Do you want to get your hands on scholarship money, but you’ve got average grades? If so, you’re in the right place. There are plenty of easy scholarships that don’t require a GPA or essay. All you need to do is know where to look for “no-GPA” and “no-essay” scholarships.
This article contains the best scholarships you can get without writing anything or being the best student in your class. So, if you’re passionate about something, have unique talents, or are up for a challenge, you could win free money for college.
Why Search for Easy Scholarships?
Scholarships with no GPA or essay requirements are easy to apply for. However, it’s wise to start your search as soon as possible. Competition can be challenging to get easy scholarships that don’t have academic requirements. So, it’s wise to get your application in early and apply for as many no-essay scholarships as possible.
Before applying for any type of scholarship, it’s vital to complete the FAFSA form. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid application gives free education money based on financial need. Even if you’re a student with average grades, these federal grants can help pay for college tuition and fees.
According to Forbes, millions of dollars in free money for college is left on the table every year. For example, nearly 40 percent of eligible students don’t fill out the FAFSA. On average, eligible students could have gotten an average of $4,000 to pay for tuition and fees. That’s not to mention all the money in unclaimed scholarships that get left behind.
Related reading: Top insider secrets to help you win scholarships.
Top Scholarships with No GPA and Essay Requirements
Here are the best scholarships in the country that award money based on merits other than academic or writing achievements.
1. Paradigm Challenge
The Paradigm Challenge scholarships don’t have any requirements based on essay writing or GPA. The program has scholarships totaling a whopping $100,000. To apply for the Paradigm Challenge, you need to show creativeness in providing solutions for day-to-day problems.
You can submit entries in the form of videos, community events, posters, inventions, and websites. Subjects include preventing home fires, improving wellness, reducing waste, and improving food security.
2. Archways to Opportunities Program
Scholarships in the Archways To Opportunities Program are available for McDonald’s employees. Through the program, you could get free money or reduced tuition fees to attend a participating college. Many students who benefit from this scholarship-type program can graduate from college debt-free.
3. American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest
If you’re interested in U.S. history but don’t have excellent grades, you could get scholarship money from the American Legion. The Legion runs several scholarship programs to help students of all grades achieve their education goals. In total, you could win scholarship money between $1,000 and $25,000.
To apply, you need to prepare a speech on the duties and obligations of U.S. citizens to its government.
4. David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
David Letterman was himself a student with average grades. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available for students with creative ability who study at Ball State University. To win the free financial aid, you need to submit a creative project such as interactive media, website design, computer graphics, or research.
5. Project Yellow Light Billboard Design Contest Scholarship
You can use your creative abilities, not academic achievement, to get scholarship money from Project Yellow Light. Various scholarships are available for designing advertisements to encourage safe driving. Projects can be in the form of videos, billboards, or a radio ad. The scholarship awards are between $2,000 and $8,000.
6. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
One of the most unusual scholarships is to design a winning greetings card. The Gallery Collection runs a scholarship, awarding $10,000 to the winner for the best greeting card. You can use the free money toward tuition, fees, and other college expenses. You then receive the remaining money to spend as you wish.
7. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
What if you graduate from high school without a great GPA and don’t want to write an essay? The Vegetarian Resource Group awards two scholarships of $5,000 to students. Entrants should show how they actively promote vegetarianism in the school or local community. The judging panel looks for entries that show passion and a strong commitment to enjoying a vegetarian diet and lifestyle.
8. Frame My Future Scholarship
If you have an artistic flair, you could win a $5,000 scholarship by submitting artwork. To win the scholarship, entrants must show visually what they hope to achieve in life. This could be through painting, photography, mixed media, or graphic design.
9. ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship
You can win a scholarship without a GPA or essay just by registering at ScholarshipPoints. Winners are chosen at random, and you could win between $1,000 and $10,000 for your college tuition. All you need to do is fill in your necessary personal details.
10 “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
“Be Bold” offers no-essay scholarships to the boldest applicant. The people at Bold.org recognize that only the most determined people create the most significant change. A $25,000 scholarship is awarded to the person showing the most passion and determination. You can apply for the “Be Bold” scholarship regardless of your grade and GPA.
11. Prom Pics Contest
How about winning a scholarship based on your prom picture? You could get $250 in the Prom Pics Contest to help pay for college. All you need to do is submit a photo from your prom event. You can enter any of these categories: pre-prom, promposal, prom dance, and post-prom. The most original and interesting images win.
Scholarships Without a GPA or Essay: Apply Today!
You don’t have to be a top academic achiever or brilliant athlete to win a scholarship. Many scholarships award money to creative, artistic, and passionate people, regardless of their GPA or writing skills. There are many easy scholarships that you can apply for by just filling out a form.