College Board Scholarship Search and BigFuture Scholarships
A planning-based scholarship program and search tool by the College Board, offering monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 awards with no essays, minimum GPA, or test score requirements.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Full / PartialDeadline
Varies by step and class year (e.g., Class of 2026 FAFSA deadline: February 28, 2026; Strengthen College List deadline: October 31, 2025)
Country
United StatesAbout the College Board Scholarship Search and BigFuture Scholarships
The College Board Scholarship Search tool allows students to find matches from over 6,000 programs, totaling more than $1.5 billion in scholarship dollars yearly. The platform connects students with domestic and international nonprofit colleges, scholarship providers, and government agencies.
BigFuture Scholarships reward students for taking specific planning steps on their dashboard through their senior year. No essay, minimum GPA, or test score requirements exist for these awards. The earlier a student completes each step, and the more steps taken, the more entries earned for drawings.
Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year receive double the chances of winning, with two entries earned per step completed. Half of all awards are reserved specifically for students who meet this income criterion.
The program relies on completing actionable steps across high school grade years, starting from December of sophomore year through the winter of senior year. Monthly drawings occur on the first day of every month, with scholarships awarded until February of senior year for specific steps.
Steps include starting a career list, starting a college list, starting a scholarship list, strengthening a college list, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges. Each step has designated opening months and specific completion deadlines depending on the student's graduating class year.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
No essays, minimum GPA, or test score requirements to qualify for drawings
Half of all awards are reserved for students with family incomes under $60,000 per year
Earn multiple entries by starting early and completing more steps
Access to a comprehensive search tool covering thousands of external scholarship programs
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in United States
Scholarships and search tools are primarily targeted toward students planning to study in the United States, though international students who meet specific account and participation criteria may access matching services.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Log in or create a College Board account.
Access the BigFuture dashboard to view required planning steps.
Complete the 'Start Your Career List' step starting in December of sophomore year.
Complete the 'Start Your College List' step starting in December of sophomore year.
Complete the 'Start Your Scholarship List' and 'Strengthen Your College List' steps starting in July before senior year.
Complete the FAFSA or state financial aid form and confirm completion on the dashboard starting in October of senior year.
Complete the 'Apply to Colleges' step starting in October of senior year.
Application Timeline
December of Sophomore Year
Start Career and College Lists
July Before Senior Year
Start Scholarship List and Strengthen College List
October of Senior Year
Complete FAFSA and Apply to Colleges
First day of every month until February of Senior Year
Monthly Scholarship Drawings
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start completing dashboard steps as early as December of your sophomore year to maximize your total entries.
Keep your College Board profile and college list updated with your current interests and academic preferences.
Ensure you meet family income verification criteria if you earn less than $60,000 per year to utilize the double-entry benefit.
Monitor your inbox and messages for scholarship opportunities matched through the Student Search Service.
Verify specific class year deadlines, such as the October 31 deadline for strengthening your college list.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. There are no essays, minimum GPA, or test score requirements. You simply follow the steps on your dashboard to earn entries.
Scholarships for $500 and $40,000 are awarded monthly through drawings held on the first day of every month until February of your senior year.
Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year receive double the chances of winning, with two entries earned per step completed, and half of all awards are reserved for them.
You can start qualifying as early as December of your sophomore year by starting your career and college lists.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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