By: Hilda Kolawole

As graduation nears, college anticipation and excitement builds. Most students are conflicted, with multiple colleges in varying locations from which to choose, making a final decision can be difficult. On top of keeping up with classes, jobs, and deadlines; the thought of paying for college is at the back of everyone’s mind. FAFSA helps, but they can only give students a limited amount of money and most times it’s not nearly enough to cover all costs. Scholarships are the next option and while most of them seem competitive and intimidating, some are easy to apply for and do not take up a lot of time.

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

This scholarship is meant for students who have been promoting vegetarianism in their school or community; they must have demonstrated compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle  ($10,000 is awarded by the Vegetarian Resource Group ) Deadline: 2/20/16

Create-a-Greeting Card Scholarship

To apply for this scholarship, students must design a holiday, get well, or birthday greeting card and submit your work to be judged. ($10,000 is awarded to the top 10 by the Gallery Collection) Deadline: 2/25/16

CKSF Scholarship Competition

Students must register to participate in scholarship quizzes that test their knowledge of topics ranging from “common knowledge” to specific academic subjects, books, websites, and even movies. ($2,500 is awarded by the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation) Deadline: Depends on scholarships that come up after you take the quizzes

United States Bowling Congress Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship

Students must be members of the United States Bowling Congress in good standing and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. ($5,000 is awarded by the United States Bowling Congress) Deadline: 12/1/15

For more information on the scholarships above visit:  http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships

American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program

To apply, students must go online and read a short essay about sprinklers and fire safety. After finishing, they must complete a 10-question quiz on the topic. Each correct answer gives the student a chance at winning one of 10 $2,000 scholarships. (This scholarship is funded by the American Fire Sprinkler Association) Deadline: 4/6/16

Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship

Students must make a prom outfit completely out of duct tape; submit 5 photos and a description and wait for the voting process. ($10,000 each is awarded to the couple by StuckatProm.com) Deadline: 6/1/16

Asparagus Club Scholarship

Their scholarship is given to students pursuing a degree in business, food management or another relevant course of study leading to a career in the grocery industry. ($2,000 is awarded by the National Grocers Association) Deadline:4/30/16

For more information on the scholarships above visit: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/unusual-scholarships/