You’ve found a scholarship that looks right for you, you meet all of its requirements, and you’ve decided to throw your hat into the ring. Now there’s just one more little matter; that of writing a scholarship essay that will knock their socks off and ensure that when they write out that check it has your name on it.
Nervous? You’re not alone – many people feel uncertain when it comes to writing. The good news is that most of the other applicants probably feel the same way, and there are plenty of things you can do to ensure that your essay is as competitive as it can possibly be.
It may sound simple, but the first, best thing you can do is read the directions carefully. This may include a minimum length, a maximum length, a deadline, and the specific subject matter that interests the deciding committee. You may be surprised to learn how many people don’t follow directions, and as a result either end up not being chosen or even being disqualified. Many scholarship essays are supposed to be fairly short, and some that are advertised online where many responses are expected can have a surprisingly low maximum length. It may sound like things are easier when they’re shorter, but beware, as this also means that every word should be carefully chosen to maximize your advantage.
That you must submit your essay by the deadline should go without saying. Most scholarship committees will discard entries that are received late. If you are sending your application by postal mail, consider that you don’t just have to send it by the deadline, but that you must drop it in the mailbox in time for it to reach its destination by the due date.
So, with all that said, what about the content of your essay itself? Often the hardest part of writing, whether a scholarship essay or any other piece of writing, is writing that first sentence. It’s like any other way of building momentum, once you’re moving forward even slowly then continuing is easy, but getting to that point can be challenging.
A good way to start is to copy the instructions for the essay and paste them onto your blank screen. You may even find that the instructions, even if they’re just one or two sentences long, lend themselves to an initial structure for your essay, or even a sort of outline. Once you have that general blueprint, you should find it easier to fill in the essay with the story you want to tell.
And that’s what you want to do at this point – tell your story. Remember that the people on the scholarship committee don’t just want to throw cash around randomly, even if they’ve found someone who writes well. They’re using your essay as a means to determine whether their money will be well spent. This is your opportunity to persuade that them that you are a good investment, and there are a number of ways you can show them that you offer an excellent return for their money.
There are a number of different sorts of personal experiences you can include that show them this. If you have experience with overcoming adversity, this is often ideal. Just make sure that you describe the ways that you rose above the challenges that faced you without sounding like you were pitying yourself for your misfortune. Other personal experiences that work well in scholarship essays are ones where you displayed leadership and reached personal or professional goals.
This may all sound a bit intimidating, but remember that the people on the scholarship committee realize that not everyone is a brain surgeon or an astronaut. They want to get a sense of your personal character, that you are a person who cares about doing their best at whatever they do, that you are a person with passion. Show them this, and you have a great shot at winning their hearts – and their scholarship.
Once you have a draft written, it’s time to polish it. First, read it aloud, word for word. You’d be surprised how many small mistakes you’ll find by doing this, even if you’ve read it silently several times. Not only that, but you’ll have a better sense of how well your essay flows, and whether you have sentences that work well independently, but could be rewritten to go together better.
Once you’ve done this it’s time for one of the most important aspects to the whole process: proofreading. To be competitive, your essay’s grammar and spelling must be entirely faultless. Your word processor probably underlines words that it thinks are misspelled, and sentences that it thinks aren’t grammatically perfect, but you shouldn’t necessarily trust it, as they’re not correct 100% of the time, especially with grammar. To be certain, you need another pair of human eyes to review it.
If you’re on friendly terms with one of your English professors, ask him or her to look over your essay. Another great resource is your school’s writing center, often found in the library if you’re a campus-based student, or through your school’s online library if you’re an eLearner. If your school doesn’t have a writing center by name, look for the tutoring center, which often also handles that responsibility.
When you’re sure that your essay sings, then put your application together and send it in, proud that you’ve done your best, and confident that your application and essay show you in the best possible light. Good luck!
Top 5 Scholarship Essay Do’s
- Do read the directions! You’ll be surprised how competitive you are if you do what you’re asked to do, even when applying for a popular scholarship!
- Do tell a compelling story about yourself, about how you’ve overcome adversity, been a leader, or accomplished something significant.
- Do proofread your essay, and ask a writing expert to review it for you to help you catch grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Do read your essay aloud, as an additional way to catch mistakes, and to see how well your essay flows.
- Do relax and have fun! Sure, there’s competitive pressure when your applying for a scholarship, but at the same time it’s a chance to hone your writing skills and tell something interesting about yourself or the way that you see the world
Top 5 Scholarship Essay Don’t’s
- Don’t start your essay with “My name is...” For one thing, the reviewers will know this from the rest of your application. For another, it’s a cliché that won’t differentiate you. Besides, with many essays, space is limited, so don’t use it to tell them who you are, use it to show them who you are!
- Don’t plagiarize someone else's work, or buy an essay or otherwise have someone else write the essay for you. If you want a scholarship, earn it!
- Don’t forget to save a copy of your essay! If you write the essay on an application form, photocopy it before you drop it in the mail. You never know when what you’ve written may be useful for another similar scholarship or for an assignment for class.
- Don’t rely on fancy formatting, graphics, or tables. For many scholarships, by the time the reviewing committee receives it, it will have been reduced to plain text. You’ll need to count on the power of your words, not visual tricks.
- Don’t be intimidated! If you are careful and write from the heart, you have a real chance to win a scholarship. Believe in yourself!
Steve Foerster is a writer and consultant on distance learning and educational technology. He serves on the elected Community Council of WikiEducator, a project sponsored by the Commonwealth of Learning to develop free educational materials for use in the developing world.
29 comment(s)
sasha salom On Thursday, September 10 2009
Hello Mr. Foerster, how are you? Im very interested in applying for this scholarship and i have already applied, but i missed the essay portion. Please if you can help on how to get to it so i can summit my essay and get things going please. I really need to do the essay. I have been through alot and would like to tell my story and god willing get picked!! Thank you for your time
Patricia Carpenter-White On Thursday, September 10 2009
Hello Mr. Foerster, I would just like to say that i am thrilled this scholarship is being offered. I am very interested in applying, but is very nervous about the essy portion. I applied for one essay before and i thought it was pretty good and got right t the point. I later found out that one of he reasons i was not elelected was i showed sympathy instead of empathy. Can you please give me some pointers?
Luther Greene On Monday, September 14 2009
this is a good time with this essay, and a benefit to get back on your feet. Because, every one trying to get back on there feet. and trying to get a better jobs. and keep they kids in a better education. and place to stay. thank you for every thing you are doing for U.S.
mary minjares On Thursday, September 17 2009
Very excited that I came across this opportunity regarding scholarships which I can utilize my education and fulfill my dreams and goals.
Roger Stroud On Friday, September 18 2009
Hi everyone,
I have read everyones comment listed above and I have one thing to say...It may sound simple, but the first, best thing you can do is read the directions carefully!! This is the first thing that caught my attention. Many of you have not read the directions, because if you did, you wouldn't be writting the comments that you have posted. I am interested in this offer, but I haven't finished reading everything, yet. Only then will I apply with a application and essay. The last thing I will say is, that this is a Golden Opportunity for non-working/working adults who wants to get ahead in this world and stay there! Thank you for this Golden Opportunity!! I hope my essay wins, I really need it to!
Roger Stroud
Penny Brand On Wednesday, September 30 2009
Writing just happens to be something I am good at, maybe the only thing, as I have written short stories and newspaper columns. Please tell me where to sign up right away!
Ruthann D. Albrecht On Wednesday, October 14 2009
I humbly say "Thank-you" for an opportunity to give me a chance for a better life, and to prove I can do it. From a 7-9mnth.Comatose-state-3yrs. in a wheelchair, from a car wreck. It was 2yrs. before I knew what was happening, with many memory problems and coordinating it all together. All within a 30yr. span, 79' to 09'. Prayer to God has brought me this far, I'm a mother and wife, to a son, who's in his 3rd.yr. of college and a girl in her 1st yr.also. I Thank-You so much for the opportunity.
Elena On Thursday, October 15 2009
I am new here in USA
and I decide that i want to be better
and improve myself and the best way to do it is getting a degree .
I pray God that i can get the oportunity to do it
Russell L. Johnson On Tuesday, October 20 2009
I'm currently unemployed and seeking a chance to advance my career by going back to school. I need all the help I can get. I currently have an AA in General Study. I'm thinking of IT or Business Management. Thanks for any and all assistant. My GI Bill is superseded.
Valerie Harris On Thursday, November 05 2009
Hello I am a single mother of 5 and I have worked hard most of my life. I have tryed to attend a regular college and was unable to keep up because of my children needs having to come first, I would really appreicate this information so that I can go back to school to better myself now that they are older. thank you in advance Valerie
Jim Lou On Thursday, November 12 2009
I took advantage of the chance to win a scholarship. I submitted an essay that reflects my desire to be able to continue teaching to college students. There is so much uncertainty today with budget cutbacks. My essay talks about my need to have PhD to be competitive.
Cindi Johnson On Thursday, November 12 2009
I have already gone into Everest University and was impressed with what
I have seen.
JEAN JOSEPH On Tuesday, November 17 2009
I grabbed this opportunity with faith to win a scholarship.I have been struggled so many times.I have submitted an essay that translates my need and my desire to perform myself in the small business industry.I wish I win the scholarship to make my vision a reality and also to fulfill my mission. God bless all of you.
Eric Kusi-Peprah On Wednesday, December 09 2009
I am a visitor in United States and would like to transfer my credit hours to continue my education in united states.I wish I could get a scholarship to continue my first degree education here in united states.i would gladly appreciate your assistance.
Myrlene Townsend On Tuesday, December 29 2009
I am taken this opportunity with faith to win the scholarship; I am a single mother of 3 sons; I used to work two jobs just to meet my monthly bills; After many years of struggles, I was let go for no reason; although you may have set a good standard your employer and yourself; it does not matter because of the economy; decision have to be made still; and everyone if effected on that decision; bottom line we must find away that will work for our family; Saddly to say, in order to make changes in my life, I must do something difference and see what the needs are and trying to meet that need by making changes in my life; going back to school and educated the mind to be able to make the advancement is a good way to start. I know that I have a long journey on the way; with your help I know I could help make a different in my life and others too; Because of that I feel that I would be a good canadidate for the scholarship should opportunity is given;
Thank you and God Bless
Myrlene Townsend On Tuesday, December 29 2009
I am taken this opportunity with faith to win the scholarship; I am a single mother of 3 sons; I used to work two jobs just to meet my monthly bills; After many years of struggles, I was let go for no reason; although you may have set a good standard your employer and yourself; it does not matter because of the economy; decision have to be made still; and everyone if effected on that decision; bottom line we must find away that will work for our family; Saddly to say, in order to make changes in my life, I must do something difference and see what the needs are and trying to meet that need by making changes in my life; going back to school and educated the mind to be able to make the advancement is a good way to start. I know that I have a long journey on the way; with your help I know I could help make a different in my life and others too; Because of that I feel that I would be a good canadidate for the scholarship should opportunity is given;
Thank you and God Bless
Paula Rodriguez On Tuesday, January 19 2010
Hello.. and thank you for this apportunity i am hopeing to fulfill my dreams and goals because it has been hard being a single mother
Daniel A. Ryan On Tuesday, February 02 2010
I wish this had been available when I was a young man, I would have taken advantage of something like this then.
Mary H Mims On Thursday, February 25 2010
I am unemployed i want to help the world by getting my degree in legal studies, my pborlem is money to finish. My goal is to finish so i can build me a home. I want to do this for myself and make my family proud of me I will be the first to get a degree. I thank you for read this.
marcy armstrong On Monday, March 29 2010
Ihave been out of work for a year and nobody is hiring for what I do which is an apprentice electrician. Please vi need help
Samantha On Sunday, April 25 2010
I'm a home-schooled student, with very little money. I want a full tuition scholarship type of thing, for online college. But I'm having a hard time finding one. I love to write essays, and I really need to higher my education. Got any advice.
Sam On Sunday, April 25 2010
Where do I apply.
Keisha On Tuesday, October 05 2010
Education is a vital part of attaining a good job with a prosperous future. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Communications-Journalism 12 years ago, and I'm currently employed, but more education is required of me if I'm to become a productive member of the working class. I hope that I may acquire a full scholarship so that I may obtain a Masters degree in psychology and a doctorate. There are so many people in this nation that need someone to help them work through personal difficulties and I would like to be one of those people.
Danielle Merritt On Wednesday, March 16 2011
Please email me with how I can get back on to the website to complete my essay. I do not see a place to continue wherre I left off.
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