Updated: April 26, 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

  • AMA Houston Penny Todd Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

AMA Houston awards the Penny Todd Scholarship to deserving Houston-area undergraduate college students majoring in marketing or a related field. Applicants must be either attending college or university in the greater Houston area, or have graduated from high school in the greater Houston area, be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or

  • 2

  • Dedman Essay Competition

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Essay Competition is designed to help Texas high school students improve their communication and writing skills at the college level. The competition emphasizes the importance of effective writing in achieving success in scholarship, leadership, service, and research. Winning essays will be recognized with cash awards and certificates. Scholarship

  • 3

  • First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

First Presbyterian Church offers an annual, non-renewable scholarship to support seminary students preparing for ministry, particularly those affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Funded through generous bequests and memorial gifts, this scholarship continues the church’s long-standing commitment to Christian education and the formation of Presbyterian pastors. Priority is given to

  • 4

  • Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Scholarship in Environmental Studies

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park awards scholarships each year to two high school graduates entering the field of environmental studies or natural science. Qualified applicants will reside in Boone, Lake, McHenry or Kane counties Illinois. They must also plan to attend an accredited college or university, plan to major in a field of study and career directly related to the environment, and

  • 5

  • SMA Foundation Student Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The purpose of the SMA Foundation Student Scholarship is to provide tuition assistance to a graduate/undergraduate students majoring in subjects that will prepare them for a career in Sports Venue Management industry. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of study or be classified as a junior, must be classified as a full-time student by their university for the entire scholarship

  • 6

  • Steven R. Smith Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

This scholarship will be awarded to one student based on academic excellence, involvement in the community, and character. All eligible Stanly, Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Union county high school seniors are encouraged to apply online or through the mail. Students must be attending high school in eligible North Carolina counties at the time the of application and in good standing with

  • 7

  • $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Sallie is offering a straightforward monthly scholarship opportunity, awarding $2,000 to eligible entrants. No essays or account sign-ups are required—just a simple scholarship for individuals seeking financial assistance for their education. Scholarship Details Monthly award of $2,000. No essay or account sign-ups needed. Eligibility Criteria Open to individuals seeking financial

  • 8

  • The Joseph Cesare Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Brothers Helping is proud to announce that it has established The Joseph Cesare Memorial Scholarship Fund in the amount of $2,500 to benefit high school seniors who will be continuing their education in an accredited college, university, or trade school in the fall. Scholarship Details $2,500 scholarship for a graduating high school senior Must be used for attendance at an accredited

  • 9

  • ASCE New Hampshire High School Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Applicants of the ASCE New Hampshire High School Scholarship must be a resident of the State of New Hampshire and be a current senior in a New Hampshire high school. The student must have applied to and been accepted by a four-year engineering program. Award winners will be based on receipt of all completed application materials and the most compelling essay as determined by the judges. In

  • 10

  • Spingarn Alumni Association Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

We are accepting applications from graduating seniors from the Washington Metropolitan Area. Public high school students should be recommend by members who will advance the student's application. With your application, you must submit: a typed / computer generated essay of at least 200-250 words describing what makes you the most qualified to receive this scholarship; a transcript; a

  • 11

  • CMAA Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Construction Management Association of America South Atlantic Chapter (CMAA-SAC) is dedicated to promoting careers in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. To support this mission, CMAA-SAC is offering academic scholarships to full-time students pursuing a degree related to architecture, engineering, or construction management. The scholarships aim to help students

  • 12

  • Donald Handeland Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

This is one of the most flexible scholarships you can apply for. There are very few requirements. The purpose of this is to allow you to include the things that make you a unique candidate. Not everyone fits into the same mold, so include the information that highlights what you excel at. The other purpose of making it flexible is that we don't want to waste your time. Students have a lot going

  • 13

  • Sara Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Sara Scholarship provides financial assistance to female high school seniors who have demonstrated character, academic excellence, and involvement in the sport of golf. A minimum of twelve $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students planning to attend an accredited college or university in the United States. While golfing skill is not a requirement, active engagement with the sport is

  • 14

  • Hope For The Warriors Scholarships

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship Program identifies, recognizes, and rewards post-9/11 spouses/caregivers for their strength, fidelity, and resolve despite adversity. Scholarships aid in continued education at a reputable, accredited university, college, or trade school for spouses/caregivers as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families.

  • 15

  • Bradford-Sullivan Forest Landowners' Association Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Northern Tier Hardwood Association (NTHA) Community Forests Scholarship offers $1,500 to one high school senior annually who resides in or attends school in one of nine eligible Pennsylvania counties or is a member of NTHA. This scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education in Community/Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or related fields. Applicants must demonstrate commitment

  • 16

  • Montford Point Marine Association Washington, DC 6 Chapter Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Montford Point Marine Association believes "There is no better way to protect the future than by helping our youth with their higher educational goals." DC 6 is proud to honor this commitment by offering scholarships to individuals in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The scholarship will be made payable to the school of enrollment, and the number of recipients each year will

  • 17

  • Cuidado Casero Foundation Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

This nursing-focused scholarship supports students pursuing degrees to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs), including four common pathways: LVN/LPN, Associate of Nursing, RN to BSN, and Traditional BSN. One additional scholarship is available to students pursuing other healthcare professional degrees. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need,

  • 18

  • WMCCAI Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The WMCCAI Essay/Presentation Contest is open to all high school seniors within the WMCCAI service area (Washington, DC Metropolitan Area). Applicants must submit either a 500-700 word essay or 90-second media presentation on the year's topic. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The award winner will be announced within 60 days after the application deadline, displayed in the Quorum

  • 19

  • PRSA Foundation Scholarships and Grants

  • Amount$35,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The PRSA Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing degrees in public relations, communications, and similar fields. These opportunities are designed to support undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds, particularly those who are PRSSA members, BIPOC, first-generation college students, or demonstrate financial need. Awards range from

  • 20

  • MLF Domestic Students Scholarship

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Based in Los Angeles and founded in 2005, Morning Light Foundation (MLF) is a non-profit charitable organization (IRC501c3 exempt organization) dedicated to helping students with financial need both in China and in Southern California. More than 5,000 university students with financial need have benefited from its scholarship program in China, hundreds of student-teachers are sponsored to teach

  • 21

  • Regional Airline Association Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The primary purpose of the Regional Airline Association Scholarship is to assist with the education of individuals who are studying for a career in the airline industry by providing financial support. Awards will be made to U.S. citizens or permanent residents without regard to sex, race, religion or national origin. Applicants must be officially enrolled in an accredited college or

  • 22

  • ABA Diversity Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The American Bus Association Foundation promotes academic excellence and diversity in the motorcoach travel and tour industry through its scholarship program. The ABA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in financial support to hundreds of scholars since its inception. The ABA Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes deserving students who demonstrate scholastic ability, leadership,

  • 23

  • Calculated Genius STEMinist Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The Calculated Genius STEMINIST Scholarship Program provides financial support to Chicago metropolitan area women-of-color pursuing college degrees in engineering. Calculated Genius is proud to support and encourage women to pursue degrees in engineering by recognizing their talents with financial awards. Applicant must be a graduating high school student who is majoring in engineering or

  • 24

  • Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in information and records management. This scholarship is designed for those enrolled in programs related to records management, governance, archiving, or academic library studies. It aims to assist students residing in the Southwest U.S. region or Canada who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to

  • 25

  • Syracuse University Named Scholarships

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

Friends of the University have made generous contributions which enable us to award scholarships for specific study abroad experiences for Syracuse University undergraduate students who are participating in semester programs. Awards will be a part of your financial aid package and will be disbursed to your Bursar’s account before the start of classes. The dollar amounts, number of awards and

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.