Scholarships aren’t just about your GPA. Many are crafted for students who shine in creativity, possess unique talents, or have special traits that set them apart. These "unusual scholarships" celebrate what makes you, you—unlocking opportunities that recognize individuality and lead to extraordinary achievements. Explore incredible options that can help you forge your own one-of-a-kind path!
Scholarships for Creativity
Do you dream of making your prom outfit out of duct-tape? Create your own greeting cards?
Now is your time to turn that unusual hobby of yours into cold, hard scholarship funds.
Yes, your hobby is weird. Yes, there’s a scholarship for that!
There are scholarship opportunities for creative people, like the Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship.
Scholarships Based on Physical Attributes
Are you tall, short, left-handed, overweight, or a twin or triplet? There’s a scholarship for that. If there is something unique about you, you may be able to convert that into money for school.
Check out some of these unusual scholarships for unique individuals.
Food Scholarships
Love to cook? Love to eat? There are tons of tempting college scholarships out there for food lovers. Vegetarian? Beef lover? Whether you stuff your face with tofu or tenderloin, there is a group out there that wants to help you succeed. Here’s a list of scholarships for food lovers of all types.
- Burger King Scholars
- James Beard Foundation Scholarship
- John Kitt Memorial Scholarship from the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT)
- American Society for Enology and Viticulture
Creative Writing Scholarships
Even J.K. Rowling had to start somewhere. (In case you were wondering, she started at the University of Exeter in England, studying French and Classics before writing the best-selling Harry Potter series). If creative writing is your cup of tea, check out these opportunities for scholarships for college.
- Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest
- Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship
- American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
Unusual Sports Scholarships
Bull riders and bowlers rejoice! They may not be as abundant as football or basketball scholarships, but there are awards out there geared toward alternative athletes. Whether you love golfing, marbles, or fly fishing, there are groups out there to support you in your hobby and academics. Take a look at this list of college scholarships for lovers of alternative sports!
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