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An acceptance letter is a college’s formal invitation for you to enroll in their programs as a student. Depending on the type of admission you applied for, letters will be delivered from December through April. Once received, you have the option to accept or decline the offer.

Financial aid offer letters may look similar to an acceptance letter, but differ in key points. Financial aid offer letters, also known as award letters, will outline financial aid (if any) and a summary of the cost of attendance. Generally, an acceptance letter and an offer letter are sent together. In some cases, though, offer letters may be sent after acceptances.

Read on to learn more about what an acceptance letter is, what an offer letter is, when to expect an acceptance letter, and how to respond to an acceptance letter.

Basic Definition of an Acceptance Letter

Acceptance letters will generally contain the three following components:

1.   A university’s offer to enroll and reasons the applicant stood out.

2.   Details about on-campus events for prospective students.

3.   Important deadlines and information on ancillary documents, such as a financial offer letter.

Students who apply for regular decisions generally receive their decision letters in March and April, but early decision and early action decision letters may be sent as soon as December.

Offer Letter vs Acceptance Letter for College

As mentioned, an acceptance letter details whether or not a student has been admitted into a specific college. Financial aid offer letters, also known as financial aid award letters, break down the tuition cost, scholarships and grants awarded, work-study programs offered, and federal student loan options available.

In order to apply for federal financial aid, students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®, annually. The information provided on the FAFSA helps determine the types of aid, and aid amounts, that students qualify for.

Scholarships and grants are funds awarded to students that do not need to be repaid. Loans are either provided by the government or a private entity and are repaid by the borrower, though only federal student loans would be included as a part of a student’s federal aid package. Work-study is a federal program that offers employment to students who qualify and have filed a FAFSA.

Furthermore, colleges use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine awards based on needs and merit.

In cases when federal aid isn’t enough to pay for college, students may consider private student loans to help fill in funding gaps. Keep in mind, though, that private student loans aren’t necessarily afforded the same borrower protections as federal loans — things like income-driven repayment or deferment options. That is why private student loans are generally only considered after all other options have been depleted.

College Acceptance Letter Dates

College application deadlines vary by college and so will college acceptance letter dates. Acceptance letters are sent out on dates depending on the type of application you submitted: regular, early action, restrictive early action, or early decision.

Applying for college early is one way prospective students can complete the application and acceptance process on an early timeline. It can be a path for those who have researched colleges thoroughly and want to get into a specific college.

Early action gives you a chance to apply to several colleges at once. Restrictive early action typically allows you to apply early to a single college, with the exception of public universities. Applicants who choose these routes are not obligated to accept their offer if admitted.

Early decision applicants apply to one school early decision and, if accepted, are required to commit. If an early decision applicant is accepted, they must withdraw their application from all other schools.

Additionally, some schools offer a more flexible rolling admission process. Instead of waiting to evaluate applications after specific deadlines, schools review applications as they are submitted (on a rolling basis). Generally, they’ll continue accepting applications until all of the open slots in their program are filled.

This table provides an overview of the types of applications, their general deadlines, and information on when students may accept a decision. Keep in mind that these dates are broad guidelines, and students should confirm all deadlines with the schools of interest.

When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?

Depending on the type of application, your college acceptance letter may arrive between December and April. Financial aid offer letters will be sent with or may follow acceptance letters.

What Does a College Acceptance Letter Say?

A college letter of acceptance will share the admission decision and may offer a list of upcoming events, such as when orientation will take place. It will also contain a deadline for you to submit a final decision.

The Decision

The first paragraph gets straight to the point: you’re in! It may also detail why you stood out from other applicants.

Prospective Student Events

Your letter may contain information on upcoming event dates and inform you on incoming ancillary documents, such as your financial offer letter.

Acceptance Deadline

The last portion of your letter will have important deadlines, including the date to accept the college’s offer. May 1st has become widely known as the deadline for students to make decisions about the college they’ll enroll in. Keep in mind that while this is a popular date for decision deadlines, colleges may have their own deadlines and applicants who applied early may have an earlier deadline.

Recommended: 7 Tips to Prepare for College Decision Day

How to Respond to College Acceptance Letter

Colleges typically send acceptance letters via email or through the college application portal you set up when you first applied, and you can generally accept or decline through the portal. However, some schools will send acceptance letters and forms to formally decline or accept their offer by snail mail.

Be sure to educate yourself and stay connected to your top choice colleges’ admissions offices on how to respond to their college acceptance letter and to prevent missing important communications.

1. Weigh Your Options

College tuition is rapidly increasing — and can play a major role in your decision.

Compare financial offer letters to determine the best deal. If a college offers more aid, but has a substantial cost, then another college with less aid and a smaller price tag might impact your decision.

There are no standard offer letter forms, so cross-checking their website with your offer letter and getting advice can be helpful. You can also follow up with college admissions offices with your questions.

2. Choose Which College You Want to Attend

Of course, other factors will weigh into your decision-making. According to The Princeton Review’s 2025 “College Hopes & Worries” survey, students are split between prioritizing “overall fit” and “program for my career interests” when choosing a college. Nearly half (47%) of respondents chose the answer “College that will be the best overall fit,” while nearly a third (32%) selected “College with the best program for my (my child’s) career interests.” Only 11% chose “College that will be most affordable” and only 10% chose “College with the best academic reputation.”

You can break down your decision even further with the following questions:

•  How strong is the academic rigor of the program I’m pursuing? Is the program a fit for me?

•  How important is the location to me?

•  What stands out to me about the campus culture?

•  Is this institution the right fit for my financial situation?

•  Does it have strong career preparation programs and resource offices?

Choosing a college will take time. But with research and guidance, you can have more confidence in making your final decision.

3. Find Funding for the School You Choose

Financial aid from schools, private entities, and the government may help put an expensive college within reach. If your top choice is not fully covered by out-of-pocket finances and other sources of financial aid, applying for a private student loan is an option.

Also, getting a job during the summer or working while in school can help with tuition and daily needs.

Recommended: How to Pay for College

4. Decline Other College Acceptance Letters

Once you’ve accepted a school offer, be sure to notify other colleges that accepted you that you are declining their offer as soon as possible. This enables them to offer your spot to waitlisted prospective students.

The Takeaway

Your college admission acceptance letter and financial aid offer letter are key to deciding your next steps. From as early as December until April, you may receive college decision letters. Unless you applied early decision, waiting to receive all college acceptance letters can help you evaluate your options.

Funding your education will be one of the most important decisions you make. Compare your financial aid offer letters to determine which school offers the best value. Most colleges will give you until May 1 to accept or decline their offer and financial aid package (if any).

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How do I get my college acceptance letter?

Typically, colleges will send your acceptance letter via email or through the online college application portal you used to submit your materials. For a few schools, especially those with an older or more traditional process, you may still receive a physical acceptance packet by postal mail, which often includes a congratulatory letter, forms to formally accept or decline the offer, and additional information about the college. Always check the admissions page of your chosen schools for their specific communication method.

When should I expect my college acceptance letter?

Acceptance letter arrival times depend on the type of application you submitted. If you applied via early action or early decision, you can generally expect a decision between December and January. Regular decision applicants usually hear back in March or April. For rolling admission, schools review applications as they come in, and you will typically receive a decision within four to six weeks of submitting your application. Always confirm specific dates on the college’s admissions website.

Do colleges still send out physical acceptance letters?

While digital communication is now the norm for college admissions, some institutions, especially those with established traditions, continue to send physical acceptance packets through the postal mail. These often contain a formal congratulatory letter, along with hard copies of forms needed to accept or decline the offer, and various campus-specific materials. Therefore, you may receive both an email notification and a packet in the mail.

Photo credit: iStock/Adene Sanchez

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q425-039

The dean’s list is a listing of undergraduate students recognized for outstanding academic achievement in a given semester, quarter, or year. Each college and university has different dean’s list requirements, but students who finish the term with a high grade point average (GPA) and are in the top percentile of their class for academic performance often earn a spot on the dean’s list.

Not only is having the dean’s list award on your transcript a remarkable personal achievement, but it could also make a big impact on grad school admissions and future employers.

Dean’s List Meaning

The dean’s list is a scholarly award for undergraduate students who achieved high scholastic standing during the academic year. The award may be released after each semester, quarter, or academic year and is typically based on a student’s GPA. However, specific dean’s list requirements will vary by institution and can change each term.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

Dean’s List Requirements

Dean’s list requirements vary by college and can change each term, but there are typical conditions that a student must meet. To meet basic dean’s list requirements, students must:

•  Meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the school.

•  Be in the top percentile of their class for academic achievement.

•  Be taking a minimum number of credit hours. Most schools require students to be enrolled full-time, but some schools may include part-time students in the dean’s list.

•  Have zero incompletes, no-shows, or late grades.

What GPA Is Needed to Make the Dean’s List?

Dean’s List GPA requirements vary by university but generally students need to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and be taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.

In some cases, a school will give the award to the top percentile of students rather than everyone who earns a certain GPA. This means that the required GPA can change each semester based on the academic performance of the student body. Check with your college to determine the minimum GPA or other requirement to make the dean’s list.

Recommended: How Much Does GPA Matter When Applying to College?

What Is the Benefit of Being on the Dean’s List?

Earning a spot on the dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for academic achievement. Students who earn the award can enjoy a variety of benefits that can continue throughout their educational career and beyond.

Personal Achievement

Making it onto the dean’s list requires academic commitment and dedication. Being on the dean’s list means you’ve ranked in the top percentile amongst your peers, which will be noted on your school record and should be seen as a great personal achievement.

Prestige

Having your name on the dean’s list, especially for multiple terms, is one way to help you stand out from the crowd. The dean’s list award is a testament to your academic success and has traditionally been looked upon favorably by the school’s administration as well as by other students.

Recognition

Some schools recognize students who made it onto the dean’s list by posting students’ names on the school website and sometimes local publications. Outstanding academic performance can also help you build relationships with your professors, who may be able to write letters of recommendation and references later on.

Special Events

Because your GPA is ranked among the top of your class, you might receive invitations to special events. These are typically networking events with top company executives. Networking can allow you to form connections with other people in your field of study and open the door to possible employment opportunities.

Attract Prospective Employers

Some colleges may include your dean’s list award on your school transcript, and you can also attract potential employers by mentioning this award on your resume. However, some recruiters don’t recommend adding this achievement to your resume if you were only on the dean’s list for one or two semesters or inconsistently.

Even if you don’t include the dean’s list on your resume, prospective employers may still consider your GPA when making hiring decisions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2025 Spring Update report, roughly 38% of employers screen by GPA when making interviewing and hiring decisions.

Scholarships

While being on the dean’s list doesn’t guarantee any financial aid, a high GPA could make you eligible for merit scholarships. Merit-based scholarships typically use your GPA, test scores, leadership capabilities, and other factors to determine your eligibility.

Are There Any Student Loan Benefits When Getting on the Dean’s List?

There usually aren’t any financial perks for getting on the dean’s list with federal student loans or most private lenders. Some private lenders may offer a reward for a certain GPA, but most lenders typically only consider your GPA if it’s too low.

Your GPA could affect your eligibility for other types of financial aid, like scholarships and grants, though. You’re required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to meet the basic eligibility criteria for certain types of financial aid. A higher GPA also makes it easier for you to receive more financial aid.

💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.

What Other Academic Awards Can You Earn in College?

The dean’s list isn’t the only academic award that you can earn in college. There are several other awards that are given to students in recognition of outstanding achievement and as a means to further encourage academic excellence. Here are a few academic awards for college students.

The Honors List

The honors list is similar to the dean’s list; however, it may have different GPA requirements — usually lower. For example, students may be eligible for a spot on the dean’s list if their GPA is 3.5 or higher, while students on the honors list have a GPA between 3.25 and 3.5.

The President’s List

At some colleges, undergraduate students earn the president’s list award if they earn a perfect 4.0 GPA. Part-time and full-time students may be eligible for this award.

The Chancellor’s List

At schools that offer this award, the chancellor’s list is typically ranked slightly higher than the dean’s list. Both full-time and part-time undergraduate students may usually qualify for the chancellor’s list.

Ways to Pay for College

If you’re aiming to see your name on the dean’s list, financial stress can hinder your ability to succeed academically. Nearly half of college students say their current financial situation makes it difficult to concentrate on their coursework, according to a 2024 survey by Trellis Strategies.

Luckily, there are options out there for prospective and current students who are struggling with how to pay for college. Here are some to consider:

•  Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify for financial aid. It’s a good idea to complete the form as early as possible because many colleges award money on a first-come, first-served basis.

•  Search for scholarships, which are a form of merit aid to help pay for tuition and other education expenses. There are thousands of available scholarships to students with some even offering a full-ride to a four-year institution.

•  Apply for grants. Grants are another form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. Students can apply for federal, state, or school grants.

•  Find a work-study position. The federal work-study program offers part-time jobs to college students with demonstrated financial need, letting them earn money for educational expenses while gaining relevant experience.

•  Look at student loans. If you are still struggling to afford school-related expenses after exhausting other forms of financial aid, there are a variety of federal and private student loan options to help.

The Takeaway

Students who make the dean’s list are recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Benefits include personal achievement, prestige, public recognition, the opportunity to attend special events, being granted scholarships, and standing out on job applications.

Students who are less stressed financially tend to do better in school. Options for paying for college include scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What GPA is required to get on the dean’s list?

The minimum GPA for the dean’s list varies by school and it can change every term. However, most schools require at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

What does it mean when you get on the dean’s list?

What it means to be on the dean’s list is that you’ve ranked in the top percentile of your class. The dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for scholarly achievement.

What is the benefit of being on the dean’s list?

Earning a spot on the dean’s list comes with several benefits. Not only is it a prestigious award and a significant personal achievement, but you could be invited to special events, network with others in your field of study, and attract prospective employers.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q425-038

To help boost the chances that you’ll get into the college of your dreams, it’s important to write a great college essay. The big question is, what should you write about?

When brainstorming ideas for topics, keep in mind that you want your college essay to make you look good and also help you stand out from other applicants. Toward that end, it helps to know what not to write about in a college essay.

Themes that consistently make the “worst college essay topics” list include cliches, stories that college admissions officers have read some version of countless times before, and any topic that reflects negatively on your personality.

Here’s a closer look at the college essay topics you’ll want to avoid, plus insights into the type of writing that can give you a leg up in the admissions process.

What Do Colleges Look for in Essays?

Colleges are looking for several things in your admissions essay. Generally, they want you to demonstrate strong writing, authenticity, and a unique perspective. Admissions officers are also typically looking to get a sense of who you are as an individual so they can better determine whether you’re a good fit for the rigors of academic life and school culture.

A good essay demonstrates this through vivid storytelling that illustrates your points rather than simply telling the reader what you want them to think and how you want them to feel.

💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

Why Should You Avoid Certain Topics for College Entrance Essays?

Generally, you want to avoid essay topics that could give admissions readers the wrong impression of who you are. It’s also wise to steer clear of essay topics that are cliches. A cliche is an idea (or phrase) that is overused and, as a result, has lost its meaning and potency. At best, cliche college essays can make you look unoriginal, and at worst they can make you look lazy.

Rather than lean on cliches, you’ll want to dig deep into what makes you and your thoughts original. Ideally, you want to choose an essay topic that demonstrates vulnerability and reveals your unique perspective and voice.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

College Essay Topics to Avoid

What follows are some topics you may want to avoid when choosing what to write about in your college essay.

Restating Your Resume

Your college application already includes school transcripts and information about your activities and awards. Rehashing this information is unlikely to translate into a compelling narrative, and it doesn’t teach college admissions officers anything new about you.

If you want to write about a specific extracurricular activity, consider choosing just one, and exploring it in depth to give your reader a better sense of who you are as a person.

Sports Challenges

Sports challenge stories tend to fall into the cliche category of college essay topics. They’re overused, and they tend to be predictable. For example, you may have scored a goal at the last moment, pulling ahead against all odds.

That’s not to say you can’t write about sports in your essay. Original and authentic sports stories that steer clear of cliches can be highly successful. For example, you could focus on how the skills you learned as part of a team translated to another unrelated challenge.

Your Big Performance

As with sports challenges, stories about big performances — music solos, starring roles in plays, speeches — often follow similar plots. The performance goes well, or poorly, and the writer discovers the value of preparation or how they had the inner strength to move past a major disappointment. However, you can use a performance story to tell an original and engaging tale.

Recommended: Importance of Joining a High School Club

Your Hero

It may be tempting to write about a person who has inspired you. But college essays are short. And if you’re not careful, you may spend too much time writing about someone other than the person who should be the star of the essay — you. Remember admissions officers want to know what makes you stand out, not what makes your heroes special.

Romantic Heartbreak

Breaking up is hard to do — even more so when it’s young love. Yet the trials and tribulations of teen romance may not be the best topic for a college essay. Much like writing about your heroes, you may pay too much lip service to someone else, while neglecting to convey enough of your own story.

Illegal or Unethical Activities

If you’ve ever gotten tangled in ethically questionable or illegal activities, your college essay is generally not the right time to mention them, even if it makes for a great story. If you do, even in passing, admissions may worry about the types of behavior you’ll engage in once on campus.

Service Trips

A trip to help serve others in the U.S. or abroad might seem like a great topic for a college essay. Unfortunately, that means a lot of students write about these opportunities, making it one of the most common essay topics. What’s more, these essays tend to follow the same beats. As a result, choosing this topic doesn’t always help you stand apart from the crowd.

Things That Happened Before High School

Writing about events that took place before high school may not give admissions a good sense of what you are like now. The kid who won a spelling bee in seventh grade may bear little resemblance to the high school senior applying for schools. Consider writing about recent events, or be careful to relate events from your past to high school and your current self.

Moving to a Different Part of the Country

Moving is always challenging. But countless students move across the country and switch schools each year. As a result, essays that focus on moves are relatively common. If you decide to write about a move, shift the focus of the essay to how it changed you as a person, pushing you to pursue new interests. It could work if it’s not a story college admissions officers haven’t heard many times before.

Immigrant Stories

If you’ve moved from abroad, be aware that many students in the U.S. have immigrant stories. As a result, stories about making the move, struggling to learn new languages, and trying to fit into a new culture are common essay topics. If you choose to write about this topic, consider narrowing your focus on one aspect of your story that illustrates how you’ve grown and changed.

Recommended: Can International Students Get Student Loans?

How You Were Challenged by a Bad Grade

How you overcame a challenge is often one of the essay prompts on the Common App. You might think that writing about what you did after getting a low grade fits the bill, but it’s generally not a good idea to delve into this topic. For one, it highlights the fact that you got a bad grade to admissions’ officers. Another problem is that other applicants will likely have more serious hardships and challenges they have had to overcome, which could make your essay topic appear less consequential.

Tragedies

In and of themselves, tragedies are not necessarily a bad topic for college essays. However, it can be easy to fall into cliched writing as you tell these stories. Hackneyed themes and phrases include “life is short,” “time heals all wounds,” and “seize the day.” If you write about a tragedy you have known or experienced, be sure to make it personal, honest, and specific to you.

Sensitive Topics

Generally speaking, if a topic is one you would avoid bringing up at the holiday dinner table, you’ll likely want to avoid it in your essay as well. It can be tricky to discuss things like politics or religion in a way that is original and personal to your experience. What’s more, essays on these topics may trigger unconscious bias in the admissions staff reading your essay, which can color how they view you and your fit at the school.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Your Privilege

If you’ve been lucky enough to grow up with a lot of resources at your disposal, discussing them may not be a strong strategy. It can make it seem like you haven’t had to work through any challenges. Instead you might consider essay topics that demonstrate vulnerability and grit in the face of adversity.

Attempts to Break the Essay Mold

You may be tempted to try to make yourself stand out with a creative essay that breaks traditional forms. For example, you might try to write a poem instead. You’re likely not the only one who has had this idea, and you may rob yourself of the chance to demonstrate your creativity through prose. The traditional essay is what admissions has asked for, and it may give you the most opportunity to demonstrate who you really are.

💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.

The Takeaway

The best college essays tend to focus on specific moments when a student has learned something important, changed, and grown as a person. Ideally, you want your college essay to give readers a sense of your character, and how you may continue to change as you pursue your academic career. Avoiding cliches and other tricky topics can help you successfully reveal your true self.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What are the most common essay topics?

Some of the most common essay topics include:

•   A meaningful interest or talent

•   Something meaningful in your background/identity

•   Lessons you’ve learned from obstacles you’ve encountered

•   Times when your beliefs have been challenged

•   Something someone has done for you that’s made you grateful in a surprising way

What Do College Essays Look for?

Colleges generally look for authenticity, strong writing, and a unique perspective in your essay. Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are as an individual beyond your academic record. The essay is your chance to demonstrate maturity, self-awareness, and how you would contribute to the school’s culture. A successful essay uses vivid storytelling to show these qualities rather than just telling the reader.

How Much Does Your College Essay Matter?

How much your college essay matters depends on the institution. For highly selective colleges, the essay can be a critical factor, often serving as one of the few places an admissions committee gets a clear sense of your unique personality and voice beyond your grades and test scores. It can tip the scales when an applicant’s academic record is similar to others. For schools with a less holistic review process, its importance may be slightly lower, but it remains a valuable opportunity to demonstrate strong communication skills and a good fit for the school’s culture.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

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Imagine this: After 12 long years of education, it’s finally time to head to college. But hang on, because there’s a catch — tuition is much higher than you thought, and the school didn’t offer an academic scholarship.

One alternative for students can be to find a non-academic scholarship and keep pushing toward that dream. Here are tips on finding non-academic scholarships to help pay for a college education.

What Is a Non-Academic Scholarship?

Scholarships are one type of financial aid available to students that don’t need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on merit — that is, being especially knowledgeable or skilled in one area. Grants, which also do not need to be repaid, are typically awarded based on need and not based on academic or athletic merit. For example, Pell Grants are federal grants awarded to undergraduate students who exhibit exceptional financial need.

Scholarships can be awarded for many different reasons, including academic achievement. However, just because someone isn’t an A+ student doesn’t mean they can’t qualify for a scholarship. There are non-academic scholarships that are based on athletic or artistic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and more. Students may just need to put in a bit of legwork to find ones they qualify for and apply.

Recommended: Finding Free Money for College

Where to Find Non-Academic Scholarships

The first step in getting a scholarship is to find it. Here are a few places to start your search.

School Counselor’s Office

You might start by checking in with your high school counselor to see about any non-academic scholarship they may know about. The office may have a list of options available to students, and because they may know your skills and future aspirations, they may be able to hone in on the right scholarship for you.

School counselors may also have helpful information on navigating the financial aid process. One piece of the funding puzzle may be undergraduate loans if scholarships don’t cover all of the costs. Students may consider private student loans after exhausting federal aid, including federal student loans.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

College Admissions Website

If you’ve already been accepted to school, you might check in with your college’s admission website. There, you could find a list of potential scholarships offered directly by the school. You might also reach out directly to the admissions office or future academic counselors for assistance.

As the school year nears, you may consider checking in with your college’s financial aid office to see if they can guide you to unclaimed scholarships.

Scholarship Listing Websites

There are several scholarship search tools out there that roundup available scholarships to students, including destinations like FastWeb or CollegeBoard. Here, you can sift through hundreds of available scholarships and find help with the application process as well.

Professional Associations and Clubs

Another place to find scholarships includes professional associations and clubs, such as your parent’s employers, local businesses, and more.

A quick Google search on professional organizations in your chosen field of study can also uncover scholarships. Most are free to join and include fields such as marketing, engineering, graphic arts, law, and more.

Friends and Family

Simply asking around for scholarship opportunities can’t hurt. Consider reaching out to your network and letting everyone know you are on the hunt for financial assistance. Someone may know of a specific scholarship that could be the perfect fit.

Connect With the Community

Explore connections with local religious groups, business, and other organizations. Having an existing connection can potentially improve your chances of securing a scholarship. Plus, you may face less competition when you apply for more local scholarships.

Types of Non-Academic Scholarships

Need a little help thinking about what type of non-academic scholarship may fit? Here are a few types of scholarship to help you get started.

Talents

Have a unique talent? There may very well be a scholarship available for it. For example, you can find scholarships for duck calling, dancing, drawing, and much more.

Athletics

Each year, there are more than 180,000 athletic scholarships awarded to students. Scholarships are available for a wide variety of sports to both men and women, including volleyball, tennis, swimming & diving, skiing, lacrosse, golf, fencing, and more.

Heritage

Some students may also find non-academic scholarships based on their heritage. Students from minority groups may find additional opportunities, including scholarships for African American or Hispanic students.

Some scholarships may be available through churches, while others can be found on websites like College Board. There, students of various backgrounds can search for a suitable match.

Interests

Students can apply to non-academic scholarships based on their various interests, too. For example, those interested in cars can apply for the National Corvette Club scholarship. Those students that love to cook can apply for the AAC Culinary Scholarships for High School Seniors.

Those who spend their Sundays completing The New York Times crossword puzzle in pen, might apply to the BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship. No matter the interest, odds are there is a scholarship out there for it.

Area of Study

Future and current college students may be able to find a scholarship that suits their future area of study. Students hoping to become their own CEOs can apply for The National Association for the Self-Employed Future Entrepreneur Scholarships, which helps promote “entrepreneurial thinking among aspiring business students.”

Again, if there’s an area of study, odds are there’s a scholarship available for it.

Area Code

Students looking for a non-academic scholarship can search for regional scholarships on many online databases. SoFi runs a state-by-state grant and scholarship database, so you can take a look at what is available in your area.

Other sources for regional or location-based scholarships may include local nonprofits and businesses.

Other, Outlandish Options

There are scholarships available for less obvious reasons, too. One of the more famous wacky scholarships is the Stuck at the Prom Scholarship Contest sponsored by Duck brand duct tape. Each year, the company awards a scholarship of up to $15,000 to a teen who designs and wears a winning dress or tuxedo made out of their duct tape.

How to Get a Non-Academic Scholarship

There are thousands of non-academic scholarships available each year. In order to get a non-academic scholarship, you should first look for scholarships in line with your talents and career interests. From there, you can look to local businesses, friends and family, and your community to find other non-academic scholarships.

And finally, do a Google search for non-academic scholarships you think you may qualify for. There are scholarships available for almost every type of person and every interest, including scholarships for minorities, scholarships for people who dance, religious scholarships, first-generation scholarships, and more.

Tips for Finding & Applying for Non-Academic Scholarships

If you’re hoping to find and apply for non-academic scholarships to help pay for college, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting one.

Start Early

Starting your search early is one of the best things you can do to land a scholarship. Since many scholarships come from the school you’re attending, it’s recommended to fill out the FAFSAⓇ as soon as possible. Some grants and scholarships offered by schools are on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s also a good idea to start your search early so you can make sure you can meet all the deadlines for the scholarships you hope to apply for. Many will require essays, and the sooner you know which scholarships you want to apply for, the sooner you can get your essays completed and submitted.

Read the Fine Print

Make sure to read the fine print of all scholarship applications. This will ensure you won’t miss any deadlines or important information regarding the scholarship.

Showcase Your Personality

When applying for scholarships and writing essays, it’s important to showcase your personality through your written word. Many non-academic scholarships are fun, so feel free to express yourself and make it so your application stands out from the rest.

Proofread Your Application

Proofreading your application is a great way to catch any grammar errors or application mistakes prior to submission. If it comes down to you and one other candidate, you don’t want to miss out because of easy grammatical errors you could have caught by simply proofreading your application beforehand.

Don’t Give Up

And finally, keep searching and applying for scholarships until you receive the amount of money you’re hoping for. Scholarships can be competitive, so don’t get down on yourself if you’re struggling to get one. Instead, keep the momentum going by continually searching and applying for new opportunities as they arise.

The Takeaway

Non-academic scholarships can be awarded based on talent, skill, interest, and more. Some scholarships may even be regional or location based. To find non-academic scholarships, consult with your guidance counselor, your college’s financial aid office, local business and nonprofits, and online scholarship databases.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Are there non-academic scholarships?

Yes. Non-academic scholarships are widely available and are awarded based on criteria other than academic performance, such as athletic skills, artistic talent, community service, heritage, interests, and chosen area of study. Students who may not have a perfect GPA can often find opportunities through their college, local organizations, professional associations, and online scholarship databases.

What is the $40,000 niche scholarship?

The $40,000 Niche Scholarship refers to a no-essay scholarship awarded by Niche.com that gives one student a large sum — now $50,000 — for college expenses. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens who are looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. The winner is selected via a random drawing from brief profile submissions. The application deadline is typically at the end of December.

Is the $2000 Sallie Mae scholarship real?

Yes, the $2,000 Sallie Scholarship Sweepstakes is a legitimate no-essay scholarship that is typically awarded monthly. Eligible applicants include high school students, college students, and parents/guardians, with winners selected through a random drawing. Since it is a sweepstakes, the entry requirements are minimal, usually only requiring a brief online form submission.

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SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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