I’ve been filling out essays on Bold.org for a while now and I’ve earned about 40,000 points, but I’ve never won anything or even made it to the finals. I’m really hoping this is a legit site, but I haven’t found much info on it. It’s my last hope for scholarships after trying other places. Has anyone won here, or is it just a waste of time?
I won $500 from one of their scholarships. So it’s real, just awful chances. You’re competing with students from all over the world (since international students apply too). It’s worth a shot if you run out of other options, but try to find more local scholarships first.
I don’t think it’s a scam but I wouldn’t rely on it for all your scholarship searches. I’ve found more success with smaller, more niche scholarships (including local ones) or directly on company/org websites.
@Keelan
Just a heads-up for anyone who might misread this: focus on niche scholarships, not to be confused with the platform Niche itself.
I’ve won on Bold, so they are legit! But don’t stress too much about the points, they don’t really help you win. I’ve seen people with way fewer points win big. I recommend checking out other profiles to see how they’re winning and what they’re doing with their essays. You can learn a lot by picking up on patterns. That’s what worked for me and I’ve won other scholarships by applying the same method!
@Addison
This is really helpful, thanks so much!
Adler said:
@Addison
This is really helpful, thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
A lot of the scholarships on Bold feel like lottery tickets. You could also try other platforms like ScholarHive, Scholarships360, or GoingMerry.
I don’t think you actually have 40k points! 
Lior said:
I don’t think you actually have 40k points!
Okay, you caught me!
I won a scholarship through it, so it’s real. I only applied to that one because it was specific to my school, and I won first place. Someone else in my cohort got second, and we both got real money.
Madden said:
I won a scholarship through it, so it’s real. I only applied to that one because it was specific to my school, and I won first place. Someone else in my cohort got second, and we both got real money.
Did they contact you by phone or email about the prize?
@Adler
They emailed me.
Madden said:
I won a scholarship through it, so it’s real. I only applied to that one because it was specific to my school, and I won first place. Someone else in my cohort got second, and we both got real money.
Good to know it’s legit. Thanks for sharing!
It’s real, but the odds are tough. You might want to focus on scholarships that are more specific to you (like a Cuban female in biological physics, for example). Even if you only spend an hour a week on it, it’s not a big deal.
@Blaze
Thanks! I just wanted to know if it’s worth it. I got a $1,000 scholarship from my local Shake Shack, but that’s been it. Struggling to find other legit sites.
Adler said:
@Blaze
Thanks! I just wanted to know if it’s worth it. I got a $1,000 scholarship from my local Shake Shack, but that’s been it. Struggling to find other legit sites.
I’ve had most luck with Fastweb and just Googling scholarships by typing in your specific characteristic like “disability scholarship” (put the quotes to avoid unrelated websites like social security info).
I have 5k points and became a finalist once.
Chen said:
I have 5k points and became a finalist once.
If possible, could you share your account link and the essay you used?
Chen said:
I have 5k points and became a finalist once.
If possible, could you share your account link and the essay you used?