20 No Essay Scholarships - Great College Deals
20 No Essay Scholarships
After you’ve filled out endless college applications, no essay scholarships can be attractive options for securing financial aid. Traditional scholarships usually entail spending hours perfecting an essay that highlights your talents and achievements. But if writing isn’t your strongest skill, scholarship essays can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, there are scholarships without an essay requirement that are easier to apply for. Some simply requireView Page filling out an online form listing your qualifications. Others will involve using your creativity to design a poster, video, or other project on an assigned topic. Make applying for free tuition money more enjoyable by considering the following no essay scholarships.
1. AFSA High School Scholarships
Deadline: April 6th
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) offers 10 annual scholarships for $2,000 each to graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and planning to enroll full-time at an accredited college this fall. Rather than write one, students read the short “Fire Sprinkler Essay” and take a 10-question, multiple-choice quiz. The number of questions participants answer correctly equals the number of times their name is entered for the drawing.
AFSA High School Scholarships
12750 Merit Drive Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75251
(214) 349-5965
scholarship@firesprinkler.org
Scholarship Link
2. American Legion National Oratorical Contest
Since 1938, the American Legion has hosted a National Oratorical Contest each year to grant over $138,000 in scholarships, including a first place $18,000 award. Eligible U.S. citizens under 20 years old who are presently enrolled in a public or private high school can enter the contest. Young orators must prepare an eight to 10-minute speech about the United States Constitution and our civic responsibilities to present to five judges.
American Legion National Oratorical Contest
700 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 630-1200
oratorical@legion.org
Scholarship Link
3. Castle Ink Paperless Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
Created by a leading printer cartridge supply store, the Castle Ink Paperless Scholarship is available to college-bound U.S. residents who are enrolling as undergraduates at an accredited two- or four-year institution. For the $1,000 prize, candidates must create a social media post about recycling and share it on YouTube, Tumblr, Facebook, or Twitter with the hashtag #CastleInk. Applicants could also design something unique using recycled printer parts and take a picture for the company’s Pinterest board.
Castle Ink Paperless Scholarship
37 Wyckoff Street
Greenlawn, NY 11740
(800) 399-5193
Scholarship Link
4. CollegeWeekLive No Essay Scholarships
Deadline: Monthly from January to June
CollegeWeekLive LLC has created $5,000 No Essay Scholarships for U.S. and non-U.S. high school juniors or seniors who are planning to enroll full-time at accredited post-secondary institutions. To apply, students simply register online with CollegeWeekLive, login to their account, and visit five colleges that interest them for up to 11 entries. There’s also a National Society of High School Scholars Partner Scholarship for NSHSS members to earn $2,500.
CollegeWeekLive No Essay Scholarships
100 Crescent Road
Needham, MA 02494
(888) 697-0050
support@collegeweeklive.com
Scholarship Link
5. Courageous Persuaders Video Contest
Deadline: February 11th
Funded by StateFarm, the Courageous Persuaders Video Contest is held every February by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) to grant scholarships from $500 to $3,000. Eligible high school students in grades 9 through 12 must create a 30-second commercial warning about the risks of underage drinking and/or texting behind the wheel. Finalists will be placed on the Courageous Persuaders YouTube channel for voting first, second, and third place.
Courageous Persuaders Video Contest
1900 West Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 283-5138
sherp@dada.org
Scholarship Link
6. Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
Deadline: February 25th
High school and college students at least 14 years of age can enter the Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest by The Gallery Collection to win $10,000 plus $1,000 for their school. Rather than scholarship essays, applicants from the United States or Puerto Rico must design an original Christmas, holiday, birthday, or all-occasion greeting card. Judges will select 10 finalists based on creativity, quality, suitability, and attractiveness before public voting.
Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
P.O. Box 150
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
(800) 950-7064
scholarshipadmin@gallerycollection.com
Scholarship Link
7. Doodle 4 Google Scholarship Competition
Deadline: December 7th
The Doodle 4 Google Scholarship Competition is open to U.S. citizens or lawful residents who are enrolled in a public or private K-12 school and have a legal guardian’s permission. The National Winner for each age group wins a $30,000 college scholarship and Chromebook while the four semifinalists each receive a $5,000 scholarship. Applicants must create a one-page doodle that reflects their unique interpretation of the competition theme “What makes me…me.”
Doodle 4 Google Scholarship Competition
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(877) 355-5787
doodle4google@google.com
Scholarship Link
8. Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
The Truth Initiative offers the Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship for $5,000 to college students who are pursuing a degree in public health, social work, education, health science, communications, or liberal arts. Eligible applicants must exhibit financial need, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, attend an accredited U.S. university full-time, and actively engage in community service. Entrants must use visual art, film, music, or creative writing to raise awareness on tobacco’s dangers.
Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship
900 G Street NW 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 454-5555
info@truthinitiative.org
Scholarship Link
9. FMAA Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 30th
Valued at $3,000, the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) offers a one-time scholarship to students who create a 90-second video answering the question: “How do you make sure the American flag you’re buying online is made in America?” Eligible participants must be graduating high school seniors who are continuing their education in an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. institution. Winning videos are posted on YouTube and the FMAA website.
FMAA Scholarship Program
994 Old Eagle School Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 971-4850
hope@mmco1.com
Scholarship Link
10. Frame My Future Scholarships
Deadline: March 8th
Church Hill Classics, a leading diploma frame manufacturer, created the Frame My Future Scholarships to award $1,000 to five finalists who create an original photograph, collage, drawing, painting, or graphic design piece that showcases “How I Frame My Future.” Qualified applicants must be success-driven high school seniors and U.S. residents who intend to enroll full-time at an accredited university. Although they’re scholarships without an essay requirement, students must write a brief photo description under 500 characters.
Frame My Future Scholarship
594 Pepper Street
Monroe, CT 06468
(203) 477-9005
info@diplomaframe.com
Scholarship Link
11. Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition
Offering up to $50,000, the Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition is open to high school and college students around the world who are at least 16 years old and accepted at an accredited post-secondary institution. research papers for sale form four-person teams to create an original application for Windows, Windows Phone, or Windows Azure. Budding software engineers can apply their high-tech skills in three main competitions: Games, Innovation, and World Citizenship.
Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
(800) 642-7676
scholars@microsoft.com
Scholarship Link
12. National YoungArts Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: October 16th
Annually, the National YoungArts Foundation selects around 800 high school students under 19 to take master classes in Miami, New York, or Los Angeles and compete for scholarships up to $10,000 for furthering their education. Eligible U.S. citizens or legal residents are accepted in 10 disciplines: cinematic arts, dance, design arts, jazz, music, photography, theatre, visual arts, and writing. Instead of scholarship essays, students must prepare an audition or art portfolio.
National YoungArts Foundation Scholarships
2100 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 377-1140
info@youngarts.org
Scholarship Link
13. New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship program doesn’t require writing an essay or even submitting an application! State residents who have graduated from accredited public or private New Mexico high schools with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA are automatically considered. For a maximum of seven semesters, the scholarship will cover a percentage of tuition for taking 12 credits at in-state community colleges or 15 credits at four-year universities.
New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
2044 Galisteo Street Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-8400
Martha.Estrada2@state.nm.us
Scholarship Link
14. NPG Photography Scholarship Contest
Deadline: April 8th
Ranging from $500 to $1,500, Negative Population Growth Photography Scholarship Contest will award three prizes annually to participants who submit original photos of 250 to 300 dpi resolution showing a threatened U.S. environmental treasure that’s worth protecting. To qualify, candidates must be high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors living legally in the United States. Photographs are evaluated based on creativity, critical thinking, and relevance to world population growth.
NPG Photography Scholarship Contest
2861 Duke Street Suite 36
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 370-9510
NPGPhotoScholarship@gmail.com
Scholarship Link
15. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Deadline: May 31st
Duck Brand has created perhaps the most unique scholarships without an essay requirement in its Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. To compete for up to $10,000, U.S. high school students or couples must create complete prom attire, including accessories, using only Duck tape. Entrants must submit one to five color photographs wearing the outfit for community voting on the company’s website. Residents of Maryland, Vermont, and Colorado are sadly excluded.
Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
32150 Just Imagine Drive
Avon, OH 44011
(800) 321-0253
Scholarship Link
16. Taco Bell Live Más Scholarships
Deadline: January 31st
Taco Bell awards 220 Live Más Scholarships each year for $2,500 to $25,000 apiece for the next generation of young innovators and creators who need financial assistance to achieve their post-high school dreams. Rather than submitting essays and test scores, students create a two-minute video telling the story of their talents and passions. Eligible entrants must be U.S. residents between 16 to 24 years old who are applying for accredited colleges or trade schools.
Taco Bell Live Más Scholarships
1 Glen Bell Way
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 863-3915
info@livemasscholarship.com
Scholarship Link
17. The Christophers Annual Poster Contest
Deadline: February 17th
Celebrating its 26th anniversary, The Christophers Annual Poster Contest is available to high school students (grades 9-12) living in the United States with a valid social security number who aspire to attend an accredited two- or four-year college. Contestants must design a 16×20 poster that creatively illustrates the statement “You Can Make a Difference.” Judges will evaluate originality and artistic merit to award scholarships for $1,000, $500, and $250.
The Christophers Annual Poster Contest
5 Hanover Square 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 759-4050
s.holinski@christophers.org
Scholarship Link
18. U.S. Bank Financial Genius Scholarship
Deadline: September 30th
The U.S. Bank Financial Genius Scholarship program provides five $5,000 no essay scholarships annually to permanent U.S. residents who are accepted or enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college for full-time enrollment. Qualified applicants at least 14 years old must register for eight interactive online tutorials pertaining to key financial topics like credit scores and savings. Winners are randomly selected from the sweepstakes’ entrant pool.
U.S. Bank Financial Genius Scholarship
1420 Kettner Blvd. 7th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 934-9555
Scholarship Link
19. Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Deadline: November 1st
Established in 1947 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program gifts $1,000 to $30,000 for high school students in grades 9-12 who write and deliver an oratorical speech expressing “My Responsibility to America.” To apply, students must be lawful U.S. residents, under 20 years old, enrolled full-time in a public or private school, and supported by a VFW Post. Entrants must record their three to five-minute speech on an audio CD or flash drive.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship
406 West 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 756-3390
kharmer@vfw.org
Scholarship Link
20. Williams Chorale Bacardi Fallon Scholarship
Deadline: March 14th
Young musicians can apply for the Williams Chorale Bacardi Fallon Scholarship competition each March to win awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible high school juniors and seniors must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in vocal or instrumental studies at an accredited U.S. music school. Applications must include a five-minute recording playing two pieces of contrasting style on a CD. At least 12 finalists will be chosen to perform for the judges panel.
Williams Chorale Bacardi Fallon Scholarship
P.O. Box 3267
South Attleboro, MA 02703
(508) 285-2354
contact@thewilliamschorale.org
Scholarship Link
Many legitimate scholarships don’t require an essay, but remain cautious when applying for scholarships that seem too good to be true. Con-artists have created numerous scholarship scams to target college students struggling to afford tuition. Protect your finances by doing ample research on advertised Internet scholarships. Beware any organizations asking for bank account numbers, requiring fees, giving unsolicited offers, or guaranteeing wins. Websites that don’t list contact information or previous scholarship winners are also red flags. Start your search with these 20 reputable no essay scholarships for thousands of dollars in college funding.