Scholarships That Don’t Require an Essay or Test Score

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, especially when you are asked to write lengthy essays or submit high standardized test scores. While essays and test results help scholarship committees assess applicants, they also discourage many students who may be excellent candidates but lack the time, resources, or writing confidence. Fortunately, in 2025, there are numerous scholarships available that do not require essays or standardized test scores.

These opportunities focus on other criteria, such as creativity, community service, personal achievements, or even random selection, giving more students a fair chance to secure financial aid. Below, we explore some of the most notable scholarships that are removing these traditional application barriers.

1. No-Essay “You Deserve It” Scholarship

This popular scholarship is one of the easiest to apply for—no essay, no test scores, and minimal personal information required. Applicants simply fill out a quick online form and are automatically entered into the drawing.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. students aged 16 and older.
Award Amount: $2,222 (varies by year).
Selection Process: Random selection.

This is a great option for busy students who want a quick application process without complex requirements.

2. Bold No-Essay Scholarships

Bold.org offers various no-essay scholarships throughout the year. Instead of writing an essay, students are encouraged to build a profile that showcases their interests, achievements, and future goals. Many awards are given based on profile strength and alignment with the scholarship theme.

Eligibility: Open to students in the U.S. and sometimes internationally.
Award Amount: Ranges from $500 to $25,000.
Selection Process: Based on profile and fit, not GPA or test scores.

The platform offers multiple opportunities each month, making it worth visiting regularly.

3. ScholarshipPoints Monthly Sweepstakes

ScholarshipPoints is known for its unique system, where students earn points by completing simple online activities like surveys or quizzes. These points can then be used to enter drawings for scholarships—no essays or standardized tests required.

Eligibility: U.S. residents aged 13 and above.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000.
Selection Process: Random draw from entries.

This program rewards consistency, as the more points you earn, the more entries you can submit.

4. Nitro College No-Essay Scholarship

Nitro College offers a straightforward application process that takes less than five minutes to complete. No essay or academic scores are needed; the main requirement is filling out a basic form with your educational details.

Eligibility: U.S. high school, college, and graduate students.
Award Amount: $2,000 monthly.
Selection Process: Random selection.

This is ideal for students who need quick funding without lengthy applications.

5. Niche No-Essay Scholarships

Niche.com provides monthly scholarship giveaways that require no essay, no GPA, and no test scores. Students simply create a free account and complete their profile to be eligible.

Eligibility: Open to all U.S. students, including international students studying in the U.S.
Award Amount: $2,000 (monthly).
Selection Process: Random drawing among registered users.

Because Niche runs these scholarships year-round, applying early and staying registered increases your chances.

6. CollegeXpress $10,000 Scholarship

CollegeXpress awards one lucky student $10,000 simply for registering on their platform. No essays, test scores, or extra steps are required beyond creating an account.

Eligibility: U.S. students planning to attend a participating CollegeXpress member school.
Award Amount: $10,000.
Selection Process: Random draw.

This is a high-value scholarship with a minimal time investment.

7. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

This quarterly scholarship is open to students in high school, college, or graduate school. The application process is a simple online form with no essays or test scores needed.

Eligibility: U.S. students 13 years or older.
Award Amount: $1,000.
Selection Process: Random selection.

Because the award is offered every quarter, students can reapply if they don’t win the first time.

8. Sallie Mae $2,000 Sweepstakes

Sallie Mae runs a sweepstakes that awards $2,000 to students who complete a short registration form. No essays or test scores are required, making it a quick and low-stress option.

Eligibility: U.S. students and parents.
Award Amount: $2,000.
Selection Process: Random draw.

This scholarship is especially useful for families already exploring student loan options through Sallie Mae.

9. Courage to Grow Scholarship

While this scholarship asks for a short personal statement, it’s not a traditional essay and does not require standardized test scores. Applicants simply explain why they deserve the award in a few sentences.

Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors, seniors, and college students with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Award Amount: $500 monthly.
Selection Process: Based on short answer and application completeness.

The quick application time makes this a great ongoing opportunity.

10. Free Speech Essay Contest (Minimal Writing)

While technically called an essay contest, this program focuses on clear, concise answers rather than lengthy academic essays. It also does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000.
Selection Process: Based on short, thoughtful responses.

This is ideal for students who can express themselves in fewer words.

Benefits of No-Essay and No-Test Scholarships

Time-Saving: Students can apply to multiple opportunities in less time.
Inclusive: Students who struggle with writing or standardized testing can still compete.
Less Stress: No need to spend hours crafting essays or worrying about test scores.
More Opportunities: Quick applications mean you can submit to more scholarships and improve your odds.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances

Apply Early and Often: Many scholarships run monthly or quarterly—reapply when possible.
Complete Your Profile Fully: For platforms like Bold.org or Niche, a complete profile increases visibility.
Stay Organized: Track deadlines and set reminders to avoid missing opportunities.
Watch Out for Scams: Legitimate scholarships never ask for application fees.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, students have more scholarship opportunities than ever before that don’t require essays or test scores. Whether the application is a quick online form, a creative submission, or a random draw, these programs make financial aid accessible to a broader range of students.

For busy students, working professionals, or those who simply want to avoid the stress of essays and standardized tests, these scholarships are a valuable resource. By applying to several of these no-essay and no-test scholarships, you increase your chances of securing funds to support your educational journey—without the traditional barriers.

Education funding shouldn’t always come down to who writes the best essay or scores highest on a test. These scholarships prove that accessibility, simplicity, and inclusivity can go hand-in-hand when supporting future generations of students.

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