Well, upon discovering that I'll be taking out $5500/year in federal student loans, instead of the $2500 that I had thought, I decided to look through some scholarships. A small selection...
The Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship ($1000) is available to students over the age of 16 who demonstrate Bruce Lee's passion for education...Selection is also based on, but not limited to, involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, work experience and knowledge of Bruce Lee.
The New Look Laser Tattoo Removal Scholarship ($1000) is available to students enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university. On a website, blog, or online forum; you must write a 200 - to 400 - word post that expresses your opinion of the societal impact of laser tattoo removal. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award.
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest ($10k- ) is open to 12th grade, undergraduate and graduate students. To be eligible for this contest, you must write an essay of no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words in length, double-spaced, on one of three topics related to Ayn Rand's novel, "Atlas Shrugged." Essays are judged on both style and content. The winning essay must demonstrate an outstanding knowledge of the book "Atlas Shrugged." All information necessary to enter the contest including essay topics is available on the sponsor's site.
I think I'm going to crank out a tattoo removal app tonight for the lulz. For a 300-word essay, I'll very easily find all the information I need on Wikipedia. It looks like they won't give out cash for my area of study. I'm good enough at bullshitting that I could probably have a shot at the Atlas Shrugged contest, but I don't think I'd be able to live with myself if I won it.