Writing winning scholarship essays takes time and planning
Many of the scholarship programs you’ll find on Schoolsoup.com involve writing a scholarship essay. Students, busy completing their final year of high school, can be are overwhelmed by this aspect of the scholarship application. This doesn’t need to be the case. Careful planning well in advance of the application deadline and the following tips can ease some of the strain. It’s worth the time as it could mean receiving – or not receiving -- significant financial assistance in obtaining your degree. Remember that key components of your essay can be re-used for other applications. So it’s worth it to make it a work of art!
Scholarship essays are a good thing. They help to ensure that students from all levels of accomplishments and different backgrounds have an equal chance to be awarded a scholarship. Very few scholarships are based only on the quality of an application form or transcript. Your scholarship essay gives those who are awarding the scholarship, usually a scholarship committee, an opportunity to discover who you are and why you might be the right choice for their scholarship.
The scholarship essay is a chance to set yourself apart from the many applicants who will also be submitting an essay. This is your chance to tell your story about why you are the applicant that should be selected.
Tips for writing winning scholarship essays
- Start by going through all the scholarships you’re planning to apply for and determining if an essay is required. If you’re not sure, contact the institution awarding the scholarship.
- Make a list of deadlines for the applications, giving yourself a minimum of three to four weeks to work on the essay component.
- Read the essay requirements carefully.
- Approach the essay like you would any major writing assignment, developing a complete outline that includes the key points you want to make and addresses all requirements.
- Compose your essay by detailing each of the key points you’ve included in your outline.
- It’s always difficult to write about yourself. One suggestion is to tell your story out loud to yourself or to someone else who might even jot notes for you as you speak.
- Write in complete sentences using clear language, watching punctuation and grammar. Never use abbreviations or other shortcuts used in texting or social media.
- Include your academic accomplishments as well as your contributions to your school life and community (including student council, leadership and volunteer activities). Make this more about the services you provided and the personal rewards rather than a bragging session.
- Recite your essay to someone who has also reviewed the criteria so they can help you spot any mistakes or anything you’ve missed.
- Have someone you know has a good eye proofread the essay before your submit it. This is one case where your grammar and spelling need to be perfect.
- Do a final check to make sure your essay addresses each requirement.
- Ensure the essay and accompanying materials (application, envelopes, etc.) are all correctly addressed and postmarked.
- Save the essay and adjust it as needed so you can re-use it for other applications. Be sure that relevant, key points are added for each application and remove others that aren’t applicable.