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The CSS Profile is a detailed financial aid application used by many colleges to award institutional aid, and it typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Preparation is key—gathering documents like tax returns and bank statements in advance can streamline the process. Though more time-consuming than the FAFSA, completing the CSS Profile can lead to significant additional financial aid.

For something so important, it’s surprising that financial literacy and credit building don’t get the credit (no pun intended) that they deserve. You don’t hear much about it in school. It’s not often talked about among friends. It’s not even the type of thing that most families talk about.

This article highlights 10 unique scholarships that don’t require a GPA, focusing instead on students’ passions, creativity, leadership, and personal stories. From community service and athletics to digital responsibility and duct tape prom outfits, these opportunities prove that academic success isn’t the only path to scholarship funding. It’s a reminder that your individuality and impact matter just as much—if not more—than a number on a transcript.