By tamaraWhat new gadgets and toys will make your holiday wish list this year? Maybe you’re dreaming of the new iPhone 6 or one of those curved smart TVs. You might even be adventurous enough to ask for a trip to Europe, but there’s something else you probably should consider adding, as well — money for college. Yeah, we know it’s not fun to think about saving money, but it really will be appreciated when those college tuition bills start rolling in. And, it’s definitely better than getting another polka dot sweater from your grandmother (seriously, stop buying these!). Even if you have a huge extended family, you may still fall short of receiving enough money to help cover all your expenses next semester. That’s where we come in. Although we’d love to give you (and everyone else) a present this year, it’s simply not possible. So, we’re doing the next best thing and wrapping up this list of December scholarships just for you! 1. Giva Corporate Student Scholarship Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Students must submit an essay (600 to 1,000 words) answering the following question: “How will you use your talents and education to make the world a better place for future generations?” Deadline: December 1. 2. We The Students Scholarship Contest The Bill of Rights Institute offers eight scholarships (top prize is $5,000!) through this essay contest. Students in grades nine through twelve are eligible to apply. Deadline: December 5. 3. Youth Free Expression Film Contest This annual film contest is open to students 19 or younger. The top award is a $1,000 cash prize and a $5,000 scholarship to the New York Film Academy. Deadline: December 7. 4. Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Five scholarships are available through this essay contest. College juniors and seniors may apply. Scholarships range in value from $500 to $5,000 each. Deadline: December 8. 5. Student Debt USA Scholarship This $1,000 essay contest is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline: December 15. 6. Scholastic Art & Writing Award Students in grades seven through twelve may compete for one of several scholarships offered through this creative contest. Students must have an interest in art or writing. Deadline: December 17. 7. Love Your Body: Poster Contest This $250 poster contest is open to students of all ages. Deadline: December 19. 8. Impact a Life Scholarship Undergraduate and graduate students may compete for one of three scholarships offered through this scholarship program. Students must submit an essay (500 to 1,000 words) on one of the two topics provided. Top prize is a $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: December 31. 9. ‘Advice to Your High School Self’ Scholarship This $5,000 scholarship is open to current college students, as well as students who have graduated from college in the last three years. Student must complete a short survey and write an essay (200 words or less). Deadline: December 31. 10. #PayMyCollegeApps Scholarship Current high school students may be eligible for up to $2,000 to pay for college applications through this easy scholarship. Students must simply complete a profile on Zinch.com and list the colleges (up to 20) where they plan to apply. Deadline: December 31. 11. Top Ten List Scholarship To win this $1,500 award, students (13 and older) must submit a list of the 10 reasons why they deserve a scholarship. One winner is selected annually, and creativity is the key! Deadline: December 31. 12. Get Up & GO! Scholarship Three students will each receive $10,000 through this fun and easy scholarship program. To enter, students must simply write an essay (200 words or less) explaining where they want to go. Deadline: December 31. We know it’s not a new car or a fancy piece of jewelry, but it’s the thought that counts, right? And, we’re hoping that you get exactly what you’re wishing for this holiday season; whether it’s an acceptance letter to your top choice school or an email announcing you as the winner of one of these awesome scholarship prizes. But, if Santa does come up a bit short this year, don’t get too mad. There are still plenty of scholarship opportunities to come next year!