Take a look at these scholarships expiring in October:

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award – This award is for students who are classical musicians, vocalists and composers. In order to be eligible, applicants must perform “From the Top.” Applications are due October 16 and the award amount for this scholarship is $10,000.

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship – This scholarship is for high school students who have overcome obstacles in their lives. Students must demonstrate determination, integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need. The award amount for this scholarship is $25,000. Applications are due October 25.

Golden Doors Scholars Award – This scholarship is for students with high GPAs who have demonstrated leadership skills and are driven to excel and help others succeed. Students need to live in a state that does not allow in-state tuition for DACA students. Applications are due October 25 and the scholarship award amount varies.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program – This scholarship is an audio essay contest. Applicants must record and submit an essay on the theme, “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” Applications are due October 31 and the scholarship award amount ranges between $1,000 and $30,000.

Uncover the Truth Scholarship – Applicants must share a pledge on social media that encourages their friends to talk to their teachers about a propaganda-filled book circulating that denies the human effect on climate change. Applications are due October 31 and the award amount for this scholarship is $3,000.

Coca-Cola Scholarship – This scholarship is for all high school students. Applications are due October 31 and the scholarship award amount is $20,000. This is a renewable scholarship. Children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of any Coca-Cola companies are not eligible for this scholarship.

Here are some tips for writing a scholarship essay that can earn you free money for college.

Read the prompt. Sure, this might seem obvious. It is vital that you understand exactly what is expected of you. Every sentence and paragraph of your essay should support the prompt.

Plan, plan, plan. Your scholarship essay should not be written the night before the application is due. Begin research a week before you intend to send in your application. After you have gathered your research, schedule when you plan to write. Your essay will be less stressful go in with a game plan.

Add some heart. Whatever the essay prompt is, find a way to make it personal. Tie it back to your life. This will be the best way to make your essay memorable and stick out to the scholarship committee. Your life story is different than the other applicants, so make the scholarship administrator feel it.

Tie it to your ambitions. It’s important to get personal but a scholarship essay is supposed to help you get to college. Be sure your academic goals are clearly stated. You can go above and beyond and talk about your plan after college.

Find an editor. It’s always smart to have a second set of eyes on any essay before you submit it. Find someone you trust, such as your friend who excels at writing or an adult mentor, and ask them to give your essay a look. They might offer feedback you didn’t think of.

If you would like some additional resources check out this article and this additional post from Cappex.

When it comes to scholarships, the bigger the better. Take a look at this list of scholarships with big money awards for College Greenlight students.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Award amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 1

This scholarship is for college-bound high school seniors of African American descent who are passionate about technology. Applicants must plan to study engineering, computer science, computer information systems or select business programs (such as finance, business administration or marketing). Applicants must hold a minimum 3.3 GPA.

Emma L. Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media Work/Study Program

Award amount: Varies
Deadline: March 31

Minority students who are graduating high school seniors or college freshmen are eligible for this work/study program. Applicants must be pursuing a career in the media industry.

The Gates Scholarship

Award amount: Varies
Deadline: September 15

This scholarship is open to low-income, minority high school seniors. It provides funding for the remaining financial need after all other financial aid has been awarded.

Generation Google Scholarship

Award amount: $10,000
Deadline: Early March

This scholarship is for college-bound high school seniors who are minorities and pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or a related field. Individuals with a disability pursuing an eligible degree also can apply for this scholarship. Male students can apply here and female students can apply here.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarships

Award amount: $500 to $5,000
Deadline: March 30

High school and college students of Hispanic heritage are eligible for this scholarship.  Students must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Award amount: Up to $40,000
Deadline: Late September

College-bound high school seniors who have received standardized testing scores in the top 15 percent (a combined SAT score of 1,200 or above and/or an ACT composite score of 26).

State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship

Award amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 1

This scholarship is for college-bound high school seniors. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate financial need.

UNCF/Koch Scholars Program

Award amount: $5,000/year
Deadline: April 1

African American students who plan to study/are currently studying accounting, business, economics, engineering, history, philosophy or political science are eligible for this scholarship. Students must hold a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship Program

Award amount: Varies
Deadline: May 1

This scholarship is for members of an American Indian tribe or Alaska Native group. Applicants must be studying banking, resort management, gaming operations, management and administration (including accounting, finance, information technology and human resources). Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Wentcher Foundation Scholarship

Award amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 1

This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors in the Chicago Public Schools. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and been accepted to an accredited college or university. Scholarships will be awarded based on talent, need and character.

For many undocumented students, finding accurate and reliable scholarship information is exceptionally difficult. The vast majority of scholarship providers require applicants to have a social security number or proof of citizenship, limiting the number of scholarship opportunities available to undocumented Americans.

To try and help these hardworking students, we’ve combed our scholarship database to find awards for undocumented, international and immigrant students. In addition, we’ve listed many great scholarships that our partners and friends have created specifically for undocumented students. This list features these scholarships for undocumented students in alphabetical order, as well as a separate list of scholarships for undocumented students with specific areas of interest.

If a scholarship’s deadline has passed, please add a note to your calendar so you can apply when it reopens. Most scholarships open a few months before the deadline. We update this list of scholarships frequently.

If you know of any scholarships that are not on this list, please contact us.

A Voice for Animals Contest

Deadline: April 10

This contest is for high school students who have participated in projects that promote the humane treatment of animals. Students are eligible regardless of nationality, citizenship, or country of residence.

Ascend Educational Fund

Deadline: February 2

Immigrant students who will graduate from a New York City high school are eligible for this scholarship.

Ayn Rand Anthem Essay Contest

Deadline: May 1

This essay contest is for 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th graders worldwide; there are no citizenship requirements. To apply, applicants must submit an essay on the book, Anthem by Ayn Rand.

Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Deadline: May 15

This essay contest is for 12^th graders, college undergraduates, and graduate students worldwide; there are no citizenship requirements. To apply, applicants must submit an essay on the book, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

Ayn Rand The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Deadline: May 15

This essay contest is for 11^th and 12^th graders worldwide; there are no citizenship requirements. To apply, applicants must submit an essay on the book, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.

Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers

Deadline: June 1 and November 1

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing further development of their talents in one of the following disciplines: visual-painting, sculpture, photography, performance art, dance, music, film, poetry, literature, folk art, furniture crafting, weaving, or pottery.

California Dream Act 

AB540 students enrolling in eligible California colleges are eligible for the California state grants (Cal Grants) but must submit a California Dream Act application instead of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: April 1

This scholarship is for rising college juniors and seniors who are studying television and film production. Non-US citizens are eligible as long as they are enrolled at a US college or university.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship

Deadline: November 30

All nominations for this scholarship must be made exclusively by the school’s principal or guidance counselor. A student must demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and display leadership abilities in school activities or through work experience, and have a GPA above 2.8.

CORE’s Que Llueva Café Scholarship

Deadline: February 25

College-bound undocumented students of Latino descent are eligible for this scholarship.

Davis-Putter Scholarship

Deadline: April 1

This scholarship is for students who are active in movements for social and/or economic justice. US citizenship is not required.

Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders

Deadline: December 29

The U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) has awarded more than $1 million in college scholarships since 1982. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student, in a four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories, and demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry.

Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest

Deadline: February 10

This essay contest is for full-time college juniors and seniors attending colleges or universities in the United States. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Esperanza Education Fund Scholarships

Deadline: April 1

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors at a high school or obtaining a GED in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. Applicants must plan on enrolling full-time at a public college or university. Applicants must either have been born outside the U.S. or have two parents who were born outside the U.S. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship

Deadline: March 3

The Ford Driving Dreams Scholarships are available to high school seniors who attend high schools in cities with participating Ford dealers, especially in Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Panama and Puerto Rico. Applicants who participate in community service and who will be pursuing an academic major in STEM fields are preferred.

Foster Care to Success Scholarships

Deadlines: March 31

This scholarship is for orphans and/or students who have been in foster care while living in the United States. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Golden Door Scholars

Deadline: October 25

This scholarship is for DACA and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) the wish to attend one of their partner schools.  The scholarship provides four-year tuition and room and board.

Good Tidings Foundation Community Service Scholarship

Deadline: October 26

The Good Tidings Foundation Community Service Scholarship is available to high school seniors and will be awarded to the student who best demonstrates the spirit of giving in their community.

Herbert Lehman Scholarship

Deadline: April 1

This scholarship is for high school seniors, high school graduates, and currently enrolled college freshmen of any ethnicity. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 26

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for students of Hispanic heritage. Applicants include high school seniors, current undergraduate and graduate students and community college students transferring to a 4-year college or university. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for high school students and a minimum 2.5 GPA is required for college and graduate students. Students must be enrolled or plan on enrolling on a full-time basis. While the scholarships are open to all academic majors, there is an emphasis on STEM majors.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarships

Deadline: Early to Mid-November

This scholarship rewards excellence by supporting high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program

Deadline: Early April

This program offers the most personalized, generous scholarship and educational support to exceptionally promising students from across the nation who have financial need. Scholars receive comprehensive advising and financial support from the 8th grade through high school.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Deadline: Late October

This scholarship helps talented community college students with financial need to transfer to a top 4-year college or university and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year to cover a big share of the college costs, including tuition, textbooks and living expenses.

Jaime Lucero Mexican Studies Institute Scholarship

Deadline: February 28

This award is for CUNY undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need and a commitment to service in the Mexican community.

La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: June 15

This scholarship is for Hispanic students enrolled in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Applicants must reside in the United States. Undocumented students and non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Los Hermanos de Stanford Scholarship

Deadline: May 12

This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors of Latino/Latina descent who are attending any two- or four-year institution of higher learning. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Mexican American Dream Scholarship

Deadline: October 1

Applicants must be considered full-time students or be enrolled in at least 12 unites at a four-year institution or 2-year community college. Students must be an AB-540 student or a member of the Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM).

Momeni Foundation Financial Assistance Scholarship

Deadline: June 30

This scholarship is for students of Iranian descent. Scholarships are available regardless of citizenship or country of residency.

National Peace Essay Contest for High School Students

Deadline: March 15

This essay contest is for high school students in the United States and its territories. Students attending high school in the United States are eligible regardless of citizenship.

Page Education Scholar Grant

Deadline: May 1

This scholarship is for students of color who are graduates of Minnesota high schools and are enrolled full-time in a Minnesota college/university.

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest

Deadline: July 31

This scholarship is for undergraduate students attending American colleges and universities. American citizenship is not required.

Point Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 30

This scholarship is for students who are involved in the LGBTQ community. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Deadline: January 31

Applicants must demonstrate that their efforts have had a significant, positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities.

Prospective Educators Scholarship

Deadline: Early April

Applicants must be high school seniors who are planning on majoring in education. Applicants must either be a member of Educators Rising or have a connection to Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) through a family member or teacher who is a member of PDK.

QuestBridge National College Match Program 

Deadline: September 27

This scholarship program is for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite facing economic challenges. Most College Match scholarship recipients come from households earning less than $60,000 annually (for a typical family of four) and have experienced long-term economic hardship. Non-US citizens, undocumented, and international students are eligible. Recipients are granted admission to one of QuestBridge’s partner colleges with a full scholarship. All scholarships are full four-year scholarships with no loans.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards NATIONAL

Deadline: Varies

These scholarships are for students in grades 7-12. To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must be enrolled in a public, private, parochial, homeschool, or after-school program in the United States, Canada, or an American school abroad. To apply for these scholarships, applicants must submit original art or writing pieces.

TheDream.US Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 15

This scholarship is for undocumented students who are DACA eligible and have applied for or received DACA approval. Applicants must attend a partner college.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

American Nuclear Society John and Muriel Landis Scholarship

Deadline: February 1

This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, or a nuclear-related field. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: April 1

This scholarship is for rising college juniors and seniors who are studying television and film production. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Earl Warren Scholarships

Deadline: June 1

This scholarship is for college graduates who are planning to attend an accredited US law school. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Great Minds in STEM / HENAAC Scholars Program

Deadline: April 30

This scholarship is for Hispanic students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math. Non-US citizens are encouraged to apply.

National Sculpture Society Scholarship

Deadline: May 30

This scholarship is for students studying sculpture art. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: May 1

This scholarship is for Hispanic students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, math, or a related field, and are members of SHPE. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.

Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: June 21

This scholarship is for women of any citizenship or nationality who are interested in pursuing a career in the aerospace field.

The Gates Scholarship, a full scholarship for Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors, is accepting applications until September 15. The scholarship is awarded to 300 student leaders each year.

The Gates Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship program, meaning that it covers the college costs that remain after all other financial aid funds. It also does not cover the family’s share of college costs, such as the expected family contribution on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The scholarship was formed in 2017 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to help 3,000 students attend college throughout the life of the program.

“This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, an all-expenses-paid scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives,” the scholarship’s website states.

The scholarship also ensures students have access to resources to help them along their college journey and transition into careers.

To qualify, a student must be a high school senior, a minority, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The student must also have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants also must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit, private or public U.S. college or university.

College Greenlight is partnering with The Gates Scholarship to host a webinar at 2 p.m. (CST) August 29 about the scholarship. To register, click here.