Lots of students want to win scholarships for college, but few really want to write an essay. Let’s face it — writing essays isn’t everyone’s strong point.
There are plenty of opportunities to win a scholarship and earn money for college without writing an essay, though. Some of these scholarships require that you use your talents, but other awards are based on nothing but luck.
[Learn how to use your talents to earn scholarships for college.]
Here are three ways — including tips, when applicable — to win scholarships without an essay.
1. Make a video: Many people find that watching a video is easier than reading an essay. But is it easier to create a video than write an essay?
To some extent, yes — just point your phone and press a button. However, good video production takes time and effort. Here are some tips for making a standout video of your own.
— Choose your equipment carefully. Phone cameras are terrific anymore, but they may not provide everything you need, such as the ability to film action horizontally, capture moving subjects or work in low or difficult lighting. A dedicated video camera — even an inexpensive one — is a better option.
— Use a tripod. Even the steadiest of hands can produce movement that will quickly label your effort as amateurish.
— Remember to check the sound. The images are important, but to get your message across, your video will also need great sound. Make sure to minimize wind and other background noise that can interfere with your sound quality.
— Ensure you have the rights. Depending on the contest you enter, you’ll need to make sure you have the rights to use images and any background music. This is particularly important if the scholarship sponsor wants to publish the winning video. Be sure to also review whether a particular scholarship has specific image or music requirements.
— Edit your work. Just as this is important for writers, it’s important for videographers. People have short attention spans — you want to pack a lot into a small amount of time. But don’t try to cram too much information in — your video must still be cohesive.
Once you have mastered your video skills, consider applying for The Courageous Persuaders, which awards more than $26,000 in scholarships. A number of $2,000 scholarships are available for high school students across the U.S. as well as several scholarships ranging between $250 and $3,000 for high schoolers in Michigan.
Ninth – through 12th – graders must submit a 30-second commercial to warn middle schoolers about the dangers of underage drinking or texting and driving. In addition to the monetary award, the grand-prize winner will also gain hands-on experience working with video professionals to upgrade the commercial for broadcast on TV.
Be sure to review the scholarship’s website for the full video requirements. The deadline to apply is Feb. 9, 2017.
[Consider these scholarships for film students.]
2. Design a video game: Many students are skilled at playing video games. Those who are advanced enough to design their own video games could use this talent to win a college scholarship.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
— Remember the obvious things the game must be. That is, fun, fast-loading and winnable.
— Don’t start on the computer. It can be limiting according to the software’s preset gaming worlds or backgrounds. Instead, start with a sketchbook to draw and transcribe your ideas. When you try to transfer the idea from paper to the computer screen, you’ll likely have to go beyond the presets, and that’s a good thing.
[Check out these six scholarships for gamers.]
— Decide on a mood and stick to it. Will your game be dark and violent or bright and fun? If you’re fighting aliens for control of a planet, don’t insert a Jar Jar Binks into the middle of things. Remember, any game music and other sound has to fit the mood, too. And just as with a video, make sure you have the rights to any images or music you use.
— Get the story right. Although you’re not writing an essay, you are telling a story, which needs to be compelling to attract the reader and move quickly through the various phases.
Students ready to test out their gaming creations should consider entering the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Teams of up to three eligible students can enter original games, among other technology projects, for a chance to win $100,000. Second place is a $25,000 award, and third place receives $15,000.
Students throughout the world, with a few exceptions, who are at least 16 years old as of July 31, 2016, and are currently enrolled in an accredited high school or college may enter. Teams are also encouraged to work with a mentor. The deadline to submit an entry is May 31.
3. Enter a sweepstakes: Some scholarships are awarded by random drawing, requiring no hidden talents and no essays. Applicants might have to complete a survey or two but little more. Winning these is all about the luck of the draw .
One recent drawing was the Harris Poll $1,000 Scholarship Sweepstakes Drawing. Offered by Harris Polls Online, which conducts market research, applicants must agree to participate in online polls. Check back for future offerings.
If you don’t like writing essays, don’t fret. Use your talent or test your luck to earn money for college.
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Win a Scholarship Without Writing an Essay originally appeared on usnews.com
