Top 5 Scholarship Essay Contests: Eligibility Criteria, Scholarship Benefits, and How to Apply
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students are turning to scholarships as a way to help fund their academic pursuits. One way to potentially earn scholarship money is by participating in essay contests. In this article, we will highlight the top 5 scholarship essay contests, their eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top 5 Scholarship Essay Contests
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- AFSA High School Scholarship
- Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged" Essay Contest
- The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest
- Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
- Eligibility Criteria
- Scholarship Benefits
- How to Apply
- Tips for Writing a Winning Essay
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
Scholarship essay contests are a great opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills while potentially earning scholarship money to help pay for their education. In this article, we will highlight the top 5 scholarship essay contests, their eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, and how to apply.
2. Top 5 Scholarship Essay Contests
There are many scholarship essay contests available to students, but we have compiled a list of the top 5:
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is open to high school seniors in the United States who are planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate leadership, character, and community service. The scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 students each year.
AFSA High School Scholarship
The AFSA High School Scholarship is open to high school seniors who are children of Foreign Service employees. Applicants must submit an essay on a specific topic related to the Foreign Service and may be awarded up to $20,000.
Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged" Essay Contest
The Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged" Essay Contest is open to high school seniors and college students. Applicants must submit an essay on one of three provided prompts related to Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged". The scholarship awards $50 to $10,000 to multiple winners.
The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest
The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States. Applicants must submit a 3-5 minute audio essay on a specific theme related to American democracy. The scholarship awards up to $30,000 to the national winner.
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools or communities. Applicants must submit an essay on a specific topic related to vegetarianism and may be awarded up to $10,000.
3. Eligibility Criteria
It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship essay contest before applying. Eligibility criteria may include age, academic standing, citizenship, residency, and more.
READ ALSO: Molloy College Tuition: Scholarships and Costs Of Living 2023
4. Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship benefits vary depending on the scholarship essay contest. Some scholarships may award a one-time payment while others may provide renewable awards. It is important to review the scholarship benefits for each contest to understand what financial support may be available.
5. How to Apply
Each scholarship essay contest will have its own specific application process. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each contest. Generally, applicants will need to submit an essay that meets the requirements outlined in the contest guidelines. Essays should be well-written and demonstrate the applicant's ability to think critically and creatively.
6. Tips for Writing a Winning Essay
Writing a winning essay for a scholarship contest can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Read and understand the contest guidelines carefully.
- Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that fits the contest requirements.
- Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay has a clear structure.
- Write a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states your thesis.
- Use specific examples and evidence to support your arguments.
- Show, don't tell. Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture for the reader.
- Edit and proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly.
- Ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback.
7. Conclusion
Scholarship essay contests can be a great way to help fund your education while showcasing your writing skills. By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each contest and following our tips for writing a winning essay, you can increase your chances of success.
8. FAQs
Can I apply for multiple scholarship essay contests? Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarship essay contests as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for these scholarships? No, not all of the scholarships on this list require U.S. citizenship. However, eligibility criteria may vary for each contest.
How important is it to follow the contest guidelines? It is very important to follow the contest guidelines carefully. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
Can I reuse an essay for multiple scholarship contests? It is generally not recommended to reuse an essay for multiple scholarship contests. Each contest will have its own specific requirements and you will want to tailor your essay to fit those requirements.
When are scholarship essay contest winners typically announced? Scholarship essay contest winners are typically announced several weeks to several months after the application deadline. Be sure to check the contest website for specific information.
Reviewed by Janhit
on
September 16, 2025
Rating:
No comments: