essay scholarships for graduate students

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Best Writing Scholarships in 2024

Showing 134 scholarships that match your search.

How to Write a Novel Scholarships

We now offer fully-funded tuition for our 101-day How to Write a Novel course to promising writers with financial need. Writers are invited to submit a 1,000-word writing sample along with a 300-word personal statement explaining their interest in a scholarship. The application portal for September 2024 will remain open from July 1st to July 29th, midnight EST.

Categories: Novel Writing

Organization: Reedsy.

Deadline: July 29, 2024.

Categories: Novel Writing.

Apply now →

Ursinus College Creative Writing Award

The Ursinus College Creative Writing Award is a $40,000 per year major scholarship for creative writers of outstanding originality and potential. The award winner will have the honor of living in the dorm room once occupied by J.D. Salinger, who attended Ursinus. In the spirit of Holden Caulfield and Catcher in the Rye, we are looking for an unusual perspective, for quirky brilliance, for a voice. Candidates must achieve admission to Ursinus.

Categories: Critical Essay, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, and Short Fiction

Organization: Ursinus College.

Deadline: January 03, 2025.

Categories: Critical Essay, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, and Short Fiction.

The Sub Pop Loser Scholarship

Sub Pop Records is offering a grand total of $18,000 in college scholarship money to three eligible high school seniors. To apply, you must submit an essay, one page or less, using any combination of the following questions as a guide (or write something completely your own, be inspired and creative!). Please list the school you are graduating from and the school you plan to attend in the fall at the top of your essay along with your contact information.

Categories: Personal Essay and Nonfiction

Organization: Sub Pop Records.

Deadline: March 19, 2025.

Categories: Personal Essay and Nonfiction.

Islamic Scholarship Fund Program

Students who are Muslim or active members of the Muslim community may apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year ranging from $3,000-$10,000, though the amounts and number of recipients will vary. Students must submit applications including essay questions, work samples, and letters of recommendation, and must also be majoring in an ISF-supported field related to media or politics.

Categories: Personal Essay

Organization: Islamic Scholarship Fund.

Deadline: January 01, 2025.

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts will be given.

Categories: Personal Essay.

BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship

At the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we believe it is never too early to introduce and emphasize the importance of ethics. Students will write essays on an ethical issue that they faced and how they handled it. Essays should analyze what ethics has taught the students and themselves. The most engaging essays often reflect on a meaningful experience or lesson learned in one’s life that focuses on an ethical reflection.

Organization: Better Business Bureau.

Deadline: March 01, 2025.

Additional awards: 4 additional awards of $1250, $1000, $750 and $500 respectively..

Go On Girl! Unpublished Writer's Award

This award is our opportunity to encourage and celebrate a writer who has not been published. The winner of this award receives $1,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our journal and quarterly newsletter. Applicant must email an original, unpublished fiction work (short story or novel excerpt) not to exceed 2,000 typed words on double-spaced pages

Categories: Short Fiction and Novel Writing

Organization: Go On Girl! Book Club.

Deadline: February 01, 2025.

Additional awards: Invitation to awards ceremony, promotion through website and publications.

Categories: Short Fiction and Novel Writing.

Incight Scholarship

The INCIGHT scholarship is open to students in Washington, Oregon, and California who have a documented disability. Applicants must complete two detailed essay responses (video essays also welcome) in order to be eligible. The number of awards and total amount awarded will be determined during the selection process, and winners will be notified in June. INCIGHT Scholars are required to complete either 30 hours of community service or volunteer at one INCIGHT event.

Organization: INCIGHT.

Deadline: April 15, 2025.

Marguerite Young Endowment Fund

The Marguerite Young Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan to study theology. Candidates must be attending a Protestant seminary as a master of Divinity candidate, preparing for full-time ministry and/or be a seminary intern at a Protestant Church. Application must includes proof of this, as well as a personal essay.

Organization: The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Deadline: April 01, 2025.

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship

The AAF-Greater Evansville awards scholarships to deserving high school and/or college students yearly in April. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic design. Application varies yearly but includes various education details and personal statements.

Categories: Journalism and Personal Essay

Organization: American Advertising Federation of Greater Evansville.

Deadline: April 19, 2025.

Categories: Journalism and Personal Essay.

Go On Girl! Aspiring Writer Scholarship

The winner of this award receives $2,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our journal and quarterly newsletter. Candidate must submit a 5-to-10 page story or essay on one of the chosen topics. Candidate must also be entering the sophomore, junior or senior year in the fall at any HBCU in the US.

Categories: Critical Essay and Personal Essay

Categories: Critical Essay and Personal Essay.

Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship

The Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics. Winners are announced on July 7th each year.

Categories: Research, Personal Essay, and Critical Essay

Organization: The Heinlein Society.

Categories: Research, Personal Essay, and Critical Essay.

Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship

The Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics. Winners are announced on July 7th each year.

Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship

Project Sleep’s Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is a national scholarship program to support students with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Students must complete an application form that includes a response to the esssay question: "If you could go back in time and speak to yourself on the day you were diagnosed, what would you say? Write a letter to yourself on that day."

Organization: Project Sleep.

Bob Eddy Scholarship Program

To apply for this scholarship, students must be enrolled at an accredited college or university in Connecticut or be a Connecticut resident enrolled in university in any state or country. Applications should include a 500-word essay about a current event that captured your interest, how you stayed informed, and more.

Organization: The Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Foundation.

Deadline: May 03, 2025.

Additional awards: 3 additional awards of $1500, $1000 and $1000 respectively..

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships

For more than three decades, the CBCF in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, we award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent. Our programs support current or upcoming college students across a variety of disciplines.

Categories: Personal Essay, Critical Essay, and Research

Organization: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Deadline: March 31, 2025.

Categories: Personal Essay, Critical Essay, and Research.

What are writing scholarships?

Writing scholarships are financial awards given to students based primarily on written work, though other factors are usually taken into consideration as well. Most writing scholarships involve a prompt or series of prompts to which applicants must respond. Some writing scholarships — especially those that award large amounts of money — require applicants to submit past writing samples, or even a full portfolio.

The good news is that, with so many writing scholarships to choose from, you don’t have to apply for any that are “out of your league.” Indeed, though most students have heard of writing scholarships, you may not realize just how many different varieties there are! Here are five of the most common types of writing scholarships, all of which you can find in this directory.

1. Personal essay scholarships

Personal essay scholarships involve writing on a topic related to your own experience. You’ll often see personal essay prompts like, “How have your experiences influenced your choice of major?” and “What are your career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?” Other prompts may ask you to write about a role model, a life-changing event, an aspect of your identity, etc. Suggested length is usually about 500-1,000 words, but varies depending on the level of detail requested and how many essay questions are provided.

Just about every scholarship these days has a personal essay component of some kind. This is because personal essay responses both demonstrate writing skills and give the judges a clear sense of each applicant’s goals. No one wants to throw away money on an aimless student — so if you’re applying for a personal essay scholarship, make sure to convey both your writing abilities and your ambitions in your work!

2. Critical essay scholarships

Critical essay scholarships are more in line with what students might consider  “academic” essays. The prompts typically ask applicants to analyze works of literature. However, unlike open-ended English class essays, most critical essay scholarships provide a very specific prompt (e.g. “Examine The Great Gatsby in the context of its World War II-era revival”).

Critical essay scholarships can also involve non-literary subject matter. Some may ask applicants to evaluate a historical event or figure; others may ask them to defend their stance on a political or legal issue. Though the line between critical and personal essays can sometimes blur, for the purposes of this directory, we define critical essays as those that use evidence from an external source to prove a point.

3. Short fiction scholarships

Short fiction scholarships include scholarships for short stories, one-act plays, poetry, and any other form of fiction that isn’t a novel or full-length script. Short fiction scholarships tend to be easier to find than long-form fiction scholarships, since most judging panels don’t have time to read more than a few thousand words per entry. Therefore, if you write fiction and you’re hoping to nab yourself a scholarship, this category is the way to go! (That said, if you’re a hardline novelist, some places will accept a sample chapter or two as short fiction entries.)

4. Journalism scholarships

Journalism scholarships are for students interested in pursuing a career in news, magazine, and/or online journalism. These scholarship applications almost always ask for writing samples to show the candidate’s interest. Depending on the organization, they may prefer topical news reports, informative articles, thinkpieces, or a mix. Some journalism scholarships provide a prompt and ask applicants to write a new article, but the focus is usually on samples. Speaking of which…

5. Portfolio scholarships 

Portfolio scholarships are the most rigorous kind of writing scholarship, requiring a substantial body of work from each applicant — usually 5-10 pieces of writing, if not more. The upside is that awards for portfolio scholarships tend to be pretty sizable, and may even cover your entire tuition!

If you decide to apply to a portfolio scholarship, make sure you have several strong pieces of work in your oeuvre, and consider writing a few new pieces as well. What you shouldn’t do is rush through a dozen new pieces to throw together as a portfolio. If you don’t have samples at the ready from previous assignments or projects, you’ll be better off applying to a less intensive writing scholarship.

Why apply to writing scholarships?

Applying to writing scholarships is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re pursuing multiple scholarships at once. It can sometimes feel like the effort isn’t worth it, or that you have little chance of actually winning any awards. But in truth, submitting to writing scholarships is one of the best investments you can make in your education, your creative writing skills, and your professional life.

Scholarships for larger amounts do attract more applicants, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to land — only that you have to work a little harder to stand out. And you can definitely sway the odds in your favor by applying to lots of small scholarships ($500 or less) for which you’ll have fewer competitors. Remember that every little bit helps! For example, if you plan on taking out student loans, even a $500 scholarship could save you much more in interest down the line.

Another compelling reason to apply to writing scholarships is that oftentimes, you’ve already done the work, or the work required is minimal. For scholarships that require writing samples, you’ll simply submit what you’ve already written in the past — and even for scholarships with specific prompts, you rarely have to write more than a couple of pages. If you were seriously committed, you could apply to a scholarship every day, spending a single concentrated evening on each application.

Jumping off that thought, as English majors love to say: the more writing scholarships you apply for, the better a writer you’ll become. Writing tons of scholarship essays will make you a much more creative and efficient writer. Not only will this help with your personal writing projects, but it will also be invaluable to your education and even your career! Writing is a crucial skill for every major — you’ll always have to write papers and emails to professors, after all — and even if you don’t plan to pursue a writing-based job, you'll still need writing skills to polish your résumé.

Finally, remember that there’s a writing scholarship out there for everyone, no matter what your interests or intended field. This directory includes plenty of creative writing scholarships, yes; but there are also personal essay scholarships for future doctors, lawyers, salespeople, and so much more. You have nothing to lose by giving it a shot, so why not start searching for your dream writing scholarship today? (And if you’re unsure about your writing skills, you might benefit from some of the resources below.)

Resources to strengthen your writing skills

• 20 Writing Tips to Help You Become A Better Writer Today. Click here to view
• How to Stop Procrastinating and Build A Solid Writing Routine. Click here to enroll
• What is Creative Nonfiction? Memoirs, Literary Journalism, and More! Check it out
• How to Write a Memoir: Tell Your Amazing Story in 9 Steps. Read more
• How to Write a Fantastic Short Story In 7 Steps. Find out more
• How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro. Enroll here
• 700+ Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire You. Click here to view
• 100+ Creative Writing Exercises for Authors. Learn more

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Find graduate school scholarships

Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.

Free money for your graduate degree

The first step of the  1-2-3 approach to paying for graduate school  is to look for—and use—free money that you don’t have to pay back. Free money can be that missing piece of the puzzle to help you pay—every little bit can help. The most likely sources will be from graduate school scholarships,  grants, and fellowships for graduate students .

The difference among scholarships, grants, and fellowships for graduate students

Graduate school scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you have to apply for them.

Grants for graduate school  are like scholarships in that you don’t have to pay them back. If you withdraw from school or otherwise fail to maintain eligibility for the grant, you may have to refund part or all of the grant, so know the individual grant’s rules. While scholarships are often merit-based, grants are need-based and can relate to your prospective field.

Fellowships for graduate students  generally relate to a short-term opportunity to study or conduct research in a specific field. Awarded for academic excellence, they can include an internship or other service commitment and can pay for living expenses, or offer a stipend. Fellowship opportunities can be found in most graduate fields.

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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Scholarships for graduate students

$2,000 sallie mae scholarship.

Due 12/31/2024

TMCF Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students

Due 5/17/2024

Up to $10,000

Foare scholarship program.

Due 6/10/2024

Tom Cory Memorial Scholarship

Due 6/14/2024

WLA Library Education Scholarship

Due 6/15/2024

Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award

Automotive hall of fame educational funds.

Due 6/30/2024

Amount varies

Paul and patricia whelan scholarship, digital privacy scholarship, fall 2024 beacon scholarship for rural america, spring 2025 beacon scholarship for rural america.

Due 11/30/2024

of grad students take advantage of “free money.”

Source:  How America Pays for Graduate School,  from Sallie Mae and Ipsos.

More ways to find graduate school scholarships

Scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you must apply for them.

Scholarship award amounts for graduate students tend to be more modest than for undergrads, but they can add up. An extra $1,000 – $2,000 can help reduce your living expenses for a month. Here are some different ways to customize your search for graduate school scholarships:

• By school:  Many universities offer scholarships to graduate students from their own funds to attract students with the strongest academic performance. Your school or program is a great source to learn about these opportunities.
• By field:  If you’re entering a program where your expertise is in short supply—especially in the STEM areas—focus on graduate scholarships from corporations, professional organizations, and foundations.
• By demographic:  Graduate school scholarships are available for specific populations, such as women and minorities, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans. They’re also available for students, foster children, first-generation college students, and non-traditional students who are cognitively and physically disabled.
• By region:  There’s often more attention paid to national scholarships. But don’t forget to search for scholarship opportunities for graduate students from your home state or region—a smaller candidate pool can increase your chances. Call your state’s Department of Education for information.

Tips for applying for graduate school scholarships

• Be methodical.  Keep track of the essay questions you’ve already answered—you can use them in additional applications.
• Don’t box yourself in.  Along with field-specific scholarships, consider the criteria that you used as an undergrad. Broaden your search and look for graduate school scholarships based on your region, ethnicity, interest, religious affiliation, or hobbies.
• Make a scholarship budget . Searching for graduate scholarships may be free, but some documents that you need for your application may come at a cost, like transcripts. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when paying for these documents.

Meet the grad students who won our Bridging the Dream Scholarship

Four students shared their inspiring journeys to grad school with us and earned a $20,000 scholarship for their graduate or professional education.

Read the winners’ stories

Still need money to pay for graduate school? Explore our specialized student loans for graduate students to find the support you need.

Related topics

Ways to pay for graduate school.

Get tips to help you figure out how to pay for your graduate degree.

Get financial aid for graduate school

Learn how to apply for federal financial aid for graduate school, including grants, work-study, and federal student loans.

Learn about graduate student loans

See which loans are available for graduate students, including federal student loans and private graduate student loans.

footnote 1. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2024. See Official Rules .

footnote Sallie Mae does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

footnote External links and third-party references are provided for informational purposes only. Sallie Mae cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by any third parties and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. Any copyrights, trademarks, and/or service marks used in these materials are the property of their respective owners.

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How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

As an admissions officer, I reviewed thousands of essays for students seeking admission and scholarships. The essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship application process–a strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. That’s why it’s important for you to start a scholarship essay off right!

There are some very simple things that you can do to ensure that your essay is engaging from the very first sentence. In fact, beginning your essay with an exciting opening is one of the most important things you can do, because it will immediately distinguish your essay from the others. 

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can nail the very first sentence and start your essay off right!

Engage the reader with the first sentence

No matter what type of essay you are writing, you will want to ensure that the very first line grabs the attention of the reader. One of the biggest mistakes that students make when starting their essay is simply restating the prompt. This is bland and boring. 

Now, you might be wondering, “how do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?”. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do. 

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Begin with dialogue

First, you could begin your essay with conversation. This can be an interesting and unexpected way to start your scholarship essay. Maybe someone asked you an unexpected question? Perhaps you were having an interesting conversation with a friend or family member? Either way, dialogue can be a powerful tool to start your essay.

Apply to these scholarships due soon

FIRE First Amendment Scholarship Competition

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship

Put the reader in your shoes.

Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable. 

Also recommended: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Scholarship essay introduction example

Next,  we’ll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Let’s say you are applying for the Questbridge scholarship program . One of the essays that you will be asked is:

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most influenced you. How are they shaping your future aspirations?

You might be tempted to rephrase the question and start your essay with something like:

“I have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic success…”

This is generic and will not engage your reader at all. 

Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:

“I look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.” 

Makes a big difference, right? As a reader, you are probably wondering: why does this person have chickens outside their bedroom window? Why did they name this particular chicken Henry?

See also: Here are our top writing & essay scholarships for students!

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

While crafting your opening, be open to ideas about how to close your essay. There is no need to stress about the ending now, but being mindful of effective ways to end an essay is always a good idea. Say you are opening your scholarship essay with Henry the chicken. Is there a way for Henry to make an impactful appearance at the end of the essay to close things out in a way that perfectly wraps everything up? The key is for the essay ending to be meaningful and memorable for the reader. 

Don’t miss: Our free scholarship search tool

If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

Sometimes, we know what we want to say, point by point, but we are not ready to be creative when it comes to opening an essay. In that case, keep writing! There is always the option of going back and crafting an engaging opening after your essay is written. Simply write your main idea where the first paragraph would be to guide you as you write. After, go back when your creative juices are flowing, and craft the amazing opening (and closing) that your scholarship essay deserves!

Final thoughts

As shown, there are many questions that we as readers will have after reading an engaging essay opening such as the one just shared; We want to learn more about the student who is writing this essay. After all, as a writer trying to stand out in a pile of essays, that is our main goal. 

We hope that you have a better understanding of how to start a scholarship essay so you can maximize your chances of winning scholarships!

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is the go-to for all things college admissions and scholarships! Wondering how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay ? Curious how to write an essay about yourself ? Wow, do we have the resources to help! Additionally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your college education. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors! 

Key Takeaways

• The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading 
• Engage the reader by appealing to the senses
• Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you
• Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning

Frequently asked questions about how to start a scholarship essay

What is an essay hook, how long should my scholarship essay be, scholarships360 recommended.

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Find College Scholarships - Essay

Search lists of scholarships by choosing a category or get matched to college scholarships you are eligible for.

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Irby Luquette College Scholarship

• Deadline June 30, 2024
• Amount Varies
• Offered By Babe Ruth League
• State Nationwide
• Description The Irby Luquette Endowment Scholarship was established in 2014 by Luquette's son, Gary Luquette. The endowment is available each year to award deserving Babe Ruth League graduates from the Southwest Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) with a college scholarship. (First consideration is given to students from Louisiana. If award criteria is not met, consideration will be given to students from the other states in the southwest region.) The funds may be applied to tuition and/or books.
• Essay Required :  Yes
• Recommendations Required :  Yes
• Minimum GPA :  None
• Major Any Major
• Type Generic

Minority Teacher Education Scholarship - Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.

• Deadline July 1, 2024
• Amount $4,000
• Offered By Florida Department of Education
• State Florida
• Description The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program is a collaborative performance-based scholarship program for African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Native American students administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT). Upon graduation, a recipient is required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year the scholarship ($4,000) was received.
• Recommendations Required :  No
• Minimum GPA :  2.50
• Major Education
• Type Minority

Build Your Future Scholarship

• Deadline July 2, 2024
• Amount $2,000
• Offered By Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
• Description Applicants must be pursuing craft professional training in the construction industry through a NCCER accredited program or a state / federally approved apprenticeship program in a merit-shop training facility.
• Major Skilled Trades/Construction
• Find Student Loans

Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship

• Deadline July 15, 2024
• Amount $2,500
• Offered By American Association of University Women Harrisburg Branch
• State Pennsylvania
• Description The Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Requirements include completion of 60 credits, a minimum 3.40 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student.
• Minimum GPA :  3.4
• Type Female

Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship

• Amount $1,500
• State Pennslyvania
• Description The Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major. Requirements include completion of 30 credits, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student.
• Minimum GPA :  3.0

Sally C. Chamberlain Scholarship

• Description The Sally C. Chamberlain Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who is seeking to resume or renew academic work. Requirements include completion of 15 credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, a minimum 2.9 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment on at least a half-time credit (6 credits per term) at a college or university in Pennsylvania.
• Minimum GPA :  2.9

ASMAC Scholarships

• Deadline August 1, 2024
• Offered By American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers
• Description The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers offers scholarships to current students, studying arranging and music composition in a music school, college, conservatory, university or privately.
• Major Music

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

• Amount $10,000
• Offered By Tylenol
• Description The makers of Tylenol award annual scholarships to graduate or medical students pursuing careers in healthcare.
• Major Health Professions
• Description Each year the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to well deserving students pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare.
• Recommendations Required :  Unknown

Universities Space Research Association Distinguished Undergraduate Awards

• Deadline August 8, 2024
• Offered By Universities Space Research Association
• Description The USRA Scholarship Awards provide college scholarship awards to students who have shown a career interest in science or engineering with an emphasis on space research or space science education, and aeronautics-related sciences.
• Minimum GPA :  3.5
• Major Veterinary Studies, Psychology, Pre-Medicine, Physics, Nutritional Science, Nursing, Mathematics/Statistics, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Information Technology, Health Professions, Engineering, Earth Science/Geology, Dental Studies, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy/Astrophysics

NSHSS Foundation Business/Public Policy Scholarship

• Deadline August 15, 2024
• Amount $1,000
• Offered By NSHSS Foundation
• Description High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated desire to major in business, economics, or public policy are eligible.
• Major Business/Management, Marketing, Sports Management, Finance/Accounting

The Uniform Advantage-GNSA Scholarship

• Deadline September 30, 2024
• Offered By American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Description This scholarship recognizes the outstanding work of graduate nursing students who are advancing the nursing profession through a commitment to innovation, leadership, and/or mentoring. Students must be members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy.
• Major Nursing
• Type AACN Member Nursing School, GNSA Member

Rhodes Scholarship

• Deadline October 3, 2024
• Offered By The Rhodes Trust
• Description Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. The scholarship provides full financial support for Rhodes Scholars to pursue a degree or degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
• Minimum GPA :  3.7

Amelia P. Davis and Elizabeth J. Davis Lawrence Scholarship

• Deadline October 25, 2024
• Offered By The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma
• State Oklahoma
• Description For students living in specified geographical areas of Oklahoma. Must be a permanent resident of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
• Type Catholic

Bob Little Pastoral Musician’s Scholarship

• Description Offered to students who are majoring in Pastoral Music. Must be a permanent resident of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

C. W. and Frances Aneshansley Scholarship

Catholic foundation of oklahoma scholarships.

• Description Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. awards scholarships to qualified Catholic high school seniors or a University of Oklahoma medical student from within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Duffy Family Scholarship

• Description Offered to a student enrolled at St. Gregory's University, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Must be a permanent resident of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Helen R. Hall Nursing Scholarship

• Amount $3,000
• Description Offered to a student enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year nursing program. Must be a permanent resident of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Quasebarth Family Scholarship

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•       Financial Aid       Scholarship

Graduate School Scholarships Explore Funding Options to Finance an Advanced Degree

Graduate school is an exciting opportunity to expand career options, increase earning potential, and gain a deeper level of subject mastery. Despite the numerous benefits, prospective students often feel torn between furthering their educations and falling into debt. The scholarship guides below offer a variety of general scholarship information including hundreds of scholarships, fellowships and grants, key information to include when applying for funding, and a variety of resources for specific groups including women, military veterans, LGBTQ and MBA students.

• Funding Your Future

Timeline for Tackling Scholarship Applications

Graduate scholarships by the numbers.

• FACT OR FICTION: Grad School Scholarships

Funding Your Future: Search Scholarships, Find Resources and Tips for Applying

• Scholarships for Military Veterans

It’s never too early to start creating a plan of attack for garnering scholarship funds, especially for graduate students who completed their baccalaureate degree a few years earlier and may be rusty on the process. While the majority of scholarships have varied requirements and deadlines, a lot of materials can be reworked and suitably used for numerous applications.

Featured Online Schools

To give yourself plenty of time to secure as much funding as possible, follow our 12-month plan below:

Start researching! Now is a great time for students to familiarize themselves with institutional scholarships at prospective schools, use scholarship databases to learn about private grants, and start pulling together paperwork needed for the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). Think outside the box and do expansive research during this time: don’t limit searches to scholarships related to intended areas of study. Think about exceptional factors that may qualify you for other funds, including those specific to minorities, genders, regional areas, income levels, or future career aspirations.

Apply for the FAFSA ® . This application opens on January 1 and is rolling, so the sooner students are able to get it in, the better their chances. Graduate students need to use their own financial records and file as an independent, so make sure you have all documentation ready to go. The U.S. Department of Education provides a helpful list of all needed paperwork.

A large number of scholarship and grant applications require one to three recommendation letters from previous professors, work supervisors and/or personal contacts who can speak to a student’s merit. With varied deadlines and busy schedules in mind, it’s best to contact anyone you may wish to speak on your behalf well in advance of any submission dates. Some scholarship panels contact referees directly, so make sure you’ve made all of your contacts aware that you’ve provided their contact details.

Begin working on your personal statement. Graduate level essays will be put under the microscope by admissions panels, so it’s worth your time to get this right. They’ll want you to demonstrate how skills in critical thinking, analysis, self-awareness, and subject mastery have developed through previous education, and see that you’ve considered how a graduate degree will serve your goals for the future.

You should also use this time to select any required writing samples and work with a trusted mentor or former professor to fine tune them. Some require entire papers while others require excerpts, so getting them under the eyes of a professional will help in objectively selecting your best work.

Now that you’re aware of different scholarships available, make a calendar. Scholarship deadlines span the year, so it’s important to create an overarching timeline of all the funding opportunities you wish to go after and give yourself deadlines to ensure all applications can be completed on time.

The majority of graduate scholarship applications will be due during these months, so focus your efforts on making sure each is completed with full attention on individual requirements. The majority can be submitted online, but a few outliers still require them to be printed and mailed. Others may require a phone interview for serious candidates, so be sure all of your contact details are up-to-date.

Most application panels let prospective awardees know whether or not they’ve been granted funds during these months. If you’ve been awarded multiple institutional scholarships or grants, now is the time to take a closer look at those programs and decide which school is the best academic and personal fit for you. Once decided, let both your chosen school and those you elected not to attend know of your decision.

If you didn’t receive enough funds to fully cover your education, now is also the time to research and secure funding from other sources. The FAFSA ® application also serves as a qualifier for a number of federal loans, which experts recommend as the best type of loan given their low, fixed interest rates, income-based repayment options, and opportunities for postponement.

As of 2014, graduates of four-year degree programs left school with an average of $28,950 in student loan debt. Meanwhile, the most recent NCES data on graduate degree program costs, while acknowledging the great variance amongst programs, found public and private master’s programs average $26,288 and $61,104, respectively.

While students can’t erase previous loans, they can avoid further debt and pay for their graduate education with a mix of scholarships, grants and fellowships. Wondering about the current financial landscape in graduate education? The statistics below are here to help students see the enormous untapped potential of master’s and doctoral level scholarships.

• In the 2012-13 academic year, graduate students received 30 percent of funding from grants, 64 percent from loans, and 6 percent from tax credits/deductions and Federal Work Study. (CollegeBoard)
• As of 2011, only 10 percent of scholarships from private foundations were solely awarded on academic performance.
• In the 2012-13 academic year, private foundations awarded more than $6.2 billion dollars.

Though in the past it seemed the only way to secure graduate funding was through fellowships or loans, today’s scholars have a wide variety of scholarships and grants available to them. The cost of master’s degrees varies widely among subject areas: a medical degree at a top 10 private school will set students back by $278,000, while an in-state student could get an excellent education in environmental science at a public school for less than $40,000.

Regardless of their intended degree path, students can take actions to help cut their costs and graduate without crippling student debt.

What does graduate school cost these days?

The National Center for Education Statistics released its latest data on the average costs of graduate tuition and required fees for 2014. Some of the overall yearly costs are detailed below. These should be multiplied by either two or three, depending on the amount of full-time study required for graduation.

To get a better sense of the overall disparages between degree costs, the table below highlights a few common graduate degree paths along with their average annual cost of tuition.

Why don’t students apply for these free funds?

While grants constituted 52 percent of all undergraduate funding for the 2012-13 academic year, it only accounted for 30 percent of graduate funding. Despite federally funded post-baccalaureate grants increasing dramatically in the last decade – from $611 million in 2002-03 to $1.8 billion in 2012-13 – graduate students are still borrowing an average of $17,230 each year in federal loans.

Funds are available, with options ranging from institutional and private scholarships to federal grants and employer assistance programs. Perhaps the biggest issue is ensuring all students are filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). This federal document not only gives students access to low-interest loans, it also qualifies them for federal grants and work-study programs.

In the latest National Postsecondary Student Aid Study , data showed 73.5 percent of all graduate students received federal aid in the form of grants, tuition waivers, loans, or work-study programs. Given that the FAFSA ® is based off a student’s independent income at the graduate level, it is likely many are leaving unused funds on the table.

Graduate students also face a shortage of time. With many working part- or full-time while taking the GRE, completing applications and beginning programs, finding time to apply for scholarships may seem impossible. Thankfully, once prospective students have done the groundwork for one application, more follow quickly.

Does it take a ton of effort to secure scholarships?

The scholarship application process can seem time-consuming and laborious for those without an action plan. While it’s true students must devote time and consideration to their applications to be competitive, it’s often less work than imagined. Common steps include:

Whether pursuing institutional, federal, private or employer-based scholarship and grant options, students need to get a full view of the field before diving in.

Each application will be different, but starting with a thoughtful essay demonstrating application of undergraduate learning and a clear progression to your chosen postgraduate path is a solid foundation.

The most time-intensive portion of this step is simply selecting one person each from your academic, professional and personal backgrounds and asking them to write a letter on your behalf. Schools will work with referees privately to secure these recommendations.

Admissions panels may want to see a range of documents, so having all of these ready before you begin applying can save lots of time. Common paperwork may include financial history, undergraduate transcripts, standardized test scores, and a resume.

Perhaps the easiest yet best piece of advice is to simply take time to review each application and ensure you’re following requirements exactly. Many applications are discarded for mistakes that could’ve been easily avoided.

How much money can a student get annually?

While national data on private and institutional scholarships at the graduate level is hard to come by, it’s clear students can obtain more funding than they are currently. As of 2012-13, federal grants accounted for 3 percent of all graduate financial aid; meanwhile, 64 percent of funding came from loans. CollegeBoard’s 2013 report on trends in student aid illuminated fascinating figures about sources for graduate funding, as well as a breakdown of how much money students received from these entities.

NOTE: Percentages may not sum to 100 and components may not sum to total because of rounding. See notes and Sources for a list of programs included in federal grant programs. Nonfederal loans are not included because they involve no subsidy and are not actually a form of financial aid.

Source: Trends in Student Aid

What are some of the most popular scholarships for graduate students?

Graduate students have thousands of scholarship and grant opportunities available to them, with a few perennial favorites attracting the attention of students across the country. While applying for these will guarantee stiff competition, they are also popular for good reasons. The possibilities for full funding, attending a prestigious graduate program, and landing an exciting postgraduate opportunity are all possibilities for students receiving these impressive scholarships.

This fully funded fellowship allows graduate students to research and study abroad for one full academic year in a variety of disciplines.

Sponsored through the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this $15,000 scholarship empowers young inventors studying STEM-related degrees to become the leading creators of the next generation.

The Truman Scholarship foundation provides graduate students with up to $30,000 to pursue careers in education, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or public service.

This prestigious program is the oldest fellowship in America, offering a fully paid two-year education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

This fellowship program focused on graduate students pursuing studies in arts, humanities and the social sciences provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study at any of over 100 participating institutions.

FACT OR FICTION: GRAD SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

With a multitude of federal departments, higher education institutions and private institutions offering myriad scholarships, sometimes wires can get crossed. The following section outlines some of the most common truths and misconceptions about scholarships and sets the record straight once and for all.

It’s true: there are a lot of scholarships available specifically to minority students and other special populations, but there are plenty of other scholarships open to all students. A 2011 report by FinAid found white students still receive over 75 percent of all merit-based scholarships and are 40 percent more likely than minority students to be awarded a private scholarship.

While this may be true for scholarships that don’t require many supporting documents, rigorous applications seeking essays, recommendations and a thoughtful personal statement often weed out many students looking for quick funds. It may take longer, but these scholarships almost always have fewer applicants.

Academic scholarships look for top grades, but many scholarships are focused on other factors such as extracurricular activities, volunteerism or intended major. As of 2011, only 10 percent of scholarships from private foundations were solely awarded on academic performance.

It’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Even for students with a stellar academic history and an unending list of achievements, being awarded a scholarship is never a given. The latest statistics provided by the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study found 3.7 percent of graduate students received private fellowship funds, averaging under $5,800.

Scholarship and grant funds can dramatically reduce the overall cost of higher education, but you’ll likely still have to pay a certain amount out of pocket or take out a small loan. According to U.S. News & World Report , only .3 percent of all students are able to cover all costs with only scholarships or grants.

Out of all prospective scholarship sources, nearly 73 percent of funds are provided directly by the institution. As of 2013, this amount averaged $5,645 annually. Most colleges automatically consider prospective students for these scholarships once accepted, but it’s worth it to speak with the school’s financial aid counselor to ensure there are no additional applications.

There’s a misconception that only economically disadvantaged students receive scholarships. While there are a number of scholarships aimed specifically at this population, students from varied economic levels qualify for this type of funding. California’s Student Aid Commission has a scholarship program specifically for students from middle-class families, while a recent report found students hailing from the top 25 percent also received more than one-quarter of all merit-based scholarships.

Many scholarships require similar information, so once you’ve done the leg-work for the first application, you can often reword this text to make it usable for numerous scholarships. Keep a document with each variation, making it easy to pull previous answers and fit them to the application at hand.

Government grants provide only a small portion of overall funding, with private and institutional scholarships contributing significantly to overall funding packages. In the 2012-13 academic year, private foundations awarded more than $6.2 billion dollars.

In addition to multi-year scholarships, a number of non-renewable or one-time scholarships are also available and can be applied for even after being accepted to and beginning a graduate level program. Even if you’re concerned you didn’t receive as much funding as you’d hoped for in the first year, seek out scholarships, fellowships or grants specific to those who have already completed one year.

In the previous academic year, students left $2.9 billion in untapped grant funds supplied by the federal government. 47 percent of students did not even fill out the FAFSA ® , making them ineligible to receive a Pell Grant. As of the 2013-2014 academic year, the average annual Pell Grant was $3,629.

Scholarship scams abound, with numerous shady operations offering to help students find untapped funds for a fee. The University of New Mexico offers helpful advice about scholarships websites to be wary of, including those that charge a processing fee or offer to submit the application on the student’s behalf.

50 Best Scholarships for Master’s Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: April 23, 2024 , Reading time: 34 minutes

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Data Points

• In the AY 2021-22, the large majority of graduate degrees conferred were master’s degrees (80.8%) *
• Doctoral degrees and graduate certificates were only 11.7% and 7.5%, respectively, of the graduate degrees awarded in 2021-2022.
• About 62% of Master of Education, 59% of Master of Arts,56% of Master of Science, and 51% of MBA degree holders have student loan debt. **
• Nearly 43 million individuals—one in six adult Americans *** —have federal student loan debt.
• The federal student loan portfolio now exceeds $1.6 trillion.

Why stop at a bachelor’s degree when you can earn a master’s? While taking the master’s degree path can mean more student loans, keep in mind that it will open more doors of opportunity! Your bachelor’s degree may be enough to get inside the door, but a master’s degree will get you a seat at the table.

Here’s proof: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs that require a master’s degree will rise by about 17% between 2016 and 2026 . Indeed, a master’s degree brings with it numerous benefits , particularly in differentiating yourself from the competition and being a valued employee.

First and foremost, your earnings potential will likely increase.

On average, employees with a master’s degree earn more than 20 percent more than employees with a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , workers with a bachelor’s degree earn $61,600, while master’s degree holders earn $74,600. Both figures represent average annual salaries.

Throughout their careers, the former will earn $2.27 million, while the latter can earn up to $3.65 million. Of course, there are differences in the average annual salary earned between professions. For example, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers can earn between $101,000 and $107,000 annually.

Beyond the monetary benefits, earning a master’s degree will also result in a more specialized knowledge in your field. You may even introduce innovations in the course of your studies, thesis presentation, and fieldwork. Indeed, you have every opportunity to make a difference in the world! 

With a master’s degree, your transition from rank-and-file employee to a senior position will be easier, perhaps faster.

This is because many organizations, from for-profit corporations to non-profit charities, recognize the knowledge and skill behind a master’s degree. Most of these organizations prefer employees with master’s degrees, too, especially in the healthcare, engineering, and education industries.

While you’re in the master’s degree program, your research, analysis, and communication skills will also be challenged and polished. You will be better at critical thinking and problem solving as you pursue life-long learning. 

Furthermore, your personal and professional network will be bigger and better – and we know the benefits of such a network in your life!

But we understand your hesitations about pursuing a master’s degree.

For one thing, there’s the issue of time since most people enrolled in a master’s degree program are part-time and full-time employees. How can you pursue advanced study when you’re already juggling work and family responsibilities?

Well, you can find the time! Take note that universities and colleges offer flexible arrangements for working students, an opportunity worth grabbing. You can take the minimum number of credits, for example, so you’re not pressured for time. 

In addition, there are financial problems associated with higher education in the United States.

Student loan debt has soared to a record high of $1.75 trillion , and you may well still be paying for your student loans. You’re reluctant about getting a master’s degree because it can mean more debt.

The cost of higher education has also rapidly risen, according to the study The Price of Graduate and Professional School – How Much Students Pay . In 2021-2022, for example, the average published tuition and fees for students enrolled in a master’s degree program ranged between $12,596 (public universities) and $28,017 (private non-profit institutions). These amounts are exclusive of other expenses, such as room and board, travel, and miscellaneous costs. 

The actual tuition and fees vary widely, too, depending on the university.

At Harvard Graduate School of Education , part-time students pay $30,051, while full-time students pay $60,102 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The amount doesn’t include the $5,794 health insurance fees as well as the costs for rent, utilities, food, books and supplies, personal expenses, and technology expenses, among others.

Fortunately, there’s good news – SCHOLARSHIPS!

Your student and personal debts don’t have to be as large as you dreaded it because scholarships are available and aplenty. Of course, scholarships are monetary support provided to students without the expectation of repayment, not even a single cent.

But like grants, there are eligibility requirements and other conditions attached to scholarships. Some scholarships are needs-based, meaning these are given to underserved or unserved cohorts like women of color. However, some scholarships are merit-based, meaning individuals meeting high academic standards will qualify.

Some scholarships are granted based on industry or profession, such as scholarships only for nurses or for individuals studying Jewish culture.

Depending on your personal situation, there are also scholarships that pertain to specific needs , like autism. In addition, specific topic-related scholarships, like psychology scholarships , can be obtained with a little research and determination.

Many scholarships are so generous in their terms, too, that the benefactor will shoulder your entire two-year master’s degree program! Fulfill your end of the bargain, which may include excellent academic performance, public speeches, and innovative solutions.

But we will be the first ones to warn you that getting a scholarship isn’t easy!

With hundreds, perhaps thousands, of master’s degree students vying for a single scholarship, it’s a tough field out there. Put your best foot forward to ensure successful submissions . 

And if you don’t know it by now, you can get two or more scholarships from different organizations. You may then be able to earn your master’s degree with manageable out-of-pocket costs! The trick is to apply for as many scholarships as you’re qualified for, submitting the required documents early, and hoping for the best.

Below are 50 of the Best Scholarships for Master’s Degree students. Many of these scholarships are annual. As such, you can reapply for the next school year if the deadline has passed.

Many, fortunately, also have current deadlines. We strongly recommend checking them out as soon as possible. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!

Best Master’s Degree Scholarships

April 2024 Deadline

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

• Type of Scholarship: Annual
• Amount: Between $67,000 and $135,000
• Deadline of Application: April 25, 2024

While most scholarships come with no strings attached, particularly repayment in dollars, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship requires a two-year to four-year service commitment. However scholars are provided with financial support for full-time studies for up to four years, the support of which includes tuition and eligible fees, reasonable educational costs, and monthly stipends. Every year, the Bureau of Health Professions chooses between 100 and 200 students in a wide range of healthcare programs as scholars.

Chrysalis Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable)
• Amount: Up to $2,000 (Amount varies on a case-to-case basis)
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024

This scholarship is designed for anyone who participated in a Chrysalis After-School program or served as a GirlPower Peer Mentor and is enrolled in a degree program. It offers financial support that enables them to continue their studies. The amount is intended to cover the costs related to the completion of a master’s thesis, such as drafting expenses, late-stage research and analysis, defense travel, and even childcare costs. Documents needed include a complete application form, personal statement, and recommendations/references.

Soros Fellowships for New Americans

• Amount: Up to $90,000 for the duration of the scholarship
• Deadline of Application: April 17, 2024 

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans restrict scholarship awarding to children of naturalized citizens, immigrants, DACA recipients, and green card holders attending master’s degree programs in accredited US graduate schools.

Eligibility requirements include being born outside of the United States, at least 30 years old, with a four-year bachelor’s degree, and in their first or second year of master’s studies. Applicants should also show creative initiative, commitment to the values enshrined in the US Constitution, and sustained accomplishment.

Note: If you weren’t accepted into the program in any given year, you could still reapply in succeeding years for as long as you’re still eligible.

Inger Lawrence – M.R. Bauer Foundation Nursing Studies Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual 
• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline of Application: April 21, 2024

The National Council of Jewish Women, LA, is strongly committed to advancing economic justice for women and their families. In addition to promoting economic security and workplace dignity, the organization also promotes continuing education. 

The M.R. Bauer Foundation Nursing Studies Scholarship is designed for women enrolled in Nursing degree programs in the Greater Los Angeles and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Applicants who have completed part of the requisite units toward their degree are given top priority. 

Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship

• Amount: $2,000

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) advocates for the betterment of sight-deaf veterans through advocacy, membership, communication, and peer-inspired self-reliance. Its Gruber scholarship program is awarded based on merit and evaluated by a committee.

There are five recipients per cycle and they can re-apply up to four times if they are related to blind and low vision veterans, and have already been accepted for admission or already enrolled at an accredited higher education institution.

Joe Beirne Scholarship Program

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable) 
• Amount: $4,000
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

The Joe Beirne Scholarship Program is offered by the IUE-CWA, which has over 150,000 active members and embodies workers’ collective strength and solidarity across various industries. This program is open to spouses, children, and grandchildren of CWA members. The scholarship winners are selected through a lottery drawing, with half of the funds going to part-time students who complete less than 12 credits.

Garden State Master’s Counseling Initiative Fellowship

• Amount:  $10,000 (Non-renewable) 
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST

The 2024 GSMC Initiative Fellowships aims to boost Black or African American counselors in New Jersey’s inner cities by providing financial support to students enrolled in CACREP-accredited counseling programs. Applicants should be US citizens, permanent residents, or international students with an F-1 Visa and not have a master’s degree in behavioral health.

May 2024 Deadline

Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research

• Amount: $3,000 – $5,000
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024

The Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research, funded by the Foundation for Community Association Research, is geared toward graduate students who want to research community development, management, and governance.

Hanke Fellowship applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited US or Canadian institution and have research projects relating to community associations or common interest communities.

AWRA Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarship

AWRA offers the Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarship to promote multidisciplinary water resources education, management, and research. Graduate applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their academic/research performance and its relevance to water resources. Additional requirements include three signed letters of recommendation and a resume or CV.

Buckingham Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000

Established in 1956, the Air Traffic Control Association Inc. is dedicated to advancing air traffic control science and ensuring a safe flight environment. Among its scholarship opportunities for graduate students is the Buckingham Memorial Scholarship, open to the children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of air traffic control specialists.

Students who wish to apply must submit two recommendation letters, a transcript, an essay of no more than 500 words, and documentation of their US citizenship. 

Polish Arts Club of Buffalo Inc. Scholarship

• Amount: $500 – $1,000

The Polish Arts Club of Buffalo hosts various events to showcase Poland’s cultural heritage and American Polonia’s contributions. This scholarship program is applicable to graduate students who reside in Western New York with Polish descent and are studying a Visual or Performing Arts field. Application requirements include at least a 300-word essay and two letters of recommendation. 

ONS Foundation Research Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
• Amount: $50,000 over two years
• Letters of Intent (LOI) Due:  May 16, 2024
• Full Proposals Due: June 28, 2024

Funded by the Oncology Nursing Foundation (ONF), the ONF Research Grant is available for graduate students currently enrolled at a recognized university and studying either oncology or nursing. Applicants should submit Letters of Intent on or before May 16, while the applications are due by June.

Applicants should show proof that the grant will be used in clinically focused research involving cancer patient care, research, and education.

Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship for Communal Service

• Deadline of Application: May 20, 2024

The Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship program, offered by the Jewish Social Services Agency, is one of the best programs for Jewish graduate students in the metropolitan Washington area. It is open to Jewish applicants who intend to serve the Jewish community professionally after graduation. The applicant must be a US citizen or aspiring to be and have been accepted into a Jewish communal service graduate program.

IFMA Foundation Scholarship  

• Amount: $1,500 – $10,000
• Deadline of Application: May 30, 2024

The IFMA Foundation scholarship program is one of the oldest programs for students enrolled in Facility Management degrees and other closely related areas. In addition to the cash aid, winners will also receive an all-expenses-paid attendance at the World Workplace Conference and Expo. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Facility Management or related degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 31, 2024

The Sandra West ALS Foundation was founded by Sandy West, a Christian mother of three who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students affected by ALS, promoting hope and resilience and ensuring education transcends disease challenges.

The scholarship is designed to support children of ALS parents whose families are experiencing financial difficulties. It is open to current or prospective college students. 

Niche No Essay Scholarship

• Amount: $25,000

The $25,000 Niche “No Essay” Scholarship is not a competition based on academic intelligence. Instead, it chooses its winners by random drawing. Applicants are not required to pay anything to submit their scholarship application. They must, however, be legal US residents who are current and prospective students in one of the colleges listed by Niche.com .

During the Promotion Period, Sweepstakes entries can be online or mail-in, with one entry per person/email address/household. Non-compliant entries are void. Applicants with affiliations of Niche employees are not eligible to win the draw.

June 2024 Deadline

Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: June 1, 2024

Offered by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association, a non-profit trade association, the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship caters to graduate students majoring in fire protection engineering and administration.

Applicants must be full-time students in an accredited US or Canadian college or university. Additional requirements include academic transcripts, a 1,000-word essay, and a letter of recommendation. 

Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies

The Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies program provides financial support to full-time and part-time aspiring entrepreneurs at Penn State Great Valley. Applicants should be enrolled in a master’s program and pursuing at least 12 credits each semester with a 3.5 GPA.

The award covers tuition and fees, with unused portions refundable. Applicants must submit a resume, essay, and contact information for two references.

Cornaro Scholarship

• Amount: $3,500 

The Cornaro Scholarship is exclusively offered to the sorority’s honors graduates. It’s a competitive scholarship with the successful applicants required to present proof of their adherence to the sorority’s motto, as well as their values, leadership experience, and high academic achievements.

Only two scholars are approved every year, and they can apply the money toward their education-related expenses at any accredited university or college. Unsuccessful applicants can also resubmit their applications in succeeding years.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program

• Type of Scholarship: Semester-based (One-time, non-renewable)
• Amount: $10,000 for each sport season
• Deadline of Application: Spring application opens March 15, 2024, and ends June 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded to the NCAA’s best student-athletes, and it’s awarded three times during the year. Every sports season, the panel awards 42 scholarships for men and women, divided evenly between the genders.

Applicants are assessed based on their academic and athletic achievements, as well as their community and campus involvement, demonstrated leadership, and volunteer activities.

Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

• Either in the final season of NCAA eligibility or have completed it
• Either in the final year of the bachelor’s degree program or have finished it
• Either 3.200 overall undergraduate minimum cumulative grade-point average or its equivalent (4.000 scale basis); graduate-level hours and grades aren’t included
• Have performed with distinction in the varsity team of any sport for which the NCAA member school nominated them
• Have enrolled or must enroll in a graduate degree program in an accredited school

Wayne F. Placek Grants

• Amount: Up to $15,000
• Deadline of Application: June 12, 2024

Graduate students with an educational institution or a 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization affiliation can apply for the Wayne F. Placek Grants. This program is geared toward helping students conduct behavioral and social sciences research.

It is also among the top awards for those interested in researching topics related to LGBTQIA+ issues. This scholarship aims to enhance public understanding of homosexuality and sexual orientation, reducing stress experienced by other genders. 

Students must submit a project proposal, budget, and curriculum vitae to apply for the Placek program. Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, incremental contribution, quality, and scholarship competence.

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

• Deadline of Application: June 14, 2024

The Ayn Rand Institute is one of the leading organizations that promote Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy. It offers a unique scholarship program in which candidates must write an 800- to 1,600-word essay examining and arguing for a particular topic of the Ayn Rand book Atlas Shrugged. Every year, nine prizes totaling different amounts are given away, with a $25,000 grand prize.

APF Scholarships

• Amount: $2,000 – $5,000 
• Deadline of Application: June 26, 2024

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) has several scholarships available for graduate students every year. The COGDOP Scholarships are awarded to graduate students whose research proposal, grades, and previous publications, among other requirements, meet the strict selection process.

Programs included in the COGDOP are: 

$5,000 scholarships: 

• Harry and Miriam Levinson Scholarship
• Charles and Carol Spielberger Scholarship
• Peter and Malina James & Dr. Louis P. James Legacy Scholarship

$3,000 scholarships: 

• William and Dorothy Bevan Scholarship 
• Ruth G. and Joseph D. Matarazzo Scholarship 

$2,000 scholarships: 

• $2,000 Clarence J. Rosecrans Scholarship
• $2,000 Raymond K. Mulhern Scholarship
• $2,000 Dr. Judy Kuriansky Scholarship

$2,500 scholarship: 

• William C. Howell Scholarship

CIA Graduate Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies depending on the position (Range from $18,000/year for tuition and fees to $25,000/year for STEM field positions)
• Deadline of Application: June 30, 2024

The Central Intelligence Agency’s Graduate Scholarship Program is open for highly accomplished graduate students, especially people with disabilities and from minorities, who are in their first or second year in a recognized master’s degree program.

Eligibility requirements include US citizenship, a minimum of nine credits per semester taken, and a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA, and applicants should meet income requirements.

Scholars receive several benefits, including the monetary consideration given every calendar year, daily allowance during summer tours, and reimbursement for travel costs between Washington, DC, and school.

Take note that the scholarship also means continued employment with benefits like an annual salary, life insurance, and a federal retirement plan.

Stokes Scholarship Program

• Up to $18,000 annual tuition aid
• Up to $25,000 for STEM professionals

Offered by the CIA, the Stokes Scholarship Program is among the most competitive and rewarding master’s scholarships. In addition to providing the recipient with up to $25,000 in tuition aid, allowances, and incidentals, the scholarship also offers guaranteed employment after graduation.

Scholars will also receive other benefits, including lodging and transportation reimbursement,  an annual salary of $49,659 – $59,653, a federal retirement fund, health insurance, and paid leaves.

Applicants must be of legal age and a U.S. or dual U.S. citizen planning to pursue at least nine credits per semester. A minimum baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 is required. They must be willing to move to the Washington, DC, area and complete security and medical evaluations.

Their adjusted gross annual household income (AGI) ceiling can be up to $120,000 or $50,000 if they haven’t been listed as a dependent for the previous tax year.

July 2024 Deadline

American Concrete Institute Scholarship 

• Amount: Varies 
• Deadline of Application: Opens on July 1, 2024

The American Concentrate Institute Foundation was established to support students and professionals studying concrete. ACI offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students through generous contributions from private individuals and organizations. Students enrolled in a master’s degree in concrete and relevant subjects can apply to the program. The scholarship opportunities include:

Katharine & Bryant Mather Scholarship

Established in 1988, the scholarship honors Katharine and Bryant Mather for their significant contributions to concrete knowledge. It is funded by an international symposium and a Mather estate gift, offering graduate study in concrete.

Master Builders Solutions Concrete Materials Scholarship

This scholarship opportunity is open to students with advanced concrete degrees focusing on material science. However, those studying the use of admixtures to advance the use of concrete are given top priority. Applicants must be ACI student members, active members of an ACI Student Chapter, or focus on concrete-related material science, with no internship required.

W. Gene Corley Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Corley, a renowned structural engineer, offers a scholarship to graduate students interested in forensic engineering and concrete structure behavior and design.

Other scholarship opportunities include the Schwing America Scholarship for those with interest and ability to work in the concrete construction industry and the Stewart C. Watson Memorial Scholarship for students who focus on joints, bearings, or seismic systems for concrete structures.

Women in STEM Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-Renewable)
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline of Application: July 1, 2024.

ABC Wildlife, a woman-owned corporation, aims to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The “Women in STEM Scholarship” is open to female graduate students in STEM fields at accredited universities. 

The only requirement is to submit a 1,000-word or less essay detailing why you are passionate about the STEM field and how you can help improve the health of our planet, preserve biodiversity, or alleviate human suffering. The top essay submission will receive a $1,000 award, and up to nine other students are also eligible.  

El Café Del Futuro Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: July 3, 2024

Cafe Bustelo is offering scholarships to driven college students in the Latino community who are striving for better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. The ‘El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship’ is a significant opportunity for all Latino students enrolled in any major and degree level in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities or HACU with a minimum 2.0 GPA. It welcomes applicants regardless of their residency status and requires an essay and financial need analysis.

GeneTex Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: July 12, 2024

The GeneTex Scholarship, offered by a Texas-based biotechnology company, is open to all STEM majors enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution, including international students. This award is given biannually to support young scientists pursuing post-secondary education and promote scientific advancement and future discoveries.

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline of Application: July 15, 2024

This scholarship program is funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and administered by UMBC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is available for students who meet specific criteria, including children, stepchildren, and surviving spouses of members of the US Armed Forces who died or suffered a service-connected permanent disability.

It’s also available to veterans with a service-connected disability of 25% or greater, POW/MIAs of the Vietnam Conflict, victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and school employees who died or sustained injuries. 

Joy Cappel Scholarship

• Amount: $6,000 
• Deadline of Application: July 20, 2024

The Joy Cappel Scholarship program is offered to students pursuing a life science or related degree. Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc., a leading global biotechnology company, offers this program. Instead of submitting essays, applicants must submit a 1-5-minute video answering the following question: “What would you consider the most surprising and impactful scientific finding in the last five years, and how do you believe it has the potential to transform our understanding of the natural world?”

Onsi Sawiris Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: July 31, 2024

The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship program helps international Egyptian students pursue an Engineering or MBA degree at Harvard University, Stanford University, The University of Pennsylvania, or The University of Chicago. This scholarship covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance. Eligibility requirements include a 3.5 bachelor’s degree GPA and a high TOEFL iBT or IELTS score. 

August 2024 Deadline

Sodowsky Law Firm Scholarship  

• Deadline of Application: August 15, 2024

The scholarship program offered by the Sodowsky Law Firm invites all aspiring attorneys to submit a video essay discussing the essence of being a lawyer and why they want to be one. To be eligible, you must be a student in an accredited US college or university, appear in the video at least once, and have your voiceover.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000 to $8,000

Zonta International sponsors the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship with women as the exclusive recipients. There are regional and international scholarships worth up to $8,000, and the amount can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Women enrolled in a business or business-related program, either in a brick-and-mortar or online accredited university or college, can apply. Applicants must be in their second year of a bachelor’s degree program through their final year in a master’s degree program, and their application should be submitted to their local Zonta club.

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

• Amount: $1,500
• Opening of Application: August 31, 2024

The Make Me Laugh Scholarship by Unigo is a scholarship opportunity for comedians. In addition to helping them fund their college education, it allows them to share embarrassing but funny stories. There are no additional requirements other than being of legal age and a US resident and student.  

Hertz Fellowship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable for up to five years) 
• Amount: Up to $250,000 for five years 
• Opening of Application: August 2024

The Hertz Fellowship chooses graduate students pursuing science and technology degrees whose bold ideas have the best potential to become game-changing solutions to society’s current issues. Fellows not only receive substantial funding but also receive lifelong professional support and become part of a connected community. 

Fellows choose from two options for getting their funding:

• Direct and exclusive funding from the Hertz Foundation, including full tuition equivalent, $38,000 in personal stipend for every nine months, and $5,000 annual stipend for fellows with dependent children 
• Partnership with a partner college/university or awarding institution (e.g., National Science Foundation), including full tuition equivalent, $44,000 personal stipend for nine months, and annual supplemental and dependent stipends  

The Hertz Fellowship program is open for graduate students in several colleges including Harvard University, Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology. 

September 2024 Deadline

YIVO Institute of Jewish Research Fellowships

• Deadline of Application: Reopens in September 2024 for the 2025-2026 fellowship period

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. In addition to hosting renowned exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, the Institute also offers several graduate fellowship programs for master’s degree students.

Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship

This fellowship is offered to graduate students involved in the Eastern European Jewish theater, music, and arts, and the stipend can be used for research-related expenses. Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, two letters of support, and a research proposal by regular mail, email, or fax.

Fellowship in East European Jewish Literature

YIVO also administers the combined Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship and the Vivian Lefsky Hort Memorial Fellowship, a scholarship for graduate students engaged in the study of Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship and the Vivian Lefsky Hort Memorial Fellowship.

The stipend can be used within 2-3 months of research, as required in the terms, and the fellow will be required to give a public lecture.

Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship

The Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship is awarded to graduate students who are researching modern Polish-Jewish history, particularly the Holocaust period, Jewish-Polish relations, and Jewish contributions to Polish culture.

The fellow can spend the stipend on whatever expenses they deem fit during the 2-3 months of fellowship. The expectations include research conducted at the YIVO library and a public lecture in exchange for the stipend.

Theodore C. Sorensen Fellowship

• Amount: $3,600
• Deadline of Application: September 30, 2024

The Theodore Sorensen Research Fellowship is offered to graduate students enrolled in political science or journalism coursework in Massachusetts. Applicants should submit a complete application form, a brief proposal about the planned project and budget, a sample of their writing, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. Additional documents will not be accepted. 

The planned project should focus on political journalism, domestic policy, or press relations, among others, and use the resources from the JFK Library. The stipend can be used for educational and cost of living expenses.

APhA Student Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: Opens September 1, 2024 

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation enables pharmacists to participate in research projects and programs that improve the quality of healthcare in the US Graduate students in pharmacy programs will find plenty of scholarship opportunities, including: 

• Marvin & Joanell Dyrstad Scholarship
• APhA Foundation Scholarship
• Pharmacists Mutual Community Pharmacy Scholarship

Applicants must be  APhA-ASP members for US and Puerto Rico-based applicants and must show active participation in their chapter’s activities. Application requirements include an academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, and current curriculum vitae or resume, as well as a 500-word essay on an identified topic. Each scholarship opportunity also has specific eligibility requirements and criteria. 

Caring Community Scholarship

The Caring Community Scholarship program, sponsored by Marcus & Mack law firm and its attorneys, aims to spread community involvement among students! Note that only one student will be chosen for the award.

Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on their community by implementing solutions for its betterment. Applicants must be US citizens in a graduate program and with a 3.0 GPA, minimum. Application documents include a 1,000-word essay on their specific community involvement success, academic transcript, and resume. 

October 2024 Deadline

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Deadline of Application: Application window from February to October 8, 2024 year, 5 p.m. ET.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program that is administered by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Commissions/Foundations, and other partners, is offered in more than 160 countries. It covers the students’ tuition, required fees, and travel to the US for the entire duration of their study. While the eligibility requirements vary between countries, successful applicants are typically the best and brightest in their undergraduate classes.

Most fields of study, such as social science, engineering, and science and technology, are covered except for clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing. But, nursing administration and public health programs are permitted. 

NEF – Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship

• Amount: Between $2,500 and $10,000
• Deadline of Application: Opens October 1, 2024 with a February 1, 5 deadline

The Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) awards the Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship to registered nurses enrolled in graduate nursing programs. Applicants should be African-Americans/Black, a member of a recognized professional nursing association, and in a full-time master’s degree program. The scholarships are based on academic excellence, visionary goals, and recognized leadership potential.

TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education)

• Amount: Up to $4,000 per year 
• Deadline of Application: October 4, 2024

The TEACH grant comes with a service-or-repay clause that applicants must carefully consider before submitting their applications. TEACh grantees must complete one four-year service obligation or, if the service obligation isn’t completed, repay the grant with interest (i.e., grant converted into loan). 

Every TEACH grantee must complete counseling for every year that they are on the federal aid program. TEACH grantees also sign a grant agreement.

Applicants must complete the FAFSA form, comply with the basic eligibility criteria for student federal aid programs, and be enrolled in a college or university participating in the TEACH Grant program. This is a selective program with applicants evaluated on their academic performance and potential. 

Buckfire & Buckfire, PC Law School Diversity Scholarship Program

• Amount: $2,000 
• Deadline of Application: October 1, 2024

Established in 2013 as part of Buckfire & Buckfire’s efforts to provide deserving law students financial support, the scholarship is specifically geared toward law students belonging to minorities (i.e., racial, ethnic and other types) or who have demonstrated commitment to diversity. Only one law student is chosen to receive the scholarship. 

Applicants must be US citizens, demonstrate exceptional academic performance in law school, and have completed one semester of classes, minimum. Application documents include a completed application form, a one-page essay on promoting ethnic diversity, and an official law school transcript. 

November 2024 Deadline

AQHF Research Grants

• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) awards the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to its members who are pursuing a two-year master’s degree program. Applicants can be in any field of study, but they should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA at least and demonstrate a passion for horses.

AQHA also offers Career Path Scholarships for graduate students involved in the study of animal science, veterinary medicine, or journalism. In both scholarships, recipients are selected based on rigorous criteria, including financial need, academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, and involvement in AQHA.

Olivia James Traveling Fellowship

• Amount: $26,000

Administered by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), the Olivia James Traveling Fellowship is awarded to a single scholar for study- and travel-related expenses between July 1 of the award year and June 30 of the following year. Only applicants studying classics, architecture, archaeology, sculpture, and history of Near and Middle Eastern studies will be considered, and the merit-based selection process is among the most competitive in the industry.

Emphasis must be placed on the fact that field excavation projects aren’t covered in the scholarship. The money can be used for institutional overhead, administrative recovery costs, or indirect costs. Applicants should be AIA members for at least one year (graduate students) or two consecutive years and US citizens.

Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: November 8, 2024

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educational Foundation sponsors the Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship, a grant for graduate students studying psychology, therapy/rehabilitation, or social services.

Applicants should be American citizens from an ethnic population, particularly of Black, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, or Hispanic heritage, and affiliated with the sponsors.

American Association of University Women Career Development Grant

• Amount: $2,000–$20,000
• Deadline of Application: November 15, 2024

The Career Development Grants are female-specific scholarships, although preference is given to women pursuing their first graduate degree in non-traditional fields and to women of color. Women who are also in the process of reentering the workforce or changing careers, particularly in education, social sciences, and health and medical sciences, can also apply. 

The scholarship money can be used for tuition, fees, and books, as well as dependent care and travel expenses. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship or permanent residency, possessing an earned bachelor’s degree, and planning to enroll in a master’s degree program.

ACES Bill Walsh Scholarship

• Amount: $3,500

The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open to graduate students enrolled during the summer and fall term. It is awarded to the qualified individual regardless of the applicant’s field of study or major. Applicants should also demonstrate a passion and aptitude for news-related jobs, mainly copy editing.

American Association of University Women (or AAUW) – International Fellowships in USA for Women

• Amount: $20,000–$50,000

Established in 1917, the AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women provides financial support for women enrolled full-time in master’s degree programs in the US but are neither US citizens nor permanent residents. Fellows must express their intention of returning to their home country and becoming leaders in academia, government, and business, among other fields. 

Applicants must possess the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree and are chosen for the fellowship program based on their academic attainments and demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls.

Fellows must devote themselves to their academic program of study on a full-time basis during their fellowship year. 

Reapplications among unsuccessful applicants are encouraged. 

Education Matters Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024

Education Matters scholarship is another program funded by Unigo that gives chances to graduate students who are not academically competitive but want to pursue higher education.

This program only requires applicants to submit 250 words or less answering the question, “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter or that college is a waste of time and money?” The best response will be awarded $5,000 towards their education. 

American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowship

• Amount: $20,000 
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024 

Yet another notable AAUW scholarship program is its Selected Professions Fellowship award for women enrolled in master’s degree programs that will benefit from increased enrollment among women. The fellowship, established in 1970, initially targeted law and medicine but now includes architecture, computer/information sciences, engineering, and mathematics/statistics programs, open to all eligible applicants regardless of color.

Eligibility requirements include full-time enrollment in accredited institutions in the US, with priority given to applicants without a master’s degree or first professional degree.

December 2024 Deadline

Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $1,500 
• Deadline of Application: December 5, 2024

Every year, one recipient is selected for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship Program, which celebrates excellence in the arts. Graduate students pursuing a fine arts degree are welcome to apply, although it must be emphasized that painters in general and painters who practice plein air (i.e., outdoors) painting in particular are given preference. 

Applicants must submit a short essay about the ways that ordinary things, places and people inspire their art and images of their original art pieces. 

AWWA Scholarship Program

• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Deadline of Application: December 20, 2024

Applicants to the Bryant L. Bench Scholarship should be enrolled in a master’s degree program in a water engineering-related field, especially with a focus on sustainability, energy use, and other environmental issues.

The requirements for application include a personal statement, an official transcript of records, an essay, and a recommendation letter. Applicants should demonstrate their passion for water-related issues and their innovative solutions, too, as well as their qualifications.

Top Ten List Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: December 31, 2024

Unigo’s Top Ten List Scholarship program caters to creative students. The scholarship awards $1,500 annually to one student who creates the best Top Ten List of reasons to receive it. This award celebrates uniqueness and originality rather than focusing only on academic merit or financial necessity.

Additional Resources:

• Most Affordable Master’s in Science (MS) Online Grad School Degree Programs
• Easiest Online Ph.D. and Doctorate Degrees
• 50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

30 Great Essay Scholarships

Talented writers can receive free college financial aid by applying for the best essay scholarships. Essay scholarships require writing 250 to 2,000 or more words on an assigned topic. Since creating well-written essays takes awhile, these scholarships often provide bigger prizes. Some essay scholarship winners receive $20,000 or higher amounts to afford their university tuition. The following article lists 30 great essay scholarships where writing skills pay off.

Related resource: 50 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism Online

1. Lou Manzione Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Continue education beyond 12th grade
• Reside in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware
• Participate in varsity high school hockey

The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) honors the late Hudson Catholic High School coach by awarding two $1,000 Lou Manzione Scholarships each Spring. Interested applicants must submit an application, transcript, SAT score, coach recommendation, and college acceptance letter by February 1st. Registered USA Hockey members must also write a 500-word original essay about hockey’s positive effects on their personal development.

Scholarship Website

2. ABA Foundation Diversity Scholarship

• Be a traditionally underrepresented ethnicity, race, or age
• Enroll full-time at accredited U.S. undergrad or graduate schools
• Declare a hospitality or tourism-related major with GPAs over 3.0

Founded in 1926, the American Bus Association (ABA) Foundation offers the $5,000 Diversity Scholarship to empower minority and non-traditional students entering the travel industry. Preference is given to individuals working full- or part-time for ABA-member bus companies. Scholarship entries require a 500-word, well-written essay on how applicants’ career goals will advance tourism transportation. Essays are accepted from December 5th to April 2nd.

3. AEL Collegiate Essay Competition Scholarships

• Have native or naturalized United States citizenship
• Attend a regionally accredited, four-year U.S. university
• Be a college freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior

Located in Malibu, the Pepperdine University Libraries uses funding from the Americanism Educational Leaders (AEL) to run the Collegiate Essay Competition each Summer. Three essay scholarships worth $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 are available. Entrants must craft a patriotic essay of 1,500 to 2,000 words about the meaningful ways diversity betters American life. Essays with a proper MLA- or Chicago-style citation bibliography are due on June 30th.

4. America’s 911 Foundation College Scholarships

• Be the child of an active paid or volunteer first responder
• Enroll at least part-time at U.S. postsecondary institutions
• Have a good understanding of English grammar and spelling

Since 2001, America’s 911 Foundation Inc. has conferred 15 College Scholarships for $2,000 apiece to aid the dependent children of first responders. Biological or adopted children of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, park rangers, and correctional officers qualify. Applicants must submit a 500-word, proofread essay on the importance of America’s 911 Foundation by March 9th. Writing in 12-point New Roman Times or Arial font is required.

5. Ashley Soulé Conroy Scholarships

• Be U.S. citizens enrolled in four-year bachelor’s programs
• Finish 30+ undergrad credits with minimum 3.0 GPAs
• Pursue a study abroad experience longer than 13 weeks

The Ashley Soulé Conroy Foundation has 1,761 donors worldwide who’ve funded 37 scholarships since 2006 to help college students study abroad across 27 countries. Each term, up to three $4,000 essay scholarship winners are announced on December 30th and August 1st. Applicants must submit a digital transcript, current resume, and signed FAFSA form. These accompany the 800-word autobiographical essay about a defining moment in one’s life.

6. BBB of Delaware Student Ethics Essay Scholarship

• Be graduating high school seniors in the “First State”
• Plan to continue education at an accredited U.S. college
• Exhibit academic and extracurricular excellence with GPAs over 3.0

Sponsored by M&T Bank, the Better Business Bureau Foundation of Delaware hosts the Student Ethics Essay Scholarship contest to provide two $2,500 prizes yearly. College-bound seniors must write a 500-word, single-spaced essay about how the BBB can compete in today’s digital age. Typed essays are objectively judged “blind” based on creativity and business acumen. Students must also submit a transcript and personal statement by January 9th.

7. CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

• Be African-American U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Declare visual art majors full-time at accredited art schools
• Show leadership and academic aptitude with minimum 2.5 GPAs

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has an April 30th deadline to pursue the $3,000 CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship. Black students who live in CBC members’ districts and pursue careers in fine arts, design, architecture, and video production should apply. Two brief, 250-word essays are required to discuss issues in the African-American community that art can solve. Entrants must upload five original artwork samples on Google Drive or DropBox too.

See also: 35 Great Scholarships for Design Majors

8. Clarkson Scholars Program

• Be sophomores at accredited, senior colleges in Pennsylvania
• Pursue bachelor’s majors in biology, chemistry, and other life sciences
• Maintain an overall, unweighted GPA of 3.0 or better

Clarkston Consulting funds the Clarkson Scholars Program to provide the best essay scholarships for STEM majors that are worth $5,000 annually for $10,000 total. Future scientists must apply during their second undergraduate year by January 15th. Applications must include a current university transcript, faculty or advisor recommendation letter, and two 500-word essays about the biotech industry. Finalists must attend an in-person Philadelphia interview.

9. Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarships

• Be the daughter of a commissioned U.S. military officer
• Intend to attend college after high school graduation
• Exhibit both academic merit and unmet financial need

Incorporated in 1894, the Daughters of the Cincinnati is a group of female Revolutionary War descendants that offers a four-year, renewable essay scholarship for up to $20,000 total. By March 15th, interested essayists must write 500+ words about their experience being the child of a career Armed Forces officer. The society also requests a high school transcript, Student Aid Report (SAR), college acceptance letter, and recommendation form.

10. Don’t Mess With Texas Scholarships

• Be graduating high school seniors in the “Lone Star State”
• Plan to enroll at two- or four-year Texas colleges this Fall
• Lead school or community initiatives to reduce littering

Keep Texas Beautiful partners with iHeart Media and the Astros Foundation to present three Don’t Mess With Texas Scholarships each year for $3,000 to $5,000 apiece. These eco-friendly essay scholarships reward U.S. citizens in Texas for cleaning up littered waste. Since 1986, the program has selected winners based on 350-word essays about litter prevention solutions. Entrants must also submit photo documentation and a video interview about their project.

11. FRA Americanism Essay Contest Scholarships

• Get sponsored by an FRA member or local branch
• Be attending a U.S. junior or senior high in grades 7-12
• Promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) upholds its motto of “Loyalty, Protection, and Service” by holding the Americanism Essay Contest. Essay scholarships worth $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, and $5,000 plus achievement plaques are awarded to top contenders. Before December 1st, entrants must upload a 350-word essay about what voting will mean to them. Entry forms signed with parental consent must be submitted through a sponsoring FRA branch or unit.

12. Helen Gee Chin Scholarships

• Be full-time undergrads at accredited, four-year U.S. colleges
• Have practiced Chinese martial arts for five or more years
• Maintain an academically strong schedule with 3.0 or better GPAs

Since 2011, the Helen Gee Chin Scholarship Foundation has bestowed $100,000 to 49 recipients across 17 states to reward martial arts achievement. Current or incoming undergrads proficient in Kung Fu, Wu Shu, and Tai Chi can receive up to $3,000. Applications are due June 15th with an official transcript and instructor recommendation letter. Candidates also write 500-word essays about how martial arts has positively impacted their lives.

13. John Fischetti Scholarship

• Have at least one parent with 100 percent Italian ancestry
• Be accepted to or enrolled in a communications program
• Reside in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area

Named for a Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Sun Times editorial cartoonist, the John Fischetti Scholarship is granted by the Joint Civic Committee on Italian Americans. Each $2,000 award goes toward tuition for four-year bachelor’s in journalism, media, writing, broadcasting, and similar fields. Interested students must type up a 500-word essay about the portrayal of Italian Americans in media. Applications with a photo and transcript must arrive by April 30th.

14. Ora Lee Sanders Scholarship

• Have good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Demonstrate an ability to overcome barriers and obstacles

Founded by Reverend Jesse Jackson in 1975, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition delivers the $2,500 Ora Lee Sanders Scholarship to student members who excel despite adversity. Funding is renewable each August for up to five undergraduate years. Applicants submit two references, proof of enrollment, service-learning documentation, and a transcript by August 31st. Students are judged primarily on 500-word essays about their challenging pursuit of excellence.

15. Life Lessons Scholarship Program

• Be legal U.S. residents between 17 and 24 years old
• Register for college-level courses at universities or trade schools
• Have suffered the loss of a parent or legal guardian

From February 1st to March 1st each year, Life Happens runs the Life Lessons Scholarship Program to award $200,000 total to young adults who’ve faced adversity. Entrants write 500-word essays or record three-minute video essays about the impact of their parent’s death. Students must address the role of life insurance on their grieving family’s finances. Essays must be 100 percent original and submitted digitally to the Arlington-based nonprofit.

16. Mainely Character Scholarships

• Be graduating seniors at Maine high schools
• Commit to attending an accredited U.S. college
• Demonstrate concern, responsibility, integrity, and courage

Conceived by Arnold Bushner in 2001, the Mainely Character Scholarship Foundation grants great essay scholarships to “Pine Tree State” residents based on their moral character. The Foundation has awarded $161,000 overall to 49 recipients of scholarships worth $1,250 to $5,000 each. Interested Mainers can submit 500-word essays about their exemplary attributes until March 1st. Semi-finalists are contacted for an in-person or virtual interview.

17. Millie Brother Scholarships

• Be the hearing child of one or two deaf parents/guardians
• Attend an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate school

Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) International Inc. offers two $3,000 Millie Brother Scholarships each year to financially bolster the children of hearing impaired or deaf parents. Eligible entrants complete the online application process from May 1st to June 30th. The application checklist includes two recommendation letters and a high school or college transcript. Students also submit two-page, double-spaced essays in PDF format about their life experiences and goals.

18. Harvey Nudelman Scholarship

• Enroll full-time in an accredited bachelor’s or graduate program
• Pursue an interior design career in the hospitality industry
• Demonstrate financial need and merit with academic GPAs over 3.0

The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) partners with Fabricut Contract and FR-One to provide the $5,000 Harvey Nudelman Scholarship each Fall. It’s intended for aspiring hospitality interior designers who’ve completed at least 60 credits in postsecondary education. Applications received by October 3rd must have a two-page, double-spaced essay about students’ hospitality dreams. Winners also receive free trips to the HD EXPO in Las Vegas.

19. Regions Riding Forward Scholarships

• Be legal U.S. residents of 15 specified states over age 16
• Have at least one year remaining in full-time undergrad education
• Enroll in 12th grade or higher with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Regions Financial Corporation celebrates Black History Month by hosting the Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest with prizes worth $3,500 to $5,000. Entrants must live near Regions Bank branches in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. Entrants of all ethnicities write 500-word essays about an African-American who inspires them by February 28th.

20. Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship

• Attend a California high school or college on the Central Coast
• Prepare for a wine industry career with viticulture or enology majors
• Demonstrate active Ag involvement and community service

For $500 to $1,000, the California Association of WInegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation presents the Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship to future viticulturists. Preference is given to students at Alan Hancock Community College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Qualifying entrants have until March 6th to write 500-word essays about their determination to succeed in winemaking. Online applications need a transcript, SAT/ACT score, and recommendation too.

21. Rosa Parks Scholarships

• Be graduating from a public or private Michigan high school
• Gain acceptance at a U.S. college for full-time studies this August
• Present a GPA above 2.50 and satisfactory SAT/ACT results

Opened by Detroit Public Schools in 1980, the Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation has provided more than $2 million to nearly 1,200 essay scholarship winners. College-bound seniors across the “Wolverine State” can apply until March 1st. Entrants must write 200-300 words about a current social injustice they’re working to resolve as Rosa Parks would. Completed applications will also have an official transcript and two recommendations.

22. Samuel Robinson Awards

• Be active members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Start the junior or senior year at a Presbyterian college
• Memorize and recite the Westminster Shorter Catechism

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) bestows several Samuel Robinson Awards for $2,000 to $7,500 apiece to faithful congregants who excel in Biblical study. Only upperclassmen at Presbyterian institutions, such as Agnes Scott College, Rhodes College, and Whitworth University, can apply. Three deadlines of June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st are listed. Entries must include a 2,000-word theological essay to be reviewed by committee chaplains.

23. Selby Foundation Scholarships

• Be residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County
• Pursue an accredited bachelor’s full-time with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Have an expected family contribution amount under $12,000

Endowed for $73.1 million, the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation in Sarasota awards great essay scholarships to nearby Florida residents based on merit and need. Recipients who maintain “B” averages or better with 12+ credits per semester qualify for up to $7,000 annually. First-time Selby Scholars must apply between January 1st and April 25th to score the semi-finalist interview. Thoughtful, well-written essays about students’ personal values and goals are also read.

24. Native American Community Scholar Awards

• Be Native American members of federally-recognized tribes
• Pursue a research project pertaining to tribal communities
• Attend an accredited U.S. undergrad or graduate school

The Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Fellowships & Internships offers the Native American Community Scholars Awards to indigenous students undertaking field research projects. Recipients earn $175 daily for a maximum of 21 days and up to $3,675 in total. Unlike most essay scholarships, this program requires a two-page research proposal. Students must also submit a resume or curriculum vitae with two references by February 1st and October 1st deadlines.

25. Maxwell Foundation Scholarships

• Be graduating high school seniors in Western Washington
• Enroll as full-time freshman at private, four-year U.S. colleges
• Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 26

Named for the late Blyth & Co. manager in 1968, the Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation provides renewable $5,000 scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors for $20,000 total. It’s reserved for “Evergreen State” residents in the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound areas. Entrants must file before May 15th with a 500-word autobiographical essay. Don’t forget to attach academic transcripts, test results, recommendations, and the financial aid worksheet.

26. Florence Madden Grady-Fasick Scholarships

• Attend an accredited, two- or four-year Pennsylvania college
• Have completed at least one semester of a nursing degree
• Show academic and vocational promise with a 3.0 or better GPA

The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP) bestows five $2,000 Florence Madden Grady-Fasick Scholarships annually to support the Keystone State’s future nurses. Currently enrolled students in diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs can apply. Before March 30th, entrants must send signed applications with a transcript and two references. Answering two of four questions with typed, one-page essay responses is also mandatory.

27. Mike Molino College Scholarships

• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior at a four-year U.S. college
• Achieve a minimum 2.8 GPA, 1050 SAT, and 22 ACT mark
• Have current connections or future aspirations in the RV industry

Headquartered in Fairfax, the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) awards the Mike Molino College Scholarships for $2,500 each Summer to empower the next generation. Students who aspire for full-time employment in the RV industry should file before July 7th. Applications are incomplete without a recent transcript, resume, FAFSA form, and digital photo. These essay scholarships require up to 500 words about candidates’ career objectives too.

28. Pinnacol Foundation Scholarships

• Be the dependent child of a worker injured or killed on the job
• Finish a high school diploma or GED for college preparation
• Maintain a cumulative GPA over 2.0 and have financial need

From November 1st to February 15th, the Pinnacol Foundation accepts applicants for college scholarships that average $4,700 apiece. Funding goes to the biological and adopted children of Colorado-based employees who were injured or killed while working. Entrants between 16 and 25 years old must write personal essays about the impact of their parent’s injury or death. Unofficial transcripts, FAFSA aid reports, and workers’ compensation documents are requested.

29. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships

• Abide by a vegetarian or vegan diet/lifestyle
• Be graduating from a U.S. high school or home school
• Promote vegetarianism in the community

The Vegetarian Resource Group is a Seattle-based nonprofit that provides one $10,000 and two $5,000 scholarships each Spring to healthy eating advocates. College-bound seniors who abstain from meat, fish, poultry, and other animal products are welcome to apply. Entry forms are due February 20th with a recent report card and 3+ recommendation letters. The VRG also lists 16 guiding questions for applicants to create a personal essay about vegetarianism.

See also: 30 Great Schools Promoting Healthy Living on Campus

30. Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship

• Attend a public, private, or parochial U.S. high school
• Pursue a university or technical degree after 12th grade
• Get sponsored by the local VFW post

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) allocates $1.9 million to run the Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship contest for students in grades 9-12. High schoolers compete with nearly 52,000 other applicants for essay scholarships of $1,000 to $30,000. Students must apply by October 31st by writing an original essay about the country our Founding Fathers envisioned. Entrants record themselves reading the up to five-minute essay on a CD.

Applying for essay scholarships isn’t a quick endeavor that anyone can finish in 20 minutes. Take time to write, proofread, and edit scholarship essays. Winning scholarship essays are completely free of typos and syntax mistakes. Use software like Grammarly to double-check essay submissions. Ensure the essay focuses on the required topic with honesty and clarity. Dare to be different and share unique perspectives. Impress judges with real-life examples and cited sources. These tips will help earn the best essay scholarships and free tuition money.

See many more valuable scholarships here .

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45 Superb Scholarships for Graduate School Every Student Needs to Know About

Graduate Student Scholarships and Grants

Advanced degree programs are demanding enough on their own without added financial stress.

Which is why:

The sooner you figure out how to pay for graduate school , the better. Funding your postgraduate degree with scholarship money is one route you can take. The beauty of scholarships and grants is that you don’t have to pay back a single dollar.

Not to mention, there are plenty of opportunities that would help you go to grad school for free. The main hurdle is finding the time to sort through them all.In this post, you’ll find a list of current scholarships for graduate school.

Some only accept applications from graduate students and others are open to students at all levels. Just know that you can use any of the awards to pay for grad school.

Skip to Section

• January – March Deadlines
• April – June Deadlines
• July – September Deadlines
• October – December Deadlines

Graduate School Scholarships 2023

Ncaa postgraduate scholarship – fall.

Eligibility: Must be in final season of NCAA athletics eligibility or must have completed athletic eligibility and have performed with distinction as a varsity team member in the sport in which the student-athlete is being nominated. Must also be in final year of undergraduate academic work or received an undergraduate degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. Must be enrolled in a graduate degree granting program within one-year after the academic year the scholarship was awarded.

Submit: Online application, official transcripts, and 4 letters of recommendation.

⟶ Go Here to Apply

Dr. Meme Heineman Scholarship

Eligibility: Any high school senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student who is majoring in or planning to major in Psychology or Applied Behavior Analysis is encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

Submit: 400 – 1000 word essay.

Boren Fellowships for Graduate Students

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens; a high school graduate, or have earned a GED; at least 18 years old; planning an overseas program in a country of which they are not a citizen and outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Boren Fellowships applicants may be matriculated in or applying to a graduate degree program located within the United States.

Eligible graduate degree programs include master’s (MA, MS, MBA, LLM and others), juris doctor (JD), or doctoral (PhD, MD and others) programs. Boren Fellows must have a serious language component in their overseas study proposals. The Boren Awards give preference to applicants who will be in the fields of study listed here.

Submit: Online application.

Supermom Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate single mothers and those who have been directly impacted by one, on their path to obtaining a college degree.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on your experience as a single mother and/or as the child of a single mother.

Niche Graduate School Survey Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to current graduate students and alumni who have graduated within the last 4 years.

ANS Graduate Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students in a program leading to an advanced degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, or a nuclear-related field .

Submit: Online application, 500 words or less personal statement, 2 references, and current transcripts.

Society of Women Engineers Upperclassmen Scholarships

Eligibility: The SWE’s Scholarship Program is open to both SWE members and non-members; however, some of the scholarships do require SWE membership. Upperclassmen scholarships are open to sophomore undergraduates through PhD students who identify as a woman , have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and are planning to attend full-time (exceptions are made for reentry and non-traditional applicants).

Undergraduate/community college applicants must be planning to study an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing. Masters and PhD candidates must be enrolled or accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology.

Submit: Online application, unofficial transcripts, resume, and 2 references.

Related: The Top 38 Graduate School Scholarships for Women

Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a second or third-year Black law student who is serious about their studies in civil rights law and becoming a lawyer.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on how you’ll use your law degree to help disadvantaged Black people in the courtroom.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Eligibility: Candidates must be US Citizens, US National residents of American Samoa, or expecting their citizenship by the date of the award; currently enrolled; in their junior year of school (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year of school (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer); and planning to attend grad school in pursuit of a career in public service. Applicants can be pursuing any major likely to lead to a public service career and interesting in any graduate degree other than the MBA.

Submit: Online application, 3 letters of reference, and academic transcripts.

Elvira Alonso Soto Hispanic Women in Architecture Scholarship

Eligibility: Any female Hispanic student who is a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate studying architecture may apply for this scholarship.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on what being a Latina in architecture means to you and how you plan to make a difference through your career.

Side Hustlin’ Student Scholarship Opportunity

Eligibility: Applicants must either be enrolled or actively applying for enrollment to an undergraduate or graduate program. Students at technical, community, and four-year colleges are welcome to apply.

Submit: 1,000+ word essay about how you are earning extra income on the side while going to school.

Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to racially/ethnically diverse students enrolled in a healthcare management graduate program – MHA, MPH, MBA in Healthcare Administration or similar. Must be in your final year of full-time study and expect to graduate between Sept. 1, 2023, and Aug. 31, 2024. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Canadian citizen.

Submit: Online application, current resume or curriculum vitae, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and essay including information about your reason for pursuing a career in healthcare management, history in the field, financial need, and community engagement.

Foster G. McGaw Scholarship for Grad Students

Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in a healthcare management graduate program – MHA, MPH, MBA in Healthcare Administration or similar. Must be in your final year of full-time study and expect to graduate between Sept. 1, 2023, and Aug. 31, 2024. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Canadian citizen.

AMT Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to American Medical Technologist members attending undergraduate/graduate programs and to high school graduates pursuing medical technology, medical assisting, dental assisting or phlebotomy studies.

Submit: Online application, 2 letters of reference, and a 500+ word essay describing why you have chosen your career path.

Financial Women of San Francisco Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate-level San Francisco Bay Area women pursuing careers in the fields of accounting, finance and/or the financial services industry.

Submit: Current transcripts and 2 letters of recommendation.

PAC: Diversity Matters Scholarship

Eligibility: BIPOC undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply if they are pursuing a career as a physician assistant.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on an aspect of your identity and how it will influence your interactions in the healthcare setting and your goals as a future PA.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship – Winter

Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to graduate students. Must be currently enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in North America; have strong academic qualifications; and have academic and/or career goals focused on making a significant positive difference in the long-term protection of wilderness in the United States.

Submit: A two-page cover letter, a 3-5 page proposal including the description of the proposed work, a current resume or curriculum vitae, 2 letters of recommendation, and your most recent transcripts.

Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or a well-defined computer related field of engineering who are active IEEE members of a student branch of chapter are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be enrolled in full-time study.

Submit: Online application, most recent transcripts, and one or more letters of recommendation.

EFWA Graduate Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to female US citizens attending accredited US schools pursuing an accounting degree who demonstrate financial need.

ScholarSHPE Graduate Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be Hispanic ; an active SHPE Member ; a full-time graduate student; pursuing a STEM degree; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and are currently attending a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico.

Submit: Online application – common application.

ScholarSHPE PhD Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be Hispanic ; an active SHPE Member ; a full-time PhD student; pursuing a STEM degree; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and are currently attending a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico.

ScholarSHPE Helen Cuesta Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be Hispanic ; female ; an active SHPE Member ; a full-time graduate student; pursuing a STEM degree; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and are currently attending a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico. This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who has demonstrated the ability to overcome life’s obstacles and who doesn’t give up.

ScholarSHPE PRIDE Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be Hispanic ; be part of the LGBTQ community; an active SHPE Member ; a full-time Graduate student; pursuing a STEM degree; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and are currently attending a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico.

Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduate students; have a GPA of 3.0 or higher; be pursuing a degree in the social sciences (economics preferred); be a US citizen, resident, or foreign national; and demonstrate financial need. Preference for Asian heritage, though not required.

Submit: Online application, most recent transcripts, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to African American and Hispanic/Latino first-generation students who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree studies or have already graduated. Must have student loan debt.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay about yourself, your educational pursuits, career/life aspirations, community involvement, and major accomplishments.

The CIRI Foundation General Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicant must be a CIRI original enrollee or direct lineal descendant ; have a high school diploma or GED; enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university; and have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Submit: Completed online application, letter of reference, proof of acceptance at your college, official transcripts, proof of eligibility for Lineal Descendants, Statement of purpose, and current or upcoming class schedule.

Cap Lanthrop Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicant must be an Alaska Native original enrollee of a regional or village corporation or a direct lineal descendant of an original enrollee. Must also be enrolled or accepted at a college or university as a full-time student; be a declared major in a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree program with a major in broadcast, telecommunications, business, engineering, journalism, and other media-related fields ; and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must intend to work in Alaska in the broadcast/telecommunications industry.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship – Spring

Eligibility: Must be in final season of NCAA athletics eligibility or must have completed athletic eligibility and have performed with distinction as a varsity team member in the sport in which the student-athlete is being nominated. Must also be in the final year of undergraduate academic work or received an undergraduate degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. Must be enrolled in a graduate degree granting program within one-year after the academic year the scholarship was awarded.

Stop-Painting Scholarship

Eligibility: Any graduate student, graduate certificate or executive education student currently enrolled at an accredited college, university, or related technical program may apply.

Submit: Online application and an essay of at least 750 words.

Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, national, or eligible non-citizens, and must be registered with Selective service if required; Louisiana residents for at least 1 year prior to July 1st of the award year; enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a Louisiana Public College or University majoring in forestry, wildlife, or marine science. Graduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Submit: FAFSA and completed application form.

Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence

Eligibility: Any first-generation, BIPOC undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in theater or music may apply for this scholarship.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on why having a career in the arts is important to you.

@ESPDaniella Debt Grant

Eligibility: Any current undergraduate senior, graduate school student, college graduate, or previous student who dropped out of college and has student loan debt may apply for this scholarship.

Submit: Quick online application. (If selected as a finalist, students must show proof of student loan debt.)

“$$$ Isn’t Everything” Scholarship

Eligibility: All students at any education level are eligible to apply.

Submit: Quick online application.

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Eligibility: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or grad school student of any level. Must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Submit: Online application and short personal statement.

Dr. Ifeoma Ezebuiro Ezeobele Africans in Nursing Scholarship

Eligibility: Any Black undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing nursing may apply for this scholarship.

Submit: 400 – 600 word essay on why you chose to pursue nursing and why it’s important to you.

Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicant must be employed as a Chick-fil-A Team Member at the time of application and award; have minimum GPA of 2.5; and will enroll in undergraduate or graduate study for the upcoming academic year.

Submit: Online application, transcript, and Operator recommendation.

Chick-fil-A True Inspiration™ Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicant must be employed as a Chick-fil-A Team Member at the time of application and award; have minimum GPA of 3.0; demonstrate financial need; and will enroll in undergraduate or graduate study for the upcoming academic year.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society Award

Eligibility: Open to graduate and undergraduate students who are IEEE Computer Society members and full-time students at an academic institution.

Submit: Online application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Lance Stafford Larson Student Award

Eligibility: Open to all IEEE student members. There will be one award for undergraduates and a second for graduate students.

Submit: Online application, and a paper of 20 pages or less concerning computer-related subjects that have been presented at a computer-related conference or publication.

Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to all students and non-students in any stage of life or field of study, the only requirement is that you are moving forward toward something new.

Submit: Easy online application.

ACES Scholarships

Eligibility: Applicants must be seeking degrees as enrolled college or university juniors, seniors, or graduate students during the fall term, and demonstrate an interest in editing as a career.

Car Covers Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to any student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 at any accredited American college, university or trade school.

Submit: Online application and an essay of 1,000+ words.

AWWA Scholarships

Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at colleges or universities in the U.S., Canada, Guam, Mexico or Puerto Rico. Scholarships are offered for undergraduate and graduate studies in water research, engineering, finance, IT, legal, communications and policy. Multiple awards available, different requirements for each scholarship.

Submit: Online application and 3 letters of recommendation,

Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are pursuing or intend to pursue a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology —this can include, but is not limited to, ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, and resource management disciplines. Must maintain full-time status and have a 3.3 GPA or higher.

Submit: Online application, statement of intent, letters of recommendation, and statement of financial need.

Unigo $10k Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a legal U.S. resident living in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Open to applicants who are 14 years of age or older.

Submit: 250 word or less statement.

Niche Graduate School Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to current graduate school students, college students, and adults planning to enroll in graduate school.

Grad School Scholarships Recap

Final thoughts on scholarships for grad school

So that concludes this post on scholarships for graduate school.

Do you know of any other graduate student scholarships? Drop a comment below and I’ll add to this list of scholarships for grad school!

Related grants for graduate students:

• No Essay Scholarships: 100+ Easy Applications
• 38 Wonderful Graduate School Scholarships for Women

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Scholarships for Graduate School

Get to know Charlie: college insider, seasoned blogger, and your go-to guide for navigating the ups and downs of campus life. Charlie is a 2015 graduate, author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College , and co-founder of College Life Made Easy , a student lifestyle site dedicated to helping young adults make the college experience less stressful and more successful. You can learn more about her on the About Page. She regularly writes about college tips, organization strategies, scholarships, dorm room ideas, and small DIY craft projects like Halloween costumes and care packages. She has been quoted in major publications, including Redfin , College Ave Student Loans , and more.

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Graduate School Scholarships

• Those with a Master’s degree earn a median salary of $81,848, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Bachelor degree holders earn a median salary of $69,368, about 15% less than Master degree holders.
• Many scholarships and grants are awarded exclusively to Graduate School students.

In an era in which many employers require that you have a graduate degree to get hired or promoted, going back to school can be a necessity for advancing your career. Paying for that degree can get expensive. According to Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a graduate degree is $62,650 , and some programs can cost more than $100,000 in total. And if you already have student loans from your undergraduate degree, then getting into more debt seems impractical.

Even though the majority of scholarships are available to undergraduate students, graduate students have plenty of scholarship opportunities - if they know where to look. In this article you will learn where to find graduate school scholarships, how they work and how to apply.

What is a graduate school scholarship?

Graduate school scholarships are given to students who have completed their bachelor's degree and are looking for funding for graduate or professional school.

If you want to avoid graduating with tens of thousands in student loans, then applying for graduate school scholarships should be a primary strategy.

You can start by contacting your prospective school's financial aid department and asking them how to apply for grants, scholarships, and fellowships. You may be automatically considered for scholarships when you complete the initial application, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

Many graduate students can work as teaching assistants or research assistants to help cover their tuition. This work often entails grading papers, teaching intro-level courses, developing quizzes or exams, and more. However, this work can be time-consuming and make it harder for students to focus on their studies.

That’s why applying for graduate school scholarships is a better idea. You can use the funds for almost any education-related expense, and you don’t have to trade your valuable time for money.

How to apply for a graduate school scholarship

Graduate school scholarships are less common than awards for undergraduate students, so you need to be more strategic when looking for scholarship opportunities. Start the scholarship application process early, as soon as you decide you're going to apply to graduate school.

Scholarships.com helps you find graduate school scholarships you are eligible for. After you receive your personalized list of scholarship matches, you can mark your favorite scholarships and begin applying . Remember to set goals. For example, apply to 2 scholarships per week for 8 weeks. It’s never too late to apply for scholarships, so even those in their last year of grad school can still find awards.

If you're still working while you’re in school, you may be able to get a scholarship or tuition assistance from your employer. For example, Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration Scholarship awards $25,000 to current team members who will be attending undergraduate or graduate school and who have demonstrated financial need. You must have worked there for at least 12 months and be an employee in good standing.

Some scholarships are open to all graduate students, whereas others are designed for those in a specific major or career path. Some scholarships may be available for both undergraduate and graduate students, while others may only be given to graduate students.

For example, the Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship is only given to graduate students interested in protecting the wilderness. There will be two awards given, each worth $25,000. Applicants must be attending an accredited graduate program in the U.S.

Graduate students can still benefit from filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . The FAFSA is the only way to receive federal student loans, which are always better than private student loans.

A helpful tip - graduate school students are eligible for Federal Work-Study benefits to help pay for education expenses. Federal Work-Study is administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program. It provides students with part-time employment while you are enrolled in school. You’ll receive a paycheck that can be used for tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and more.

Remember that many scholarships require that students submit the FAFSA to be eligible. This is another important reason why you should always complete the FAFSA.

Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans. It just means that you are sending your financial information to the schools you apply to, so they can decide what kind of financial aid you’re eligible for.

Below is a list of scholarships to help you pay for Graduate School.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Graduate School Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

Aia central massachusetts scholarship.

• Amount Varies
• Deadline June 28, 2024

AIA Central Massachusetts (AIA CM) is pleased to announce its Annual Scholarship Awards Program. We have partnered with AIA National and Pella Windows and Doors to match at least $1500 in scholarship grants! That means this year we can offer: $500 scholarships to full/part time students in an architectural program at a community college or a technical college and $1000 scholarships to a full-time

WSHA Student Scholarships

• Amount $3,000

The Wisconsin Speech-Language-Hearing Association Foundation currently sponsors several annual scholarship competitions, with awards announced at the Association’s Convention in the spring of each year. In awarding scholarships, WSHA does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Numerous awards are available. For most awards, applicants must be

ACHE Military Educational Benefits

• Amount $11,704

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education, a statewide 12-member lay board appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House and confirmed by the Senate, is the state agency responsible for the overall statewide planning and coordination of higher education in Alabama, the administration of various student aid programs, and the performance of designated regulatory

Kids' Chance of Florida Scholarship

• Amount $10,000

Kids’ Chance of Florida is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization founded in 2015 by professionals who have an affiliation with workers compensation in our state. Any student between ages 16–25 whose parent(s) had an on-the-job death or serious injury associated with a FL Workers’ Compensation or Longshore/Harbor Workers’ Compensation claim, that resulted in a substantial decline in family

SW Neighborhood Assembly’s Education & Scholarship Task Force

• Amount $1,500
• Deadline June 30, 2024

The SW Neighborhood Assembly’s Education & Scholarship Task Force is available to residents residing in the Zip Code 20024 who wish to pursue or continue pursuing course of study at an accredited undergraduate college, university or technical institution. Scholarships are available for multiple years. Applicants are judged on a number of factors including acceptance to college or post-secondary

SCMA Scholarship

• Amount $2,500

The South Carolina Mitigation Association (SCMA) formed in 2013 to promote an active and efficient mitigation marketplace that supports ecological function and economic development within the State. Our mission is achieved through participation by industry professionals, including mitigation bankers, environmental consultants, engineers, and contractors, and in collaboration with regulatory

CIA Graduate Program Scholarship

• Amount $25,000

The Graduate Scholarship Program is a financial needs based initiative that offers graduate students an unmatched experience in a diverse and inclusive environment. Graduate students, serving as scholarship recipients with the CIA, attend an accredited college/university on a full-time basis and work during summer breaks at the Agency. Applicants must be U.S. citizens pursuing a graduate degree

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Midwestern Regional Chapter

• Amount $5,000

Empowering the Educational Journey of Korean Heritage Students The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) Midwestern Regional Chapter is dedicated to supporting the educational aspirations of students with Korean heritage. If you meet the criteria outlined below, you are encouraged to apply for this scholarship opportunity. Eligibility Requirements: Heritage: Must

Korean American Scholarship Foundation - Western Regional Chapter

KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served

Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

• Amount $2,000

The $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school student all the way up to, and including, graduate school students. Scholarship Details $2,000 No Essay Scholarship for tuition and any other college-related expenses No essay requirement. Eligibility High school, college or grad school students. Specific criteria can be found in the official scholarship

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Eastern Regional Chapter

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) offers the Eastern Regional Chapter Scholarship to students with a Korean heritage studying in the United States regardless of citizenship status (including Korean Nationals). Students who will be a full-time student at a school in one of the designated Eastern region states (Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Southwestern Regional Chapter

To be eligible for the Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Southwestern Regional Chapter, applicants must be of Korean ancestry (including foreign students from Korea), demonstrate financial need, have a 3.0 GPA, and be a full time student at a school in one of the designated Southwestern region states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas) during the upcoming school

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Southern Regional Chapter

To be eligible for the Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Southern Regional Chapter, applicants must be of Korean ancestry (or a foreign student from Korea), demonstrate financial need, have a 3.0 GPA, and be a full time student at a school in one of the designated Southern region states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee) during the upcoming school

Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Students with a Korean heritage studying in the United States regardless of citizenship status (including Korean Nationals). If extra funds are available, other students (non-Korean) may qualify for some scholarships. Undergraduate, graduate and high school students enrolled full time during the scholarship application year. KASF is organized into seven regions and the scholarship application

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Northeastern Regional Chapter

To be eligible for the Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Northeastern Regional Chapter, applicants must be of Korean ancestry (or a student from Korea), demonstrate financial need, have a 3.0 GPA, and be a full time student at a school in one of the designated Northeastern region states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) during

Golden State Nursing Foundation BSN Scholarship

• Amount $500

Scholarships are awarded to nursing students with California residency who demonstrate the strong desire to promote the nursing profession through excellence in their studies, devotion to patient care and advancement of the nursing profession. There are three categories, two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded in each category: Bachelor Degree in Nursing; Master’s Entry Program Nursing

Women in Public Finance Scholarship

In keeping with its tradition of supporting young women in their aspirations of achieving successful careers in the finance industry, Women in Public Finance (National) offers annual scholarships. The scholarships are in addition to scholarships offered by certain state and local chapters of Women in Public Finance including Boston, Chicago, Florida, Indiana, Los Angeles, Texas, and

Epilepsy Reach Education Scholarship Program

• Amount $1,000

The Epilepsy Reach Education Scholarship is awarded to three students who suffer from epilepsy and/or a seizure disorder to help with related expenses for trade school, college, or graduate programs. To be eligible, you must be a legal resident of the United States; Reside in an under-served community in applicable US states; Be/have been diagnosed with epilepsy by a certified physician or must

Momeni Foundation Scholarship

Momeni Foundation is dedicated to providing scholarships to graduating high-school students and full time college students of Iranian descent anywhere in the world. The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship is available to students that are graduating from high school and are citizens or permanent residents of United States. The Financial Assistance Scholarship is available to all graduating high

HSVMA Compassionate Care Veterinary Student Scholarship

The HSVMA Compassionate Care Veterinary Student Scholarship will be awarded to students who are currently in their first, second and third years at an AVMA-accredited veterinary school in the US, Canada, the Caribbean or the UK. The scholarships will be awarded to veterinary students who (1) demonstrate an interest in animal welfare, animal rights, or animal protection issues and (2) represent a

$25,000 Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship

This is your chance to win the $25,000 "Be Bold" Scholarship, a no-essay scholarship designed for individuals with bold profiles. Designed for students like you, who are pushing yourselves to succeed and educate yourselves, this scholarship celebrates determination and ambition. By joining the platform, you can spotlight your goals, accomplishments, and drive directly to scholarship panels

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Sallie Mae is offering a straightforward monthly scholarship opportunity, awarding $2,000 to eligible entrants. No essays or account sign-ups are required—just a simple scholarship for individuals seeking financial assistance for their education. Scholarship Details Monthly award of $2,000. No essay or account sign-ups needed. Eligibility Criteria Open to individuals seeking financial

College of the Marshall Islands MISGLB

The Marshall Islands Scholarship, Grant and Loan Board (MISGLB) is dedicated to help Marshallese citizens fulfil their education goals, aspirations and commitments to their country (RMI) to help develop and improve all aspects toward becoming a self-sustaining and equipped nation. MISGLB is offered to students attending the College of the Marshall Islands, and it is offered to all grade levels.

L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of The Future Contest

L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. Scholarship Details A historic and influential contest in the fields of science fiction and fantasy art. Open to new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide.

Power Life Sciences Scholarship

This scholarship is our way to support talented university and college students who are passionate about biomedical and biopharmaceutical innovation. Clinical trials surface a ton of data every year–but aspiring innovators and clinicians need to learn how to contextualize, interpret, and dig deeper into that information in order to make sound decisions. Clinical Trial Data Notes is our

Frequently asked questions about graduate school scholarships

Graduate school scholarships can be similar to other types of scholarships. Here are the most common questions you might have about these awards:

Can professional students also apply for graduate school scholarships?

Professional school is typically defined as post-graduate studies for professional training, including medical school and law school. This is slightly different from graduate school.

There are many types of scholarships for professional school students. For example, the Earl Warren Scholarship is given to a current law school student interested in civil rights. This $15,000 annual award can be renewed for three years, for a $45,000 total. Only U.S. citizens attending an accredited law school are eligible to apply. Only those in their first or second year of law school may qualify.

Those studying medicine can also qualify for scholarships. For example, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program is awarded to students pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, including those in medical school. You may receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, as well as funds for tuition, expenses and more.

You must be planning to work as one of the following:

• Nurse practitioner
• Nurse midwife
• Physician assistant

Scholarship winners have to work in an underserved area for a few years after graduation. These areas are known as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), and they may be in rural or urban settings.

Can Ph.D. students also apply for graduate school scholarships?

Some graduate school scholarships are available to anyone pursuing a degree other than a Bachelor's or associate's degree. This includes graduate and professional degrees, as well as a Ph.D.

If you're currently getting your Ph.D., there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available. For example, the Ford Foundation Fellowship program is open to predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral students. Students who are still in graduate school, who are working on their Ph.D. and who are doing postdoctoral research, can apply.

Is a fellowship the same thing as a graduate school scholarship?

A fellowship is a special kind of merit scholarship that often covers all tuition expenses. Fellowships are usually granted by the school itself, not a third-party provider. They often have competitive applications and a limited number of spots. There is usually no work component to a fellowship, unlike a teaching or research assistantship.

Fellowships are similar to graduate school scholarships in that students can use the funds for the same kinds of expenses.

Can I get a graduate school scholarship if I attend part-time?

Many graduate students attend school part-time so they can keep working and take out fewer loans for living expenses. Some graduate school scholarships require full-time attendance to qualify, but many will still accept part-time students.

If you can’t find enough scholarship funding as a part-time student, you can still qualify for federal student loans. Just make sure you don’t drop below part-time status or you will no longer be eligible for federal financial aid, like federal student loans.

Are DACA students eligible for graduate scholarships?

If you are an undocumented student but have DACA status, you may still find scholarships that you're eligible for.

Also, there are still several states that provide local students with in-state tuition. Attending an in-state school is often less expensive than going out-of-state, especially if your state still provides grants to graduate students. And some states will offer grants to graduate students, though there may be fewer opportunities than for undergraduate students.

Are graduate programs more likely to have funding?

Some Master's programs may be fully funded, meaning students will have fewer expenses to worry about. However, this often depends on the specific program.

For example, if you're getting a Master’s in English, you will likely have trouble finding a degree that is completely funded. But if you're getting a STEM graduate degree, you’ll probably have better luck.

Some schools also provide more funding to students. Before you start applying to graduate school, do your research to see which schools provide more generous funding.

Can international students win graduate school scholarships?

Many graduate schools recruit international students by providing an in-state tuition waiver, which essentially gives students the lower in-state tuition rate instead of the higher out-of-state tuition rate.

In many cases, graduate students may qualify for financial aid if they have demonstrated financial need. They may have to submit an application that shows their family’s income and assets to prove their financial status.

For example, the University of California-Berkeley provides international students with two types of grants, including one special grant for students who are also parents. The grants do not cover the full cost of tuition or living expenses.

What are some other ways to pay for graduate school?

If you're currently employed and plan to keep working while you’re in school, you may be able to receive tuition reimbursement through your employer. Tuition reimbursement is when you take classes and your employer then pays for part or all of the tuition costs.

While this option isn’t available for everyone, it is one way to save on graduate school tuition. One of the cons is that you have to wait for your employer to pay you back. This means you’ll have to pay for the classes yourself, wait for the semester to end, and then be reimbursed.

Most employers also require that you receive a certain grade to qualify for reimbursement. If you don’t get the grades, you won’t get the money. The exact qualifying grade will depend on the employer, but is often a B or higher.

Also, working full-time while going back to school can be challenging. If you struggle academically or professionally, then it may be difficult to do both just to receive employer tuition reimbursement.

Another downside is that your employer may not offer tuition reimbursement unless your degree program is relevant to your current job. For example, if you’re a graphic designer getting a master’s in psychology, you may not be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Not all employers have this rule, but it’s a common requirement.

Also, some employers may require that you work at the company for a certain period of time after your tuition has been paid for. If you leave before that timeframe, you may have to repay part or all of the reimbursed costs.

Are graduate students eligible for state and federal grants?

When you're a college student, state and federal grants are some of the best types of financial aid you can get. Like scholarships, they don’t have to be paid back after graduation, but they often have fewer application requirements.

However, state and federal grants are often limited to undergraduate students. For example, you can only get a Pell Grant as an undergraduate student.

However, state grants may be different, depending on where you live. To see what your state offers, visit their specific bureau or department of education website. You should be able to search through grants to see what the criteria are.

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Top Scholarships for Graduate Students

Find a list of current scholarships for grad students. discover the other methods students use to pay for graduate school and learn the difference between assistantships and fellowships..

Shawna Newman

May 22, 2024

What is a graduate assistantship?

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This scholarship list for LGBTQ+ students totals more than $30,000 in scholarship opportunities.

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Scholarships for Graduate School (2024)

Introduction to Scholarships for Graduate School

Throughout my time running Access Scholarships, I have spoken to students of all kinds about scholarships that fall into all sorts of categories. One of those categories is scholarships for graduate school students.

Depending on your area of study and intended career path, graduate school can range from being an absolute necessity to simply being a helpful addition to an already earned undergraduate degree.

Regardless of where graduate school stands for you on this spectrum, it's important to know that scholarships for graduate school are out there to help you fund your journey.

While graduate scholarships tend to be  slightly  less common than college scholarships (for undergraduate students), that doesn't mean there aren't some great opportunities out there for you to apply for! Further down in this post, we'll highlight some great scholarships for graduate school students. Keep reading for the good stuff!

Types of Graduate Degrees

There are many different types of graduate degrees out there. I recently published this blog post which outlines most, if not all, of the various types of undergraduate and graduate degrees that are out there.

One important callout I want to make is that some graduate scholarships will specify if they are open to all graduate students or only masters students, whereas others will not. If you're a doctoral student and you are not sure if a scholarship is open to you, I highly recommend reaching out to the provider directly to clarify if you're eligible before starting your application.

Now, back to the topic at hand!

Without further ado (as I always say in these posts), keep reading for our short yet diverse list of great scholarships for graduate school students.

Scholarships for Graduate School

Too cool to pay for school scholarship.

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Applicable areas of study: Open to all graduate students, no minimum GPA and no essay required!

Scholarship Points $2,500 Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Monthly

Applicable areas of study: Open to all. No essay required!

Smart Owl $50,000 No-Essay Scholarships

Amount: $4,000

Applicable areas of study: Open to all graduate school students.

Niche $2,000 Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline:  Monthly

Davis Wright Tremaine 1L Diversity Scholarship Program

Amount: $15,000

Deadline: January 4

Applicable Areas of Study: Law

Sack the Stigma Scholarship

Deadline: December 31

Applicable areas of study: Open to all graduate students, no minimum GPA required!

International Teacher Education Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: January 15

Applicable Areas of Study: Education / teaching

NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors (Master’s)

Deadline: January 16

Applicable Areas of Study: Behavioral Health

Sierra Nevada Corporation Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $7,500

Deadline: January 18

Applicable Areas of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

Dale J. Benos Early Career Professional Service Award

Deadline: January 24

Applicable Areas of Study: Physiology or related fields

CAORC NEH Senior Research Fellowship

Amount: up to $5,000 per month on the fellowship

Deadline: January 25

Applicable Areas of Study: Humanities

Graduate Research Fellowship

Amount: up to $16,000

Deadline: January 31

Applicable Areas of Study: Aerospace, Aerospace Technology, or related fields

HP “Bud” Milligan Aviation Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Applicable Areas of Study: Aerospace, Aviation Training, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, Air Traffic Control, A&P certification, Commercial Airline Pilot, or any STEM field

Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program

Amount: $6,000

Applicable Areas of Study: STEM majors/areas of study with aerospace relevance

Irene Woodall Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: February 1

Applicable Areas of Study: Dental hygiene or related field

Chester L. Long Graduate Scholarship

Amount: up to $20,000

Applicable Areas of Study: Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering

Banks Brown Graduate Scholarship

Amount: up to $5,000

Deadline:  mid-February 

Applicable Areas of Study: Hospitality

LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: February 15

Applicable Areas of Study: All majors, but an emphasis on STEM

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

Amount: Varies, $1,000 - $17,000

Applicable Areas of Study: Engineering 

Health Career Scholarship

Deadline: March 1

Applicable Areas of Study: Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Medical Technology, Nursing

AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

Applicable Areas of Study: Accounting

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

Applicable Areas of Study: Must have an interest (career or hobby) in the automotive field

Structural Engineering Fellowship

Deadline: March 15

Applicable Areas of Study: Civil, Architectural, or Structural Engineering

Vercille Voss Graduate Student Scholarship

Deadline: March 31

Applicable Areas of Study: Interior design

The Madeline Kountze Dugger-Kelly Scholarship

Applicable Areas of Study: Anything, as long as you played a sport during your undergraduate years! Open only to black female-identifying students.

Learn.org Masters Degree Scholarship in Psychology and Counseling

Amount: $500

Deadline: April 1

Applicable Areas of Study: Psychology, Counseling

Margaret Pemberton Scholarship

Amount:  $3,000

Deadline:  April 15

Applicable Areas of Study : Nursing, Healthcare

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship Program

Amount: up to $10,000

Deadline: April 19

Applicable Areas of Study: Nutrition, Dietetics, related areas

IEEE Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship

Amount: $24,000

Deadline: May 4

Applicable Areas of Study: Engineering

Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: May 14

Applicable Areas of Study: Nursing

The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship

Deadline: September 24

Applicable Areas of Study: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing (including BSN), Public Health/Policy, Physician Assistant

NAPABA Law Foundation Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Deadline: September 7

Applicable Areas of Study: Law 

LSAT Prep Courses Scholarship

Deadline: September 30

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Amount: $90,000

Deadline: October 29

Applicable Majors/Areas of Study:  Any (but you must be either an immigrant to the US for study or the child of two immigrant parents)

AGC Graduate Scholarships

Amount: $3,750

Deadline: November 1

Applicable Areas of Study: Construction or related area

National Black MBA Association Scholarships (multiple)

Amount: varies from $1,000 to full tuition

Deadline: varies for each scholarship

Applicable Areas of Study: Business

Doctoral Student Grant Program

Amount:  up to $5,000

Deadline:  Ongoing

Applicable Areas of Study : Any, but the goal of this program is to increase the number of professors who teach and research in management accounting

Semper Solaris Scholarship

Amount:  up to $3,000

Applicable Areas of Study : Any, but must be able to show interest in alternative energy (through an essay)

The Met Fellowship Programs

Amount: $40,000

Deadline: Varies

Applicable Areas of Study: Museum Conservation

Scholarships for Graduate Students: Conclusion

At the end of the day, I hope that one or more of these scholarships is up your alley! If not, it's no sweat! The best way to find scholarships for graduate school is to head over to our scholarship search. Using this tool, you can get more personalized results based on your area of study, home state, and more.

If you’re still in the process of applying to graduate school and comparing programs, I also recommend checking out each program’s financial aid page. That way, you can see what scholarship opportunities each may offer and also compare costs while you're there.

Finally, if you’re looking to head into law, a medical field, or business, and you need scholarships for graduate school, be sure to check out these resources:

MCAT Prep Hub Medical School Scholarship

MBA Insight Scholarship

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 10 easiest scholarships to apply for.

Financial Aid

Scholarships are awesome resources if you're checking out different ways to pay for college. It's free money after all—what's not to love?

As it turns out, most scholarship programs have application processes that aren't exactly lovable. Students generally have to submit a lot of information about themselves: transcripts, GPAs, test scores, resumes, community service activities, and so on. There might even be a few essays and grade requirements thrown in as well. You don't want to complain—because, again, free money—but these applications sure are tedious when you're working on college apps, high school courses, and financial aid applications all at the same time.

The following easy scholarships have application processes that are a bit more manageable. Some ask you to write short essays, while others don't require any essays at all! The awards might not be as large as some other scholarships out there, but when the application process is so easy, you really don't have much to lose. I'll start off with some words of warning before getting into the good stuff: essay and no-essay scholarships that are so easy to apply for, you might end up applying to all of them!

Caveat: If a Scholarship Seems Too Good to Be True ...

Unfortunately, there aren't too many legitimate "easy" scholarships out there. If a scholarship application sounds too good to be true, be cautious—you don't want to fall victim to a scholarship scam!

Here are some things to look out for:

• A scholarship application that asks for personal information that isn't relevant to the award: Many top scholarship programs ask for personal information (transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and even financial information for need-based scholarships); however, this info is all relevant to candidate evaluation. If you're ever uncomfortable providing personal info for a scholarship program, dig deeper. Can you verify that the program is legitimate? Does it have its own website, or can you only find info about it through a third party? Try Googling "[award name] scam" to see whether anything suspicious pops up.
• A scholarship that asks you to make payments to enter or win: Scholarship programs are in the business of giving money to students, not taking it. A scholarship program is likely just a scam if the application asks you to make a payment—especially if it asks you to enter credit card information.

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to get to the good stuff: all the best easy essay and non-essay scholarships and how to win them!

Essay Scholarships

The scholarships in this section ask students to submit short essays with their applications. Even though you'll have to write an essay, the rest of the application (and the essay itself) should be easy and manageable for all these awards. In fact, most of these applications shouldn't take more than one to two hours to complete.

Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship

This scholarship program is a bit different from most of the other awards included in this post—it's funded by a private law firm in Colorado. Students compete for a $2,000 award by writing an essay (at least 800 words) about the 7th Amendment and how it affects their lives. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, to be paid toward tuition for the upcoming semester.

• Eligibility: High school seniors who have been accepted to a four-year university and university students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Deadline:  July 30 (to win a scholarship for the fall semester) and November 30 (to win a scholarship for the spring semester)

Courage to Grow Scholarship

This $500 award is given out to one lucky student every month. To compete for the award, applicants must explain in 250 words why they think they deserve the scholarship, intended to support students who found “courage to forge ahead when sometimes it would be easier to give up.” Past recipients’ essays have discussed overcoming obstacles from bullying to breast cancer.

• Eligibility: US high school juniors and seniors and college students with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Deadline: Last day of every month 

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Odenza Marketing Group gives away two $500 scholarships each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. To compete for this award, applicants must like the Odenza Facebook page and write two short essays of about 500 words each. Each scholarship must have a clear thesis statement, offer supporting evidence in paragraph format, and be grammatically correct. In other words, these essays should follow the argumentative essay format you've learned in English class.

• Eligibility: Current high school students (US or Canadian citizens) aged 16-25 or students who have at least one year of college remaining. Applicants must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Deadline March 30 for spring, November 15 for fall

Some of these applications won't take you longer than a few minutes.

No-Essay Scholarships

When it comes to easy applications, you can't get much easier than the following scholarship programs. You'll still have to submit some information about yourself (and, in some instances, complete some brief activities or tasks), but you won't have to write any essays to qualify.

AFSA High School Scholarship

For this scholarship, all you need to do is complete an entry form and answer an eight-question quiz. Five $1 ,000 awards are given out each year. Winners are randomly selected by a computer-generated drawing. Your odds of winning are based on the total number of entries received. Essentially, it’s a scholarship raffle, and you get one ticket per “draw.”

• Eligibility: Current high school seniors (US citizens or legal residents)
• Deadline: June 30, 2023

Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

This scholarship has one of the easiest applications out there: just fill out a few questions, and you're done! A $1,000 scholarship is awarded every three months. Winners are selected randomly.

• Eligibility: Current high school, college, and graduate students studying in the US
• Deadline: The last day of every March, June, September, and December

The Annual Haiku Society of America Haiku Award in honor of Harold G. Henderson

This scholarship program gives out three prizes of $200, $150, and $100 , but the application process is fun and easy. Students qualify by simply writing and submitting up to five original haikus. If you win, your haiku also gets published in an anthology and on the HSA website! Note: There is a small fee to apply, but the site is indeed reputable.

• Eligibility: All students in grades 7-12
• Deadline: Open June 1 - July 31

"No Essay" College Scholarship

This $2,000 award is given out monthly. To apply for this scholarship, submit an application that includes basic identifying information, your GPA, and your SAT/ACT scores. Winners are randomly selected, and you can submit a new application every month.

• Eligibility: High school students, adults heading back to school, current college students, and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school within the next year

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Do you have a creative side and an eye for fashion? Students can compete for the grand prize of $10,000 (one each for the dress and tux categories) by designing and wearing prom outfits made out of duct tape. Check out the website for fun pictures of past winners!

Eight $500 prizes are given to runners-up (four for dresses and four for tuxes).  Applicants can enter as individuals or as part of a couple. Submissions that get the most votes win prizes, so be sure to recruit your friends to vote for you!

• Eligibility: High school students in the US and Canada (excluding certain states and territories—refer to the official rules for details)
• Deadline: The submission window is generally open from March through June, and winners are announced in July. Check the website for exact dates. 

U.S. Bank Student Union Scholarship

Multiple awards are available through this scholarship. To qualify, you'll need to create an account and complete learning modules about financial education. The more modules you complete, the more money you're eligible to earn. 

One first prize winner and one second prize winner are randomly selected during each of two entry periods. Winners can receive up to $20,000 , depending on how many learning modules they complete 

• Eligibility: Current US undergraduate students
• Deadline: Spring and fall of each year. Check website for more details.

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to one student four times a year (March, June, September, and December) .If you want to enter, all you have to do is fill out the form on the Cedar Lending website.

• Eligibility : High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; current college students; anyone else looking to attend college or grad school
• Deadline : March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st. One winner is selected by the 15th of each month. 

3 Tips for Winning Easy Scholarships

Just because a scholarship is easy to apply for, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to win. Since these scholarship applications are so simple to complete, you'll probably have a lot of competition. Here are some strategies to help you submit your best applications possible:

#1: If you have to write an essay, you'll have a better shot at success if your views align with those of the organization awarding the scholarship. To prepare, do some research about the company or charity's mission statement. For instance, don't write an essay about how much you love fossil fuels if the scholarship is offered by an environmental organization! 

#2: Make sure your application is polished. You won't have the opportunity to make more than a first impression (remember, these apps are short and sweet!), so double-check for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

#3: Last but not least, be sure that your application is complete and on time!

What's Next?

These scholarships are excellent options if you want to churn out as many applications as possible. As you might've noticed, though, the award amounts are a bit underwhelming (though keep in mind that several smaller awards can be just as helpful as one big award!). Larger scholarships and grants are often available through colleges directly and applying for financial aid using the FAFSA .

You'll have to spend more time on your applications if you're gunning for a top scholarship, but the payoff can be more than worth it. To learn more about some of the best scholarships out there, check out our guides to the top scholarships for high school juniors and seniors .

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

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How to Write a Scholarship Essay: Complete Guide + Examples

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Common questions about scholarships, the top 10 most common scholarship essay prompts:.

• Tell us about you.
• Why do you want to study/pursue [X]?

Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it.

Why do you deserve this scholarship?

How will this scholarship help you?

In this guide, I’ll share with you a series of step-by-step mini-guides to answering the top 10 most common scholarship essay question prompts. 

How do I know these are the most common scholarship prompts? Because they’re based on a random sample of about 700 scholarship essay prompts analyzed by my friends at the scholarship site Going Merry . 

First, we’ll get into questions like: 

Where do I find scholarships?

What are colleges and organizations looking for in a scholarship essay?

How do I write a creative scholarship essay that stands out?

Can I re-use scholarship essays as college essays (i.e. personal statement or supplemental essays)—and, if so, how?

After that I’ll break down how to write each prompt.

Here are the top 10 most common scholarship essay prompts:

Tell us about you. (Or another very generic bio request)

What impact has sports had on your life? (Or some other athletics-related question)

How have you contributed to your community, or what community service have you provided?

Why do you want to study/pursue [X]? 

How are you unique? 

What are your academic and/or career goals?

Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged.

Let’s do this.

Where do you find Scholarships?

I love both College Greenlight and Going Merry . They both have great search engines. In fact, try them both!

Broadly speaking, colleges want to know what skills/qualities/values/interests you’ve developed that will contribute to a college campus. Organizations (i.e. not colleges) are still curious about the skills/qualities/values/interests you’ve developed, but in many cases they’re looking for you to share about those in the context of a specific question—how sports have helped you develop those values, for example, or how those qualities are relevant to your future career or goals. I’ll get into more detail for each type of essay in a moment.

First, let’s get organized. 

Chances are you’re not applying for just one or two scholarships; you’re applying for a bunch, right? And if you’re not applying for a bunch—or you aren’t yet—go over to College Greenlight or Going Merry to see what you qualify for. Then come back.

Why should you apply for a bunch of scholarships? Because a) MORE FREE MONEY, b) it’s relatively easy, as I’ll explain in a second, d) it can improve the quality of your essays, and d) another reason that I’ll explain at the very end of this post. 

Once you’ve got a big list of scholarship essay prompts, you’ll want to...

Step 1: Create Your Scholarship Essay Tracker (10 min.)

This is basically a big list of all your scholarship essays organized by prompt, due date, word limit, etc. Why do this? Because it’ll save you tons of time and improve your essays.

Click here for a downloadable scholarship tracker you can download and customize.

Once you’ve created your tracker, you might notice something: Some of these prompts look alike. You might also notice that you’ve already written an essay that could work for one or more of these prompts.

So ask yourself:

Could I re-use any essay(s) I’ve already written for college applications?

Could I write an essay that works for multiple prompts?

Wait: I can do that? I can use an essay I’ve already written or write one that works for lots of different scholarships and then just submit the same essay? 

Yes, you totally can. In fact, I’m going to recommend doing so because not only is it going to save you time, but it’ll improve your essays. I call this…

A Super Essay is one that’s written on a topic you know well and that works for several different prompts. As a quick example, notice how you could write one essay that answers all these questions:

Tell us about you (or some other very generic profile/bio request).

How are you unique? (Discuss your background, identity, interest, or talent) [Similar to Common App prompt #1]

Don’t believe one essay could answer all these prompts? 

Check out the essay called “With Debate” at this link. 

The essay tells us about: who the author is (Prompt 1), how she is unique (Prompt 2), how she failed and learned from the experience (Prompt 3), and even her academic and career goals (Prompt 4). 

And get this: if she’d wanted to answer the prompt that asks her to “Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged,” she could simply have added something like “I didn’t believe I’d ever find my voice/be able to speak up for myself… but I learned I was wrong—that I did have a voice”). 

So here’s my first bit of advice: 

Write an essay that works for multiple prompts.

The short version: put all of your prompts in your essay tracker and color code them based on which prompts seem similar. Here’s an example of this that a former student created for his college essays. Next, copy and paste prompts of the same color at the top of a blank page and brainstorm topics that might work for each group of prompts. As you create your outline and begin your draft, keep the different prompts in mind.

Click here for more details on this technique, including a step-by-step guide to writing a Super Essay (with examples).

But wait: that doesn’t really answer how to write each of the prompts above. So let’s take a deep-dive into each one, shall we? 

The "Tell us about you" scholarship essay

This scholarship prompt is wide open. And by that I mean you can pretty much do anything you want with it. Given that, I’d strongly recommend doubling this with another prompt, which is to say that you can answer this question at the same time that you’re writing an essay for another scholarship prompt. 

You’ll also notice that this could easily double with your personal statement, so if you’ve written a great personal statement you really like, you might be able to submit that for this prompt. But if you haven’t written a personal statement, here’s a free guide to writing a great personal statement .  Prefer a YouTube video? Here’s my crash course in writing a personal statement.

Below is a great example essay for the “Tell us about you” prompt. You’ll notice it could’ve also worked for a lot of the other top 10 prompts.

What Had to Be Done

At six years old, I stood locked away in the restroom. I held tightly to a tube of toothpaste because I’d been sent to brush my teeth to distract me from the commotion. Regardless, I knew what was happening: my dad was being put under arrest for domestic abuse. He’d hurt my mom physically and mentally, and my brother Jose and I had shared the mental strain. It’s what had to be done. Living without a father meant money was tight, mom worked two jobs, and my brother and I took care of each other when she worked. For a brief period of time the quality of our lives slowly started to improve as our soon-to-be step-dad became an integral part of our family. He paid attention to the needs of my mom, my brother, and me. But our prosperity was short-lived as my step dad’s chronic alcoholism became more and more recurrent. When I was eight, my younger brother Fernando’s birth complicated things even further. As my step-dad slipped away, my mom continued working, and Fernando’s care was left to Jose and me. I cooked, Jose cleaned, I dressed Fernando, Jose put him to bed. We did what we had to do. As undocumented immigrants and with little to no family around us, we had to rely on each other. Fearing that any disclosure of our status would risk deportation, we kept to ourselves when dealing with any financial and medical issues. I avoided going on certain school trips, and at times I was discouraged to even meet new people. I felt isolated and at times disillusioned; my grades started to slip. Over time, however, I grew determined to improve the quality of life for my family and myself. Without a father figure to teach me the things a father could, I became my own teacher. I learned how to fix a bike, how to swim, and even how to talk to girls. I became resourceful, fixing shoes with strips of duct tape, and I even found a job to help pay bills. I became as independent as I could to lessen the time and money mom had to spend raising me.  I also worked to apply myself constructively in other ways. I worked hard and took my grades from Bs and Cs to consecutive straight A’s. I shattered my school’s 1ooM breaststroke record, and learned how to play the clarinet, saxophone, and the oboe. Plus, I not only became the first student in my school to pass the AP Physics 1 exam, I’m currently pioneering my school’s first AP Physics 2 course ever. These changes inspired me to help others. I became president of the California Scholarship Federation, providing students with information to prepare them for college, while creating opportunities for my peers to play a bigger part in our community. I began tutoring kids, teens, and adults on a variety of subjects ranging from basic English to home improvement and even Calculus. As the captain of the water polo and swim team I’ve led practices crafted to individually push my comrades to their limits, and I’ve counseled friends through circumstances similar to mine. I’ve done tons, and I can finally say I’m proud of that.  But I’m excited to say that there’s so much I have yet to do. I haven’t danced the tango, solved a Rubix Cube, explored how perpetual motion might fuel space exploration, or seen the World Trade Center. And I have yet to see the person that Fernando will become.   I’ll do as much as I can from now on. Not because I have to. Because I choose to.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to writing the “Tell us about you” essay: 

Create Your Scholarship Essay Tracker and check to see what other topics this prompt might overlap with.

Create an outline that works for all the potential overlapping prompts.

Write a draft using the resources linked above, in particular the free guide . 

Revise your essay using this exercise .

Use the Great College Essay Test to see how your essay might be improved, then revise as needed until your essay is solid. 

Share it with 1-2 people you trust and revise again, as needed.

Submit your essay and any other required documents before the deadline. 

Click here for more great examples of essays that tell us a lot about their authors and were written using the resources linked above.

The “What impact has sports had on your life?” Essay

Heads-up: this prompt won’t always be phrased precisely like this, but the mini guide I’m about to share will work for most any sports-related prompt.

Here, you’re basically writing an extracurricular essay and the secret to doing it well, IMHO, is making uncommon connections. Here’s what I mean: 

I believe the difference between a boring essay and a stand-out essay is this:

Boring essay: 

common topic

common connections

common achievements

common language

Stand-out essay: 

un common topic

un common connections

un common achievements

un common language

Quick definitions:

Topic : Certain sports (like basketball) are more common than others (like indoor skydiving). That doesn’t mean you can’t write a great basketball essay, but it’s harder to stand out. More details in a sec.

Connections : These are values that people don’t normally or immediately associate with your sport. Students often write about the values of “discipline” or “hard work,” but finding uncommon connections (AKA insights) can make for a more interesting essay.

Achievements : Some accolades (like winning a local or state tournament) are more common than others (like being the only female on your wrestling team, for example, or playing for a national team).

Language : Some phrases (like “we learned what being a team is really all about” are pretty common).

And I know what you’re thinking: What if the sport I play is super common, or I can’t come up with any uncommon connections or don’t have any uncommon achievements, or don’t know what you mean by uncommon language?

Don’t worry. Stay with me.

How to Stand Out on Your Sports Essay If Your Topic and Achievements Are Common

If you don’t play an uncommon sport and don’t have uncommon achievements to write about, a great way to stand out is by making uncommon connections. Why? With a common topic that makes common connections and uses common language (i.e., “Basketball taught me hard work and discipline”), you’re likely to blend in. Instead, you want to generate insights others won’t have thought of. How? There’s a game for that:

The UC* Game  

*Uncommon Connections

First, pick a cliché topic that you might use for an essay. In fact, maybe it’s the sport you’re considering writing about for a scholarship essay.

Take football, for instance. (And by the way this applies to other typical extracurricular activities—like the classic “mission trip” essay—so let’s do that one too, so you can maybe use this for other essays too.)

Step 1: Brainstorm the cliché version of your essay. 

First, tell me what the typical football or mission trip essay will focus on. How? Take a look at this list of Values and think of a few cliché values that you think the typical essay would focus on.

A cliché connection for [football] might be [teamwork, responsibility, hard work, etc.] 

A cliché connection for a [mission trip] might be [helping others, hard work, passion, etc.].

You get the idea. 

Step 2: Come up with 3-4 uncommon values.

Next, brainstorm values that might not normally be associated with football or a mission trip.

Examples: 

An uncommon connection to [football] might be [resourcefulness, healthy boundaries, critical thinking, etc.].

An uncommon connection to [a mission trip] might be [serenity, accountability, practicality, etc.].

If you can find one uncommon connection you can find two, if you can find two you can find three, and if you can find three then you have enough content for a whole essay. Here’s how to develop your content:

Step 3: Tie the value to a specific example from your life.

Describe one specific example of how you’ve developed or explored that value through your activity … and maybe even applied it to other areas of your life.

Example: Football has made me a better reader.

As a cornerback, I meticulously and systematically scan the offense, looking for nuances in formation before the quarterback snaps the ball, all in a matter of seconds. It’s not unlike annotating a novel. Finding the subtle complexities in my rival teams’ spread offense has not only led me to intercepting a pass, but has given me the skills to fully digest, for example, Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment , where the smallest, and at first glance, almost unnoticeable details, add to an intricate story that I wouldn’t appreciate in the same way had I not been able to notice those details in the first place.

See how that makes for a more interesting football essay? 

Uncommon Value (critical thinking) + Application Elsewhere (English class) = Win.

After doing this, you should have a list of 3-4 uncommon values and examples of how they’ve manifested in your life. This may take you a little while, but be patient and stick with it. It’s worth it and will make up the bulk of your essay content.

Step 4: Decide on an order for your details and write a draft.

I recommend chronological order, as it’ll make transitions easier. Then try a draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time, just get something down on paper.

For a more comprehensive guide that explains how to write an extracurricular activity essay that can work for other college essay and scholarship prompts, click here. 

The “Why do you want to study/pursue [X]" Essay

This is basically what they call a “Why major” essay. Here’s a step-by-step approach: 

Step #1: Imagine a mini-movie of the moments that led you to your interest and create a simple, bullet point outline:

Why Biology?

Elementary school: Getting my first dinosaur toy and reading dinosaur books

Middle school: Visiting museums, seeing water under a microscope

High school: Doing online research, getting internship where we analyzed brainwaves and dissected a stingray

Step #2: Put your moments (aka the “scenes” of your mini-movie) in chronological order, as it’ll help you see how your interests developed. It also makes it easier to write transitions.

Pro Tip: If you’re writing a shorter essay (e.g., 100-150 words), try writing one scene per sentence. If you’re writing a medium-length (e.g., 250-300 word) essay, try one scene per short paragraph. If you’re writing a longer essay, you can build a montage that uses your major/career as a thematic thread.

Step #3: Decide if you want to include a specific thesis that explicitly states your central argument—in this case what you want to study and why. This thesis can be at the beginning, middle, or end of your essay.

Three “Why Major” Essay Examples 

Here’s a short essay that puts the thesis at the beginning: 

Why Electrical Engineering?

My decision to major in Electrical Engineering was inspired by my desire to improve security through technology. When I lived in Mexico, my father’s restaurant security system lacked the ability to protect our property from robbers, who would break in multiple times a year. Thanks to the influence of my cousin, who now studies Autonomous Systems, I developed an interest in electrical engineering. I am inspired to not only improve my father’s security system, but contributing to security innovations for larger companies and perhaps, one day, national security. (89 words)

Outline - Why Electrical Engineering?

Thesis: I want to improve security through technology

Robbers broke into dad’s restaurant

Cousin taught me about Autonomous Systems

In the future: work with large companies or on national security

Here’s a medium-length example with the thesis at the end:

Why Gender and Sexuality Studies?

My interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies was sparked in my eighth grade Civics class when we studied topics pertaining to sexual equality. I went into the class knowing I believed women had a right to make choices for their own bodies and that view remained the same, but I discovered the complexity of abortion debates. I challenged myself by thinking about the disparity between actual and potential personhood and the moral rights of unconscious lives. If pregnancy had the same consequences for men as it does women, how might the debate be different? Would this debate even exist?  A year later, I shadowed an OB/GYN at a nearby hospital. On my first shift, I watched an incarcerated woman receive a postpartum exam after giving birth in her cell toilet with just Advil, and the issues discussed in Civics suddenly became urgent and real. My school projects have often focused on reproductive rights. I’ve spent numerous hours delving into summaries of Supreme Court cases on abortion and contraception, and am even known as the “Tampon Fairy” at school because I frequently restock the school bathrooms with tampons and condoms.   I’m interested in exploring how Gender and Sexuality Studies connect to Public Health and Reproductive Biology, as well as Public Policy and Law. The interdisciplinary nature of this major will allow me to investigate many other areas of study and create a more nuanced understanding of how this particular field interacts with our world and society. (246 words)

Outline - Why Gender and Sexuality Studies:

Eighth grade Civics class conversations

Shadowing OB/GYN at a nearby hospital and seeing woman receive postpartum exam

Being the school “tampon fairy” (restocking school bathrooms with tampons and condoms)

School projects on reproductive rights

Thesis: name my major and briefly say why

You can also use a hook to grab your reader’s attention. Here’s a medium-length example that does this:

Why Neuroscience?

Imagine all the stars in the universe. The brain has a thousand times the number of synapses, making neurological errors a near certainty. I learned this fact firsthand as a 14 year-old, when I suffered from sleepless nights because of an uncomfortable, indescribable feeling in my leg. It took months of appointments and tests to be told it was a condition called cortical dysplasia. Even after the diagnosis, there is no cure. I am lucky. My condition does not severely affect my quality of life. However, I know this is not the case for everyone. After this experience, I took AP Biology and attended a neuroscience program, which reinforced the subject as my future calling. One of the most impactful lectures discussed the plight of healthcare in developing nations. Newborns with extreme neurological deficits are common, but finding treatments is not. Without prenatal care, this is becoming a growing epidemic, leaving millions of children helpless. With a degree in neuroscience, I will gain a strong understanding of neural tube development and neuronal migration in infants. I will then become a neurologist, specializing in pediatric care. I hope to work for humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, in Africa, where HIV and polio are rampant, as are numerous other diseases.  Imagine the stars once more. From across the world, I will look at the same stars in the future, as I help children secure the ability to not only look at the stars, but do much more. (247 words)

Outline - Why Neuroscience:

Hook: Connect number of stars to number of connections in brain (and maybe mention cortical dysplasia)

AP Bio + neuroscience program: learning about healthcare in developing nations

Thesis: say why neuroscience (get specific) and what I’ll do with degree

Return to opening (stars) and look to future

What to Do If You’re Unsure of Your Major or Choosing “Undecided” on Your Application:

Even if you’re unsure of your major, you might still research and select 1-3 areas of interest and describe why you chose each one. If possible, connect them. 

If you’re choosing “undecided” on your application, that’s okay! Describing 1-3 areas of interest is still a good idea. It shows  your intellectual curiosity and demonstrates your ability to make connections across a range of academic disciplines. 

The “How have you contributed to your community/community service?” Essay

When it comes to writing about a community service project, you’ll either be describing a challenge or series of challenges you’ve encountered, or you won’t. I’ve developed a structure that works for each case.

The first is called the “Uncommon Connections” approach and works well for students who are not writing about a challenge. It’s basically the one I described in the mini guide to writing the “What impact has sports had on your life?” essay above.

The second is what I call the “Powerwall” approach and it works well for students who have addressed or overcome a challenge through their community service project. It works like this:

The Narrative Approach (aka The powerwall Exercise)

This structure was inspired by an article by Andy Raskin in which he analyzes a pitch Elon Musk gave on the Powerwall. Here’s Raskin's take on Musk’s pitch:

“Musk’s delivery isn’t stellar. He’s self-conscious and fidgety. But at the end, his audience cheers. For a battery. That’s because Musk does five things right that you should emulate in every pitch you ever make to anybody.”

While reading Raskin’s article, I realized (because I’m the College Essay Guy and this is where my brain is half the time) Musk’s approach could easily be applied to a wide range of extracurricular essay topics, so I adapted the structure, added a step, and created an approach that will help you map out a challenge-based extracurricular essay in about ten minutes. 

Step 1: Identify the problem. 

Describe the challenge you were (or are currently) facing. The problem could be something global, like an environmental issue, or something more local, like a lack of creative opportunities in your high school.

Step 2: Raise the stakes. 

Help us understand: Why was (or is) overcoming this challenge important? What might happen if this problem went (or goes) unchecked? 

Step 3: Describe what you did. 

Tell us the specific things you (or you and your team) did to solve the problem.

Step 4: Clarify your role. 

Describe your particular involvement. Why were (or are) you crucial to the project or club’s success?

Step 5: Share the impact you had, lessons you learned, or values you gained. 

Provide specific evidence that gives us a sense that your work mattered. I’ll show you some ways to do this in a minute.

Think that’s too much to do in one essay? 

The Catalyzing Creativity Club

I live in the suburb of Los Angeles, California, known to its residents as the bubble. It has the perfect weather, location, and schools. As amazing as it sounds, however, growing up in La Cañada Flintridge has its drawbacks: the community pressures adolescents to achieve success through mainly academic means. While this approach isn’t necessarily wrong, it can be difficult, particularly in my high school, to thrive in a creative and imaginative way. Sophomore year, my friends and I began to wonder, What if the teenagers of La Cañada had greater opportunities to express themselves. To pursue their creativity. To follow their dreams. That’s when we decided to start the Catalyzing Creativity Club.  Founded two years ago, the Catalyzing Creativity Club (C3, for short), provides students in our community the opportunity to pursue their passion and aspirations outside the classroom.  Some of our opportunities include: a yearly music festival for our community’s young aspiring musicians that showcases local talent to the masses and scouts; a technology expo, which allows students to be rewarded with funding and demonstrate their coding abilities to prospective companies; recording sessions for aspiring musicians, photo-publishing competitions, and a variety of guest speakers ranging from nineteen-year-old college seniors to millionaire entrepreneurs. In addition, we have a blog for aspiring writers to publish their work and are holding a shoe drive for underprivileged athletes.  As vice president of finances for C3, I work to ensure we can fund these activities. I handle our bank account, fundraising, and organize the event planning. Moreover, I make sure that C3’s activities and finances are approved by and follow the guidelines of my high school. This role is crucial, as we work to achieve non-profit status.  Even though C3 is only a few years old, I believe it is already making an impact in the community. As we grow and the opportunities we provide become more popular, our hope is to inspire our peers to follow their dreams and burst the La Cañada Flintridge bubble. (332 words)

Brief Notes and Analysis:

I love how direct the tone is in the third paragraph. It’s basically a straightforward listing of the club’s accomplishments. This was pulled directly from the bullet points of his BEABIES exercise. It works.

Notice how specific he gets in the fourth paragraph where he clarifies why he was essential to the club’s success. Doing this helps us understand that he was more than just a passive member  who showed up to meetings. 

Another potential use of your extracurricular essay is to expand on something you only mentioned briefly in your personal statement. In this case, the author mentioned in his personal statement that he’s “a numbers guy” and, in the fourth paragraph of this essay, expands upon why numbers are meaningful to him. 

If he’d had more room, he could have potentially expanded on the club’s impact in the final paragraph, describing specific ways the community changed, or personal lessons learned. But again, not every essay has to be perfect (and not every element has to be included) in order for this structure to work. 

The “How are you unique?” Essay

This prompt (and those like it) ask students to discuss their backgrounds, identities, interests, or talents and tell the reader why these are meaningful to them. They’re usually some variation on the Common App prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 

So guess what? You can totally use the resources linked above, in particular the free guide .

Why am I sending you to those links instead of spelling it out here? Because there isn’t, as far as I can tell, a short and simple way to describe to you how to express your uniqueness ... besides the process that I’ve spent the past 15 years developing and have summarized in neat, bite-sized chunks at the links above . (And if you’re not sure which guide I mean, it’s this one .) Plus, if I’d listed all that content here it would’ve made this blog post like 2-3 times as long and it’s already pretty long.

Here’s a great example of a student who wrote a personal statement that shows their uniqueness: 

I’m no stranger to contrast. A Chinese American with accented Chinese, a Florida-born Texan, a first generation American with a British passport: no label fits me without a caveat.  But I’ve always strived to find connections among the dissimilar. In my home across the sea, although my relatives’ rapid Mandarin sails over my head, in them I recognize the same work ethic that carried my parents out of rural Shanghai to America, that fueled me through sweltering marching band practices and over caffeinated late nights. I even spend my free time doing nonograms, grid-based logic puzzles solved by using clues to fill in seemingly random pixels to create a picture. It started when I was a kid. One day, my dad captured my fickle kindergartner attention (a herculean feat) and taught me Sudoku. As he explained the rules, those mysterious scaffoldings of numbers I often saw on his computer screen transformed into complex structures of logic built by careful strategy. From then on, I wondered if I could uncover the hidden order behind other things in my life. In elementary school, I began to recognize patterns in the world around me: thin, dark clouds signaled rain, the moon changed shape every week, and the best snacks were the first to go. I wanted to know what unseen rules affected these things and how they worked. My parents, both pipeline engineers, encouraged this inquisitiveness and sometimes tried explaining to me how they solved puzzles in their own work. Although I didn’t understand the particulars, their analytical mindsets helped me muddle through math homework and optimize matches in Candy Crush. In high school, I studied by linking concepts across subjects as if my coursework was another puzzle to solve. PEMDAS helped me understand appositive phrases, and the catalysts for revolutions resembled chemical isotopes, nominally different with the same properties. As I grew older, my interests expanded to include the delicate systems of biology, the complexity of animation, and the nuances of language. Despite these subjects’ apparent dissimilarity, each provided fresh, fascinating perspectives on the world with approaches like color theory and evolution. I was (and remain) voracious for the new and unusual, spending hours entrenched in Wikipedia articles on obscure topics, i.e. classical ciphers or dragons, and analyzing absurdist YouTube videos.  Unsurprisingly, like pilot fish to their sharks, my career aspirations followed my varied passions: one day I wanted to be an illustrator, the next a biochemist, then a stand-up comedian. When it came to narrowing down the choices, narrowing down myself, I felt like nothing would satisfy my ever-fluctuating intellectual appetite.  But when I discovered programming, something seemed to settle. In computer science, I had found a field where I could be creative, explore a different type of language, and (yes) solve puzzles. Coding let me both analyze logic in its purest form and manipulate it to accomplish anything from a simple “print ‘hello world’” to creating functional games. Even when lines of red error messages fill my console, debugging offered me the same thrill as a particularly good puzzle. Now, when I see my buggy versions of Snake, Paint, and Pacman in my files, I’m filled paradoxically with both satisfaction and a restless itch to improve the code and write new, better programs. While to others my life may seem like a jumble of incompatible fragments, like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece connects to become something more. However, there are still missing pieces at the periphery: experiences to have, knowledge to gain, bad jokes to tell. Someday I hope to solve the unsolvable. But for now, I’ve got a nonogram with my name on it. 

Some quick tips and ideas based on this essay: 

This author first brainstormed her content using the 21 Details exercise and the "Everything I Want Colleges to Know About Me" List .

As she did that, she noticed that some parts of her seemed to contradict. She decided to use this as a thematic thread for her essay, and brainstormed other specific details that showed other contrasts.

Initially she couldn’t find an ending, but when she realized she also would have to write an essay explaining her career interests, she decided to focus the essay on the contrasts that helped her develop qualities that would serve her in the future (intellectual curiosity, solving puzzles), and use this essay for both. Yup, like a Super Essay.

Then she focused on one smaller theme/value per paragraph (culture for first paragraph, finding connections among the dissimilar for the second paragraph, etc.).

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to writing your own “How are you unique” essay: 

Write a draft using the resources linked above. 

Submit your essay (and any other required documents) before the deadline. 

For more essays by students who expressed their uniqueness well in their essays, click here.

The “Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it” Essay

This is the type of challenge-based essay I discuss in the free guide , and which I call the Type A and Type C essays. What’s the difference between those? Simply that Type A essays do talk about a career at the end, while Type C essays don’t . 

Want the short version of the guide? Complete this 15-min exercise and you’ll have your outline.

Want the even shorter version? Here are six questions to answer in your essay: 

What was the failure you experienced?

What was the impact on your life (not emotions, which come next, but external effects)?

How did you feel? 

What were the needs underlying your feelings?

What did you do to meet those needs?

What did you learn from the experience? 

Not sure how these six questions can lead to an essay? Watch the Feelings and Needs video , as it’ll walk you through those questions and lead you to an outline.

Here’s an essay that describes a failure (which I’ve highlighted in bold below so you won’t miss it) that was written using the resources above: 

Does every life matter? Because it seems like certain lives matter more than others, especially when it comes to money. I was in eighth grade when a medical volunteer group that my dad had led to Northern Thailand faced a dilemma of choosing between treating a patient with MDR-TB or saving $5000 (the estimated treatment cost for this patient) for future patients. I remember overhearing intense conversations outside the headquarters tent. My dad and his friend were arguing that we should treat the woman regardless of the treatment cost, whereas the others were arguing that it simply cost too much to treat her. Looking back, it was a conflict between ideals—one side argued that everyone should receive treatment whereas the other argued that interventions should be based on cost-effectiveness. I was angry for two reasons. First, because my father lost the argument. Second, because I couldn’t logically defend what I intuitively believed: that every human being has a right to good health. In short, that every life matters. Over the next four years I read piles of books on social justice and global health equity in order to prove my intuitive belief in a logical manner. I even took online courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. But I failed to find a clear, logical argument for why every life mattered . I did, however, find sound arguments for the other side, supporting the idea that society should pursue the well-being of the greatest number, that interventions should mitigate the most death and disability per dollar spent. Essentially, my research screamed, “Kid, it’s all about the numbers.”  But I continued searching, even saving up pocket money to attend a summer course on global health at Brown University. It was there that I met Cate Oswald, a program director for Partners in Health (PIH), an organization that believed “the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.” It was like finding a ray of light in the darkness. Refueled with hope, I went back to find the answer, but this time I didn’t dive into piles of books or lectures. I searched my memories. Why was I convinced that every life mattered?   When the woman with MDR-TB came to our team, she brought along with her a boy that looked about my age. Six years have passed since I met him, but I still remember the gaze he gave me as he left with his mother. It wasn’t angry, nor was it sad. It was, in a way, serene. It was almost as if he knew this was coming. That burdened me. Something inside me knew this wasn’t right. It just didn’t feel right. Perhaps it was because I, for a second, placed myself in his shoes, picturing what I’d feel if my mother was the woman with MDR-TB.  Upon reflection, I found that my answer didn’t exist in books or research, but somewhere very close from the beginning—my intuition. In other words, I didn’t need an elaborate and intricate reason to prove to myself that health is an inalienable right for every human being—I needed self-reflection. So I ask again, “Does every life matter?” Yes. “Do I have solid, written proof?” No. Paul Farmer once said, “The thing about rights is that in the end you can’t prove what is a right.” To me, global health is not merely a study. It’s an attitude—a lens I use to look at the world—and it’s a statement about my commitment to health as a fundamental quality of liberty and equity. - - - 

This author decided to use a compelling question as his hook. And get this: he didn’t know the answer to the question. That’s part of what makes it a compelling hook and what keeps us interested throughout the essay.

He describes the many steps he took (and he did a lot!) to try to answer the question. This shows his tenacity. But, again, he never fully answers it. This demonstrates vulnerability. Why? Many essays tie things up in a neat little bow. In this case, there is no bow. Instead, the author explores the complexities surrounding this question, which shows his ability to embrace nuance. The key here was finding a compelling question. And you don’t of course have to use this “start with a question” technique for a failure essay; it’s just one way.

For the ending, the author knew what he wanted to study so, when he couldn’t come up with a conclusion, he decided it might be neat to find a way to connect this failure to his future career. It works, plus allowed him a chance to name a few other values that were important to him: health, liberty, and equity.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to writing the “Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it” essay: 

Watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise , and use it to...

Create your outline.

Write your first draft. 

The “What are your academic goals and your career goals?” Essay

Both the Type A and Type B essays I mention in the free guide would answer this prompt. The difference is that a Type A essay describes how your challenges helped you develop skills/qualities/values that will one day serve you in your career. On the other hand, the Type B essay still shows how you’ve developed skills/qualities/values that will one day serve you in the future without explicitly referencing a challenge. In both cases, though, you’ll want to be sure the academic or career goal is clear, and you may want to do this near the end.  

Here’s a great Type A essay (i.e., one that demonstrates how challenges helped shape the author’s career interest). Again, I’ve highlighted in bold the academic and career goal so you don’t miss the connection to the prompt. 

It was Easter and we should’ve been celebrating with our family, but my father had locked us in the house. If he wasn’t going out, neither were my mother and I. My mother came to the U.S. from Mexico to study English. She’d been an exceptional student and had a bright future ahead of her. But she fell in love and eloped with the man that eventually became my father. He loved her in an unhealthy way, and was both physically and verbally abusive. My mother lacked the courage to start over so she stayed with him and slowly let go of her dreams and aspirations. But she wouldn’t allow for the same to happen to me. In the summer before my junior year I was offered a scholarship to study abroad in Egypt. Not to my surprise, my father refused to let me go. But my mother wouldn’t let him crush my dreams as well. I’d do this for myself and for my mothers unfulfilled aspirations. I accepted the scholarship. I thought I’d finally have all the freedom I longed for in Egypt, but initially I didn’t. On a weekly basis I heard insults and received harassment in the streets, yet I didn’t yield to the societal expectations for women by staying indoors. I continued to roam throughout Egypt, exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza, cruising on the Nile, and traveling to Luxor and Aswan. And before I returned to the U.S. I received the unexpected opportunity to travel to London and Paris. It was surreal: a girl from the ghetto traveling alone around the world with a map in her hands And no man or cultural standards could dictate what I was to do. I rode the subway from Cambridge University to the British Museum. I took a train from London to Paris and in two days I visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and took a cruise on the Seine. Despite the language barrier I found I had the self-confidence to approach anyone for directions. While I was in Europe enjoying my freedom, my mother moved out and rented her own place. It was as if we’d simultaneously gained our independence. We were proud of each other. And she vicariously lived through my experiences as I sent her pictures and told her about my adventures. Finally, we were free. I currently live in the U.S with my mother. My father has gradually transformed from a frigid man to the loving father I always yearned for. Life isn’t perfect, but for the moment I’m enjoying tranquility and stability with my family and are communicating much better than ever before. I’m involved in my school’s Leadership Council as leader of our events committee. We plan and execute school dances and create effective donation letters. I see this as a stepping-stone for my future, as I plan to double major in Women’s Studies and International Relations with a focus on Middle Eastern studies . After the political turmoil of the Arab Spring many Middle Eastern countries refuse to grant women equal positions in society because that would contradict Islamic texts. By oppressing women they’re silencing half of their population. I believe these Islamic texts have been misinterpreted throughout time, and my journey towards my own independence has inspired me to help other women find liberation as well . My Easter will drastically differ from past years. Rather than being locked at home, my mother and I will celebrate outdoors our rebirth and renewal.

The author uses as her hook a compelling challenge, which raises a few questions, including, “ Will she be okay?” and “What will she do?” And she doesn’t fully answer either of them until close to the end of the essay, which keeps us engaged.

Her essay follows this simple structure: a) What challenge did you face? b) What did you do about it? c) What did you learn? If you are writing about challenges, you can use this simple structure as well.

This essay also follows pretty closely the Feelings and Needs structure. The main need this author identified was freedom , and she highlights this theme in the beginning (when she describes feeling trapped), middle (when she describes exploring Europe), and end (when she describes her desire to work for the liberation of herself and others).

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to writing the “What are your academic goals and your career goals?” essay:

If you ARE writing about a challenge...

Watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise and make sure you do the final, seventh column.

Write a draft. 

If you are NOT writing about a challenge…

Read this essay then do this exercise , which will help you...

Create your outline. 

The “Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged” Essay

This prompt is similar to Common App prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

The essay example for the “failure” prompt (above) would have worked great for this prompt as well, as that author had his belief—that “every life matters”—challenged.

Some quick tips and ideas for this essay: 

Like the authors in the essays above, you might begin with a question that you will explore for the rest of the essay. This question keeps us engaged.

Make sure to clarify the specific idea that was challenged … and how it was challenged … This may seem obvious, but I often find that students working on this prompt can get a bit foggy with what the specific idea or belief was. 

Getting super clear on the specific idea or belief that was challenged can help give your essay a structure. One possible structural approach to outline your essay:

a) (Briefly) describe the experience/s that led my initial belief.

b) Describe the experience/s that challenged this belief,

c) Describe what happened + what I learned as a result.

Make sure your insights at the end aren’t super obvious (i.e., “I learned that it’s important to challenge my own beliefs”). You can do this by asking yourself “so what” until you come up with an idea that feels uncommon (scroll up to the “sports” essay guide for more on “uncommon connections”). 

You don’t need to tie things up with a neat little bow. Nuance and complexity can show your ability to wrestle with big ideas.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to writing the “Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged” essay:

Watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise to explore in more depth the idea or belief that was challenged. Use the results of that exercise to...

Create your outline. It may be the simple three-part structure I mentioned above: 

What led you to develop your initial belief(s)?

What specific experience challenged that/those belief(s)?

What happened? What did you learn?

The “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” Essay

I want to make this one simple for you. 

Don’t just tell them why you deserve this scholarship ... show them. 

How? Tell them your story. 

You can do this by sharing some of the challenges you’ve been through, or not.

Watch the Feelings and Needs Exercise and use it to...

Side note: Often, scholarships have corporate sponsors, and it doesn’t hurt to understand the mission of the company/organization and ham it up a bit. An example that comes to mind is  this scholarship essay by Emily Trader .  Here the organization is a group of life insurance companies, and their prompt specifically tells you to mention their mission. But even if it didn’t, it would probably be wise to give a nod to the importance of insurance in your essay.

Here’s a great example of an essay by a student who describes the challenges she faced and how she worked to overcome them:

The Little Porch and a Dog

I t was the first Sunday of April. My siblings and I were sitting at the dinner table giggling and spelling out words in our alphabet soup. The phone rang and my mother answered. It was my father; he was calling from prison in Oregon. My father had been stopped by immigration on his way to Yakima, Washington, where he’d gone in search of work. He wanted to fulfill a promise he’d made to my family of owning our own house with a nice little porch and a dog. Fortunately, my father was bailed out of prison by a family friend in Yakima. Unfortunately, though, most of our life savings was spent on his bail. We moved into a rented house, and though we did have a porch, it wasn’t ours. My father went from being a costurero (sewing worker) to being a water-filter salesman, mosaic tile maker, lemon deliverer, and butcher. Money became an issue at home, so I started helping out more. After school I’d rush home to clean up and make dinner. My parents refused to let me have a “real” job, so on Saturday afternoons I’d go to the park with my older brother to collect soda cans. Sundays and summertime were spent cleaning houses with my mother. I worked twice as hard in school. I helped clean my church, joined the choir, and tutored my younger sister in math. As tensions eased at home, I returned to cheerleading, joined a school club called Step Up, and got involved in my school’s urban farm, where I learned the value of healthy eating. Slowly, life improved. Then I received some life-changing news. My father’s case was still pending and, due to a form he’d signed when he was released in Yakima, it was not only him that was now in danger of being deported, it was my entire family. My father’s lawyer informed me that I’d have to testify in court and in fact our stay in the US was now dependent on my testimony. The lawyer had an idea: I had outstanding grades and recommendation letters. If we could show the judge the importance of my family remaining here to support my education, perhaps we had a chance. So I testified. My father won his case and was granted residency. Living in a low-income immigrant household has taught me to appreciate all I’ve been given.  Testifying in court helped me grow as a person, has made me more open-minded and aware of the problems facing my community. And my involvement in the urban farm has led me to consider a career as a nutritionist. Though neither of my parents attended college, they understand that college is a key factor to a bright future and therefore have been very supportive. And though we don't yet have the house with the small porch and the dog, we're still holding out hope. I believe college can help.

If this student doesn’t deserve a scholarship, I don’t know who does.

Again, this author uses the following simple structure: 

What was the challenge you faced? 

What did you do about it? 

What did you learn through this experience? 

By starting with the problem/question/challenge to be solved and not resolving it ‘til the end she keeps us engaged.

By showing us all the work she did to overcome this challenge we see all the strengths, skills, and qualities she’ll bring to a college campus (and there are many: leadership, perseverance, helping others, awareness of health, etc.). 

By ending with her career we get a sense of where she is headed. Tip: You can list your current dream even if you change your mind later. No application reader is going to reference your essay later and say, “But you said you were going to become a nutritionist” if one day you decide to do something else. It just needs to make sense given the experiences you’ve described.

She takes a unique approach at the end by emphasizing the hope she feels, and putting it on the reader “I believe college can help” to invite them into her journey. In other words: “I believe you [person who is determining my college/scholarship acceptance] can help.” So smart.

Having said this, if you are NOT writing about a challenge for this prompt…

Either: 

If you know your future career, read this essay then do this exercise .

If you don’t know your future career, read through the “Type D” essay guide that starts on page 21 of this Google doc .

The “How will this scholarship help you?” Essay

Two ways you can go with this: 

Approach #1: Use the resources above to write a great essay that spells out your big dreams, then end with 1-3 sentences describing specifically how you’ll use the scholarship money. (We’ll call this the “I have big dreams and you can help” approach.)

Approach #2: Explain your financial situation in detail, then end with 1-3 sentences saying how you’ll use the scholarship money. (We’ll call this the “Financial Details” approach.) 

The difference: Approach #1 describes you + your dreams for 75-95% of the essay, then describes where the money will go for 5-25% of the essay, whereas Approach #2 describes financial details for 75-95%, then describes where the money will go for the last 5-25% of the essay.

Let’s look at examples for each.

Approach #1: “I have big dreams and you can help”

This one’s pretty simple. Take any of the great essays above and add 1-3 sentences explaining where the money will go. 

Example A: The “Easter” Essay

The ending of that essay reads: 

I ’m involved in my school’s Leadership Council as leader of our events committee. We plan and execute  school dances and create effective donation letters. I see this as a stepping-stone for my future, as I plan to double major in Women’s Studies and International Relations with a focus on Middle Eastern studies. After the political turmoil of the Arab Spring many Middle Eastern countries refuse to grant women equal positions in society because that would contradict Islamic texts. By oppressing women they’re silencing half of their population. I believe these Islamic texts have been misinterpreted throughout time, and my journey towards my own independence has inspired me to help other women find liberation as well. My Easter will drastically differ from past years. Rather than being locked at home, my mother and I will celebrate outdoors our rebirth and renewal. But it could have been easily revised to fit this prompt if the author chose to simply include a couple details describing how she’d use the scholarship funds. Like this, for example:  I’m involved in my school’s Leadership Council as leader of our events committee. We plan and execute  school dances and create effective donation letters. I see this as a stepping-stone for my future, as I plan to double major in Women’s Studies and International Relations with a focus on Middle Eastern studies. While I have received a full scholarship to attend Georgetown, my financial aid package does not include money for my airfare, school supplies, or books. The funds from this scholarship would help cover those costs. My Easter will drastically differ from past years. Rather than being locked at home, my mother and I will celebrate outdoors our rebirth and renewal.

Example B: The “Little Porch and a Dog” Essay

The ending of that essay (which is also above) reads: 

Though neither of my parents attended college, they understand that college is a key factor to a bright future and therefore have been very supportive. And though we don't yet have the house with the small porch and the dog, we're still holding out hope. I believe college can help. But she could add just three words to make the connection to the prompt super clear (and I’ve bolded them below so you don’t miss them). That might look like this: Though neither of my parents attended college, they understand that college is a key factor to a bright future and therefore have been very supportive. And though we don't yet have the house with the small porch and the dog, we're still holding out hope. I believe college and this scholarship can help.

Simple, right?

And while tweaking an essay you’ve already written can be efficient (while showing a lot about who you are), it’s not the only way to demonstrate how you’d use scholarship funds.

Approach #2: The Financial Details Approach

The letter below takes a different angle from the approach above by explaining in more detail her family’s current financial situation and why she needs the money. Take a look:

I am so excited to have been admitted to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) this year, as it was my number one choice. There is a problem, however, and it is a financial one.  I’d love to attend UCLA—it’s near home, which would allow me to be closer to my family, and the Bio department is phenomenal. But, as a low-income Hispanic student, I simply don’t feel I can afford it.  Here are some more details of my financial situation. Currently, my father works as an assistant supervisor for American Apparel Co. and he is the only source of income for my family of five, while my mother is a housewife. The income my father receives weekly barely meets paying the bills. My family’s overall income: Father’s average weekly gross pay: $493.30 Father’s adjusted gross income: $27,022 Our household expenses: Rent: $850 Legal Services: $200 Car payment: $230.32 My parents cannot afford to have medical insurance, so they do not have a medical bill. My father’s average monthly income is an estimate of $1,973.20 (see attached pay stub). When household expenses such as rent, car payment, legal services, gas bill, and electricity bill are added together the cost is of $1,402.70. Other payments such as the phone bill, internet bill, and groceries also add to the list. But in order to make ends meet my father usually works overtime and tailors clothes for people in our neighborhood. My family is on an extremely tight budget and unfortunately cannot afford to pay for my schooling. I have worked my way up and was recently awarded Valedictorian for the class of 2014. My goals and my aspiration of becoming a nutritionist have helped me push forward. I appreciate your time in reconsidering my financial aid award.  I’m looking forward to becoming a Bruin, but without additional financial support, that may not be possible. This scholarship could change my life.

This approach still answers the prompt. And if you’re not sure which approach the scholarship provider is looking for or would prefer, don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask. (Your readers are nice people and they want to help you submit a great application!) 

Side note: this approach also works well for a financial aid appeal letter—like, if you don’t get the money you need from a college. You’ll find more on how (and why) to write a financial aid appeal letter at this link .

Final Words

Get this: Going Merry let me know in a recent conversation that more than 15% of the scholarships on their site went unclaimed last year. 

That’s basically free money that just sat there … because no one tried to win it.

What’s the lesson?

You miss out on 100% of the scholarships you don’t apply for. 

So get on it.

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The Best No-Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Apply below to No-Essay scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Sallie Mae No-Essay Scholarship

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"Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

Powering the future - whiddon memorial scholarship, eligibility criteria:.

• Field of Study : STEM
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Anthony McPherson Memorial Automotive Scholarship

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Conscious Consumer Scholarship

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• Education Level : Undergraduate student
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St.Hilaire Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

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S.O.P.H.I.E Scholarship

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Due to the ease of no-essay scholarships, they can seem too good to be true and you may worry about scholarship scams. Luckily, no-essay scholarships on Bold.org are all legit! Just make your free account and start funding your college tuition.

Although no-essay scholarships can be some of the easiest scholarships to apply for, it can feel impossible to make yourself stand out from the other students. To increase your chance of winning more scholarships, try applying for scholarships with limited eligibility, such as scholarships for high school juniors or scholarships with minimum GPA requirements.

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Bridge City graduate earns Student of Integrity scholarship

Published 5:29 pm Friday, June 28, 2024

By Staff Reports

A Bridge City student is among eight individuals in Southeast Texas who earned the Student of Integrity Scholarships, awarded through the BBB SETX Education Foundation.

Addison Woolley, a 2024 graduate of Bridge City High School, received the $2,500 scholarship.

“Through the efforts of our Foundation and with the donations from our local businesses, we are able to provide educational funding to many students,” state Darren Erwin, President/CEO of BBB Southeast Texas. “We applaud these students, not only for their current accomplishments, but for their commitment to integrity as they continue their education and enter into their careers.”

Students are chosen based on their ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate character, leadership, and ethical values.

Woolley is the Salutatorian of the Bridge City HS Class of 2024. While a student she was a STEM Bus Leader, Drum Major, Math UIL Captain, involved in Student Council and Spanish Club. Addison has received numerous accolades for her academics including both the Engineering and Math Excellence Awards. Addison values her time spent with these organizations as she claims they have had an impact on her outlook and the importance of outreach, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. She plans to pursue her master’s in public administration with her focus on becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Prior to the Student of Integrity program, BBB Southeast Texas set up an endowment with Lamar University in 1998 that continues to provide scholarships to College of Business students. Additionally, BBB has an endowment started at Lamar State College Port Arthur. With continued support and innovative partnerships, BBB plans to expand on their scholarship programs with further endowments, business sponsored awards and more general scholarships for those with needs in continuing education, professional development certificates and more.

Bridge City honoring vets with community festival

Traffic alert: 1-10 work delayed

Vidor library amnesty program ends Friday

Police investigating shooting of Bridge City woman

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More From Forbes

College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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	University of Houston
	Jun 29, 2024   2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)     2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)   >    > Graduate Student Funding: College of Technology Scholarships Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and can refer to the college website for a list of current scholarships and deadlines . Requirements and deadlines for scholarships vary by scholarship. Assistantships Graduate student assistants are graduate students in good standing enrolled full-time who hold a graduate student appointment requiring the performance of such duties as classroom instruction, academic advising, reading papers and examinations, supervision, or research responsibilities. There are five graduate student appointment categories at University of Houston, including the positions of teaching fellow (TF), teaching assistant (TA), instructional assistant (IA), research assistant (RA), and graduate assistant (GA). Media Center 6/21/2024 11:00:00 AM Turvey, Cleary named 2024 Byers Scholarship recipients Former pomona-pitzer swimmer and oakland baseball player each will receive $24,000 graduate award. An NCAA committee that oversees the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship selected two former student-athletes — Pomona-Pitzer graduate Alexandra Turvey and Oakland graduate Ian Cleary — as recipients of the 2024 awards. Turvey earned her undergraduate degree at Pomona in biology in May after competing in swimming, and Cleary earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences in 2023 while competing in baseball.  Turvey, who helped Pomona-Pitzer win the 200- and 400-yard free style relays at the Division III Women's Swimming and Diving Championships in March, is pursuing both medical and doctoral degrees in her postgraduate academic career. She joins the combined Harvard/MIT M.D.-Ph.D. program this July to pursue her double postgraduate degrees.  Cleary, a third-team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American in 2023, will start at the University of Michigan Medical School in July to pursue his medical degree. Established in 1988, the Walter Byers Scholarship program each year awards $24,000 scholarships to one male and one female recipient. The scholarships can be renewed for a second year. Recipients chosen by the Walter Byers Scholarship Committee are recognized as combining the best elements of mind and body to achieve national distinction for their achievements and to be future leaders in their chosen field. Alexandra Turvey Turvey, a 21-time All-American, had a stellar senior season, helping Pomona-Pitzer to a seventh-place finish in the final team standings of the Division III Women's Swimming and Diving Championships in March. She finished as the national runner-up in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events and the 100-yard butterfly. At the 2023 NCAA championships, Turvey was named the recipient of the NCAA's Elite 90 Award, which goes to the top individual academic performer to reach the finals site at each of the NCAA's 90 championships. Turvey, who is from Vancouver, British Columbia, recently competed at Canada's 2024 Paris Olympic Trials . Out of the pool, Turvey graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA and was named the College Sports Communicators 2024 Division III Women's Swimming and Diving Academic All-America Team Member of the Year. Turvey's inspiration to pursue medical and doctoral degrees comes from a recognition that transformative breakthroughs in health care arise at the interface of clinical expertise and advances in fundamental science. Her career goals are to care for individual patients as a clinician but also as a scientific researcher and leader, to identify the genetic causes and novel treatments for rare and undiagnosed diseases. Entering this highly selective graduate program, Turvey recognizes how NCAA swimming "uniquely prepared me for training as long and demanding as the M.D.-Ph.D." As Turvey wrote in her Byers Scholarship essay, "My greatest contribution is my grit. This comes from intercollegiate athletics. From competitive swimming and teamwork, I know how to work tirelessly to improve and how to motivate and deeply care for others." Cleary, an outfielder at Oakland, completed his graduate-year season with a .290 batting average, which matched his five-year career average. He had five home runs and 36 RBIs this spring. He helped the Grizzlies win 31 games in 2024 as the team captain, tying their 2022 team for the most wins in program history at the Division I level.  Cleary, a Macomb, Michigan, native, received second-team All-Horizon League, Horizon League All-Tournament Team and Horizon League All-Academic Team honors in 2023, along with All-Academic Team honors in 2024. Cleary was a standout student, posting a 3.99 GPA while obtaining his undergraduate degree. Beyond the classroom, he worked as an undergraduate biology researcher in the Anthony Valance Washington Laboratory at Oakland University, volunteered in the athletic training room, shadowed team physicians and worked at Great Lakes Orthopaedics as a medical assistant. He was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after first experiencing the intricacies, challenges and opportunities that come with patient care following health-related problems in his family.= "Medicine is a field where you see it all and interact every day with a truly diverse population," Cleary wrote in his Byers Scholarship essay. "I can only imagine how the stories of the patients I continue to meet in my work, volunteering and shadowing will further inspire me and strengthen my passion for medicine and patient care." Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Weill Cornell Medicine Types of Financial Aid and Eligibility Scholarship and grants, medical program need-based grant: . •An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, naturalized citizen of the United States, permanent resident, eligible non-citizen, or DACA to qualify for institutional or federal financial aid. •The application for financial aid is not a factor in the decision for acceptance to Weill Cornell Medicine. •When accepted, financial aid is awarded only on the basis of demonstrated need. • Need is determined by an analysis of income and assets of students and their families. We do not offer merit-based scholarships. Financial need is determined based on the formula: Cost of Attendance •The Cost of Attendance includes "direct" and "indirect" costs.  •Direct costs are billable charges such as tuition, student fees, on-campus housing, health insurance.  •Indirect costs are non-billable  expenses students may incur such as transportation, living expenses (food and housing), books, course materials, supplies and equipment, and personal items.  Expected Family Contribution •Family contribution includes both the student and the parents’ ability to contribute. •This usually includes both parents, even if they are separated or not married. •If a student is married or has a domestic partner, information from the spouse/domestic partner is considered. •The factors that affect overall family contribution include, but are not limited to, income, assets, family size, and the number of children in college. •The Office of Financial Aid may make exceptions to this if your family has special circumstances. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid regarding any special circumstances.  Financial Need •A student's financial need is determined after deducting Expected Family Contribution from the total Cost of Attendance. •Financial need is met up to 100 %  grant funding as of the 2019-20 academic year. To continue to be eligible for aid, students must be in good academic standing and making Satisfactory Academic Progress according to the Guidelines for Promotion and Graduation of the Medical College, printed annually in the Student Handbook. We do not offer merit-based scholarships. Graduate Programs: •Need-based financial aid is not available for the graduate programs.  •New student applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships through the Admissions application process. International Students: •Students must be a U.S. citizen, a naturalized citizen of the United States, permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen to qualify for institutional or federal financial aid. •Financial aid is not available to international students. •Students may be eligible to apply for private loans. Usually, a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is required before a student is eligible to borrow a private loan. Please check application requirements prior to applying with any lender. •International students must pay for four years of tuition in advance (current figures can be found in the Student Services Cost of Attendance breakdown ).  Federal Loans Direct unsubsidized loan is a federal student loan offered by the u.s. department of education (ed) to help eligible students finance the cost of higher education., direct graduate plus loan is a credit-based federal student loan offered by the u.s. department of education (ed) to help eligible graduate students who have reached the annual or lifetime maximum unsubsidized loan limit to cover the cost of higher education.. Loan Program Eligibility Requirements Annual Loan Limit Interest Rate Loan Fees Interest Accrual-In School Deferment & Repayment Terms Direct Unsubsidized Loan • FAFSA Application • Matriculated in a Degree seeking program • Enrolled at least part-time status (MD=4-credits, MS=5-credits • Meet SAP requirement- good academic standing • Complete Loan Entrance Counseling • Complete Master Promissory Note MS Graduate Students = $20,500 MD Students= $42.722- 1st & 2nd Yr $47,167-3rd Yr $44,944- 4th Yr 8.08% - loans disbursed July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 1.057% - loans disbursed to October 1, 2024 Yes- Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed and student borrower is responsible for repayment of both principal and interest. • Deferred while enrolled plus 6-months after student borrower graduates, no longer enrolled, or drops below part-time • Standard & Income-Based repayment from 10 to 25 years Direct Graduate PLUS (credit-based loan) • FAFSA Application • Matriculated in a Degree seeking program • Enrolled at least part-time status (MD=4-credits, MS=5-credits • Meet SAP requirement- good academic standing • Credit check approval • Complete Loan Entrance Counseling • Complete Master Promissory Note Cost of Attendance minus Other Financial Aid 9.08% - loans disbursed July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 9.08% - loans disbursed July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Yes- Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed and student borrower is responsible for repayment of both principal and interest. • Deferred while enrolled plus 6-months after student borrower graduates, no longer enrolled, or drops below part-time • Standard & Income-Based repayment from 10 to 25 years For additional information regarding Federal Student Loans, please visit Federal Student Aid .  Private Loans These are credit-based, market-rate loans offered by various private lending institutions to help eligible students finance the cost of higher education. . • Students are encouraged to compare lenders, interest rates, terms and conditions, and apply with a lender that best suits their needs. •Weill Cornell Medicine does not make any private loan recommendations. •Students apply directly with the lending institution of their choice and may use the comprehensive list found on ELM Select . •The Private Loan annual maximum limit is student’s budget minus other aid/funding/loans received. •Private Loan interest rates vary based on fixed and variable rate offerings as well as the borrower’s credit history and credit score. Contact Information Office of financial aid. 1300 York Avenue, Room C-114 New York, NY 10065 Telephone: (646) 962-3479 Fax: (212) 746-5981 [email protected] Book a Meeting with a Team Member Here! Hours of Operation Monday through Friday Office Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm Note: At this time all appointments are virtual unless requested otherwise.  College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Meet Our Undergraduates Meet Our Graduate Students Why Study Chemistry Student Financial Aid Undergraduate Application Graduate Application Visit Illinois Undergraduate Studies General Chemistry Graduate Studies Bylaws & Policy Manual Chemistry Learning Center Course Listing SCS Academic Advising Office Research Overview Analytical Chemistry Chemical Biology Inorganic Chemistry Materials Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry Research Concentrations Undergraduate Research Annual Report Chemistry Master Calendar E-newsletter Public Engagement and Outreach Sesquicentennial Archives Administration Faculty & Staff Student Organizations Illini Chemists In Memoriam Merchandise Nobel Prize Winners Teachers Ranked as Excellent by their Students Graduate Diversity and Program Climate Climate and Diversity Action Plan Community Values & Expectations Initiatives Organizations Alumni News Alumni Resources Donate to Chemistry Graduate students recognized for outstanding mentorship of undergraduates Two graduate students in the Department of Chemistry have been recognized for their outstanding mentorship of multiple undergraduates in their respective chemistry research groups. Priti Kharel, a sixth-year graduate student in the lab of Pinshane Huang, has been awarded the  Gary Schuster Mentoring Scholarship, and Prakriti Das, a fifth-year graduate student in the lab of Scott Silverman, has been awarded the Dr. Sandra Murawski Award for Mentoring Excellence. The Murawski award in the amount of $1,000 was established by alum Dr. Sandra Murawski (PhD, ’86, Rinehart) who has built a 40-year career in chemistry at P&G and wanted to establish this award to recognize and support excellence in graduate student mentoring. The Schuster scholarship, also in the amount of $1,000, was established by Dr. De-Kai Loo (PhD, ’87, Beak) and Dr. Jianjian Zhang (PhD, ’89, Schuster) in 2018 in honor of Gary Schuster, professor of chemistry at Illinois from 1975 to 1994. The scholarship recognizes graduate students who demonstrate outstanding mentorship of undergraduate students. Priti Kharel —  Gary Schuster Mentoring Scholarship Pinshane Huang, a professor of Materials Science and Engineering, said that Kharel has been an exceptional research mentor to two research undergraduates in her research group, Amanda Loutris and Patrick Carmichael. Under Kharel’s guidance, Huang said both undergraduate researchers have been highly successful. They are co-authors on a publication in Nano Letters and were selected for the Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research Program. “In particular, working with Priti has truly fostered a passion for electron microscopy within Patrick. It has been remarkable to watch his transformation from an excited freshman into the most productive undergraduate researcher ever to work in my group,” Huang said. “Patrick now operates at the level of a second- or third-year graduate student, partly due to his exceptional working relationship with Priti.” Carmichael, who has been accepted to multiple PhD programs with fellowship offers for the fall said Priti consistently supports and motivates him to excel in all facets of research and urging him to strive for excellence in his academic endeavors. “Her encouragement not only encompasses producing top-tier research but also extends to applying for personal opportunities such as scholarships, conference presentations, and research programs. Her faith in me has driven my motivations, and as a result my accomplishments, to new heights,” said Carmichael, whose collaboration with Kharel on imaging the stacking arrangement of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) led to results representing a significant paradigm shift and important chemical insight regarding COFs. “This important chemical insight would not have been possible without the incredible team that Priti and Patrick have forged, and they will be first authors on the manuscript currently in preparation,” Huang said. Prakriti Das — Dr. Sandra Murawski Award for Mentoring Excellence In his nomination, Scott Silverman, professor of chemistry, said Das has successfully mentored three undergraduates, including two who are coauthors along with Das on a recent manuscript, and all three undergraduates are headed to chemistry graduate school. Silverman said Das began mentoring current junior Chemistry major Michelle Bishka in her freshman year, teaching her all aspects of the lab's experimental work. “With Prakriti’s guidance, Michelle performed many assays that were integral to defining the scope of our lab’s recent publication in Angewandte Chemie on DNA nucleobase N-acylation DNAzymes, which includes both Prakriti and Michelle as coauthors,” Silverman said. “In parallel, Michelle is now leading her own comprehensive research project, in which she seeks new DNAzymes that use small-molecule substrates in such N-acylation reactions. Prakriti’s sustained training and mentorship of Michelle throughout her project has enabled her to contribute to undergraduate research in this way.” Silverman said Das has also been important in the mentoring of Maria Massa, another junior Chemistry major and co-first author of the lab’s recent Angewandte Chemie manuscript. Das assisted Massa in developing the acyl donor activation conditions that are central to the manuscript. “For both Michelle and Maria, Prakriti was essential to helping each undergraduate prepare their own separate first-author research posters, which the two students presented not only at internal meetings but also at the ACS Midwest/Great Lakes Regional Meeting in St. Louis in October 2023,” Silverman said. And now, Das is mentoring Esther Chang, a freshman Biochemistry major who is engaging in her first research experience. “Prakriti Das has been very successful at her undergraduate research mentorship, helping all three of her mentees to research proficiency and thereby supporting their pathways to graduate school, and for these reasons, Prakriti is an outstanding candidate for our department’s award in undergraduate research mentorship,” Silverman said. 210 IMAGES Scholarship Essay Best Scholarship Essay Examples (Winning Tips) Scholarship Essay Scholarship Essay The Best Winning Scholarship Essay Examples & Format I Leverage Edu Scholarship Essay VIDEO 5 Steps of Scholarship Essays ✅#scholarships #essay #bangladesh #motivation Top 3 Easy Tips to Win Scholarships How to Write a Scholarship Essay #essaywriting #shorts Essay Writing Competition How to get Scholarships #collegetips #scholarship The Australian National University COMMENTS The Ultimate List of Writing Scholarships in 2024 • Apply Today Students who are Muslim or active members of the Muslim community may apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year ranging from $3,000-$10,000, though the amounts and number of recipients will vary. Students must submit applications including essay questions, work samples, and letters of recommendation ... Top 280 Writing & Essay Scholarships in June 2024 Offered by Scholarships360. Exclusive. 1 award worth $10,000. Deadline Jun 30, 2024. Grade Level All Grade Levels. Apply. The Scholarships360 $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…. Show More. The Top Essay Scholarships for Students The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. You must write an essay of between 800 and 1,600 words on one of the three topics listed on the sponsor's website in order to be considered for this award. James L. Allhands Essay Competition; Deadline: 11/15/23 Award Amount: $300 - $1,000 Top 100+ Graduate School Scholarships in June 2024 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Scholarships - For high school seniors and above who are Hispanic and pursuing a STEM degree. Worth $25,000. Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program - For college and graduate students studying life sciences or related fields. Worth $10,000. Top 210 Essay Scholarships to Apply for in June 2024 This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Anthony McPherson by raising awareness about drunk driving and supporting students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Eligibility Criteria: Field of Interest: Automotive. Education Level: High school or undergraduate student. Amount: $1,000. Deadline: Nov 08, 2024. Essay Scholarships Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. Amount $2,000. Deadline June 30, 2024. The $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school student all the way up to, and including, graduate school students. Scholarship Details $2,000 No Essay Scholarship for tuition and any other college-related expenses No essay requirement. Scholarships for Graduate Students Scholarships are available through organizations, companies, states, and more. They can be need-based or merit-based, but you must apply for them. Scholarship award amounts for graduate students tend to be more modest than for undergrads, but they can add up. An extra $1,000 - $2,000 can help reduce your living expenses for a month. Find Graduate School Scholarships University 4-Year College 2-Year College Vocational. Award Amount. $0 - $25,000+. Every little bit helps, get a head start funding your graduate school education with the U.S. News scholarship ... How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples) The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading. Engage the reader by appealing to the senses. Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you. Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning. Essay Scholarships This scholarship recognizes the outstanding work of graduate nursing students who are advancing the nursing profession through a commitment to innovation, leadership, and/or mentoring. Students must be members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy. Graduate School Scholarships: Students Guide to Scholarships in '18 The Truman Scholarship foundation provides graduate students with up to $30,000 to pursue careers in education, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or public service. This prestigious program is the oldest fellowship in America, offering a fully paid two-year education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. 50 Best Scholarships for Master's Students Type of Scholarship: Annual. Amount: $3,000 - $5,000. Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024. The Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research, funded by the Foundation for Community Association Research, is geared toward graduate students who want to research community development, management, and governance. 30 Great Essay Scholarships Three essay scholarships worth $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 are available. Entrants must craft a patriotic essay of 1,500 to 2,000 words about the meaningful ways diversity betters American life. Essays with a proper MLA- or Chicago-style citation bibliography are due on June 30th. Scholarship Website. 4. How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School At San Diego State University, for instance, 29% of total scholarships were awarded to graduate students during the 2022-2023 cycle, says Kari Hooker, director of scholarships in the university's ... Graduate School Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships The median earnings for master's degree holders is $77,844—nearly $13,000 more than those with a bachelor's degree. However, the cost of graduate school can be steep. The National Center for ... Scholarships for Graduate School: 45 Awards You Need in 2023 ScholarSHPE Graduate Scholarship. Award: $2,000. Deadline: April 30th. Eligibility: Must be Hispanic; an active SHPE Member; a full-time graduate student; pursuing a STEM degree; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and are currently attending a college or university in the United States or Puerto Rico. Exclusive Scholarships for Graduate Students in 2024 This scholarship aims to honor Richard and Rebecca Whiddon's memories by supporting students who will carry on their light. Eligibility Criteria: Field of Study: STEM. Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student. Background: Financial need. Amount: $3,000. Deadline is Approaching! 24 day s left. Graduate School Scholarships Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. Amount $2,000. Deadline June 30, 2024. 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The $10,000 "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. All students are eligible. Amount:$25,124. Applying to Graduate School With a Low GPA Essays or personal statements allow students to outline who they are as a person, says Juliet Langman, dean of Kennesaw State University's graduate college in Georgia. Bridge City graduate earns Student of Integrity scholarship Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A Bridge City student is among eight individuals in Southeast Texas who earned the Student of Integrity Scholarships, awarded through the BBB SETX Education Foundation. Addison Woolley, a 2024 graduate of Bridge City High School, received the $2,500 scholarship. "Through the efforts of our Foundation and with the donations […] College Essays That Worked And How Yours Can Too Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth. Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness ... Graduate Student Funding Requirements and deadlines for scholarships vary by scholarship. Assistantships. Graduate student assistants are graduate students in good standing enrolled full-time who hold a graduate student appointment requiring the performance of such duties as classroom instruction, academic advising, reading papers and examinations, supervision, or ... Turvey, Cleary named 2024 Byers Scholarship recipients Entering this highly selective graduate program, Turvey recognizes how NCAA swimming "uniquely prepared me for training as long and demanding as the M.D.-Ph.D." As Turvey wrote in her Byers Scholarship essay, "My greatest contribution is my grit. This comes from intercollegiate athletics. Types of Financial Aid and Eligibility MS Graduate Students = $20,500 MD Students= $42.722- 1st & 2nd Yr $47,167-3rd Yr $44,944- 4th Yr : 8.08% - loans disbursed July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025: 1.057% - loans disbursed to October 1, 2024: Yes- Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed and student borrower is responsible for repayment of both principal and interest. Graduate students recognized for outstanding mentorship of Priti Kharel, a sixth-year graduate student in the lab of Pinshane Huang, has been awarded the Gary Schuster Mentoring Scholarship, and Prakriti Das, a fifth-year graduate student in the lab of Scott Silverman, has been awarded the Dr. Sandra Murawski Award for Mentoring Excellence. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis