Scholarship essays should:
- Informative. The reader should learn more about you than what you answered on the scholarship application. Try to not simply repeat what the judges have already read.
- Correct spelling and grammar
- Accurate
- Specifically address the scholarship requirements
- Don't exaggerate the truth - readers can usually detect such embellishment and get a bad impression.
An essay formula to help you get the process started:
- Study the scholarship perimeters, sponsoring organization and the essay requirements. Craft a story about yourself, and stress how this scholarship fits you and your goals.
- Describe your talents, skills and passion in your story. Then, write about how you have grown from your experiences and honed your skills. Try not to be too general and write something like, "I want to go to medical school, become a doctor and help people." 100 other people will write something like this. Try and think of a memorable experience when you were inspired by a doctor, or when helping someone who was ill.
- Next, connect your skills, talents and passions to the perimeters/requirements of the scholarship. Think about how they apply to the mission of the sponsoring organization.
- In the conclusion, be sure to highlight why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Remember, there will be many others in competition for this scholarship award.
Other tips:
- Show you are a good investment. Stress positivity, perseverance, and intention to succeed. Judges need to know that the money will be put to good use.
- Be clear and concise
- If writing about a challenge in your life, concentrate on how you learned and grew from the experience.
- Be sure to submit the essay in the proper format (Word document, PDF, etc.)
For more information about scholarship essays:
