Mensa US Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Mensa
Overview
This scholarship is decided by a single written piece: a plain-text essay (550 words or fewer) that explains your academic and professional goals and shows how your personal experiences have prepared you to reach them. Read the instructions carefully — small details (word count, anonymity, format) matter.
Key dates
- Opens: September 15, 2025  
- Closes: January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST / 05:59 a.m. GMT on January 16, 2026)  
- Judging period: February–April 2026  
- Winners announced: June 2026
What the essay must include
- Length: 550 words or fewer.  
- Content: A clear statement of your academic and/or professional goals and specific examples of how your experiences support those goals. Demonstrate growth, intent, and a plan.  
- Format: Submit in English as plain text (no formatting, no markup).  
- Originality: The essay must be your own work. You will be required to certify this.  
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any other identifying information in the essay itself.
Additional documentation (if awarded)
- Proof of enrollment or intent to enroll for the 2025–26 academic year (for example, an acceptance letter or enrollment verification) will be required before funds are released.
How to submit
- Complete the online application through the Mensa Foundation’s Award Spring scholarship portal.  
- Fill in all required fields accurately.  
- As part of submission, you must certify that the essay and information you provide are your own work.  
- Save a copy of your final plain-text essay before you submit.
Practical tips from a teacher
- Treat 550 words like a classroom presentation: open with a concise goal statement, use one or two short examples to show how your experiences connect to that goal, and end with next steps.  
- Be specific: names of programs, courses, projects, job titles, or responsibilities make a stronger case than vague statements.  
- Show, don’t tell: rather than saying “I’m motivated,” describe a concrete moment that demonstrates that motivation.  
- Stick to plain text: remove headers, bold/italic formatting, and any identifying details.  
- Proofread for grammar, clarity, and the word count. Ask a teacher or counselor to read it and give feedback, but the writing must remain yours.
Quick checklist before you hit submit
- Essay ≤ 550 words (plain text)  
- No identifying information in the essay  
- Clear goals and supporting experiences included  
- All required application fields completed online (Mensa Foundation Award Spring portal)  
- Prepared to certify originality and, if awarded, provide enrollment proof
If you want, paste a draft of your essay here and I can give feedback focused on clarity, structure, and impact.
ScholarshipOwl serves as a beacon of hope amidst the often...
View Details Be Bold Scholarship - $25,000.00The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a unique opportunity that does...
View Details No Essay Scholarship by Sallie - $2,000.00The Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is a unique opportunity...
View Details Niche $50,000 Scholarship - $50,000.00Think of this as a very practical tip from your...
View Details A Better Financial Future Scholarship - $2,000.00The Scholarship is available to all individuals residing in any...
View Details Scholarships360 "No Essay" Scholarship - $10,000.00The Scholarships360 "No Essay" Scholarship, valued at $10,000, is an...
View Details Faith Based College Scholarship - $2,000.00The Christian Connector is a valuable resource that provides a...
View Details Bucket List Award - $2,000.00Since its inception in 1995, our primary objective has been...
View Details Appily Easy Money Scholarship - $1,000.00The process of applying for the Appily scholarship is both...
View Details 10 Words or Less Scholarship - $1,000.00Scholarship Eligibility:A) Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25...
View Details The Future is Now Scholarship - $1,001.00The Lenny Scholarship is a financial aid opportunity that provides...
View Details Common App Scholarship - $2,000.00In an effort to motivate students to dedicate more time...
View Details Science Buddy Scholarship - $2,500.00Science Buddy Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:As an educator, I am pleased...
View Details