Tips to Writing the Winning Scholarship Essay
You want me to write a scholarship essay? No way!
This is the reaction of many students when they are asked to write a scholarship essay. It does not have to be as scary as it seems because many of the scholarship essays ask some of the very same basic questions. The following tips and basic questions will assist you to write an essay that can be tweaked and used many times to complete the essay requirement for scholarship applications.
Introduction
- It must stand out catching the attention and interest of the reader.
- Do not be afraid to be personal because this essay is your story, not a glorified résumé.
- Include adjectives and at least two of the five senses with specific details and descriptions.
- Never start the essay with, “Hello my name is ___________.”
Family
- Describe your family being very specific: ethnic background, country originsgender, number of siblings, parent(s) educational background.
- Include any special circumstances such as: single parent home, illness, death, disability of a family member.
Obstacle
- Choose only one of your most challenging obstacles.
- Describe the obstacle and the character lessons learned from this obstacle.
- How has this obstacle has made you a stronger, better person and more determined in direction, purpose, and plan for your life.
- How will this obstacle help you to become the successful person you want to become in the future.
Community Service
- Choose two or three community service activities to describe. This is not just a list.
- What was your commitment? What was your leadership role?
- How did you make a difference?
- Relate a personal experience or story.
- Your community service should match your life interest and career goals.
Life Purpose
- How can you serve and make a difference in the lives of others through your life interest and career goals?
- How and where will you prepare for your life calling, interest, and vocation?
Conclusion
- Why do you need the scholarship?
- Describe in detail any special circumstances.
- The last sentence should be a clincher, a strong statement showing determination and strength.
Follow the writing process: pre-write, rough draft, revise, edit, and re-write.
Check spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation carefully.
Have someone else review, evaluate, and edit your essay.
Testimonials
“I am not afraid of applying to schools anymore because I think I can’t afford it,” he said. “I know I am going to get in somewhere that is best for me and I will be happy.” The result at the end of his senior year was almost a half a million dollars of scholarships which included the Bills Gates Millennium Scholarship, admission to Columbia University paid in full, and scholarship money to pay for his education from the freshman year in college through medical school."
St. John Newmann High School, Naples, Florida
"Another record year at Chapel Hill High School with over one million dollars in scholarships using Path to Scholarships®! A record of nine students received Faulconer Scholarships for five years and one Dell Scholar!"
Frances Palmer, Counselor, Chapel Hill High School, Tyler, Texas
"Path to Scholarships® is a very effective program that guides students step by step. The program not only guides students through the scholarship process, but also teaches them to speak from within in learning about their life purpose. Through this curriculum students are equipped and prepared to move on to the next level!"
Jaime Valverde, Counselor, Woodburn High School, Woodburn, Oregon
*All testimonials are subject to our Disclaimer.