Okay, so I’m a busy college student (well, almost – I’m a senior in high school graduating in June!). I’m trying to get all my ducks in a row for financial aid and scholarships, but the really involved ones are just SO time-consuming. I need something…manageable. Are there any scholarships out there that are offered monthly, meaning more chances to win, but also that are relatively easy to apply for? Think something that doesn’t require essays longer than 500 words, ideally less! And preferably no crazy GPA requirements. My GPA is good (around 3.5), but I’m looking for scholarships that consider more than just grades. I’m really into creative stuff too, so anything that uses photography, video, or short creative writing would be a bonus! Basically, I’m looking for low-effort, high-reward scholarship opportunities. Any suggestions?
Answer
Many monthly scholarships tend to have broader eligibility criteria and may require less extensive application materials, making them potentially easier to apply for. Here’s a breakdown of characteristics and examples:
Characteristics of Potentially Easier Monthly Scholarships:
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Simple Applications: These scholarships often require basic information like name, contact details, education level, and a brief statement or short essay. They avoid lengthy essays, transcripts, or letters of recommendation.
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Broad Eligibility: Many monthly scholarships are open to a wide range of students, regardless of their GPA, major, or background. Some might focus on specific demographics but have inclusive criteria.
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No GPA Requirement (or Low Requirement): A significant number of monthly scholarships do not have a minimum GPA requirement or have a very low threshold (e.g., 2.0). This makes them accessible to students who might not have top grades.
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Random Drawings/Sweepstakes: Some scholarships are essentially sweepstakes. Applicants simply need to enter their information for a chance to win. These are the easiest in terms of effort.
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Short Essays or Prompts: If an essay is required, it’s often a short one (250-500 words) on a general topic or a brief answer to a specific prompt. This takes less time than crafting a longer, more researched essay.
- Monthly Deadlines: The monthly deadline is beneficial. It allows students to allocate time to several scholarships throughout the year.
Examples of Potentially Easier Monthly Scholarships:
It’s essential to verify current eligibility criteria and deadlines on the scholarship provider’s official website.
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Nitro Scholarship Sweepstakes: Nitro offers a monthly scholarship sweepstakes where students can enter by completing a form. It is a random drawing.
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ScholarshipPoints Monthly Scholarship: ScholarshipPoints awards monthly scholarships to its members. Members earn points by completing surveys, reading blog posts, and other activities on the site. The more points earned, the higher the chance of winning.
- College Board Opportunity Scholarships: The College Board offers scholarships based on completing steps in the college planning process (e.g., building a college list, practicing for the SAT). While not strictly monthly, they have rolling deadlines and different opportunities throughout the year. The more steps completed, the higher the chance of winning.
Where to Find Monthly Scholarships:
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Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Scholarships.com, Niche.com, and Fastweb.com allow you to filter by monthly deadlines or "no essay" required.
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High School Counseling Office: School counselors often have lists of local and national scholarships with varying deadlines.
- College Financial Aid Office: College financial aid offices can provide information on scholarships specifically for students attending their institution.
Important Considerations:
- Legitimacy: Always research the scholarship provider to ensure it is legitimate. Be wary of scholarships that require an application fee or ask for excessive personal information.
- Competition: While these scholarships might be "easier" to apply for, they often have a large number of applicants. Don’t assume you’ll automatically win.
- Effort vs. Reward: Balance the time you spend applying with the potential reward. Applying for multiple "easy" scholarships can still be time-consuming, so prioritize those that align with your qualifications and interests.
- Read the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions and eligibility criteria. Following the rules increases your chances of being considered.
- Beware of Scams: Never pay money to apply for a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for.
Remember that "easy" doesn’t guarantee success. The key is to find scholarships that match your profile, follow the instructions carefully, and apply consistently.
