10 Scholarships to Kick Off the New Year

It doesn’t seem possible that 2013 will be ending in just a few days. Where has the time gone? I mean, seriously, doesn’t it feel like you were just trying to figure out what to wear on the first day of school? I’m sure many of you are grateful that the semester is finally over, especially if your grades were not spectacular. If you’re a high school senior, you’re still wondering when you can catch your breath and take a break. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you still have a few more weeks of torture to endure while you wait to learn your fate for next year. Even if you took the initiative and applied to early decision, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to pay for everything. The stress never seems to end, does it? Before you start pulling out your hair, take a deep breath and relax. I’ve got your back. The New Year is a perfect time to work on scholarship applications. Just schedule a little time between your Call of Duty marathons and catching up on all those television shows you missed this fall. Here are a few to get you started.

1. United Realty Students Scholarship

If you are between the ages of 16 and 22, United Realty is offering a $5,000 scholarship. Just submit a short response to the question, “How do I invest in my future?” Deadline: January 1.

2. FIRE's Freedom in Academia Essay Contest

How would you like to win a $10,000 scholarship? Even if you don’t come in first place, you could walk away with $500, $1,000 or even a $5,000 award! All you have to do is watch two short videos and submit an essay on why free speech is important. Deadline: January 1.

3. 1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship Fund

Don’t let the name fool you; you don’t have to be in a wheelchair to apply. Although preference will be given to those with a mobility disability, any current undergraduate with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher is eligible to win. Deadline: January 5.

4. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

If you are a current high school student, you might want to give this essay contest a shot. Up to seven scholarships are offered each year, valued between $500 and $5,000 each. Deadline: January 6.

5. Cole Family Scholarship

Do you live in Washington? Were you raised by one or more gay parents? If you answered yes to both questions, you could be eligible to win this award. Amounts vary, but go up to a maximum of $10,000. Deadline: January 15.

6. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

If you’ve had enough of writing essays at this point, here’s a fun scholarship that could earn you $10,000. Simply make a greeting card for your chance to win! Deadline: January 15.

7. Marius "Gabe" DeGabriele Scholarship

Not all of us are typical high school or college students. Some of you may actually be going back to school after a long break or simply waited a few years to start your journey. If this sounds like you, be sure to check out this $500 award. Deadline: January 15.

8. Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund

Ladies, did you know that Talbots offers scholarships as large as $30,000? They also provide several $5,000 awards, as well. If you earned your high school diploma before 2004, don’t let this opportunity slip away! Deadline: January 20.

9. Modern Leaders Scholarship

Here’s one scholarship I know every college student can sink his/her teeth into. Simply describe your thoughts on the quality of TV programming for a chance to win $500.

I know you all have opinions, so share them and you could be the next winner. Deadline: January 31.

10. ‘I Have a Dream’ Scholarship

Are you tired of writing boring scholarship essays or explaining why you deserve free money? Take a break with this fun scholarship. Just share your dreams (funny, weird or inspirational) and you could wake up to $1,500! Deadline: January 31. The New Year is a chance to start with a clean slate, so forget about last year and focus on the positive things to come. With a winning attitude, there’s no telling how much you can accomplish this year!