Unique Scholarships for College Students: Stand Out and Get Funded
When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are a golden opportunity to ease financial burdens. While many students apply for the common, well-known scholarships, there’s a treasure trove of unique scholarships out there that cater to specific interests, backgrounds, talents, and quirks.
These scholarships can sometimes have less competition because they target niche groups or unusual criteria. If you want to boost your chances of winning aid, exploring these unique scholarships for college students can be a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and lesser-known scholarships that might just fit your profile perfectly.
What Makes a Scholarship “Unique”?
Unique scholarships differ from traditional ones because they often:
- Focus on unusual talents, hobbies, or interests.
- Target students with specific backgrounds or life experiences.
- Reward creativity, humor, or quirky achievements.
- Are sponsored by niche organizations or companies.
Because they appeal to specific groups, they can be less competitive and offer great chances to win money for college.
Examples of Unique Scholarships
1. The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship
This scholarship rewards creativity! Students create prom outfits made entirely out of duct tape and submit photos. Winners get scholarship money for their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
2. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship
If you’re a tall student, this is for you! This scholarship is offered by the Tall Clubs International for men and women meeting height requirements, celebrating your unique stature.
3. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Sponsored by Unigo, this fun scholarship asks students to explain how they would survive a zombie apocalypse. It’s creative and engaging, perfect for students who like a challenge.
4. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Vegetarian or vegan students can apply for this scholarship by submitting essays about vegetarianism and its benefits. It’s a great fit for students passionate about animal rights or environmentalism.
5. The Axe Apollo Space Academy Scholarship
This once-in-a-lifetime scholarship invited students to apply for a chance to become space explorers! While the contest ended, similar unique scholarships tied to unusual experiences often pop up.
Why Apply for Unique Scholarships?
- Less competition: Because they’re specialized, fewer students apply.
- Highlight your personality: Unique scholarships value who you are beyond grades and test scores.
- Boost your resume: Winning quirky scholarships shows creativity and initiative.
- Potentially larger awards: Some unique scholarships offer significant sums.
Tips for Winning Unique Scholarships
- Be authentic: Let your personality shine through your essays or applications.
- Follow instructions carefully: These scholarships often have specific themes or formats.
- Start early: Unique scholarships may have early or rolling deadlines.
- Research widely: Use scholarship search engines and check community boards.
- Apply often: Don’t limit yourself to one or two – the more you apply to, the better your chances.
How to Find Unique Scholarships
- Use websites like Fastweb, Unigo, and Scholarships.com and filter by interests or unusual criteria.
- Join niche organizations or clubs related to your hobby or identity.
- Check local businesses and community organizations for smaller, specialized scholarships.
- Ask your school counselor or college financial aid office for recommendations.
Unique scholarships offer an exciting way to fund your education while embracing what makes you different. Whether your talent is creativity, your lifestyle is unique, or your interests are niche, there’s likely a scholarship waiting for you.