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What are some overlooked scholarships that are easy to win


Okay, so I know there’s a ton of scholarship information out there, but it all feels so overwhelming and hyper-competitive. I’m a senior in high school and trying to find some scholarships to apply for, but I’m not exactly valedictorian material. I have a decent GPA (around a 3.5), but I’m not a sports star or anything. I’m pretty good at writing essays, but I’m also kind of lazy and don’t want to spend weeks on each application.

I’m really looking for those "hidden gem" scholarships – the ones that maybe don’t get a lot of applicants because they’re hyper-specific or require something that most people don’t have. Maybe something for a particular hobby, background, or even a funny talent? Or maybe just small, local scholarships that don’t have a huge marketing budget and fly under the radar. Basically, I’m aiming for low-hanging fruit.

I’m going to be majoring in marketing, if that helps narrow things down, but honestly, I’m open to anything. Bonus points if the scholarship requires a video submission, because I think I’m pretty good at making short, engaging videos.

Answer

It’s challenging to definitively state which scholarships are "easy to win" because the level of competition can fluctuate each year and depends on the applicant pool. However, some scholarships receive fewer applications, often due to specific eligibility requirements, less publicity, or the need for more creative or unique application materials. These might be considered "overlooked" in the sense that they have a potentially higher chance of success due to a smaller applicant pool. Here are some categories and specific examples of scholarships that might be worth exploring, along with details about why they might be less competitive:

I. Local and Regional Scholarships:

  • Community Foundation Scholarships: These are offered by local community foundations and often have a geographic restriction (e.g., students residing in a specific county or city). The eligibility restrictions limit the applicant pool, making them potentially less competitive than national scholarships. Look up the community foundation in your area.
  • Local Business Scholarships: Many small businesses or local branches of larger corporations offer scholarships to students in their community. These are often less advertised and might require a connection to the business (e.g., child of an employee or customer).
  • High School-Specific Scholarships: Many high schools have scholarships specifically for their graduating students. These are only open to students within that school, significantly reducing the competition. Check with your guidance counselor.
  • Credit Union Scholarships: Credit unions frequently offer scholarships to their members or the children of members. Since only members or their families are eligible, the applicant pool is smaller than for more widely available scholarships.

II. Scholarships Based on Specific Interests or Hobbies:

  • Creative Arts Scholarships (Niche): Scholarships that reward artistic talent in less common fields like quilting, filmmaking, or specific musical instruments may receive fewer applicants than those for more mainstream art forms.
  • Gaming/Esports Scholarships: With the rise of esports, more colleges and organizations are offering scholarships for competitive gamers or students pursuing degrees related to game design and development. This field is relatively new, so the number of scholarships and applicants may be favorable.
  • Volunteer/Community Service Scholarships: Scholarships that specifically recognize volunteer work or community involvement. Many focus on specific organizations or causes.
  • Writing Contests/Scholarships (Specific Themes): Contests that require essays on niche topics (e.g., a specific historical event, a particular environmental issue, or a certain book) might attract fewer applicants than general essay contests.
  • Scholarships for Specific Hobbies (e.g., Duck Calling, Juggling): Some unusual hobbies have associated scholarships.

III. Scholarships for Specific Demographics:

  • Scholarships for Students with Specific Heritage or Ethnicity: Many organizations offer scholarships to students of a particular ethnic or cultural background. Eligibility is limited to that specific demographic.
  • Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Several organizations provide scholarships specifically for students with documented disabilities. These scholarships often require medical documentation.
  • Scholarships for Students from Single-Parent Households: Some scholarships prioritize students raised in single-parent households.
  • Scholarships for Students in Specific Religious Groups: Various religious organizations offer scholarships to students who are members of their faith.

IV. Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study:

  • Scholarships for STEM Fields (Less Popular): While STEM fields are generally popular, some specific areas within STEM might have fewer applicants. Examples could include materials science, agricultural engineering, or specific areas of mathematics.
  • Scholarships for Vocational/Trade Schools: Scholarships for students attending vocational or trade schools often have a smaller applicant pool compared to those for four-year universities.
  • Scholarships for Education Majors (Specific Focus): Scholarships targeting education majors with a focus on specific subjects or grade levels (e.g., special education, early childhood education, or teaching STEM in underserved communities).
  • Scholarships for Library Science or Archival Studies: This niche field may have scholarships with less competition.

V. Scholarships with Unique Application Requirements:

  • Video Essay Scholarships: Some scholarships require applicants to submit a video essay instead of a written essay. Some students may be hesitant to create a video.
  • Social Media-Based Scholarships: Some scholarships require applicants to create content on social media (e.g., a TikTok video, a blog post, or an Instagram campaign). This may deter some students who are not comfortable with social media.
  • "No Essay" Scholarships (Raffles/Sweepstakes): While these technically aren’t "won" based on merit, they require minimal effort (often just filling out a form) and can be considered low-hanging fruit. However, the odds of winning are typically low.

General Strategies for Finding "Overlooked" Scholarships:

  • Use Niche Search Engines/Databases: Some scholarship search engines cater to specific demographics or fields of study.
  • Network with Counselors and Advisors: High school guidance counselors, college advisors, and professors are valuable resources for finding local and field-specific scholarships.
  • Contact Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in their field.
  • Research Smaller Companies: Large corporations are more well known, but smaller businesses may offer scholarships with fewer applicants.
  • Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each scholarship.
  • Don’t Overlook Smaller Awards: Even smaller scholarships (e.g., \$500 or \$1000) can add up and help offset the cost of education.

Important Considerations:

  • "Easy" is Relative: Even if a scholarship has a smaller applicant pool, it still requires a well-crafted application.
  • Tailor Your Application: Always tailor your application to the specific requirements and values of each scholarship.
  • Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit your materials on time.
  • Be Authentic: Let your personality and passion shine through in your application.
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
  • Don’t Pay to Apply: Be wary of scholarship scams that require you to pay a fee to apply.

The key is to research thoroughly, target scholarships that align with your specific qualifications and interests, and craft compelling applications that showcase your strengths and achievements.

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