The Easiest Scholarships to Apply for Right Now

Finding scholarships can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities. However, there are plenty of scholarships that are relatively easy to apply for—requiring minimal effort, no essays, or just a few simple steps. These scholarships are perfect for students looking to maximize their chances of winning without spending hours on applications.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the easiest scholarships available right now, along with tips to help you find more opportunities and increase your chances of success.
1. No-Essay Scholarships
No-essay scholarships are among the easiest to apply for because they don’t require lengthy writing or extensive documentation. Here are some examples:
a. $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to all students (high school, college, graduate).
- Application Process: Simply enter your name and email address.
- Deadline: Monthly drawings.
- Why It’s Easy: No essays, transcripts, or recommendations required.
- Website: Nitro College Scholarship
b. $1,000 Bold.org “No Essay” Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate students.
- Application Process: Create a free Bold.org profile and submit your application.
- Deadline: Rolling monthly deadlines.
- Why It’s Easy: Quick sign-up process with no additional materials needed.
- Website: Bold.org Scholarships
c. $500 Unigo “No Essay” Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to all students aged 13+.
- Application Process: Sign up for an account and complete a short form.
- Deadline: Monthly drawings.
- Why It’s Easy: Minimal effort required; no essays or recommendations.
- Website: Unigo Scholarships
2. Social Media Contests
Some scholarships are awarded based on social media engagement. These are quick and fun ways to win money for school.
a. $1,000 DoSomething.org Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to students aged 13–25.
- Application Process: Complete a short campaign (e.g., posting a photo or sharing a message) on social media.
- Deadline: Varies by campaign.
- Why It’s Easy: Simple tasks like tweeting or uploading a picture.
- Website: DoSomething.org Scholarships
b. $2,000 Chegg Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school and college students.
- Application Process: Follow Chegg on Instagram and tag friends in the comments.
- Deadline: Monthly drawings.
- Why It’s Easy: Just follow and engage on social media.
- Website: Chegg Scholarships
3. Random Drawings
Some scholarships are awarded through random drawings, making them accessible to anyone who applies.
a. $10,000 College Ave Student Loans Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students.
- Application Process: Fill out a brief online form.
- Deadline: Monthly drawings.
- Why It’s Easy: No essays or recommendations required.
- Website: College Ave Scholarships
b. $1,000 Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school and college students.
- Application Process: Register for a free Cappex account and submit your entry.
- Deadline: Monthly drawings.
- Why It’s Easy: Quick registration process with no additional requirements.
- Website: Cappex Scholarships
4. Short Essay Scholarships
While these require a bit more effort than no-essay scholarships, they’re still relatively easy to apply for since the essays are typically short (250 words or less).
a. $5,000 Ascend Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to Asian/Pacific Islander students.
- Application Process: Write a short essay about leadership or community involvement.
- Deadline: Varies annually.
- Why It’s Easy: Short essay requirement with generous awards.
- Website: Ascend Foundation Scholarships
b. $1,000 Going Merry Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school and college students.
- Application Process: Answer one question in 250 words or less.
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
- Why It’s Easy: Minimal writing required compared to traditional scholarships.
- Website: Going Merry Scholarships
5. Local Scholarships
Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, increasing your odds of winning. Check with:
- Your school counselor
- Community organizations (e.g., Rotary Club, Lions Club)
- Local businesses and banks
These scholarships may require only basic information or a short recommendation letter.
6. Tips for Finding More Easy Scholarships
Here are some strategies to discover even more low-effort scholarship opportunities:
a. Use Scholarship Search Engines
- Websites like Fastweb , Scholarships.com , and Niche allow you to filter scholarships by effort level, eligibility, and deadlines.
b. Set Up Alerts
- Many platforms let you create alerts for new scholarships matching your profile.
c. Leverage Social Media
- Follow scholarship providers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for updates on contests and giveaways.
d. Stay Organized
- Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and submission statuses.
7. Avoid Scams
While most scholarships are legitimate, it’s important to watch out for scams. Red flags include:
- Requests for payment or fees
- Guarantees of winning
- Suspicious contact methods (e.g., personal emails instead of official websites)
Always verify the legitimacy of a scholarship before applying.