulate an effective strategy and write a brilliant entry. Make sure you closely follow instructions and go through the entire writing process, from brainstorming to outlining to editing. If you really want to win essay scholarships, you can’t just throw your response together in 30 minutes and send it on its way. While this strategy may have worked for you in English class, chances are $5,000 wasn’t riding on whether you got an A on any of your papers. Take your time writing and revising. If you plan far enough ahead, you’ll be able to get plenty of feedback from your family, friends, and teachers, as well. The more people who see your essay, the better it will be. Outside help goes beyond proofreading. If possible, ask for advice on the content of your essay, as well as the style and the flow. All of these are important factors in writing effective scholarship essays.

Washington State Association for Justice's American Justice Essay Scholarship
Application Deadlines: March 15, Annually
As part of the Washington State Association for Justice’s (WSAJ) commitment to foster an awareness and understanding of the important role that the civil justice system plays in our society, WSAJ sponsors an annual statewide student essay scholarship program. The essay topic deals with advocacy in the American justice system and related topics. This year, WSAJ may award up to two (2) individual [...] More

Growing Up Asian in America Art & Essay Contest
Application Deadlines: March 01, Annually
Growing Up Asian in America is the largest celebration of Asian Heritage in the nation, awarding more than $27,000 in savings bond awards and prizes. The art and essay contest begins in January each year with a new contest theme. Bay-Area students in grades K-12 are eligible to [...] More

ALBA George Watt Memorial Essay Contest
Application Deadlines: July 01, Annually
The Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives (ALBA) is pleased to announce the continuing annual competition for the George Watt Memorial Essay prizes. Graduate and undergraduate students from the United States and elsewhere are invited to submit an essay or thesis chapter about any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, the global political or cultural struggles against fascism in 1920s and 1930s, or the [...] More

FRA Americanism Essay Contest
Application Deadlines: December 01, Annually
The FRA National Committee on Americanism-Patriotism sponsors an annual Americanism Essay Contest. To find out this year's theme, please visit our website. FRA's Essay Contest is open to all students grades 7 through 12 (including those who are home schooled). Each entrant must be sponsored by an FRA member in good standing or by a currently chartered branch or unit. Essay Contest Rules: - [...] More

IAPMO Scholarship Essay Contest
Application Deadlines: July 01, Annually
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is a worldwide organization made up of dedicated professionals striving to make our planet a safer and healthier place in which to live. With IAPMO’s emphasis on clean air, water and sustainable energy, its members have become the frontline warriors in a battle for the very existence of the Earth itself. Whether you call it [...] More

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