Updated: May 17, 2025

Essay Scholarships

female student writing essay

When you apply for a scholarship, certain factors like your GPA and test scores are already established and cannot be changed at that moment. Similarly, the strength of your recommendation letters is largely determined by your academic performance and participation up to that point. However, one area you do have control over is the essay you submit with your scholarship application.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Essay Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • NCCF Legacy Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 18, 2025

To be eligible for the NCCF Legacy Scholarship, applicants must: have lost a parent or guardian to cancer; be between the ages of 18-35 (an exception will be made if they are 17 and entering college in the fall following application); be a US citizen or permanent resident; and be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university or vocational institution in pursuit of an

  • 2

  • NCCF Survivor Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 18, 2025

To be eligible for the NCCF Survivor Scholarship, applicants must: be a young adult cancer survivor or current patient; be between the ages of 18-35 (an exception will be made if they are 17 and entering college in the fall following application); be a US citizen or permanent resident; and be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university or vocational institution in pursuit

  • 3

  • Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,008
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

Miss Utility of Maryland/D.C. will select eight high school seniors from Maryland and Washington, D.C., to each receive a single-year scholarship. Essay must be a maximum of 500 words, typed in 12-point font, double-spaced and must respond to this prompt: Explain the importance of Miss Utility/District One Call and how it could relate to the career path you plan to pursue in the future. Review

  • 4

  • Media Alliance of Houston Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

The Houston Chapter of Media Alliance of Houston will award scholarships to college juniors or seniors who have at least one full-time semester left of college. The scholarships will be awarded to students attending a Texas public or private university that offers radio, television, film, public relations, advertising/communications or broadcasting as the major emphasis of study and/or students

  • 5

  • New England Community Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

The Community Scholarship for New England High Schools is for graduating students throughout New England who write a short essay addressing the prompt: “Give us an example of a personal experience about how diversity, equity and inclusion has affected your life.“ Six scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be awarded. The Contest is open to high school seniors in Massachusetts, New

  • 6

  • Phi Kappa Tau Parents Fund Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 25, 2025

Thanks to the generosity of Phi Kappa Tau benefactors through the years, ten named endowed scholarships exist, each currently making $1,250 annual awards. Applicants must be members returning to school the next year as an undergraduate or graduate student. Scholarship Details Several scholarships are awarded annually thanks to the support of alumni, parents, and friends. Scholarships are

  • 7

  • NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineMay 28, 2025

The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship is the pinnacle achievement for students interested in pursuing careers in retail. This opportunity was created for students of various academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience, and a passion for making an impact. Scholarship Details Top recipient receives a $25,000 tuition scholarship and

  • 8

  • Irene Adler Prize

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 30, 2025

The Irene Adler Prize is open to women pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution. In addition to the $1,000 US prize, up to two $250 honorable mentions will be awarded. Entry is free for applicants worldwide. (This marks a change from 2017 to 2022, when the prize was available exclusively to U.S. and

  • 9

  • VWEA Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineMay 30, 2025

The VWEA Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded annually by the Virginia Water Environment Association (VWEA) to students enrolled at Virginia universities or community college in an undergraduate program relevant to the water industry. The objectives of the scholarship are to support our local universities and colleges and to promote student participation in VWEA. The number of recipients will

  • 10

  • Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship provides financial support for a graduate student pursing a sheep-related study that will support the advancement of the U.S. sheep industry, lamb and wool. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must: be a United States citizen; have involvement in sheep and/or wool research in such areas as animal science, agriculture economics or

  • 11

  • Michigan State University Transfer Student Scholarships

  • Amount$7,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships. In most instances, the application for admission, including the required essay, is sufficient for award consideration. Any supplemental documents required for particular scholarships will be provided on our site. Scholarship selection criteria vary. Satisfying the initial criteria listed does not guarantee that a student will

  • 12

  • CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation CSBG Scholarship

  • Amount$1,100
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The CSBG Scholarship is designed, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to provide financial assistance to income eligible persons to attend college (income eligibility guidelines included in this application packet). Each scholarship awarded will be for a minimum of $1,100.00. How The CSBG Scholarship May be Used Scholarships will go toward providing

  • 13

  • Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college seniors and graduate students who have exhibited exemplary leadership, vision, and passion that is blazing a trail for others to follow and changing lives in the Asian American community. To be eligible, applicants must: be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander

  • 14

  • Follansbee-Hansen Scholarship

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

To be eligible for the Follansbee-Hansen Scholarship, applicants must: live in the Sacramento region; have at least a GPA of a 2.5 (if they are currently enrolled in school); have applied to or are presently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education, including vocational and technical schools; identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; and demonstrate an interest in service to

  • 15

  • AAIA Scholarships

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens/ members of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government. Eligibility Be enrolled with your respective Tribe, either federally recognized

  • 16

  • Niche $15,000 No Essay Scholarship

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

Niche is offering this scholarship for high school seniors to win a $15,000 scholarship you can apply toward tuition, housing, books, and any other college expenses. No essay is required, so it is quick and easy to apply! Scholarship Details $15,000 scholarship Apply in minutes No essay requirement Eligibility High school or college students may apply Currently

  • 17

  • Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund offers scholarships to students who have lost a parent to alcohol, drug or prescription drug abuse. To be eligible, applicants must: be a legal US citizen and enrolled in a college or university located in the US; have a 3.0 GPA; show proof of part-time or full-time enrollment (via proof of registration from the registrar's office, or a class schedule that has

  • 18

  • Florence Smith Powers Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Florence Smith Powers Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student attending a four-year college or university. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA at the time of application, maintain a 2.75 GPA with a minimum course load of 12-units per semester (or the equivalent) and remain in good standing during the term of the scholarship. Applicants career plans and work

  • 19

  • Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate school students. Scholarship Details Help cover the cost of college without writing a single essay! Niche is giving one student $2,000 to put toward tuition, housing, books or other college expenses. Eligibility High school, college or graduate school students. Full

  • 20

  • Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship recognizes Asian American high school, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing a career in entrepreneurship. Scholarship Details This scholarship, started in 2016 and generously funded by entrepreneurs Grace and Ranier Pabilona, will provide an amount ranging between $1,000 to $5,000 award for U.S. students attending accredited American

  • 21

  • Holly Scanlan Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Holly Scanlan Foundation awards one-time $5000 scholarships to deserving undergraduate students who have an immediate family member (or are themselves) afflicted with cancer. Our goal is to ease the financial burden for families who are facing the high costs of both cancer treatments and college tuition. Eligibility In order to apply for the HSF Scholarship, you must: Have an

  • 22

  • AAUW Jeanne Gruenwald Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The AAUW Jeanne Gruenwald Scholarship supports female students currently enrolled at Mira Costa College, Palomar College, or CSU San Marcos who are pursuing their educational goals at a college or university in San Diego County. This scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and future potential. Scholarship Details Award for female students attending Mira Costa

  • 23

  • Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college students pursuing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications. To be eligible, applicants must: be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity; be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S.; have a 3.0 GPA; have

  • 24

  • Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

To be considered for the Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice, applicants must: be a graduating high school senior in the Diocese of Washington; be an active member of an Episcopal church in the Diocese of Washington; be accepted for full time enrollment to attend an accredited junior or community college or an accredited four-year college or university; and have a cumulative

  • 25

  • LGBTQA+ Fashion Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

In an effort to encourage LGBTQA+ high school students to pursue a career in the fashion industry- whether in fashion design, marketing, merchandising, or other related fields- BOMME Studio offers an incentive through their scholarship program. Each applicant must meet all of the following requirements: identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;

The scholarship essay is your opportunity to showcase who you are as a student, your unique qualities as well as your passions and interests. Fortunately, there are numerous essay scholarships available. The essay component is not just a formality, it is a chance to write a winning piece that highlights your best qualities. Below, you'll find guidance on how essay scholarships work, where to find them, and tips for crafting an essay that stands out.

What is an essay scholarship?

An essay scholarship is exactly what it sounds like; it is a scholarship that includes an essay component. A lot of scholarships will require at least one essay, but some may ask for two or possibly three.

Topics for essay scholarships can be serious, like describing the most difficult experience you’ve ever had, or light-hearted, like detailing how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Essay scholarships can give students a chance to sway the scholarship committee, even if they don't have the most impressive GPA or standardized test scores.

Even students who don’t like writing should consider applying for scholarships that require an essay because they represent such a large percentage of the scholarships for which they are going to be eligile. If you don’t enjoy writing, you may be tempted to use AI tools to write your essay. You should be aware that the scholarship judges may run your essay through an AI detection tool, which could cause you to be disqualified.

How to apply for an essay scholarship

You can find dozens or even hundreds of essay scholarships through our Scholarship Directory. There are dozens of different kinds of essay scholarships with various requirements. To apply for an essay scholarship, make sure you understand all of the components, not just the essay part. Start working on the application several weeks before it’s due, which should give you enough time to write a thoughtful and convincing essay.

To write a winning essay, read through the prompt and brainstorm all the points you want to make in your piece. Then, outline the essay in a clear format. After the outline is done, you can start writing the essay. Once you have a rough draft, share it with one or two adults you trust. Even if you're a stellar writer, you should still have someone else look at your essay before submitting it. Another person can point out ways to strengthen each draft.

Ideally, you should ask an English teacher, but a high school college counselor, another teacher or perhaps a coach can provide useful guidance. Make sure to give them enough time to read through the piece and provide feedback, preferably a couple of weeks or more. Implement their advice in your next essay. Then, have another person read it to make sure it’s better. If you make any more revisions, ask someone else to read the essay to check for typos and mistakes.

Types of Essay Scholarships

Academic Achievement Scholarships

High school students can apply for Academic Achievement Scholarships to get financial support in recognition of their remarkable academic achievements. These scholarships are intended especially for students who have excelled academically throughout their high school careers. As they set out on their journey towards higher education, school students might investigate a number of scholarships that are available.

  1. The National Merit Scholarship is one such grant given to pupils who perform exceptionally well on the PSAT. Based on their academic performance, students who place in the top percentile are eligible to receive this distinguished grant.
  2. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which honors students for their leadership abilities, academic distinction, and community service, is another noteworthy scholarship. Students pursuing higher education at recognized institutions or universities are eligible to apply for scholarships under this program.
  3. The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive award that offers low-income minority school students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement complete financial support. The recipients of this scholarship have proven to be dedicated to community service, have great leadership abilities, and achieve well academically.

Students must complete certain requirements and meet particular criteria in order to be eligible for these scholarships. This could entail submitting recommendation letters, writing an essay, taking part in extracurricular activities, and maintaining a minimal grade point average.

Organizations hope to encourage academic achievement and assist school students in their pursuit of higher education by offering these scholarships. These programs provide high-achieving high school students recognition for their hard work and effort in addition to cash help.

Creative Writing Scholarships

Students who want to work in fiction, poetry, or screenwriting can apply for a number of creative writing scholarships. The Helen McCloy Scholarship from Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is one such award. The purpose of this fellowship is to assist prospective mystery fiction writers who show promise in the field.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled in an authorized 4-year college or university in the country in order to be eligible for the MWA Helen McCloy Scholarship. They must also be majoring in creative writing, English, or a related subject, be in their junior year or higher, and be really interested in creating mysteries or thrillers. In addition, candidates must submit a statement of intent outlining their writing objectives and why they ought to be given consideration for the scholarship, as well as a sample of their mystery fiction writing.

Additional grants for creative writing are offered by the Janelle Gray Preyer Scholarship, which helps deserving students majoring in creative writing or English, and the Academy of American Poets Prize, which recognizes exceptional undergraduate poets. These scholarships offer young authors who are following their passion for fiction, poetry, and screenplay both cash support and recognition. To improve their chances of getting financing for their artistic endeavors, students who are interested in these scholarships should thoroughly understand the qualifying conditions and scholarship application procedures.

Career-Specific Scholarships

Several career-specific scholarships are available for Indigenous students, single moms, persons of color, undocumented students, and LGBTQIA+ students, according to the background information that was provided. The purpose of these scholarships is to assist members of underrepresented groups who want to work in particular industries.

The Indigenous Education Scholarship is a well-liked choice for Indigenous students. Indigenous students pursuing jobs in a range of disciplines, such as healthcare, teaching, engineering, and more, can apply for this award to receive financial support. For Indigenous students interested in STEM fields, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society also provides a number of scholarships.

Scholarships such as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship are beneficial for single mothers who wish to work in particular industries. This fellowship is intended to assist low-income women who want to pursue vocational training or higher education, particularly single mothers.

For persons of color, there are other scholarships tailored to specific careers, including the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Undergraduate students from minority backgrounds who intend to work in science, mathematics, teaching, engineering, or healthcare are eligible to apply for this prize and move forward with their career goals.

Scholarships like TheDream.US, which give undocumented high school graduates the chance to continue postsecondary education in a variety of subjects, can help undocumented students.

LGBTQIA+ students with a focus on particular professions can look into scholarships such as the Point Foundation Scholarship. LGBTQIA+ students interested in careers in the arts, business, healthcare, STEM, and other fields are supported by this scholarship.

In conclusion, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, Indigenous, single mothers, persons of color, or lack legal status can apply for a range of career-specific awards. The goals of these scholarships are to help underrepresented people succeed financially and to open doors for them to do so.

Field-of-Study Specific Scholarships

Area of study Grants given to both high school and undergraduate students studying a particular field of study are known as specialized scholarships. These scholarships, which offer financial support to people who aspire to succeed in a particular field of interest, are quite pertinent to the subject.

Field-of-study scholarships, in contrast to general scholarships, are designed to meet the particular requirements of students pursuing undergraduate degrees in specific fields including engineering, medicine, the arts, and sciences. These scholarships are intended to foster and develop the abilities of students who are enthusiastic about a particular subject, acknowledging the value of doing so.

It is crucial to remember that field-of-study scholarships could have further requirements in addition to the GPA and essay, including extracurricular activities or certain courses pertaining to the chosen field of study. Scholarships for the arts may require the submission of a portfolio of the applicant's creative work, whereas scholarships for engineering students may require applicants to show competency in math and science.

Students who apply for field-of-study scholarships stand to win recognition for their commitment to and enthusiasm for their chosen field in addition to receiving financial aid for their education. These scholarships help students realize their goals and make a positive impact on their particular sectors by providing a method of advancing their academic and professional aspirations.

Frequently asked questions about essay scholarships

What are the best essay scholarships?

There are many essay scholarships that provide generous rewards with simple-to-understand requirements. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest awards $10,000 to students who describe political courage using several primary and secondary sources. The essay should be between 700 and 1,000 words, not including citations.

The Umps Care All-Star College Scholarship gives out $5,000 per semester to students attending a four-year institution. To qualify, you must have been adopted at age 13 or later, or have been in foster care since the age of 13. Scholarship winners will also receive support from a Major League Baseball umpire and their family.

How long are essay scholarships?

Word requirements vary wildly depending on the scholarship provider, but are often between 500 and 1,000 words. However, some popular essays may have longer requirements. For example, the Elie Wiesel Prize In Ethics Essay Contest asks for an essay between 3,000 and 4,000 words.

Some scholarships will ask for a certain page length instead of a specific word count. Make sure to read through the word count or page requirements before starting. If an essay has a broad range, try to write closer to the max. Be sure never to exceed the maximum number of pages or words. Some scholarship providers may disqualify you altogether for going over the word count, even if it is only by 5 or 10 words. Follow the instructions to the letter to be on the safe side.

Can I use the same essay for multiple scholarships?

While it’s unlikely that a scholarship provider will find out if you’re reusing an essay, you should not just copy and paste one essay to another scholarship form. Make sure that the old essay fits the current prompt; you may have to make adjustments before submitting. If you’re using a recycled essay, have someone else look at the prompt to see if it still works. You may be able to keep some of the same parts and only have to write a small portion from scratch.