In the time it takes you to read this blog post from top to bottom, you could probably apply to at least fifteen no-essay scholarships. But should you?
Maybe.
Going to college is usually expensive. The average cost of attendance for students living on campus at a public college in the US is $108,584 over 4 years. And, in just a few clicks, you can apply for no-essay scholarships worth $10,000+!
So there’s no harm in giving it a shot, right?
Kind of: Your chances of winning one of these scholarships are low. It’s essentially like buying a lottery ticket. You could win, but it’s all based on luck. So spending a lot of time on these, instead of other kinds of financial aid, might not be a great choice.
So, is applying to no-essay scholarships worth it? This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons so you can answer that question for yourself.
If you do decide it’s worth your time, we’ve also included a list of 65 no-essay scholarships, their award amounts, deadlines, and application links.
Here we go.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)What is a no-essay scholarship?
A no-essay scholarship is any scholarship that doesn’t require you to submit an essay about your achievements, goals, or experiences with your application. It’s an easy opportunity to win free money to pay for college tuition and expenses.
And, if you’re like most high-school juniors and seniors, that’s an enticing prospect. Why?
You’re busy. You already have to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. Writing an essay for a scholarship application can be time-consuming.
You’re tired. You already have to write a ton of essays when you apply for college. Writing an essay for a scholarship application adds to the mounting stress of application season.
You’re not a “good” writer. You might feel that writing essays isn’t your strong suit and would prefer to avoid them altogether.
No-essay scholarships eliminate all of those stressors and barriers.
So, you’re not alone if you think: Who cares if my chances of winning are low? Just look at how easy it is to apply for these scholarships (but then keep reading to see why it still may not be worth the trouble).
How to apply for no-essay scholarships
Applying for no-essay scholarships is easy. In most cases, all you have to do is fill out a simple form with your basic information and click submit. In exchange for a few minutes of your time, you are entered into a drawing or random selection process for a chance to win money for college.
Applying for a no-essay scholarship can feel like a breeze compared to other scholarship applications. For example, take a look at one of the old essay prompts for semi-finalists of the Gates Scholarship:
Prompt: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela. Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.” (No more than 400 words)
You might need considerable time and thought to craft a thoughtful response to that prompt. It’s not something you could complete quickly unless you’ve already written a similar essay for another application. (Speaking of, pro tip: you should definitely be reusing scholarship essays when possible, and it’s frequently possible.)
So, we get it—applying for no-essay scholarships is a much simpler process.
Still, before you apply, at minimum you should check the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify for each scholarship. That way, you don't waste time on applications where you really have zero chance of winning.
No-essay scholarships eligibility requirements
The no-essay scholarship eligibility requirements will vary from scholarship to scholarship. But, some common requirements include:
Age/grade level: Many scholarships are open exclusively to high school juniors and seniors. Some may only be available to younger students or those already in college.
Residency: To qualify for some scholarships, you may need to be a resident of a specific state or region. You may also need to prove you are a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.
Enrollment status: Some scholarships require you to be enrolled or planning to enroll in a specific type of institution (e.g., accredited college or university).
Academic performance: While essays aren’t required, some “no essay” scholarships may still have a minimum requirement for your GPA or standardized test scores.
Demographic criteria: Certain scholarships might target specific demographics, such as first-generation college students, minorities, or women in STEM.
Field of study: Some scholarships are only for students pursuing particular majors or career paths. For example, some scholarships are only for STEM majors.
Application submission deadline: Make sure to check when each scholarship is due. You'll find various deadlines as you review the scholarships further down this guide. Some have fixed deadlines, while others offer monthly or rolling deadlines, with multiple opportunities throughout the year.
Is applying to no-essay scholarships worth it?
No-essay scholarships are incredibly appealing because they require minimal effort to apply for, often just a few clicks. However, the odds of winning one are extremely low, akin to a lottery.
These scholarships attract thousands, sometimes even millions, of applicants. The chances of your name being picked from the pile aren’t impossible, but they’re often extremely slim.
Still, if it only takes a few minutes to apply, it might be worth giving it a shot, especially if you're consistent. However, these scholarships should only be a small part of your overall financial aid strategy.
Think of it this way: If you spend about 30 minutes once a month applying to a handful of no essay scholarships, it might be worth your time. But relying on them as your primary financial aid plan? That’s risky.
Things to consider before applying to no-essay scholarships
When applying for no-essay scholarships, you should also take some precautions.
First, consider creating a separate email account specifically for these applications. Why? Because many of these sites will share your information with third parties, leading to an influx of spam emails. Keeping this spam separate from your main inbox can save you from a lot of clutter and potential phishing scams.
Next, focus on applying for smaller, local scholarships alongside these no-essay ones. Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of winning. Plus, they sometimes may not require essays or may have less demanding application processes than national scholarships.
Never pay to enter a scholarship competition. If a scholarship requires a fee, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for.
Most importantly, be cautious with your personal information. Never provide sensitive details such as your Social Security number or bank information. No legitimate scholarship should ask for this.
Be sure to apply for other forms of financial aid
Sure, despite everything you’ve learned from this guide so far, the idea of potentially winning one or more of the no-essay scholarships listed below is still tempting and potentially worth a quick try.
But since you know it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll win, do yourself a favor and also apply for other forms of financial aid (we know we’re repeating ourselves with that—it’s on purpose). Here’s a checklist of other financial aid opportunities you should explore:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): This is the first step to accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Here’s a guide on how to complete the FAFSA.
State Grants and Scholarships: Many states offer grants and scholarships based on financial need or merit. You may need to complete a separate application or meet specific deadlines to qualify. For example: the Excelsior Scholarship (for students from New York State).
Institutional Scholarships: Check with the colleges you’re applying to. Many have institutional scholarships they offer to incoming students. Often, these scholarships don’t require a separate application, as you’re automatically considered when you submit your application for admission.
Private Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by local businesses, community organizations, and national foundations. For example, check out the scholarships included in this guide: 1.1 Private Scholarships.
Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, or artistic achievements. For example: The National Merit Scholarship.
Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on your financial need, as determined by your FAFSA. For example: The Gates Scholarship.
Work-Study Programs: These programs provide part-time jobs to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while attending school. Learn more: A Guide to the Federal Work-Study Program.
Student Loans: If necessary, explore federal or private student loans, but remember to borrow responsibly to avoid having a lot of debt after you graduate.
Military Benefits: If you or a family member are in the military, you may qualify for financial aid through programs like the Military Tuition Assistance Program.
Employer Tuition Assistance: Check if your or your parent’s employer offers tuition reimbursement or assistance programs.
Applying for a mix of these financial aid options will increase your chances of covering college costs.
List of no-essay scholarships
This section features 65 no-essay scholarships. While many require only basic information, some have additional criteria, such as submitting a short video or being enrolled in specific programs or institutions. Other scholarships may focus on certain demographics, like religion, ethnicity, gender, or academic fields.
Before applying, take a moment to check each scholarship’s requirements to ensure you're eligible. This way, you can focus on opportunities that best match your profile and increase your chances of winning. The list is organized by deadline.
1. Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: January
2. Edvisors $2,500 Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January
3. Niche $2,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January
4. Ascent & College Confidential Campus Dream Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January
5. CollegeXpress New Year, New Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: $2,025
Deadline: January
6. PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January
7. peermusic Latin Award Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January
8. $1,000 SuperCollege.com Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January
9. $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January
10. DECA Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January
11. Joy Cappel Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January, July
12. $25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: February
13. SCAD Challenge Film Scholarship Competition
Amount: $16,000
Deadline: February
14. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February, October
15. $2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March
16. Create A Greeting Card Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March
17. Frame My Future Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 (5 awards)
Deadline: March
18. Top Ten List Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: March
19. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March
20. Auto Value Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March
21. Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March
22. Middle Class Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March
23. Niche $25,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: March
24. Doodle for Google Scholarship
Amount: $55,000
Deadline: March
25. Across Cultures No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April
26. ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: April
27. CardsDirect Future Designer Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May
28. $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May
29. $2,000 Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May
30. Pledge to Stop Vaping – #MeAndNicBrokeUp Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May
31. One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest
Amount: $350 - $1,000
Deadline: May
32. Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest
Amount: $1,000 - $15,000
Deadline: June
33. Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June
34. Around the Corner from College Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June, December
35. The Hellenic Women's Club EOK Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June
36. Slumber Search Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June
37. FMAA Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $2,000
Deadline: June
38. Financial Empowerment Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July
39. “$$$ Isn’t Everything” No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: August
40. National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
Amount: $2,000 - $5,000
Deadline: October
41. US Bank Student Scholarship
Amount: Up to $20,000
Deadline: October
42. Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: October
43. Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: December
44. Niche $50,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: December
45. Barbizon $10,000 Annual College Tuition Scholarship
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: December
46. Samuel Robinson Award
Amount: Up to $2,000
Deadline: December
47. Burger King Scholars Program
Amount: $1,000 - $60,000
Deadline: December
48. Dell Scholars Program
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: December
49. Edvisors $1,000 Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Monthly
50. $2,500 Monthly No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
51. $50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
52. FlippedApp $2,500 Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Monthly
53. CollegeXpress Scholarship for First-Generation Students
Amount: $1000
Deadline: Quarterly
54. CollegeXpress Scholarship for Students of Color
Amount: $1500
Deadline: Quarterly
55. Too Cool to Pay for School No Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Quarterly
56. Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $500
Deadline: Rolling
57. Appily Easy Money Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Rolling
58. Christian Connector Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Rolling
59. CollegeBoard BigFuture Scholarships
Amount: $500 - $40,000
Deadline: Rolling
60. American Legion Oratorical Contest
Amount: $2,000 - $25,000
Deadline: Varies
61. Executive Women International (EWI) Scholarship Programs
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
62. Project Yellow Light Scholarship
Amount: Up to $8,000
Deadline: Varies
63. DoSomething Scholarships
Amount: Up to $2,500
Deadline: Varies
64. The Path to Success Scholarship
Amount: $300
Deadline: N/A
65. $2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: N/A
Final thoughts on no-essay scholarships
Key takeaway: Think of no-essay scholarships like buying a lottery ticket. They’re real opportunities, and winners do exist. But the odds aren’t in your favor.
The good news? The applications for many of those scholarships only take just a few minutes of your time. If luck is on your side, you could secure some extra funds for college. If not, you haven’t invested much time or effort.
Remember, diversifying your efforts is the key to minimizing your college expenses. So, take a shot at no-essay scholarships—but don’t stop there. Make sure you’re also applying for more reliable sources of financial aid.
Check out this resource next: Crash Course on How to Pay for College (Using as Little of Your Own Money as Possible).
Ameer Drane is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
