Shocking Video- How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

5 Steps to a Winning Scholarship Essay

Writing a great scholarship essay can be challenging but following these 5 steps will surely make you stand out from other applicants.

So, while you are writing your scholarship essay, make sure you...

1. Tell your story- People love stories and good stories catch massive attention quickly! In your story, answer these questions: What has happened in your life up to this point to make you want this scholarship? What have you done in your life to be worthy of this scholarship? In your essay, demonstrate with examples. Use anecdotes.
2. Show how you will better serve others with the resources and skills you will gain from the scholarship program- Remember, service to others is what really makes your scholarship application memorable. The selection committee usually doesn’t want to dole out money to self-absorbed students; they feel more comfortable giving money to those who show they will carry on the scholarship’s tradition and share what they’ve gained from the scholarship. For example, while I was applying to the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship for Arabic, I wrote about how I established an Arabic tutoring club on campus after I came back from my first study abroad program in Jordan. In the application essay, I expressed my need to better master Arabic in order to be a better resource for the students I was already serving on my campus.
3. Highlight all your activities and goals relevant to the scholarship’s mission or theme- Have you participated in any clubs dedicated to the scholarship’s mission? Participated in any volunteer work related to the scholarship’s mission or theme? Are you working towards undertaking any activities related to the scholarship’s mission but need additional support? All that information is relevant and should be reflected in your application.
4. Clearly convey how you will use the scholarship in your current and future work- Are you studying the target language independently because courses aren’t offered at your university? Are you studying (or plan to study) the language in order to better prepare yourself for future academic work? How do you plan to use the target language in your future career? Think about these questions and include this information in your essays.

5. Get the essay/application proofread and edited- Go to your school’s or college’s writing center and get your essays edited and make revisions. Visit the campus career center or your school’s guidance counselors’ office to get your essay/letter in great shape. If you aren’t able to find free writing services and counseling resources at your university or school, ask a teacher, professor, or fellow student to help you proofread and edit your essay and application.