Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays
College is a significant investment, and scholarships offer a way to alleviate the financial burden. These awards, which don't require repayment, can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Securing these scholarships, however, demands a compelling application, particularly a well-crafted essay. This article provides guidance on how to make your scholarship essays stand out, increasing your chances of winning valuable financial aid.
The Importance of a Strong Scholarship Essay
Experts emphasize the critical role of scholarship essays in the college application process. Liz Doe Stone, president of Top Tier Admissions, notes that "A scholarship can mean the difference between graduating debt-free or accumulating substantial student loans." Beyond financial relief, scholarships enhance resumes and facilitate networking, opening doors to future career opportunities. Haley Lindsey, director of financial aid at Missouri Western State University, advises students to treat scholarship applications like job applications, presenting themselves professionally and putting their best foot forward.
Start Early
Scholarship deadlines vary, but many, especially local ones, fall between January and April of a student's senior year. Regardless of the specific deadline, experts universally recommend starting the essay-writing process as early as possible. Procrastination often leads to rushed and substandard work. Stone stresses the importance of allowing ample time for research, writing, revision, and expert feedback. A well-developed essay should clearly demonstrate how your goals align with the scholarship's mission and values.
Pre-writing essays can be a strategic time-saver, especially for students applying for numerous scholarships. Bethany Hubert, financial aid specialist and manager of high school partnerships at Going Merry, suggests having two or three polished essays that can be tailored to specific requirements, rather than attempting to write a unique essay for each application, which can lead to burnout.
Craft a Strong Opening
Scholarship committees often review hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. To stand out, your essay needs to grab the reader's attention immediately with a compelling opening. Andrew Simpson, editorial director for College Essay Guy, recommends starting with a strong hook that piques the reader's curiosity. He provides an example: "Fedora? Check. Apron? Check. Tires pumped? Check." This approach immediately immerses the reader in the narrative.
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Stone echoes this sentiment, advising students to "show, not tell" by using descriptive language to paint a vivid picture and draw the reader into the action. Introductions that employ anecdotes or personal stories are particularly effective in engaging the reader.
Tell Your Story
Scholarship committees seek to understand how applicants connect their personal achievements to their future goals and how the scholarship will enable them to achieve those goals. While vulnerability is important, Simpson advises applicants don't need to be "level 10/10 vulnerable," but strong essays often include details that create a connection with the reader. Sharing your personal story is a powerful way to achieve this.
Hubert recounts winning scholarships by writing about her experiences as a first-generation college student. She emphasizes that "Statements that are direct, clear and evoke an emotion are great for essays asking you to discuss a personal experience." Authenticity is key. Carolyn Pippen, a college admissions counselor at IvyWise, encourages applicants to focus on what makes them "a uniquely deserving candidate," rather than trying to guess what the committee wants to hear.
While it's important to avoid arrogance, applicants should present themselves confidently and remain the central figure in their narrative. Stone cautions against writing solely about mentors or family members, as this can detract from the focus on the applicant's own achievements and experiences. Instead, highlight your accomplishments and the challenges you've overcome through concrete examples to make your essay memorable.
Answer Prompts Directly and Thoroughly
Scholarship essays typically have word limits, often around 500 words. While some prompts are open-ended, most ask specific questions. It's crucial to read the prompt carefully and directly address what it's asking. Lindsey notes that she sometimes encounters essays that fail to fully answer the prompt or even leave sections blank. She emphasizes the importance of answering all questions to demonstrate your worthiness of the scholarship.
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Given the limited space, students need to be concise and efficient in telling their story, focusing on one or two strong examples that directly answer the question. Hubert recommends using the AEC formula: assertion, evidence, and commentary. To ensure you've addressed the prompt effectively, have someone proofread your essay without prior knowledge of the prompt and ask them to identify the prompt based solely on the essay's content.
Use Strong and Sound Writing
While casual language may be acceptable in informal communication, it's essential to maintain a professional tone in scholarship essays. Avoid using shorthand, slang, or improper grammar, sentence structure, or punctuation. Lindsey points out that using "u" instead of "you" is a common mistake that can immediately disqualify an applicant. Such errors signal a lack of effort and attention to detail.
Successful essays undergo multiple drafts and edits to ensure strong writing. Simpson emphasizes the importance of revising your essay to eliminate errors and refine your message.
Learn From Examples
Examining scholarship-winning essays can provide valuable insights into crafting your own. Stone shares an excerpt from an essay where the applicant discusses their plans to advocate for immigrants and refugees by studying Spanish language and Latin American history. The applicant details their experience, including creating an app to educate people about legislation related to immigrants' rights. Stone highlights that "This scholarship essay effectively articulates the student's post-college goals and how these goals are rooted in their specific high school experiences and accomplishments." The essay demonstrates a strong commitment to community activism and a practical understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants, resonating with the scholarship committee.
Additional Tips for Success
Brainstorm and Outline
Before writing, take time to brainstorm ideas and create an outline to structure your thoughts. This will help you stay focused and organized.
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Be Original and Authentic
The judges may review hundreds of essays, so it's crucial to make yours stand out. Be creative and authentic in your answers, showcasing your unique personality and experiences.
Show, Don't Tell
Use stories, examples, and anecdotes to illustrate your points and make a stronger impression. Specific details will make your essay more engaging and memorable.
Develop a Theme
Instead of simply listing your achievements, develop a central theme that conveys the impression you want to make. Write about experiences that support this theme.
Know Your Audience
Tailor your essay to each scholarship organization, demonstrating how you align with their interests and requirements.
Submit a Neat and Readable Essay
Ensure your essay is neatly typed, double-spaced, and has adequate margins. A well-presented essay is easier to read and shows attention to detail.
Proofread Carefully
Check your essay for spelling and grammar errors, and ask friends or teachers to review it as well.
Embrace Vulnerability
Be willing to show emotion and share your weaknesses to create a deeper connection with the reader.
Choose Your Words Wisely
Use language that is natural to you and avoid trying to impress with overly complex vocabulary.
Get Feedback
Ask multiple people to review your essay for both grammar and flow.
Highlight Personal Growth
Reflect on your past experiences and discuss how they have shaped you into a better person.
Be Honest
Don't embellish or fabricate information to try to win the scholarship.
Adhere to Word Limits
Pay close attention to word limits and stay within the specified range.
Express Gratitude
If space allows, include a brief thank you to the scholarship committee for their time and consideration.
The Colorado State University Approach
Colorado State University streamlines the scholarship application process with a single application that enters students for nearly every eligible scholarship. Their approach emphasizes authenticity and encourages students to tell their stories in their own voice. They advise students to:
- Write their first draft as if they're talking to a friend or mentor.
- Incorporate sensory details to make their stories more vivid.
- Be vulnerable and share their emotions.
Examples of Impactful Statements
"My journey as a first-generation student is a part of every step I've taken in life."
"When I joined the newspaper in school, I realized the beauty of journalism is that every experience and perspective flourishes with our personal perspectives… It was amazing to seek out and discover peopleâs stories, and to not only enable but empower their stories."
"As I've moved through this life, I've seen the impact kindness can have on the world."
"Writing isnât what I would consider a goal; itâs who I am. I know that wherever I go, see, and dream of in this life, I'll write about it."
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