What would you do if a zombie apocalypse suddenly broke out tomorrow? Would you build a secure shelter, search for supplies, or lead a group of survivors to safety?
While this may sound like the plot of a blockbuster movie or a popular video game, it forms the basis of one of the most creative scholarship competitions available to students in the United States—the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships that focus on grades, athletic achievements, or community service, this scholarship encourages students to think creatively by imagining how they would survive a world overrun by zombies. Applicants are asked to write an original essay explaining their survival strategy, leadership decisions, and long-term plan for rebuilding civilization.
Sponsored by ScholarshipOwl, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship has become one of the most talked-about essay competitions because it rewards creativity, storytelling, and originality rather than academic excellence alone. It provides students with an opportunity to showcase their imagination while competing for financial assistance toward their education.
If you enjoy creative writing or are looking for an unconventional scholarship opportunity, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship could be the perfect fit.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship 2027, including eligibility requirements, scholarship value, essay prompt, judging criteria, application process, and expert strategies for writing a winning submission.
What Is the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship?
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is an annual creative writing competition designed to encourage students to think outside the box while competing for college funding.
Rather than answering traditional scholarship questions about academic achievements or career goals, applicants are asked to imagine themselves in the middle of a fictional zombie outbreak and describe how they would survive.
The scholarship celebrates:
- Creativity
- Original storytelling
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Imagination
- Written communication skills
Although the topic is humorous, the scholarship evaluates genuine writing ability and originality. Judges are interested in how applicants develop their ideas, organize their essays, and present convincing survival strategies.
Because the competition focuses on creativity rather than academic records, students from various educational backgrounds have an opportunity to compete successfully.
About ScholarshipOwl
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is administered through ScholarshipOwl, a scholarship platform that helps students discover and apply for financial aid opportunities.
ScholarshipOwl connects students with thousands of scholarships and offers tools that simplify the scholarship application process by matching applicants with opportunities based on their qualifications.
In addition to hosting traditional scholarships, ScholarshipOwl sponsors several unique essay competitions designed to encourage creativity and student engagement. These themed scholarships provide alternative opportunities for students who enjoy writing and storytelling.
Scholarship Benefits
Although the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is known for its entertaining theme, it offers meaningful financial support to the winning applicant.
Benefits include:
1. $2,000 Scholarship Award
The selected winner receives a $2,000 scholarship to help cover eligible educational expenses, including tuition, books, and other academic costs. The award is paid in accordance with the sponsor’s scholarship policies.
2. Recognition for Creative Writing
Winning or being recognized in a nationally promoted scholarship competition can strengthen a student’s portfolio by demonstrating creativity, originality, and strong communication skills.
3. No GPA-Based Competition
Unlike many scholarships that require exceptionally high GPAs, standardized test scores, or extensive extracurricular achievements, this competition emphasizes the quality of the essay and the applicant’s imagination.
This makes it an attractive opportunity for students who excel in creative writing.
4. Flexible Use of Funds
Scholarship funds may generally be used toward qualifying educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, subject to the sponsor’s scholarship terms and conditions.
Who Can Apply?
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is open to a broad range of students.
Applicants generally must:
- Be 13 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
- Be currently enrolled in high school, college, university, or another accredited post-secondary institution, or plan to enroll within the next 12 months.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
- Submit an original essay that complies with the competition rules.
Applicants under the age of 18 may be required to obtain parental or guardian consent where applicable.
Scholarship Requirements
To submit a complete application, students should be prepared to provide:
- A completed online scholarship application.
- Basic personal information.
- School or intended institution details.
- A unique, original essay responding to the scholarship prompt.
- Agreement with the scholarship’s official terms and conditions.
Unlike many merit-based scholarships, applicants are not typically required to submit:
- SAT or ACT scores
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial need documentation
This relatively simple application process makes the scholarship accessible to a wide variety of students.
Does the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship Require an Essay?
Yes.
The essay is the central component of the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship application.
Applicants must respond to a creative prompt that asks them to imagine a zombie apocalypse and explain how they would survive.
The sponsor’s prompt invites students to think about questions such as:
- Where would you hide?
- Which two people would you choose to help you survive?
- What supplies would you gather?
- How would you protect yourself?
- What long-term strategy would you use to rebuild society?
The essay must be original, engaging, and written entirely by the applicant. Entries containing plagiarism, copied material, or AI-generated content that violates the competition’s rules may be disqualified. Applicants should carefully review the official scholarship guidelines before submitting their work. (scholarshipowl.com)
Essay Length and Judging Criteria
According to the official scholarship guidelines, applicants are expected to submit a 250 words or less essay responding to the designated zombie apocalypse prompt. (scholarshipowl.com)
Judges typically evaluate submissions based on:
- Originality
- Creativity
- Clarity of expression
- Organization
- Relevance to the prompt
- Overall writing quality
A successful essay is not necessarily the funniest or the longest—it is the one that tells a compelling story while directly answering the prompt in a memorable way.
How to Apply for the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Applying for the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is relatively straightforward compared to many traditional scholarship programs. The application primarily focuses on your ability to craft an engaging and original essay rather than your academic achievements or financial circumstances.
Follow these steps to complete your application successfully.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Page
Go to the official Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship page hosted by ScholarshipOwl and review the eligibility requirements, essay prompt, submission guidelines, and deadline before beginning your application.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Provide your personal information, including:
- Full name
- Contact information
- School name
- Expected graduation year
- Enrollment status
Ensure that all information is accurate before proceeding.
Step 3: Write Your Original Essay
This is the most important part of your application.
Applicants must submit an original essay of 250 words or fewer responding to the official prompt about surviving a zombie apocalypse.
Your essay should demonstrate:
- Creativity
- Original thinking
- Strong writing skills
- Logical planning
- Engaging storytelling
Avoid copying ideas from movies, books, websites, or previous scholarship essays.
Step 4: Review Your Submission
Before submitting your application:
- Check your grammar and spelling.
- Confirm your essay meets the word limit.
- Ensure your response fully answers the prompt.
- Verify that your information is correct.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Late applications are generally not accepted. Submit your application early to avoid technical issues or last-minute mistakes. (ScholarshipOwl)
Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship Deadline
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship typically has an annual application deadline, although the exact date may vary by cycle.
Applicants should always refer to the official scholarship page for the current deadline and any updates to the competition schedule before applying. (ScholarshipOwl)
How Winners Are Selected
Winning the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship requires much more than writing a funny story.
Judges evaluate submissions based on several factors, including:
Originality
The scholarship seeks essays that present fresh ideas rather than recycled zombie survival scenarios.
Applicants who think creatively and present unique perspectives are more likely to stand out.
Creativity
This competition celebrates imagination.
Your essay should demonstrate your ability to create an engaging scenario while remaining focused on the prompt.
Writing Quality
Judges assess:
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Organization
- Clarity
- Flow
- Readability
Even the most creative idea can lose points if it is poorly written.
Relevance
Every part of your essay should contribute to answering the official question.
Avoid unnecessary background information that reduces the impact of your response.
Overall Impression
The strongest essays are memorable.
After reading hundreds of entries, judges are more likely to remember stories that combine creativity with excellent writing and realistic decision-making.
Expert Tips to Write a Winning Zombie Apocalypse Essay
Since the scholarship is essay-based, your writing is your greatest asset. Consider these strategies to improve your chances.
Start with a Strong Hook
Capture the reader’s attention immediately.
Instead of beginning with:
“If there was a zombie apocalypse…”
Try something more engaging:
“The emergency alert interrupted my breakfast, warning that civilization had only six hours left before the infected reached my city.”
A compelling opening encourages judges to continue reading.
Think Beyond Movies
Many applicants will reference popular zombie films or television series.
Instead of copying familiar ideas, develop your own survival strategy.
Consider questions such as:
- How would you establish food security?
- How would you rebuild communities?
- What leadership qualities would be most important?
- How would technology help survivors?
Unique ideas often leave lasting impressions.
Show Leadership
The scholarship isn’t only about surviving.
It is about demonstrating decision-making, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.
Explain how you would:
- Organize survivors.
- Resolve conflicts.
- Protect vulnerable people.
- Allocate resources fairly.
Keep It Realistic
Even though the scenario is fictional, realistic planning makes your essay more believable.
Discuss practical considerations such as:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Medicine
- Communication
- Transportation
Proofread Carefully
A 250-word essay leaves little room for mistakes.
Before submitting:
- Correct spelling errors.
- Remove unnecessary words.
- Improve sentence flow.
- Ensure your ending is memorable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many otherwise strong applications are weakened by avoidable mistakes.
Avoid:
- Copying ideas from online essays.
- Exceeding the word limit.
- Ignoring the official prompt.
- Using clichés from popular zombie movies.
- Submitting essays with grammatical errors.
- Waiting until the deadline to apply.
Why the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
Although the scholarship’s theme is humorous, it offers several genuine advantages.
Unlike many competitive scholarships that emphasize perfect GPAs or extensive extracurricular activities, this competition rewards imagination and writing ability.
Students who enjoy storytelling have an opportunity to compete on equal footing regardless of academic background.
The scholarship also encourages applicants to develop valuable skills such as:
- Creative writing
- Critical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Communication
- Problem-solving
These are transferable skills that benefit students in college and beyond.
Expert Insight (EEAT)
Creative scholarships such as the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship highlight an important truth about scholarship applications: academic excellence is not the only pathway to educational funding.
Essay competitions provide students with an opportunity to showcase originality, communication skills, and personal voice. Because the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship receives numerous applications each year, successful candidates typically distinguish themselves through authentic storytelling rather than exaggerated scenarios.
Applicants should focus on crafting a concise, engaging narrative that demonstrates creativity while remaining faithful to the prompt. A thoughtful essay that combines imagination with strong writing mechanics is far more compelling than one that relies solely on humor or dramatic action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship legitimate?
Yes. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is offered through ScholarshipOwl, a recognized scholarship platform that administers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students in the United States.
How much is the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship worth?
The winning applicant receives a $2,000 scholarship to support eligible educational expenses.
Does the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship require an essay?
Yes. Applicants must submit an original essay of 250 words or fewer responding to the official zombie apocalypse prompt.
Is a high GPA required?
No. Unlike many traditional scholarships, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship does not require applicants to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Instead, the competition focuses on creativity and the quality of the essay.
Can international students apply?
The scholarship is generally limited to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia. International students should review the official eligibility requirements to determine whether they qualify.
Do I need recommendation letters?
No. Recommendation letters are not typically required for this scholarship.
Can high school students apply?
Yes. Eligible high school students, college students, and individuals planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution may apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship proves that earning scholarship funding doesn’t always require a perfect GPA, athletic achievements, or extensive community service. Sometimes, a compelling story and a creative imagination can be just as valuable.
With a $2,000 scholarship award, a simple application process, and an engaging essay prompt, this competition offers students a refreshing alternative to traditional scholarships. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply enjoy thinking creatively, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship provides an opportunity to showcase your originality while competing for financial support toward your education.
If you’re eligible, take the time to craft a memorable essay, follow the application guidelines carefully, and submit your entry before the deadline. Your unique survival plan could be the one that captures the judges’ attention and earns you the scholarship.