How to Write a Scholarship-Worthy Essay
An essay or proposal is often a requirement when applying for scholarships and grants so that the selection committee can see which candidates stand out from a large group of very qualified applicants. You could be competing with hundreds of candidates, and a well-written essay could be the factor that encourages the committee to award you thousands of dollars. There are some general rules to follow when writing a scholarship essay.
Brainstorm
- Get as many ideas on paper as possible in no particular order.
- List your accomplishments (enlist help from parents, friends, or mentors).
- Write down the three most influential leaders in your life and two characteristics of each that made them positive influences. Do you exhibit any of those characteristics?
- Think about some of the difficult times or experiences you’ve been through and write down how you overcame those obstacles.
- Write down your goals, both short-term and long-term.
- Read other scholarship essays to get a better idea of what makes a good essay.
Decide on a topic
- While you don’t want to limit yourself, you also don’t want to be so broad with your topic that you can’t meet the maximum word requirements.
- You want the topic to reflect who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
- Try to choose a unique topic. For example, although working in a soup kitchen is rewarding and helpful volunteer work, the selection committee has probably already read more than their fair share of soup kitchen stories. You should try and write about something more unique and eye-catching.
Write!
- Once you’re chosen your topic, try not to veer off course. Stick to it and make a point.
- Be inspirational, but don’t overdo it.
- Show your unique style, but be careful of trying to be “cute” or “funny” with your style.
- Tell your story in your own words. Most people love a good story—make them love yours.
- Don’t oversell yourself so that you come across as haughty or condescending.
