Every English teacher I've ever had has called me "brilliant". Essay contest chances?

Paying for College
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<p>I have a 2.8 GPA (bad family situation early on, but I was on the honor roll last semester and am taking 3 AP's now). I got a 34 on my ACT and a 2240 on my SAT. I was a National Merit Semifinalist but my early grades have blocked me from finalist status. As far as traditional scholarships go, I'm screwed.</p>

<p>However, literally every English or writing teacher I have ever had has called me brilliant. Three have urged me to pursue a career in writing. I personally don't think I'm brilliant by any stretch, but I do think I'm good. (At least at expository/persuasive writing; my personal stuff is crap.) I'm not trying to brag; I just want to show that I'm not a hack.</p>

<p>Would my chances of winning a fastweb scholarship still be so low that I shouldn't even try? I would like to enter some contests, but I don't want to waste my time.</p>

<p>I apologize for submitting this thread when a similar one already exists. I'm asking about my situation here because the OP on the other thread classified his writing skills as just above-average. Those are his words; I'm not saying I'm better. The skill level thing changes a lot, and I don't want to hijack his thread.</p>

<p>I do need scholarship money in order to attend college. So again, are fastweb essay contests worth it?</p>

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<p>You should definitely try appling for essay contests. But do not apply for the ones on fastweb because those are very difficult to win.</p>

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<p>I would look for essay contests that are more local. IE-for students in your state or area. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Sarah</p>

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<p>Thanks you guys! Do you know where I could find local/state scholarships? Just generally? I tried Googling it and nothing relevant came up...</p>