Scholarships can be an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to paying for college.

They usually don’t cover the whole cost, but that doesn’t mean a family shouldn’t do some homework and see what they can qualify for. And even though most people think scholarships only help those with a high GPA or SAT score, they also award money for other talents and skills. 

Like if you use your left hand. Juanita College offers a $1,000 scholarship if you’re a southpaw.

Or if you have a particular sonic pied piper ability with ducks, there’s a $1,500 prize for the best duck caller entering college.

25 totally bizarre scholarships you can apply for

If you’re talented with Duck tape, wool, can call a duck, are tall — or short — you might want to check out some of the more unusual scholarships that you can win. Read more.

 Jon Fortenbury, contributor to USA Today College, told us one of his favorite scholarships is the Zombie Apocalypse scholarship. “That’s specifically where you would run if there was a zombie outbreak at your school, and the five things you would bring. Those students are going to be the most prepared [for college] for sure.”

Is your last name Zolp? Loyola College in Chicago awards one lucky Zolp a scholarship. “I think if you happen to have that last name and don’t go to that college, it’s a little irresponsible, you’re just passing up free money,” Fortenbury says. 

If you’re looking for a scholarship of your own, Fortenbury suggests sites like Zinch, Scholarships.com and Fastweb.