Introduction
It’s crunch time, and the tuition bill is looming. If you’re feeling the pressure of paying for college and think it’s too late to find help—don’t panic. While it may seem like all the deadlines have passed, there are still plenty of scholarship opportunities available for motivated students who act fast.
Whether you had unexpected financial changes, waited too long to apply, or just didn’t know where to start, there’s good news: scholarships with spring and summer deadlines are still accepting applications. Some are simple entries, while others let your creativity or community spirit shine.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to find last-minute scholarships, discover which ones are still open in 2025, and get tips to make your application stand out—even if you only have a few days to spare.
Description
How to Find Scholarships With Fast-Approaching Deadlines
If you’re short on time, strategy matters. Focus your search using tools that let you sort by deadline. Platforms like Fastweb, Bold.org, Going Merry, and Scholarships.com all have filters that show awards closing soon. These tools save you from wasting time on expired listings.
Use these platforms efficiently by narrowing down based on:
Your intended major or career path
Unique parts of your background (like first-generation status or community involvement)
Smaller local or niche awards (which often have fewer applicants)
Prep Your Materials in Advance
You don’t want to rush a scholarship essay at 2 a.m. the night before it’s due. Keep your most important materials ready to go at all times:
Unofficial transcript
Resume or activity list
One or two polished personal statements
A few adaptable essay templates
This allows you to quickly tailor your submission without starting from scratch every time.
Scholarships Still Open in Spring and Summer 2025
Below are real scholarships still accepting applications this season. These options range from academic-focused to creative and service-based, and many are quick to apply.
Surety Bond Authority Scholarship
Deadline: April 6, 2025
Award: $1,500
For students in business-related majors, this award requires a 500–1,000-word essay on your future in the finance industry. Make it personal—share why this career matters to you and what experiences have shaped your goals.
Apply here
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Award: $1,000
Aimed at students from low-income backgrounds pursuing careers in public service fields like healthcare or education. Be specific about how your career will impact others.
Apply here
Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Award: $1,500
Open to nursing students—especially those interested in women’s health. Highlight relevant experiences like volunteering or coursework that sparked your interest.
Apply here
Frame My Future Scholarship
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Award: $5,000
Create a visual piece (art, photography, design) that shows how you see your future. Combine this with a short 500-word written explanation. It’s a creative way to stand out—no grades required.
Apply here
American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Award: Up to $5,000
For high school students of all grades. Submit a 500-word essay on why college matters to you and how you plan to afford it. It’s simple, broad, and great for students just starting their search.
Apply here
Ocean Awareness Contest
Deadline: June 10, 2025
Award: Up to $1,500
Open to ages 11–18 worldwide. Submit original work—poetry, art, essays—on the theme of climate change and ocean conservation. Perfect for creative and environmentally conscious students.
Apply here
BigFuture Scholarships
Deadline: Rolling through June 2025
Award: $500–$40,000
No essay required. Just complete college-planning steps like building a school list or practicing for the SAT on the BigFuture platform.
Apply here
Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Award: $500
Open to female-identifying students pursuing STEM or tech careers. Write a short essay on how you’ll impact the tech industry and why inclusion matters.
Apply here
Courage to Grow Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2025 (Monthly cycles)
Award: $500
Only requires a 250-word essay on why you deserve the scholarship. A fast, low-barrier application open to juniors, seniors, and college students.
Apply here
TMCF Advanced Tech Scholarship
Deadline: April 25, 2025
Award: Up to $7,500
Available for juniors and seniors at select HBCUs majoring in STEM, especially cybersecurity or AI. Ideal for those with clear academic focus in high-tech fields.
Apply here
Avoid These Common Last-Minute Mistakes
Rushing can lead to costly errors. Watch out for:
Skipping eligibility checks and applying to scholarships you don’t qualify for
Reusing vague, non-specific essays
Forgetting to attach transcripts, resumes, or follow directions
Ignoring follow-up communication from scholarship committees
Also, be cautious of fake scholarships. If an award asks for an application fee, Social Security number, or “guarantees” you’ll win—it’s likely a scam. Stick to known platforms and do a quick Google search if anything feels off.
What If Deadlines Have Passed?
You’re not out of options. Many scholarships run on rolling deadlines or re-open each season. You can:
Sign up for alerts from Cappex, Niche, and Bold.org
Save recurring scholarships to apply for next cycle
Contact your college’s financial aid office to ask about emergency funds or last-minute institutional awards
If you’re still applying to college or planning ahead for next year, download the Apk file from the link below to track upcoming deadlines and build your own scholarship calendar. This way, you’ll be ready before crunch time hits again.