Scholarships 101: The Essay

What's the deal with Scholarship Essays? Who needs 'em? Well…You do! Scholarship essays are vital to ensure you get money to help support you in college. And for thousands of dollars of free money available if you apply, a scholarship essay might not be so bad.

I know we all hate them, but I will show you three easy steps to get the best scholarship essay. You'll be able use it on not one, but multiple applications! Read on to learn more.

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1. Understand What you are being asked to do

First, understand what you are being asked to write. Don't just have word vomit on a page; the reader will get confused! If it's a college or scholarship essay, read the prompt more than once to understand what they are asking. Then, tailor your answer to the prompt based on your skills and experiences.

2. Highlight your good points
   

Second, highlight your good points. In your statement, subtly highlight your good points while making a compelling base story. Don't know your best points? Ask your teachers, friends, or family members. They can point out what is best about you without you subconsciously throwing in unneeded bias toward yourself. Focus on your unique strengths, achievements, and qualities that make you an ideal candidate. Creating a resume or brag sheet about yourself would be best.

Never had a job? No problem! Highlight your work in clubs, organizations, GPA, classes you've loved taking, and work outside school, part-time, or at home. Then, You can also give that document when you contact your mentor or teacher for a recommendation. So, hit the ground running and do it now.

Want to get more guidance on creating a Brag Sheet? Check out this blog post.

Once you have gathered your information, describe how these qualities align with your goals and the program's opportunities. Don't just make direct statements saying what you did or what your attributes are called. Add some descriptives so we can understand who you are.

For example, instead of saying, "I got all A's and B's in my class," say:

"In my economics class, I worked diligently with the teacher to ensure that I understood what I was being taught leading to good grades with all my assignments. I also led a group project for that class where we explained the concept of ___ and won first place in the class."

Do you see the difference?

3. Keep the reader engaged
   

Lastly, Keep the reader engaged! For scholarships and essays, remember that the readers look over hundreds of scholarships a day. If yours is boring, you will ultimately get passed over. The most crucial thing in creating a scholarship essay is capturing interest with a compelling story, vivid examples, or a memorable opening line. Use clear, concise language, and keep the flow engaging so the reader is encouraged to stay invested in your story. The more invested they are in your story, the more likely they will read it until the end, and the more chance you have of winning the scholarship.

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In conclusion, while scholarship essays may seem like a hassle, they are your ticket to securing free money for college. By understanding the prompt, highlighting your strengths, and keeping the reader engaged, you can craft a compelling essay that stands out from the competition. Remember, a well-written scholarship essay increases your chances of winning one scholarship and can be adapted for multiple applications. So, take the time to perfect your essay, confidently tell your story, and give yourself the best shot at success!