The BigFuture Scholarships program has become one of the most popular scholarship opportunities for high school students across the United States. Created by the College Board, BigFuture aims to make the scholarship process more accessible by helping students earn money for college simply by taking steps that support their college and career planning. Instead of requiring essays, recommendations, or GPAs, BigFuture Scholarships reward students for completing key milestones such as building a college list, exploring careers, and applying for financial aid.

As college costs continue to rise, students and families are constantly searching for financial support options. The BigFuture Scholarships program stands out because it is inclusive, easy to participate in, and designed to benefit students from all backgrounds. In this complete guide, you will learn how the program works, who is eligible, the scholarship amounts, and how students can increase their chances of winning.

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What Are BigFuture Scholarships?

BigFuture Scholarships is a College Board program that provides financial awards to high school students who complete simple tasks related to college planning. Rather than evaluating academic performance or extracurricular achievement, the program rewards effort and engagement. As long as students take the required steps—such as researching colleges or applying for FAFSA—they earn entries into monthly scholarship drawings.

BigFuture created this program to encourage students to prepare early for college while making scholarship access fair and equitable. Every student who participates has a chance to win, regardless of academic background.

How BigFuture Scholarships Work

The structure of BigFuture Scholarships is straightforward. Students complete specific college-readiness tasks on the BigFuture platform. Each completed task earns the student an entry into a monthly scholarship drawing. Some tasks even provide multiple entries, increasing the student’s chances of being selected.

The main purpose is to motivate students to take meaningful steps toward preparing for college.

The Steps Students Complete Include:

Building a college list
Exploring career options
Preparing for standardized tests
Completing the FAFSA
Applying for scholarships
Submitting college applications
Exploring financial aid resources
Strengthening their academic plan

Each of these steps automatically registers the student for scholarship consideration.

Why BigFuture Scholarships Are Popular

There are several reasons why students and parents love the BigFuture Scholarships program:

1. No Essay Required

Students do not need to write essays or personal statements.

2. No Minimum GPA

Unlike many competitive scholarships, BigFuture is open to students of all academic levels.

3. No Citizenship Restrictions

The program is open to U.S. citizens and residents, including undocumented students.

4. Monthly Drawings

Multiple opportunities to win throughout the academic year.

5. Encourages College Planning

Students learn about college admissions while earning scholarship entries.

6. Guaranteed Fairness

Winners are chosen randomly, making the process inclusive and equitable.

Because the requirements are simple and student-friendly, the popularity of BigFuture Scholarships continues to grow yearly.

Scholarship Amounts for BigFuture Scholarships

The BigFuture program awards millions of dollars each year to high school students. Award amounts typically include:

$500 monthly scholarships
$40,000 major scholarships

Multiple students receive $500 awards each month, while a smaller number receive the highly regarded $40,000 scholarship at specific times throughout the year.

The $500 awards help cover smaller expenses such as application fees, textbooks, or technology needs. The $40,000 awards, however, can significantly reduce overall college costs and are some of the most sought-after opportunities in the program.

Eligibility Requirements for BigFuture Scholarships

The BigFuture Scholarships program is designed to be accessible and inclusive. To qualify, students must meet a few basic requirements:

1. Grade Level

Students must be in high school—usually juniors and seniors.

2. School Enrollment

They must attend a high school in the United States or a U.S. territory.

3. Participation in BigFuture Steps

Scholarship entries are earned by completing tasks on the BigFuture platform.

4. Citizenship Not Required

The program is open to:

U.S. citizens
Permanent residents
Undocumented students
DACA recipients

5. No Income Requirements

Students from all financial backgrounds are welcome.

This broad eligibility makes the BigFuture Scholarships program one of the most inclusive scholarship platforms available.

How to Apply for BigFuture Scholarships

One of the biggest benefits of this program is that students do not need to fill out separate scholarship forms. Applying for BigFuture Scholarships is as simple as completing steps on the BigFuture platform.

Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a College Board Account

Students must have an account to track their completed steps.

Step 2: Log in to the BigFuture Platform

Students can find their progress dashboard and required tasks.

Step 3: Complete College Planning Tasks

Each completed step earns scholarship entries.

Examples include:

• Build a college list

Add at least six schools to your list.

• Explore career pathways

Learn about job sectors, salaries, and degrees.

• Practice for standardized tests

Use resources like SAT practice tools.

• Apply for financial aid

Submit the FAFSA when it becomes available.

• Apply to multiple colleges

Receive additional entries for finishing your applications.

Step 4: Earn Scholarship Entries

Every completed task automatically enters the student into scholarship drawings.

Step 5: Wait for Monthly Selection

Winners are notified via email and announced on the BigFuture website.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Winning BigFuture Scholarships

Although the scholarship is based on random selection, students can significantly increase their odds by completing as many steps as possible.

1. Complete All Available Tasks

Every completed step earns entries—more entries mean better chances.

2. Update Your College List Frequently

The more research you complete, the more engaged you become with the platform.

3. Complete Tasks Early

Being active throughout the year gives students more opportunities to enter drawings.

4. Use SAT Tools

BigFuture offers SAT practice resources that also count toward scholarships.

5. Don’t Skip the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important college readiness steps.

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Why BigFuture Scholarships Matter

Many students don’t have access to traditional scholarships that require essays, recommendations, or high GPAs. This program removes those barriers. Instead, it focuses on giving every student a fair chance to earn funding.

Benefits of the Program Include:

Encourages early planning
Promotes college readiness
Provides financial support
Helps students explore long-term goals
Supports low-income and first-generation students

Because BigFuture Scholarships are accessible to nearly all students, they play a major role in reducing educational inequality.

Frequently Asked Questions About BigFuture Scholarships

1. Is the BigFuture Scholarship legitimate?

Yes. The program is run by the College Board, a well-known and trusted educational organization.

2. How often are winners chosen?

Winners are selected each month.

3. Can students win more than one award?

Yes. A student can win multiple $500 scholarships and also be eligible for the $40,000 award.

4. Do students need to write essays?

No. BigFuture Scholarships do not require essays or letters of recommendation.

5. How does BigFuture select winners?

Selections are random, based on completed scholarship entries.

Conclusion

The BigFuture Scholarships program offers one of the most accessible scholarship pathways for high school students in the United States. By rewarding students for taking essential steps in their college journey, the program encourages responsible planning and increases access to financial support. With opportunities to win monthly awards and larger $40,000 scholarships, BigFuture continues to help students make informed decisions about their future.

Whether you are a junior starting to explore colleges or a senior preparing for admissions, BigFuture Scholarships can make your educational goals more achievable. The steps are simple, the program is inclusive, and every student has an equal chance to win.