What Is An Action-Based Scholarship?

Some college applicants and current students struggle with scholarship essays. Fortunately, many private organizations and postsecondary schools offer an alternative: action-based scholarships. This merit-based assistance judges applicants' talents and skills in a specific area. Private organizations and postsecondary schools sponsoring a no-essay scholarship may require a portfolio or other submission.

The merit-based assistance attracts more students than just those who dislike writing essays. Applicants display their talents by creating a video, website, or other creative product. Doing so fulfills the scholarship's application requirements and helps learners develop a professional portfolio and hone new skills.

What Is an Action-Based Scholarship?

Action-based scholarships differ from traditional scholarships in that they do not base their award decision on applicants' essays. Instead, this merit-based assistance asks learners to demonstrate their skills in visual arts, coding, music, or multiple areas. This requirement limits the applicant pool, increasing learners' chances of winning.

Although action-based scholarships do not require essays, applying may involve writing, like developing a television commercial script. As a result, no-essay scholarship applicants still need good writing skills.

What Qualifies You for an Action-Based Scholarship?

Learners should research merit-based assistance aligning with their interests and skills. Doing so helps them discover action-based scholarships where they will stand apart from the competition. Students active in community involvement and activism should also consider applying to these specialized awards, even with limited experience.

Some no-essay scholarships require applicants to create a compelling social media profile. As with a scholarship essay, applicants should use their best writing and ask someone else for feedback before submitting.

Why Consider an Action-Based Scholarship

Action-based scholarships feature many advantages, such as earning money for completing an enjoyable activity. These and other benefits make no-essay scholarships an attractive option for many students.

• You Do Not Need to Write an Essay

  Some students with excellent writing skills struggle with essay prompts. They avoid this problem by applying for action-based scholarships. Applicants use their time productively by creating something new, such as a painting, song, or website. These and other products may impress a scholarship committee more than an essay ever could.

• Earn Money for Already Doing Something You Enjoy

  Low motivation to write a scholarship essay may result in poor quality. Action-based scholarships solve this problem by letting applicants do something they already enjoy. Enthusiasm encourages applicants to make their best possible submission, increasing their scholarship chances. Other benefits include using the final product in a college or job application portfolio.

• Scholarships Can Be Dynamic and Fun

  Action-based scholarships may let applicants express creative freedom. Essays rarely offer this choice, as applicants must follow a prompt. However, freedom still involves creating a unique final product that catches the scholarship committee's attention. Examine past winners' submissions for inspiration, if possible.

• Action Scholarships Can Show Off Your Skill Set

  Action scholarships help applicants sharpen skills and show them off to an audience. Doing so prepares them for similar life events, such as showing work examples for a job application. Learners applying to no-essay scholarships gain valuable experience even if they do not receive the scholarship.

• They Can Be as Easy as Signing Up

  Some merit-based assistance requires learners to sign up for a social media site or another service to qualify. However, applying may require additional steps, so pay close attention to all application instructions. Please disregard scholarships asking applicants to pay a fee or provide sensitive personal information.