Tips for Writing the Scholarship Essay

Think before you write. Brainstorm great ideas before you start then create an outline to help you with the writing process flow.

Be original.  Be yourself and creative in your answers to make your essay stand out from other applicants.

Show, don’t tell.  Individualize your essay using stories, examples and anecdotes to demonstrate the point you want to make about your essay.  Avoid vagueness and generalities; be specific to make a stronger impression.

Develop a theme. Decide on a theme you want to convey that sums up the impression you want to make. Write about your experiences that develop the theme.

Give attention to Introduction and Conclusion.  Have an introduction that gives a memorable impression.  You can create an action or word image, or pose a question to catch the audience attention.  The conclusion is your second most powerful statement for leaving a parting idea or thought that relates to your (thesis) main thought.

Know your audience.   Write a new essay for each application that fits the interests and requirements of that scholarship organization.  The essay is your chance to show how you are the ideal person for the scholarship.

Make your essay neat and readable.   Neatly type your essay with a lot of white space on the page that is double-spaced and adequate margins (1”-1 ½”) on all sides.

Submit a well written essay. Proofread to check for spelling and grammar errors.     A second pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss, so ask a teacher or friend to also proofread your essay.