What are some good essay scholarships for current college students?

There are plenty of essay-based scholarships for current college students, though you’re right that many well-known ones target high schoolers. Still, as a rising sophomore, you have lots of good options. Here are a few scholarships that regularly accept applications from college students and require essay submissions:

1. Unigo Scholarships: They have a whole range of essay contests (like the $5,000 "Flavor of the Month" Scholarship and $10,000 Unigo Scholarship) and many are open to undergrads. The essay prompts are usually creative and short.

2. Niche No Essay or Essay Scholarships: While Niche is known for its "no essay" contest, it also occasionally hosts themed essay scholarships for college students with straightforward application processes.

3. The Live Más Scholarship: Sponsored by Taco Bell, this one is open to current college students and requires a personal video essay instead of a written one. It emphasizes passion and personal drive, not just grades.

4. Resume Genius Annual Scholarship: Open to all college students, this scholarship asks for a written essay related to career or professional growth.

5. NSHSS Scholarships: The National Society of High School Scholars offers several scholarships with essay components that are open to current college students, not just high school members.

6. The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest: This is a more substantial scholarship focused on ethical questions and personal reflection, open to registered college students.

To find more, also check your university's scholarship portal—many colleges offer internal scholarships for students who perform well or demonstrate need, and essay contests are a common criteria.

When writing your application essays, make it personal and specific. For example, if the prompt asks about leadership, avoid broad claims like "I’m a good leader." Instead, you could tell a brief story about starting a new club or helping your team navigate a challenge, then reflect on how it shaped you. Judges tend to remember essays that are honest, reflective, and unique.

Finally, keep track of deadlines and set aside time for each essay so you’re not scrambling. Even reusing essays for similar prompts is okay if you tailor each to meet the question. Past winners say the key is to show your authentic self and not be afraid to dive into personal experiences, even if they’re small moments rather than big achievements.

Best of luck—diligent effort on these applications can really pay off!