Can Halloween Costumes Go Too Far? Your Answer Could Win a $1K Scholarship

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Let’s get kooky, spooky and altogether ooky this Halloween.

Dress as a cat, a witch, a ghost or Marilyn Monroe. There are endless costume options where you get to be anything but yourself.

But is it OK to dress as anyone or anything, or are some costumes off-limits?

Everyone has an opinion about what’s offensive and what’s OK when it comes to Halloween costumes. Share your opinion in this essay contest and you could win a $1,000 Halloween Express scholarship.

Halloween Express Scholarship Essay Contest Details

The Halloween Express scholarship essay contest is open to recent high school graduates or college students ages 18 and older.

Applicants must be accepted to an accredited two- or four-year college in the United States.

There’s no fee to apply, and financial need doesn’t matter.

Essay Requirements

Essay entries must be in English and between 500 and 2,500 words.

The topic is:

“Are the standards for Halloween costumes changing? Or, are these protests simply one more example of some who want to force their point of view on others? Are there some costumes which should be off-limits? If so, what are those costumes?  And, who gets to decide what those limits are? Why? Is freedom of expression no longer relevant? Have we reached the point at which we’re being conditioned to be offended by everything we see and hear? What type of costume did you wear last year? What will you wear this year?”

There is no right answer. Your perspective matters, and you should defend your point of view.

Essays will be judged on development of the theme and clarity of ideas. Poetry is not an acceptable format.

Once you have your essay written, submit it via this online entry form. You’ll need to fill out a few personal details and upload a headshot photo.

Funds will be distributed through PayPal, so the winner will need to have an account to receive the money.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2018 aka Halloween. Spooky.

See the main Halloween Express scholarship page for details.

If you’re looking for more scholarships, do the Monster Mash on over to our list of 100 scholarships that will help you pay for college.

Or you can like The Penny Hoarder Life on Facebook to discover other scholarship opportunities.

Stephanie Bolling is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. Halloween is her favorite holiday.