Searching for scholarships can get overwhelming — with the thousands of listings online, it’s hard to know where to start (and if you even stand a chance at earning one, given that there are about 17 million college students out there).
Fear not!
The truth is, when you start feeling overwhelmed by options, the best thing you can do is narrow them. Make a commitment to apply to as many of the scholarships below that you fit the requirements for, feeling the sweet satisfaction of being truly productive and investing in your future. You could score $11,000+ just for doing so.
- Chegg’s $1,000 New Year’s Resolution Scholarship — Explain why you’re making 2015 your best year yet, and you could receive a $1,000 scholarship. (And if you need some inspiration on making goals for the year ahead, our sister site can help with that). Hurry, because the deadline’s coming up quick: It’s January 31, 2015!
- American Association of Candy Technologists’ John Kitt Memorial Scholarship — You must demonstrate an interest in confectionary technology (though who wouldn’t be interested in that?!), and you could snag $5,000. Deadline to apply: April 13, 2015
- Tip: What field are you interested in? What field(s) do your parents work in? Look for any associations or other professional organizations related to those areas for more scholarship opportunities. (Plus, the applicant pool is usually much smaller, increasing your chances of winning!)
- USF Scholarships and Fellowships — This is only for University of South Florida students, but since a decent chunk of our traffic comes from the Tampa Bay area, we had to include it (we love the rest of our visitors just as much though!). The USF Foundation awards $5 million a year (a YEAR!) to students at the University of South Florida. Fill out this STARS questionnaire to find out what you’re eligible for, then apply, apply, apply! Deadline: Feb. 1, 2015 for incoming freshmen; April 15, 2015 for returning students.
- The $1,000 Active Calendar Scholarship — Tell the team at Active Data why knowing what’s going on on campus is vital to your success as a student (in 500-1,000 words) and you could win a $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: April 20, 2015
- Distinctive Windows Plus’ Design Your Future Scholarship — If you’re attending (or are planning on attending) a design school in New York, this is the fund to apply for. Simply write a 500- to 1,000-word essay on today’s design trends across different markets, and you could be awarded $1,000. The website includes a few questions to get you thinking about this topic, which can help you brainstorm brilliance. Deadline: May 25, 2015
- AmeriQuest Transportation Services Scholarship — Write a 500- to 1,000-word essay answering what the transportation industry can do to attract the new generation of drivers — and be a tech- or business-related major — and you could snag $1,000. Deadline: May 30, 2015
- Corcentric Accounting Software Scholarship — Submit a 500-1,000 word essay addressing what advice you’d give younger students about saving for college and avoiding debt. This scholarship is open to incoming freshmen through seniors, and any major can apply. Deadline: May 30, 2015
- Reed Tech Scholarship — This scholarship and the next one (Southland) feature fairly similar topics, so you might as well apply to both, right? If your major falls under one of the STEM fields (science, tech, engineering and math), just submit an essay that’s less than 750 words and describes a significant innovation, what benefits it’s provided the world and how you would improve upon it. Deadline: May 30, 2015
- Southland Electrical Supply Scholarship — If you’re studying a STEM field, simply write up a 500-1,000 word essay on how innovation affects the science, technology and trade industries and $1,000 could be yours. The website encourages you to look at innovation in your chosen field or major: How have fresh ideas and concepts transformed that industry over the years? Deadline: May 30, 2015
- BONUS: Nissenbaum Internet Law Scholarship — Two $500 scholarships are up for grabs — undergrad and post-grad students from any major can apply, and all you have to do submit proof that you’re attending a college or university and write a 500- to 2,500-word essay that answers this question: “How can the American legal system improve its approach to policing and regulating digital technology without unduly stifling innovation and civil liberties?” Deadline: May 30, 2015
On a high from filling out those applications? Why stop there? Check out our guide to graduating from college debt-free to find the best scholarship opportunities for Y-O-U.
Good luck!