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Top no essay scholarships to apply for right now

July 15, 2025 - 8 mins

5 key takeaways about no essay scholarships

  • You don’t need a 4.0 GPA or a standout essay to win a no essay scholarship.
  • These scholarships are fast, free, and open to many different students.
  • You can apply for most of them in minutes—no stress, no extra work.
  • Watch out for scams and never pay to apply.
  • Keep applying regularly to boost your chances of winning.

Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college—but we know applying for them can feel like a full-time job. Essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts are often required. But there are easier scholarships out there—like no essay scholarships

If you’re busy with school, work, or just burnt out from college prep, this kind of scholarship can be a game-changer. Let’s talk look at some top no essay scholarships available right now—and how to increase your chances of snagging free college money without breaking a sweat.

What are no essay scholarships?

No essay scholarships are a type of financial award that doesn’t require applicants to submit essays, personal statements, or extensive applications. These scholarships typically just ask you to fill out basic info—name, school, graduation year—and sometimes answer a few quick questions.

Some are sweepstakes-style, where winners are chosen randomly. Others might look at things like your interests, demographics, or application date. Either way, the key benefit is clear: they’re fast, easy, and open to lots of students.

Why do no essay scholarships matter?

Let’s be real—not everyone has hours to craft the perfect essay or polish up a resume. No essay scholarships open doors for:

  • Students with average GPAs or test scores
  • People who are already working or caring for family
  • Anyone overwhelmed by traditional applications

They're not just easy—they're inclusive.

Here are 9 no essay scholarships to check out now

1. $2,000 No Essay Scholarship from Sallie

Apply in two minutes, with no essay needed. Be sure to enter every month.

2. The Scholarships360 $10,000 "No Essay" College Scholarship from Scholarships360

Apply in minutes and enter for a chance to win $2,000 toward school. Open to high school, college, and grad students. 

3. "Be Bold" $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

An award that’s given to the “boldest” student—aka someone who applies early and shows determination. 

4. Scholarship Owl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

A quick sweepstakes-style scholarship with regular monthly winners. 

5. Edvisors $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Easy entry, open to high school and college students. 

 

6. FlippedApp $2,500 Scholarship-No Essay

Offers an award just for signing up. Geared toward students interested in reducing college costs. 

7. CampusReel No Essay Scholarship Sweepstakes

 Students can enter by creating a free account and exploring college videos. 

8. Christian Connector Scholarship

Students interested in attending a Christian college can easily apply for an ward.

9. Catholic College Info Scholarship

Similar to the above but geared toward students looking into Catholic colleges.

How to apply for no essay scholarships

Most of these scholarships take just a few minutes to apply for. Here's what the process usually looks like:

  1. Visit the application page.
  2. Fill in basic details (name, email, school, grad year).
  3. Agree to the terms and submit.

That’s it. You don’t need to upload documents, chase down references, or write anything long. It’s literally the fastest scholarship type out there.

Do no essay scholarships have any requirements?

Even though they’re easier to apply for, some no essay scholarships still have eligibility requirements. These might include:

  • Being enrolled in or planning to attend an accredited school
  • Living in the U.S. or a specific state
  • Being a certain age or grade level
  • Planning to major in a specific subject (for themed scholarships)

Always double-check the details on the application page so you know you’re eligible.

Where to find no essay scholarships

Here are a few smart places to start:

  • Scholly Scholarships: Filter for no essay scholarships to find the best-fit ones for you.
  • ScholarshipOwl – Great for sweepstakes and monthly quick-apply options.
  • Bold.org – Offers a ton of no essay scholarships that reward early applicants.
  • Scholarships360 – Another reliable place to find fast-apply options.
  • School counselors – They sometimes know of local scholarships that are super simple to apply for.

Tips for applying to no essay scholarships

  • Apply early and often. Many of these awards favor students who apply ASAP.
  • Set a reminder to apply every month. Some of these scholarships renew monthly.
  • Use a scholarship tracker. Keep tabs on deadlines and reapply dates.
  • Check your inbox. Some scholarship providers will notify you via email if you win (or to verify details).
  • Read the fine print. Know if you’re signing up for marketing emails or future updates.

Watch out for scams

If a scholarship asks you to pay to apply, it’s not legit. Always follow these safety tips:

  • Never give out your Social Security number to apply.
  • Avoid scholarships that ask for a “processing fee.”
  • Stick to trusted sites (like the ones linked above).
  • Use a separate email for scholarship applications to keep things organized.

How to boost your chances of winning

No essay scholarships are often sweepstakes-style, but there are still ways to stand out:

  • Apply early. Some scholarships prioritize early applicants (like the Be Bold scholarship).
  • Be consistent. The more you apply, the better your odds.
  • Fill out your profile fully. Sites like Bold.org and ScholarshipOwl tailor results based on your profile, so the more info you provide, the more relevant (and winnable) options you’ll see.

Yes, quick apply scholarships are worth it

No essay scholarships won’t cover your entire tuition bill—but they can chip away at the cost. And given how quick and easy they are to apply for, it’s totally worth setting aside 10 minutes a week to apply for a few. You never know when one could pay off.

So keep your eyes open, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to go for the easy wins.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship*

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2025.
See Official Rules.

SLM Education Services, LLC 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.

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