I'm starting to look into scholarship opportunities for college, and I keep hearing about 'unique scholarships.' I know there are tons of scholarships based on grades and sports, but what about the more unusual ones?
Has anyone found or applied for scholarships that are considered unique or less typical, like those based on weird talents, hobbies, or even contests? I'd love to hear about any specific scholarships you know of and if you have any tips on how to find them. Thanks in advance for any advice!
There are indeed some unique scholarships out there that aren't based on traditional academic or athletic merits. One example is the Duck Tape Prom Dress/Outfit scholarship, where students create and wear a prom outfit made from duct tape and can win up to $15,000! Similarly, the Stuck at Prom scholarship competition rewards creativity in making prom attire out of Duck brand duct tape.
Another excellent example is the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship, which requires applicants to imagine what they would do if their school was overrun by zombies. Can you plan the best surviving strategy? Using creative writing and planning skills might land you $2,000.
The American Fire Sprinkler Association awards scholarships through a random drawing for those who complete its online fire safety quiz. It's meant to help spread knowledge about fire safety, and it doesn't require an essay or project.
In terms of how to find them, use scholarship search engines and fill out your profile as completely as possible, because these tools will match you with scholarships based on the info you provide. Many scholarships have quite specific eligibility requirements, so the more information you input, the better matches you'll get.
Get creative with your searches as well: think about things that you’re genuinely interested in or passionate about, and use keywords related to that. It could be your favorite book, hobby, or even your intended college major. You'd be surprised how many unique scholarships pop up.
Remember, though unique scholarships can be fun and quirky, they're still scholarships, and you should treat them as such. Keep track of the deadlines, complete the application thoughtfully, and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. Good luck!
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