dos and don'ts of scholarship essays

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

A winning scholarship essay is the pinnacle of your application. It’s your chance to make a case for why the sponsor should fund your college education. However, writing a winning scholarship essay may be very daunting for you. You may be challenged by one of the four issues I hear from students all the time, like: 

• “I don’t like to write.” 
• “I don’t know what to write about.” 
• “I don’t know how to develop your story to make an impact.” 
• “I am exhausted from all the writing.”

Do any of these statements sound familiar to you? My goal is to help you move past these common roadblocks that students have when writing scholarship essays. Keep reading to learn about: 

• The five most common essay types that scholarship sponsors ask students to write about 
• How to write a winning scholarship essay for each one of these essay types
• How to get past roadblocks that may stump you in your writing or ability to convince the sponsor of your worthiness.

We have also included sample scholarship essays that you can use as a guide to inspire your writing. By following these strategies, you’ll walk away with tools and shortcuts to reduce the time it takes to write a winning scholarship essay that meets what the scholarship sponsor is looking for.

Key Takeaways

• A scholarship essay is an important part of an application for college funding.
• A winning scholarship essay expresses your passions and interests in detail to create a compelling story.
• The dos and don’ts of writing a winning scholarship essay.
• Sample winning scholarship essays are included in this post.

Table of Contents

What is a scholarship.

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help pay for educational expenses . Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic or athletic merit or personal attributes such as community service, leadership, or financial need.

Why is the Scholarship Essay Important?

The scholarship essay your write is essential because it gives you a chance to demonstrate to the selection committee what makes you the best candidate for the scholarship. It allows you to showcase your academic achievements, personal strengths, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work you have participated in. It also allows you to explain your unique circumstances or hardships and how they have shaped you. Ultimately, a well-written and thoughtful essay can help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on the selection committee.

Private sources award 1.7M scholarships, with a total value of $7.4B annually. National Center for Education Statistics

Is the Scholarship Essay the Same as a College Essay?

A scholarship essay is different from a college essay. You would write a scholarship essay to apply for a particular award from a nonprofit organization, college or university, or other entity that is awarding funding for college. The purpose of a scholarship essay is to show why you deserve the scholarship. A college essay, on the other hand, is usually used to apply for admission to a college or university. The college essay is meant to give the admissions committee a better understanding of your strengths as a candidate. You can, however, use the essay you’ve written for college admissions for scholarship applications with some tweaking.

What Do You Write in a Winning Scholarship Essay?

What you write in your winning scholarship essay will depend on the question asked by the scholarship sponsor. In my experience coaching students, I have observed that scholarship sponsors ask five types of questions.

5 Types of Scholarship Essay

Personal statement essay.

If a scholarship essay prompt asks you something like, “ To apply, tell us about yourself, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you plan to make a difference in the world with your education,” such as found in the Yvela Michele Memorial Scholarship , you are being asked to tell your big picture story and why you deserve a scholarship. The personal statement essay makes a great essay that tells a broad story of your

Sample Personal Statement Essay

My name is David Morris, and I am a senior at North High School. Over the last four years, I have completed a challenging course curriculum, been an active member of my school community. I have strived to gain admission into my top school, the University of Texas at Austin, where I’ll attend in the fall.

While UT was generous in offering me a $20,000 merit scholarship, I need additional funds to afford the school. Therefore, I am humbly requesting consideration for the Mae Gold Foundation Scholarship for $5,000. Based on my research, I have the academic background, achievement history, personal mission, and goals that align with the Foundation’s objectives to “send deserving students from the state of Indiana to college.”

My goal is to study psychology at UT Austin and then study medicine and become a psychiatrist. My passion for this career path started as a junior when I volunteered at Wishard Hospital. My assignment was to assist Dr. Patel, a psychiatrist, with 35 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar, and other mental illnesses. As part of group therapy support, I interacted with the patients. I played games like chess, pool, and table tennis with patients. I shadowed Dr. Patel, learning his day-to-day and watching how he impacted the lives of his patients. This experience taught me workplace skills such as time management, teamwork, and planning. But most importantly, it exposed me to the possibility of being a doctor. 

While I know the journey is long, I am confident I will persevere and keep going until I achieve my goals. Throughout my education, I have challenged myself at every turn. I have taken 7 AP classes and 5 honors courses. During the last two summers, I have taken computer science classes at IUPUI. Also, I am in leadership positions in my school’s Key Club, play golf, and work a part-time job at Kroger. 

The only barrier to achieving my dream is financing college. The cost of attending UT is $52,000. Even after the scholarship, I’d have to pay $32,000. I am aggressively looking for scholarships to lessen the amount of student loans I’ll have to take on. So far, I’ve won awards from various scholarship agencies totaling $15,000. The $5,000 award from Mae Gold will give me so much closer to my goal. By investing in me, you’ll help me become the first person in my family to graduate college and enter a STEM field where students like me are underrepresented.

Leadership Essay

A leadership essay prompt essentially asks you to reflect on an activity that is unique and has reached and impacted people, like the one asked by the Glenda W. Brennan Foundation , which asks, “ tell us how you give back to your community and what your plans in the travel industry are.”

Sample Leadership Essay

While in high school, I have had significant leadership experiences, both in volunteer service and paid positions. These opportunities have given me a unique perspective and have helped me learn new skills, such as working with people, communicating, and being efficient.  

Over the last three years, I have volunteered at Seven Loaves Food Pantry. Every Saturday, I help prepare bags of food for families in need. My job is to sort out food and place it in a bag. Once a staff member announces on the megaphone, “Get ready for the run!” I gather a few carts and run out to the cars in line for their groceries. As I pile groceries throughout their car, I get many thanks of gratitude. There’s one that I remember vividly, a mother with a young child said to me, “Thank you for all of your hard work. Our community needs this. God bless.” Having the privilege of interacting with the recipient face-to-face is the most rewarding feeling, and it is why I chose to volunteer for this organization. The kindness and positivity this program has presented to me are what I strive to portray in my personal life. 

Also, since 2018, I have volunteered at the public libraries for the City of Plano. I read to children at story time events and assist them with Legos, counting money, watercolor painting, and other crafts. I love making their day and seeing the intrigued looks on the children’s faces as I read or play with them. In one particular event, a child’s parent came up to me after and said that her daughter truly enjoyed her time and wanted to come back and see me the next day. These responses develop my desire to help and interact with children in any way possible.

I have worked at Dallas Country Club since 2018. My duties involve filing documents and assisting the HR Director with organizing the file area to reduce backlog and clutter and increase productivity. Also, I learned a new computer program, which I use to file new hire employee information and payroll. During the holidays, I help coordinate catering packages for members, including taking orders, organizing and packing trays of food, and solving concerns as they come up. I dress up as characters, like the Easter bunny, entertaining children. Since joining the Country Club, my problem-solving, communication, and project management skills have advanced. In other aspects of my life, I have applied these skills, including at school when I am assigned group projects. I usually am the one who takes the lead in organizing and assigning tasks for each person, making sure every member gets their work done on time, and encouraging my group to work as a team to be more efficient. 

Overall, I have learned several things from my leadership experiences. With my new skills and knowledge, I also understand that my actions significantly influence others. I feel more prepared for college and my future.

Future Plans Essay

A future plans essay prompt asks you to share your academic progress and discuss your intent, promise, and future career goals in detail. A good example of a future plans essay prompt is the one asked by the Jacques Borges Memorial Scholarship , “ Why are you passionate about becoming a civil engineer? What are some of the problems you’d like to address in your community? how do you believe you can contribute to the solution to these issues? Sponsors would like to know what you expect to achieve in your future career, what inspired that choice, the aptitude you demonstrated that prove you’ll succeed in this career choice, and the role your college will play in your future success.

Sample Future Plans Essay

Last summer, I read Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange, which I found to be one of the most profound books I had ever read. In the text, Alex, the protagonist, has his right to choose taken away by a totalitarian government. Learning about the hardships and moral dilemmas Alex faced helped me appreciate my freedom to decide my career pathway. I want to work at a law firm and handle civil rights cases to protect people’s natural born rights. 

Someday, I hope to be as influential as civil rights leader Julius Chambers. Chambers opened a law practice in Charlotte and is most famous for the integration (by busing) of public schools in the 1971 case Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.  Like Chambers, I believe that nothing should slow the advancement of civil rights. I will strive to get a position on a state supreme court to rule in landmark cases involving violations of the rights and protections guaranteed by our Constitution and laws. 

I believe that vision, hope, hard work, and my education at Georgetown University will position me for a successful career in law. I chose Georgetown because I would like to pursue rigorous academic coursework and conduct research alongside expert practitioner professors and like-minded students passionate about learning. I will take advantage of being part of the Honors Program to develop my thinking skills further. The course I am looking forward to most is called “What is Politics For?” In the class, I will explore questions that dominate public discourse and join the discussion with peers who value learning as much as I do. 

In addition, I plan to research under the guidance of political science professors like William Winstead. He examined Nietzsche’s Practice of Warfare influenced German culture and determined how Germany interacts with foreign nations today.  With his in-depth knowledge of how to gather adequate resources on a topic and synthesize a more significant meaning between history and modern-day politics, I hope to understand the rationale of political behavior in the United States.

Also, I am excited about participating in extracurricular opportunities offered at Georgetown University that will prepare me for a career, such as volunteering abroad in England to understand better how their unitary form of government works or securing a prestigious internship with parliament. Hands-on experiences juxtaposed with working with relevant and active professors will provide me with the foundational knowledge and expertise that will prepare me for law school and a career someday as a lawyer.

In closing, I hope you will consider my application for the Newfield Scholarship. The scholarship will go towards educational costs and allow me to focus on my studies in my first year. I will ensure that the investment in my education is returned tenfold in the communities I plan to serve in the coming years. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to your decision.

Struggle Essay

A struggle essay prompt is one that asks you to speak about a challenge you faced and how you succeeded in persisting through and eventually overcoming the challenge.As an example, The Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship asks the question, How has the loss of a close family member or loved one caused you to focus on what matters most in your life and what you want to “fight” to achieve?” When you craft your winning scholarship essay, you’ll speak about any problem or challenge you have dealt with, the actions you took to work through the problem, how you’ve grown as a person after facing the challenge, and the learnings from this experience that will help you in the future.

Sample Struggle Essay

I struggled in Mrs. Hennessey’s geometry class. While classmates intensely followed her lesson, studying the whiteboard as she drew perfect shapes and angles, I couldn’t keep up. After school, I’d go home and practice drawing lines and shapes for hours until it got dark outside. My eyes were sore, and my fingers blistered from pushing too hard on the loose-leaf paper to draw shapes like Mrs. Hennessey’s. 

After a few weeks of noticing my late nights studying, my parents offered, “We will get you a tutor [if] it will help.” But I always refused. You see, looking back, the problem was not that I didn’t understand geometry. I didn’t need tutoring, so I didn’t want to waste their money. What I wanted instead: that I could draw every point, segment, line, and triangle straight, clean, and 90 degrees. Geometry made me fully aware of my flaws, and I hated it. 

This all changed, for the better, when I took Art 1-2D. On my first day of class, the teacher, Mrs. Pierce, introduced herself, saying, “I would like you to draw what you want our world to look like. There is no right or wrong in this class. Art is how you, as the artist, choose to interpret it.” Staring down at the blank sheet of paper, I had trouble getting started. Seeing everyone around me had a clear objective and art skills, I defaulted to drawing six stick figures united, holding hands. I looked over at my classmates’ drawings. While I cannot remember precisely what they drew, it looked more creative and professional. My figures were not perfect in any way, and it bothered me. Their legs and arms weren’t straight, their heads were not perfect ovals, and they all appeared different. 

When my art teacher walked by my desk, I expected her to criticize my work and tell me what needed to be fixed. Instead, she kneeled in, close to my paper, and said, “Kaeli, that looks great!” I felt relieved as the weight had been lifted off my shoulders. In her validation of my art, down went the pressure to be perfect. In my art class anyway. 

Over the next few months, Mrs. Pierce assigned us so many projects that I loved — that broadened my perspective of art.  One example includes a distorted art project. The project tasked me with picturing myself in an object that reflected distortion. Using a decorative tissue box cover, I placed my phone at eye level, hit the red button, and hoped for the best. The image reflected my face: twisted, deformed, and imperfect.  I immediately knew the exact point of this assignment and its lessons applicable to other parts of my life.

In my geometry days, taking an hour to draw perfect lines and symmetrical shapes took a toll on my mental health. I spent more time worrying about the aesthetics of my work than the content and purpose of learning. Welcoming art into my life changed all of this for me. Art has reset my views: it has no expectations and lacks perfection.

Thematic Essay

A thematic essay prompt asks you to write a response related to a quote, mission, or concept. This essay will vary by the sponsor, so you cannot write it ahead of time unless another sponsor asks a similar theme question. For example, The Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship asks student applicants: “ What have you learned about yourself or the world around you through your experiences with service-related PTSD? How do you hope to use your experience to help other veterans who are currently suffering from PTSD?” Thematic essays are creative and give you an opportunity to tell the scholarship sponsor a unique story about yourself and your life experiences that show you’re worthy of scholarship funding.

Sample Thematic Essay

Often, it’s difficult to resist the temptation of my phone. Seeing the screen light up in the corner of my eye while struggling to focus on the road ahead is challenging. Aside from my phone, there are endless disturbances that many young people and I encounter while driving. 

Distracted driving affects thousands of people. But specifically, I have seen teens physically and mentally connected to their phones because it’s how we grew up. That’s all we know. It is a constant battle—fighting the urge to return a friend’s text, skip to the next song, or post on Instagram. This nagging fear of missing out drives us to indulge in hazardous activities that distract from what’s most important, keeping our eyes on the road. 

Regretfully, I have been both a distracted driver and an accomplice to distracted driving. One example I can still see clearly in my head was during the homecoming of sophomore year. I was in the car with my friends, Anya and Sophia. I was sitting in the passenger seat next to Anya, who was driving. Sophia was sitting in the back seat. It was 9:00 PM, the windows were down, and Shawn Mendes’ new song was blaring as we cruised down Preston Road with no care at the moment. But within seconds, that reality faded once our oblivion carried us through a still red light, almost colliding with another vehicle. My heart stopped, and shock took over my body. I still remember the look on the little girl’s face in the other car. She must’ve been barely five years old. I thought to myself: we could’ve killed her. We could’ve killed ourselves. 

Beyond escaping a near-death experience, that night taught me three things:

• I learned the importance of safe driving.
• I can see now how easy it is to lose control of a situation while distracted.
• I have learned the significance of spreading awareness of being a safe driver.

Every day I sit in the driver’s seat, I do what I can to prevent myself from distracted driving. Before I start the ignition, I connect my Bluetooth, put on my music, and input the directions to where I am going. If I get a text from my parents or friends while driving, I ignore it and respond when I can safely pull over. Also, I avoid eating while driving. And my rule is never to have more than two passengers in the car. Taking these actions and being an example to my friends who observe me while driving can be crucial in saving lives.

As a result, I’m 17 years old and can proudly say I have maintained a clean driving record. I have no tickets or accidents to report. Praising me for my driving maturity, my parents have allowed me to take road trips with my friends as far as 100 miles from our home.

How to start a scholarship essay?

Crafting a successful scholarship essay doesn’t have to be a challenging process. Start with an outline, focusing on the essentials of what you want to present. Be sure to include compelling anecdotes and examples to back up your viewpoint. While working on your essay, forget about worrying over word count, as the most important thing is getting your ideas down on paper first. Once that’s done, take time to read through it carefully, refining and tightening it until it answers the prompt clearly before submitting your application.

How long should a Scholarship essay be?

Writing a winning scholarship essay can vary in length, but most are around 500-1000 words. However, it is important to follow the specific requirements set by the scholarship provider.

Dos and Don’ts of writing a scholarship essay.

Writing a scholarship essay can be a daunting task. Here are some do’s and don’ts that you’ll want to adhere to as you write your winning scholarship essay.

• Carefully read all instructions and requirements. Make sure your essay is following all the requirements, or it may not be considered.
• Use proper grammar and spelling. A well-written essay will make a good impression on the reader.
• Make sure you stay within the word limit.
• Proofread your essay. Check for any typos or errors.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essay. Make sure you give yourself enough time to plan and write your essay.
• Don’t exceed the word limit. This could lead to points being taken off your essay.
• Likewise, refrain from utilizing excessively informal language or slang.
• Don’t plagiarize. Make sure your work is original, and cite any sources you use.
• Therefore, don’t submit your essay without proofreading it first. Additionally, be sure to check for any errors or typos.

Prepare Yourself For Success: Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

Writing a scholarship essay can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the process. However, with some simple tips and clear guidance, you can craft an essay that stands out to scholarship committees. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to help you write a winning scholarship essay.

1. Do Understand the Prompt

Make sure you fully understand the essay prompt before you start writing. Read it several times and break it down into key components. Ensure your essay addresses all parts of the prompt.

2. Do Research the Scholarship Organization

Learn about the organization offering the scholarship. Understanding their mission, values, and what they’re looking for in applicants can help you tailor your essay to fit their expectations.

3. Do Start with a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. Start with an interesting fact, a quote, or a personal anecdote that relates to the essay topic.

4. Do Be Yourself

Be honest and let your personality shine through. Scholarship committees want to get to know you, so share your experiences, goals, and passions authentically.

5. Do Proofread and Edit

Always proofread your essay multiple times. Look for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward sentences. It’s also helpful to have someone else review your essay to catch errors you might have missed.

6. Do Follow the Guidelines

Pay close attention to the essay guidelines, including word count, formatting, and submission requirements. Following these instructions shows that you are detail-oriented and can follow directions.

Don’ts

1. don’t use clichés.

Avoid overused phrases and clichés that make your essay sound generic. Instead, use specific examples and detailed descriptions to illustrate your points.

2. Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Work

Plagiarism is a serious offense and can disqualify you from the scholarship competition. Make sure your essay is original and reflects your own thoughts and experiences.

3. Don’t Stray from the Topic

Stay focused on the essay prompt and avoid going off on tangents. Ensure every part of your essay contributes to answering the prompt.

4. Don’t Paste Straight From GPT

Do not ask GPT to write your essay and paste the results straight into your submission. People can tell when you do this, and it’s a big turn-off to scholarship committees. Rewrite content in your own words.

5. Don’t Procrastinate

Start working on your essay well before the deadline. This gives you ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and polish your essay without feeling rushed.

6. Don’t Forget to Personalize Your Essay

Make sure your essay is personalized to the specific scholarship you’re applying for. Generic essays that could apply to any scholarship are less likely to stand out.

Writing a winning scholarship essay requires careful planning, thoughtful writing, and thorough proofreading. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create an essay that effectively showcases your strengths and convinces the scholarship committee that you are a deserving candidate. Remember, your essay is your chance to make a strong impression, so take the time to make it the best it can be.

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The Ultimate Guide To Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

Stand out from the rest.

With the cost of higher education skyrocketing in the last few decades, it’s no surprise that many students seek out scholarships to help cover tuition. As a result, it’s a very competitive endeavor, which is why students need to find ways to stand out. We’ve put together this resource to help write a scholarship essay that will get the application committee’s attention.

How To Find Scholarships

Many students know that they want to apply for scholarships but don’t know where to find them. Honestly, this can be the most difficult and intimidating part of the process for students! Here are some suggestions for where to start. 

Ask a Guidance Counselor

One of the best resources for high school students is their guidance counselor. They are prepared to help students make academic and career plans and should be aware of scholarship opportunities to align with your needs and goals. 

Talk to the College or University

Already have a college or university picked out? Reach out to the school’s financial aid department. In addition to the many scholarships you can find online, they may offer information about funding offered directly through the school. 

Submit a FAFSA Application

Even if a student isn’t planning to accept student loans, they should definitely consider completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Not only will the resulting report inform them of any financial assistance for which they qualify, but many scholarship committees require applicants to submit a FAFSA. 

Search Scholarship Websites

There are many scholarship websites where students can find awards and applications. Sites such as Scholarships.com and Scholarship 360 allow you to use filters to narrow down your search results based on your needs and interests. 

We’ve also put together the following guides:

• How To Get a Full-Ride Scholarship
• Best Merit-Based Scholarships  
• Excellent Scholarships for High School Seniors
• Great Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Best Scholarship Opportunities for Future Teachers

Do an Internet Search

Head to a search engine, social media platform, or sites like Reddit to look for scholarships. You can even create posts inviting other users to share suggestions.

Ask an Employer

Some workplaces offer tuition benefits or other financial assistance for higher education. If a student is employed, it’s an option to reach out to someone in the HR department to see if they offer any programs or scholarships. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Scholarship Essay

Do: know the rules.

The most important thing anyone can do before writing a scholarship essay is this: Read all of the rules and guidelines and then reread them! Students can even ask someone else to read them too, to make sure they fully understand what they need to do. Failing to follow the rules is one of the main reasons why students are unsuccessful in getting scholarships. 

Do: Set Aside Plenty of Time

Start working on scholarship essays right away. Do not wait until a week (or day!) before the deadline. This gives students time to write several drafts of the essay if needed. Also, you never know when a technology-related issue might strike, so having a little extra time can save you from disaster. 

Do: Research the Scholarship Provider

Dig deep when applying for a scholarship. Find out who is funding the award and spend some time researching the provider. Do they have a vision or mission statement? Do they support any specific causes or types of students? Is there any way that applicants can make themselves more attractive candidates for the specific audience? Students should use this information to their advantage! 

Do: Brainstorm

Students should take some time to think about what they’ve learned about the scholarship essay guidelines and the provider. Then, brainstorm about what they want to say and share and why. Here are some questions to ask as they pertain to education and career goals:

• Who are you? Think of yourself but also your background.
• What makes you who you are?
• What have you done?
• What do you want to do?
• How are you going to get there?
• Why do you need a scholarship?
• How will it make a difference?
• Are you a first-generation college student?
• Do you have any unique qualities or needs?
• What makes you proud?
• What lessons have you learned?

These are heavy questions, but finding the answers to at least some of them will help provide the substance needed to write a truly effective scholarship essay. 

Do: Find Ways To Stand Out

Many, many students are applying for scholarships. They have to find a way to stand out from the rest. Students should think of the things they learned when they researched the scholarship provider. Are there any ways they can appeal to that audience? If so, focus on those areas. 

Do: Be Honest

Do not lie on a scholarship application. Let’s say that again: Do not lie on a scholarship application. Students should remind themselves that they are worthy on their own. If an applicant is discovered to be dishonest, it can really hurt them in the long run. 

Do: Stay on Topic

When reading the guidelines for the scholarship and doing brainstorming, be sure to keep the topic of the essay in mind. Everything students share and communicate should be related to the topic. 

Do: Be Professional

Students should use their very best skills when writing a scholarship essay. They should not use slang, casual language, unconventional fonts, emojis, or texting abbreviations. 

Do: Proofread and Edit Multiple Times

It’s a good idea to prepare to write this essay at least three times. First, there’s a rough draft that should be carefully proofread. Students can ask a teacher or other professional to also look at their paper. Then students should repeat this process once or twice more until they’re happy with the results. They shouldn’t just write it and submit it all at once! 

Don’t: Brag

While students want to highlight their strengths and accomplishments, they should not brag. They also don’t want to put down other candidates or people to make themselves look good. Tell a story without embellishments. 

Don’t: Reuse a Scholarship Essay

Students put a lot of effort into writing scholarship essays, but please don’t reuse them! 

Scholarship Essay Sample Outline

Ready to get started? Having a solid outline provides a road map for the journey. Here are some suggestions for making it easier to write a scholarship essay! 

Introduction

Students should explain who they are and try to make it engaging. Hook readers by sharing a few details that will be elaborated on in the body of the essay. 

Educational and Career Goals

Students should share what they want to study and hope to gain by getting an education, as well as how it will prepare them for their future career. They should be passionate! 

Who Are You?

Student should briefly explain their background, which can include details about family, personal values, and how they got to where they are today. 

Why Are You a Good Candidate for the Scholarship?

This is where students need to really think about what they learned about the scholarship provider. What are they looking for in a candidate? Students should do their best to not only shine as a good student and leader, but also find solid ways to connect with the scholarship provider’s mission. After including some teasers or breadcrumbs in the introduction to hook the reader, this is a good place to share the rest of the story. 

To wrap up a scholarship essay, students should reiterate their commitment to their education and career. Restate how the story shared demonstrates a readiness for college and how winning the scholarship can help the applicant follow their dreams. Best of luck!

Do you have tips on how to write a scholarship essay? Share them below! Plus, check out  The Ultimate Guide to College Scholarships!

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Daily Writing Tips

How to write an essay for a scholarship: a step-by-step guide.

Crafting an essay for a scholarship is your chance to show why you’re a worthy investment. It’s not just another essay; it’s a personal narrative that embodies your aspirations and showcases your potential.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll lead you through each part of the scholarship essay process: understanding the prompt, outlining your thoughts, engaging introductions, strong body paragraphs, impactful conclusions, and essential revisions. Plus, we’ll touch on those final checks before you hit submit.

Ready to turn your educational dreams into a compelling story? Let’s begin the journey of writing an essay that might just change the course of your future.

What Is a Scholarship Essay and Why Is It Important?

A scholarship essay is a written piece you submit as part of your college or university scholarship application. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate to the scholarship committee why you are the best candidate for the award.

The scholarship essay is important because it allows the committee to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. It lets you share your personal story, accomplishments, and future plans.

What Are Scholarship Essay Prompts Asking For?

Scholarship essay prompts typically ask you to discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, or any challenges you’ve overcome. The prompt will guide you in showcasing your unique qualifications. For example, a prompt might ask you to describe a time when you demonstrated leadership or to explain how a particular experience has shaped your academic and career goals.

How Can You Plan Your Scholarship Essay Effectively?

Effective planning is the key to writing a strong scholarship essay. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Read the prompt carefully: Start by thoroughly reviewing to understand the requirements and instructions of the essay prompt. Make sure you know exactly what the prompt is asking you to do.

2. Brainstorm experiences and accomplishments: Reflect on your academic, extracurricular, and personal experiences that might help explain the prompt. Think about your achievements, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you’ve made a difference in your community.

3. Develop a thesis or central theme: Based on your brainstorming, determine a thesis or central theme that will help focus your essay. This statement should explain the main point you want the scholarship committee to understand.

4. Create an outline: Organize your essay by making an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you write a structured and coherent essay.

5. Do additional research: Depending on the prompt, you may need to research relevant information to support your essay. For example, if the prompt asks you to discuss a social issue, you may need to research facts and statistics to support your points.

6. Allow time for writing and revising: Don’t wait until the last minute to write your essay. Give yourself enough time to write a draft, get feedback, and make revisions . Rushing through the process can result in a weaker essay.

How Do You Create a Compelling Introduction for Your Scholarship Essay?

The introduction is the first thing the scholarship committee will read, so making a strong impression is important. Here are the steps to create a compelling introduction:

1. Hook the reader: Start your introduction with a captivating hook , such as a quote, anecdote, or intriguing statement. This will immediately engage the reader and make them want to continue reading.

2. Provide context: Offer relevant background information to give the reader context about who you are and your experiences. This could include details about your academic background, extracurricular activities, or personal interests.

3. State your central thesis : Clearly articulate your essay’s main point or argument, aligning it with the scholarship prompt. This thesis statement should be a concise and clear statement of the key idea you will explore in your essay.

4. Outline your approach: Give the reader a sense of how you will develop your essay’s central theme throughout the body paragraphs. This can be a brief overview of the main points you will cover.

5. Express your passion: Convey your enthusiasm, motivation, and personal investment in the topic and your pursuit of the scholarship. This will help the committee understand why this scholarship is important to you.

6. Keep it concise: Aim for 3-5 engaging sentences that introduce your essay in a manner that is easy to understand and compelling. The introduction should be long enough to capture the reader’s attention but not so long that it becomes overwhelming.

What Makes a Strong Body for Your Scholarship Essay?

The body of your scholarship essay is where you will expand on your central theme and provide evidence to support your points. Provide specific examples and evidence from your experiences to support your arguments. This could include details about your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, community service, or personal challenges you’ve overcome.

Use the body paragraphs to showcase your unique qualities and how they make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. This could include your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, or dedication to your studies. Keep your essay logically organized and focused on the main point you want to make, with each paragraph building on the previous one and contributing to the overall argument you’re making.

Vary your sentence structure to keep your writing engaging and easy to read. Alternate between shorter and longer sentences, and help guide the reader through your essay. Back up your claims and arguments with relevant facts, statistics, or expert opinions to strengthen the credibility of your essay.

How Should You Conclude Your Scholarship Essay?

The conclusion of your scholarship essay is your final opportunity to make an impression on the committee. In the conclusion, restate your thesis or central theme in a clear and understandable way. This will remind the reader of the main point you’ve been focused on throughout your essay.

Briefly summarize the key points and arguments you made in the body of your essay. This will help reinforce your main ideas and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Explain why the scholarship is important to you and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Demonstrate your passion and commitment to making the most of the scholarship opportunity.

Conclude your essay with a strong, memorable statement that leaves the reader with a positive impression of you as a candidate. This could be a call to action, an inspirational quote, or a final reflection on the significance of the scholarship.

How Can You Revise Your Scholarship Essay for Maximum Impact?

After you’ve written your first draft, it’s important to revise and edit your essay so it’s as strong as it can be. Carefully read through your essay to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Even small mistakes can ruin the overall quality of your essay.

Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, mentor, or family member, to review your essay and provide feedback. They may be able to locate areas for improvement or offer a fresh perspective. Ask them to review your essay’s organization to ensure your introduction, body, and conclusion flow logically. Don’t be afraid to rearrange or add/remove paragraphs to strengthen the overall structure.

Examine your essay’s central arguments and claims. Are they supported with sufficient evidence and examples? Look for ways to develop your points further. Review your writing style and make adjustments to improve clarity, concision, and engagement. This could involve varying sentence structure, eliminating unnecessary words, or using more vivid and descriptive language.

Double-check that your essay fully addresses the scholarship prompt and showcases your qualifications in a way that aligns with the committee’s expectations. Don’t be afraid to make multiple rounds of revisions. The more you refine your essay, the stronger it will be.

What Are the Final Steps Before Submitting Your Scholarship Essay?

Once you’ve completed your revisions, there are a few final steps to take before submitting your scholarship essay. Take advantage of sources that provide essay and paper help to add to and ensure the quality you have written is up to the scholarship committee’s standards. Also, always be sure to review everything 

1. Follow instructions: Carefully review the scholarship guidelines and instructions to ensure you’ve followed all the requirements, including formatting, length, and submission procedures.

2. Double-check formatting: Ensure your essay is properly formatted according to the scholarship guidelines, including margins, font size, and spacing.

3. Proofread again : Do one final proofread to catch any lingering errors or typos. It’s easy to miss mistakes when you’ve been working on the essay for a long time.

4. Submit before the deadline: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your essay. Allow plenty of time to complete the application process and submit your materials before the deadline. 5. Make copies: Keep a copy of your final essay for your records. This can be helpful if you need to refer back to it or make adjustments for future scholarship applications.

Here are some dos and don’ts for effective scholarship essay writing

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and analyze the scholarship prompt to ensure your essay directly addresses the requested topic or criteria.
• Showcase Your Unique Qualities: Use the essay as an opportunity to highlight your distinctive experiences, skills, goals, and passions that make you a standout candidate.
• Organize Your Essay Logically: Craft a clear and well-structured essay with an engaging introduction, cohesive body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.
• Support Your Claims: Back up your key points and arguments with specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence from your experiences.
• Maintain a Positive and Enthusiastic Tone**: Convey your enthusiasm for the scholarship and your commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
• Proofread and Edit Carefully: Review your essay multiple times to catch any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
• Follow All Formatting Requirements: Adhere to the prescribed page limits, font sizes, and other formatting guidelines specified by the scholarship provider.

Don’ts

• Don’t Repeat the Prompt: Avoid simply restating the prompt in your essay. Instead, use your unique voice and perspective.
• Don’t Make Broad, Unsupported Statements: Avoid making claims or generalizations without providing concrete evidence or examples to support them.
• Don’t Use Clichés or Overly Formal Language: Steer clear of overused phrases and maintain a natural, conversational tone throughout your essay.
• Don’t Exaggerate or Embellish: Be honest and authentic in your writing . Avoid making claims that you cannot substantiate.
• Don’t Neglect the Conclusion: Don’t treat the conclusion as an afterthought. Use it to leave a lasting, positive impression on the reader.
• Don’t Miss Deadlines or Requirements: Ensure you submit your essay by the specified deadline and adhere to all other requirements outlined by the scholarship provider.
• Don’t Plagiarize: Ensure that your essay is entirely your own work and that you properly cite any external sources you use.

Following these dos and don’ts can help you craft a compelling scholarship essay that stands out from the competition.

Writing a good scholarship essay is important to get the funding you need for your education and career goals. By following the steps in this guide – understanding the prompt, brainstorming your experiences, writing a strong introduction and body, and leaving a lasting conclusion – you can create an essay that makes you stand out as an excellent candidate.

The essay is not just about listing your accomplishments – it’s about showing who you are as a person and why you are the ideal recipient. Infuse it with enthusiasm, personal stories, and a vision for your future. This will help you craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

As you prepare to submit your scholarship essay, be proud of your work and confident that you’ve presented your best self.

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• Knowledge Base
• College essay
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

Published on October 11, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A good scholarship essay demonstrates the scholarship organization’s values while directly addressing the prompt. If you plan ahead , you can save time by writing one essay for multiple prompts with similar questions.

Table of contents

Apply for a wide variety of scholarships, make a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, tailor your essay to the organization and the prompt, write a focused and relevant personal story, scholarship essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Scholarships are a type of student financial aid that don’t require repayment. They are awarded based on various factors, including academic merit, financial need, intended major, personal background, or activities and interests.

Like college applications, scholarship applications often require students to submit their grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

A scholarship essay shares your values and qualities in the context of a specific question, such as “How does technology affect your daily life?” or “Who has had the greatest impact on your life?”

Be wary of scholarship scams

While some applications may not require an essay, be wary of scholarship scams that do the following:

• Guarantee you scholarship money for a fee
• Claim scholarship information is exclusive to their company
• Ask for your bank or credit card information to hold the scholarship

Some legitimate companies do charge for releasing comprehensive scholarship lists or creating a tailored list of scholarship opportunities based on your profile.

However, you can always discover scholarship opportunities for free through your school counselor, community network, or an online search.

Many students focus on well-known, large scholarship opportunities, which are usually very competitive. To maximize your chance of success, invest time in applying for a wide variety of scholarships: national and local, as well as big and small award amounts. There are also scholarships for international students .

In addition to charitable foundation and corporate scholarships, you should consider applying for institutional scholarships at your prospective universities, which can award money based on your application’s strength, your financial situation, and your demonstrated interest in the school.

Check with your guidance counselor, local organizations, community network, or prospective schools’ financial aid offices for scholarship opportunities. It’s a good idea to start applying as early as your junior year and continue throughout your senior year.

Choose the right scholarships for you

Choose scholarships with missions and essay topics that match your background, experiences, and interests. If the scholarship topic is meaningful to you, it will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay.

Don’t shy away from applying for local scholarships with small dollar amounts. Even a few hundred dollars can help you pay for books.

Local scholarships may be more tailored to your community, background, and activities, so they’re likely more relevant to you. Fewer students apply for these scholarships, so you have less competition and a higher chance of success.

Some places to look for local scholarships include

• Civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.
• Your church, mosque, synagogue, or place of worship
• Community groups, such as the YMCA
• Ethnicity-based organizations
• Your local library or local small businesses
• Organizations related to your intended major
• Your city or town
• Your school district
• Unions, such as SEIU, the Teamsters, CWA, etc.
• Your employer or your parents’ employers
• Banks, credit unions, and local financial institutions

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

While researching scholarship opportunities, create a scholarship tracker spreadsheet to keep track of the following:

• Scholarship amounts
• Required application materials

You can use our free Google Sheets template to track your scholarship applications.

Scholarship application tracker template

You can also include scholarship essay prompts in your college essay tracker sheet . By grouping or color-code overlapping essay prompts, you can plan to write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can also reuse or adapt your main college essay .

Even if you’re adapting another essay, it’s important to make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, stays within the word count limit , and demonstrates the organization’s values. The scholarship committee will be able to tell if you reuse an essay that doesn’t quite respond to the prompt, so be sure to tailor it to the questions asked.

Research each organization

Before writing, research the scholarship organization’s mission and reason for awarding the scholarship. Learning more about the organization can help you select an appropriate topic and relevant story.

While you should tailor your essay to the organization’s values, maintain your authentic voice. Never use false or exaggerated stories. If the organization’s values don’t align with yours or you can’t brainstorm a relevant story for the scholarship, continue searching for other scholarship opportunities to find a more appropriate one for you.

After researching the organization, identify a specific personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies why you will be a successful student.

Choose a story with the following criteria:

• Responds to the prompt
• Demonstrates the organization’s values
• Includes an authentic story
• Focuses on you and your experience, not someone else’s

A good scholarship essay is not

• A resume of your achievements
• A lengthy opinion piece about the essay topic
• An essay featuring a negative tone that puts down others

If appropriate, you can briefly address how the scholarship money will help you achieve your educational goals. You should also end with a brief thank-you.

Take a look at the full essay example below. Hover over the underlined parts to read explanations of why they work.

Prompt: Describe how working for Chelsea’s Chicken restaurant has developed leadership skills that will help you succeed in college. Give specific examples of leadership characteristics that you have exhibited during your employment with us.

As a nervous 16-year-old, I walked into Chelsea’s Chicken for my first day of work determined to make enough money to put gas in my car and buy pizza on the weekends. My only previous job was mowing my neighbors’ lawns when they were on vacation, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a bit intimidated by my new responsibilities, especially handling money and helping disgruntled customers.

However, it didn’t take me long to learn my way around the cash register and successfully address customer complaints. One day, Roger, the store manager, asked me if I wanted to join Chelsea’s Chicken Leadership Training Initiative. He said he saw leadership potential in me because of my attitude with the customers and my enthusiasm for learning new job responsibilities. It surprised me because I had never thought of myself as a leader, but I quickly agreed, and Roger handed me a three-ring binder that was thicker than my math and science textbooks put together! He told me to take it home and read over it during the following week.

In that binder, I discovered that being a leader means taking the initiative, especially when the job is undesirable. One week later, I got to practice that idea when a little kid threw up in the bathroom and missed the toilet. It smelled terrible, but I stepped forward and told Roger that I would clean it up. My coworkers thought I was crazy, but I started to believe in my leadership potential.

That night as we closed the store, Roger pulled me aside in the parking lot and told me that he could tell that I had been studying the manual. He wanted to give me more responsibility, along with a dollar-per-hour pay raise. I was surprised because I had been working there for only a couple of months, but his encouragement helped me make a connection: good leadership helps other people, and it often is rewarded. I was determined to experience more of both.

Within a month, I was ready to take the Team Leader exam, which mattered because I would receive a promotion and a much bigger raise if I passed. But, when I got to work, two of the scheduled team members had called in sick. We were noticeably short-handed, and our customers weren’t happy about it.

I walked back to the lockers, put on my vest and hat, and took my place behind an open register. Customers immediately moved into my line to place their orders. Roger looked at me with surprise and asked, “Did you forget that you’re testing tonight?” I responded, “No, sir—but what’s the use of taking a leadership test if you aren’t going to lead in real life?” Roger smiled at me and nodded.

He stayed late that night after we closed so that I could leave early and still take the test. I noticed that Roger was always staying late, helping employees learn new skills. His example taught me that leaders take the initiative to develop other leaders. He gave me a clear picture of what shared leadership looks like, making room for others to grow and excel. When I asked him where he learned to do that, he said, “From the same leadership manual I gave you!”

Chelsea’s Chicken has offered me so much more than a paycheck. Because of Roger’s example, I have learned to take the initiative to care for my family and friends, such as being the first to do the dishes without my mom asking or volunteering to pick up my friend for our SAT prep course. Now, as I prepare to enter college, I have confidence in my leadership ability. I know I’m signing up for a challenging major—Biology, Pre-Med—yet I also know that Chelsea’s Chicken has helped me to develop the perseverance required to complete my studies successfully.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.

Invest time in applying for various scholarships , especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.

You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.

Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count , and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay .

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Crafting a Compelling Scholarship Essay: Dos and Don’ts

Crafting a compelling scholarship essay can be a daunting task for many students. The pressure to stand out among thousands of applicants, to effectively convey your achievements and aspirations in a limited word count, can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach and some key dos and don’ts in mind, you can create an essay that not only captures the attention of scholarship committees but also showcases your unique qualities and potential.

When it comes to crafting a compelling scholarship essay, there are a few key dos that can help set your essay apart from the competition.

**1. Do Your Research:** Before you start writing your scholarship essay, take the time to research the organization offering the scholarship. Understand their values, mission, and goals to tailor your essay accordingly. Highlight how your own values align with those of the organization to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for their support.

**2. Tell Your Story:** A compelling scholarship essay is not just a list of achievements; it’s a window into who you are as a person. Share personal anecdotes, experiences, or challenges you’ve overcome that have shaped your journey and ambitions. Make sure to connect these stories back to how they have influenced your academic or career goals.

**3. Show, Don’t Tell:** Instead of simply stating that you are passionate about a particular field or that you possess certain qualities, provide specific examples that demonstrate these traits. For example, instead of saying “I am hardworking,” share a story about how you juggled multiple responsibilities while maintaining high grades.

**4. Be Authentic:** Scholarship committees receive countless essays each year, so it’s crucial to be genuine and authentic in your writing. Avoid using clichés or trying to sound overly polished; instead, let your unique voice shine through to make a lasting impression on readers.

**5. Follow Instructions:** This may seem obvious, but it’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided for the scholarship essay prompt. Make sure you meet all requirements regarding word count, formatting, and submission guidelines to ensure your application is not disqualified.

In addition to these dos, there are also several key don’ts that should be avoided when crafting your scholarship essay.

**Don’ts:**

**1. Don’t Procrastinate:** Writing a compelling scholarship essay takes time and effort, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, draft multiple versions of your essay, and seek feedback from teachers or mentors before submitting the final version.

**2. Avoid Generic Statements:** Scholarship committees want to learn about who you are as an individual, so avoid using generic statements or clichés that could apply to any applicant. Instead of broad statements like “I want to make a difference in the world,” provide specific examples or experiences that illustrate this ambition.

**3. Don’t Focus Solely on Achievements:** While it’s important to highlight your accomplishments in a scholarship essay, avoid listing them without providing context or reflection. Instead of simply listing awards or honors you’ve received, explain why these achievements are meaningful to you and how they have influenced your future goals.

**4. Avoid Negativity:** It’s natural to face challenges or setbacks in life, but avoid dwelling on negative experiences in your scholarship essay. Instead of focusing on hardships or obstacles you’ve encountered, emphasize how you’ve overcome these challenges and grown stronger as a result.

**5. Don’t Use Jargon or Complex Language:** Remember that scholarship committees may include individuals from various backgrounds and fields of study who may not be familiar with technical terms or complex language related to your field of interest. Keep your writing clear, concise, and accessible so that all readers can easily understand and appreciate your essay.

In conclusion,** crafting a compelling scholarshipessay requires thoughtful planning,** genuine reflection,and strategic storytelling.It’s importantto doyour research,tellyour storywith authenticity,and followinstructionscarefullywhile avoiding procrastination,generic statements,negativity,andcomplexlanguage.By followingthese dosanddon’ts,youcan create anessaythat standsoutto scholarshipscommitteesandincreasesyour chancesof receivingfinancialsupportforyouracademicandprofessionalaspirations.

1) **How long should my scholarship essay be?**

Most scholarships will provide specific guidelines regarding word count for essays; however,a general ruleof thumbis around500-1000 words.Checkthepromptcarefullyandsticktotherequirementsprovidedbytheorganizationofferingthescholarship.

2) **Should I include referencesin myscholarshipessay?**

Unless specifically requested bythe prompt,it isusuallynotnecessarytoreferenceresourcesorciteexternalinformationinyourscholarshipessay.Focusonsharingyournarrativeandexperiencesratherthanrelyingonsourcesorexternalresearch.

3) **What should I doifI’mstrugglingtowrite memorable contentformyscholarshipplication?**

Ifyou’refindingitdifficulttodevelopcompellingcontentforyourscholarshipapplication,reachingouttosupportivepeers,familymembersormentorsforfeedbackandinwritingworkshopsorcounselingcanbebeneficial.Theymayofferinsightfulinputtohelpyourefineyourstoryandhighlightyouruniqueattributesmoreeffectively.”

We also recommend reading the following:

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Understanding Scholarships and Grants: Unlocking Opportunities for Students

Pursuing higher education can be an expensive endeavor, and many students face the challenge of finding ways to finance their education without taking on overwhelming debt. Scholarships and grants are two excellent financial aid options that can make a significant difference in reducing the financial burden of tuition and related costs. Unlike loans, which must be repaid, scholarships and grants offer free money that can be used to fund your education, helping students from all walks of life access the academic opportunities they deserve.

What Are Scholarships?

Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on various criteria, such as academic performance, athletic ability, leadership skills, or specific talents. They are typically offered by colleges, universities, private organizations, non-profits, and corporations. Scholarships can be either merit-based, which rewards students for their achievements, or need-based, which helps students who demonstrate financial need.

Merit-based scholarships are commonly awarded for academic excellence, such as maintaining a high GPA or achieving outstanding test scores. However, there are also scholarships available for students with talents in sports, music, art, or community service. Some scholarships are highly competitive, while others may focus on specific fields of study, cultural backgrounds, or geographic regions.

What Are Grants?

Grants, like scholarships, are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment. However, grants are typically need-based and are often provided by government entities, such as the federal or state governments, or educational institutions. One of the most well-known grants in the United States is the Pell Grant , awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to federal grants, many states and colleges offer their own grant programs to help students afford tuition, housing, and other educational expenses. Grants are an essential resource for students who may not qualify for merit-based scholarships but still require financial support to attend college.

Key Differences Between Scholarships and Grants

While both scholarships and grants provide valuable financial assistance, there are some key differences between the two:

Eligibility Requirements : Scholarships are often awarded based on merit, such as academic or athletic performance, while grants are generally need-based and awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

Application Process : Many scholarships require a detailed application, which may include essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of extracurricular involvement. Grants, on the other hand, often only require the completion of the FAFSA or similar financial aid forms to determine eligibility.

Awarding Bodies : Scholarships can be offered by a wide range of organizations, including private foundations and companies. Grants are primarily awarded by government agencies and educational institutions.

How to Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants requires research, organization, and persistence. Students should start by filling out the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal and state grants. Additionally, they should search for scholarships related to their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or personal background.

It’s crucial to adhere to deadlines and application requirements, as missing a deadline or providing incomplete information can disqualify a student from consideration. Many scholarships also require personal statements or essays, so students should take the time to craft thoughtful, well-written responses that highlight their strengths and goals.

Scholarships and grants offer invaluable opportunities for students to fund their education without accumulating debt. By taking advantage of these financial aid options, students can focus on their studies and future careers, rather than worrying about the financial strain of higher education. With diligent research and a proactive approach, any student can unlock the doors to scholarships and grants, paving the way for academic success.

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Home / Blog / Funding / The Average Student’s Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Great Scholarship Essay

The Average Student’s Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Great Scholarship Essay

You’ve probably heard it thousands of times, middle school, and high school: A college degree is essential to be successful in most career paths. Getting into college has been on your mind for years, and you know you have to find a way. College is expensive, and the cost to attend a University continues to increase.

Unless you have parents who are able to pay the very large bill, then you’ll have to really, at least partially, on scholarships and student loans. Student loans are a reality for many, and many students leave school with piles of debt to pay back. If you are an average student, with a C average rather than an A or B average and SAT scores to send to your prospective school, getting scholarships can be daunting. At first glance, it may seem near impossible to get scholarship money, competing with other students who have a much better GPA’s. Yet for many scholarships grades are only part of the consideration for the award, along with the answers on the application and, in many cases, an essay. If you don’t have the best grades, then your essay will likely be your opportunity to set yourself apart from other students and prove that the scholarship should be awarded just to you. Here are some Dos and Don’ts for writing an essay that will stick out.

Read all the directions thoroughly and follow them

Scholarships that have an essay section will most often have very detailed instructions relative to the topic and structure of the essay. Those involved in deciding who gets the scholarship want to know that you can follow directions. You don’t want to get disqualified because you skipped a step, or because you misread or misunderstood a question.

Make it personal:

There will be a variety of essay topics, because you will be applying to a lot of different scholarships. Sometimes the subject of the essay will be an interview type question such as; “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”, or “Describe why you want a degree in business.” Other times the essays will be regarding a particular subject, event, or even a book. Remember when you are writing that the scholarship committee is wanting you to write a specific essay, but that essay should tell about you. Do whatever you can, regardless of the essay topic, to make sure that you explain how the topic influences you, affects you, or alters your perspective.

Don’ts:

Write a generic essay for several different scholarships

Applying for scholarships can be time consuming, but if you cut corners you are wasting your time. Remember that in order to win the scholarship, you are going to have to show your best. You’ll have to prove that you have something different and original to put forward. They are taking the time to review every scholarship application, and they will show appreciation for applicants that give time and attention to their submission.

Send in an unedited essay

Essays with spelling and grammar errors will likely not move forward. Make sure you have read your essay through, checked spelling and grammar. It’s recommended that you have someone else also read through and edit your essay.

Just because you don’t have the best grades in the world does not mean you don’t deserve scholarship money. Many scholarships understand this. They are just waiting for someone like you to set themselves apart from the crowd and prove that they are willing to follow directions and work for the opportunity.

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The do's and don’ts of scholarship essay writing.

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Moving forward in your educational career can be exciting. But with each step comes new challenges and benchmarks. Sometimes the pressure of meeting academic benchmarks, such as applying for scholarship essays, can be intimidating-- especially when your education’s financial opportunities depend upon one scholarship essay (we have a couple of sponsored scholarships you should apply for). The good news is, resources like essay writing services can help. And, there are a few key do’s and don’ts of scholarship essay writing that will make the process much easier and help you feel confident in the essay you submit.

This post covers exactly what you need to know, do and avoid in order to write an outstanding scholarship essay that stands out and wins the approval of your college’s scholarship committee, especially when your education depends on it.

The Purpose of a Scholarship Essay

Many scholarship essays will provide students with a writing prompt or question as a topical guide. But, it is critical to understand what your school’s admissions board and scholarship committee are really asking. In other words, what is the deeper question behind the prompt? What does your ideal school really want to know about you?

Scholarship essay topic prompts serve as a way for admissions boards to get to know you and understand why you are an ideal candidate for financial aid. So, the purpose of a scholarship essay is to show your scholarship committee why they should choose you as a recipient of funds. A scholarship essay does this by:

• Capturing attention
• Explaining how you will put your scholarship funds to good use (in other words, explaining your educational and career goals)
• Showing and telling your scholarship committee what unique qualities and strengths you will contribute to the school you are applying to
• Communicating your goals in a clear, captivating way that sets you apart

Most scholarship essays are only one to three pages in length. But writing a simple page or two can be time consuming when you want to ensure you write a polished, excellent quality essay. These five steps below offer a great starting point.

Are you an adult going back to college? Check out scholarship opportunities and financing for adults going back to school .

The Do’s of Scholarship Essay Writing

How you approach writing will of course depend somewhat on your topic, the essay’s length and your school. But no matter the essay or the school, there are five key things to be absolutely sure you do. Check out the list below.

1: Do get clear on 3 things

Writing down these three things will guide the writing process that follows. So, try providing yourself with a clean, clear workspace and uninterrupted time. Next, jot down some reflection notes on the following:

• What is important to your audience (your scholarship committee or admissions board)?
• What do you have to contribute to the school you are applying to, and what are your goals?
• How do your goals align with what is important to your school?

For example, imagine you are applying to a nursing school. Most likely, that school’s admissions board will be interested in awarding scholarships to candidates who demonstrate the potential to contribute to healthcare by showing strengths in areas like:

• Evidence-based practice
• Teamwork and leadership
• Empathy and caring

These bullets would apply to number 1 of the list above. Next, you might choose to think about what you can contribute and what your goals are. Perhaps you worked as a certified nurse aide, or you have special compassion and concern for individuals battling chronic illness. By jotting down how your goals, strengths and experiences align with what your school is looking for, you can start to unfold your writing ideas.

2: Do write in a captivating way

First, consider revisiting your list from number 1 above. Next, think of a way to write your goals and what you have to contribute in a way that is:

In other words, it is critical to write in a way that allows your audience to feel and relate to what you have to say. A great way to do this is by using stories as examples. Stories help readers relate to and imagine what it is like to experience what you are describing. Short stories or anecdotes also provide a great way to start your essay with an engaging introduction.

For instance, if you are applying for a nursing scholarship, rather than beginning by describing your strengths, weaknesses and goals, instead begin by telling a tangible story about a time you helped care for someone in need. Then explain how it inspired you to work towards your goals. This makes your aspirations much more real and believable to readers.

If you are feeling stuck and don’t know where to start, or can’t think of a story, try purchasing an example essay from an essay writing service. Example essays can be great thought-joggers. You can also try freewriting to help get your ideas flowing.

3: Do be original

Applying for scholarships can sometimes feel like diving into a sea of competition. But, we each have unique attributes we can write about that highlight our originality. Don’t be afraid to be original in how you write and what you write about.

In other words, write boldly, while still keeping a humble, grateful tone. This will help you stand out from the crowd and shine!

4: Do Talk About your Achievements

Remember, this is your time to shine! While it is important to keep a humble tone that shows you are grateful for the opportunity to apply for a scholarship, it is equally important to highlight your accomplishments.

As you write about your achievements, check to make sure they relate to your topic. Mentioning achievements that directly relate to your field of study shows your scholarship committee your potential and reveals your interest in the subject.

Making a list of your accomplishments, before writing, can be helpful. That way, you can decide which you want to include, and also make sure no important ones are left out. If your list is long, consider picking your top 2 or 3. Then, mention those in the body of your essay, after an engaging introduction. You may also briefly mention accomplishments in the essay’s conclusion by telling your audience how you plan to use the scholarship to further your accomplishments.

5: Do have a professional edit your essay

Advice from friends and peers is great, but let’s be honest: when a large portion of your college education depends on a two page essay, it is definitely worth investing in a professional editor, such as an essay writing service. Besides, it feels great knowing you are putting your best foot forward without grammatical or sentence structure errors getting in the way.

For some, writing isn’t a strong suit, and that shouldn’t stand in the way of a quality, future education.

If you are looking for that final round of polished editing, essay writing services are a great tool-- but make sure you choose a qualified essay service that can provide personalized feedback and allows you to communicate with your writer or editor.

Teachers can provide great feedback too. But, many teachers have considerable workloads and may be pressed for time. If in doubt, hire a professional essay writing service. If you use our dissertation editing services , you have access to world-class editors ready to help you perfect your essay.

The Don’ts of Scholarship Essay Writing

Once again, how you write your scholarship essay, specifically, will depend on your school and topic. Regardless, there are five essential things to avoid in most all cases.

1: Don’t start every sentence with “I”

This is often an overlooked “don’t,” simply because it is easy to start most sentences with “I” when we are writing an essay about our goals and our accomplishments. But remember-- a great scholarship essay is focused on the audience (the school’s scholarship committee). In other words, top-quality scholarship essays write in a way that demonstrates to the scholarship committee why it benefits the school to select you as a recipient.

Rather than documenting and writing about your experiences in a biographical manner, tell your experiences as interesting stories. This usually results in less sentences that start with “I.” This can be tricky at first. Many essay writing services offer great examples of how this can be seamlessly done.

2: Don’t get too complex

It can be tempting to use overly complex language when you’re trying to appeal to a college admissions board or a scholarship committee.

Great scholarship essays use a professional, polished tone, while still being written in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Avoid using filler words, phrases and long, complex sentences. Remember, even though you are writing to an academic audience, your scholarship committee is likely reading hundreds (if not thousands) of scholarship essays. It is best to keep your tone somewhat conversational and easy to read. Vary your sentence length and use layman's terms. Keep your writing interesting by using concrete, descriptive words and adjectives.

3: Don’t underestimate the power of your life experiences

We talked a little about experiences as stories or anecdotes, and about mentioning academic achievements. But, the experiences you write about don’t necessarily have to be directly related to your academic achievements-- so long as they relate to your topic.

No matter how small an experience may seem, if you learned something impactful and transformative from it, it can be used as a great talking point in your essay. Highlighting your life experiences, such as travels, volunteer experiences or even impactful friendships, can show your scholarship committee how you will apply your topic to real life situations.

In other words, write with confidence, and don’t underestimate the value and power of your own unique life experiences!

4: Don’t be generic or general

Get specific and be unique! Avoid a cookie cutter approach to essay writing. Remember, this is your time to stand out!

Here are two examples:

• "I have a lot of experience working as a certified nurse aide."
• "Working as a certified nurse aide increased my empathy for older adults struggling with chronic illness and allowed me to learn how to provide quality bedside care."

Which of the above two options is more compelling? Number one is more general, and therefore less engaging. Number two is a great example of how to write specifically. Also, as a bonus, notice how the second example avoids starting the sentence with “I.”

5: Don’t choose a free essay writing service

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” Unfortunately, tempting as free services are, this is often the case when it comes to essay writing services. Here’s why:

Free services often:

• Provide generic examples and sometimes resell content
• Miss critical errors due to automated editing
• Give generic feedback

If you find yourself needing help proofreading your essay, the best writing services will charge according to the service level offered. The good news is that investing in a high-quality essay writing service is usually well worth the investment when you are looking for professional editing and feedback.

How Essay Writing Services Can Help

Even though many scholarship essays are just a page or two, your scholarship essay is often one of the most important documents you will write during your college career-- due to the fact that it can award you a college opportunity.

So, it’s no surprise writing a great scholarship essay can take some time. This is why it can be a big help to receive guidance and feedback from a top-quality essay service.

Top quality essay writing services will be able to help you with things like:

• Providing feedback on your ideas and outline, especially if you are pressed for time, or juggling family and work obligations
• Creating an outline that clears writer’s block and guides the process
• Developing and organizing your essay as you write it
• Editing and proofreading your final draft
• Offering top-quality example essays to use as a references and guides if you are feeling stuck

But be sure to look for an essay writing service that:

• Hires qualified writers
• Allows you to communicate with your writer and ask questions
• Provides free revisions
• Can provide assistance within the time frame you need

Some paper writing services will check a few of these boxes, but the best writing services will usually check them all. Are you concerned about financial aid? Check out these 6 myths about student financial aid .

We’ve covered a lot of ground, so let’s review the most important do’s and don’ts of writing a great scholarship essay:

• Do get clear on your audience and what you can contribute to your school.
• Do be original.
• Do be captivating.
• Do highlight your achievements.
• Do get professional help editing (preferably from an essay writing service).
• Don’t start too many sentences with “I.”
• Don’t be too generic or general.
• Don’t underestimate power of your experiences.
• Don’t get too complex.
• Don’t ask a free essay writing service to edit your essay.

If you follow these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be on your way to writing an outstanding scholarship essay. And, if you are still finding it difficult to organize your ideas, get started, or even come up with a topic, professional Essay writing services can be a tremendous help. Check out our guide on how to write a scholarship essay for more help with your scholarship essay writing.

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What’s the Best Scholarship Essay Format?

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Many scholarships require students to write an essay as part of their application. These writing and essay scholarships want to learn about your experiences, interests, or background as a student through your essay. But once you have finished writing, you may wonder: What is the best way to format my scholarship essay?

Should you include a title? What about spacing, page numbers, or citations? These are important questions and should be essential parts of your editing and revising process. Keep on reading to make sure that your essay is formatted properly!

Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

Getting started with essay formatting

The first rule of the scholarship essay format is following all of the rules that the scholarship application states. Whether that is spacing, citations, or font size, you should always follow the directions. There isn’t a faster way to get a scholarship committee member to say “nah” than ignoring the directions.

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Essay titles.

Should you begin your essay with a title? In my experience reading essays of all types, a title is very optional. If it is an especially clever or necessary title, then sure, go for it!

Otherwise, I would recommend saving your valuable word count and put it towards the actual essay. If you write your essay and are feeling stuck on a title, let it go and don’t worry about it. Prepare for your scholarship writing endeavors  by reading our short essay guides for 250 word essays , as well as 500 word essays !

Related: How to write an essay about yourself

Font size & style

The MLA recommends using size 12 font, and that’s what we’d recommend using. As far as the style of the font, you should stick to something that is legible and easy to read. Times New Roman or Arial are both going to be good bets. The scholarship essay is not the best place to get creative with a funky, hard-to-read font.

Should I single or double space the essay?

We know that most of your essays for school are probably double spaced. This is usually a good call for scholarship essays as well, because it makes the essay easier to read. In addition to spacing, you want to make sure that your scholarship essay is broken down into paragraphs and is not one single block of text.

Are page numbers required?

On many school papers, you may have to put a page number on each page. This is not necessary for your scholarship essays unless it is a clearly stated requirement.

Does proper scholarship essay formatting require citations?

If you are citing other sources, it is a good idea to use citations. It does not matter whether you are using MLA, Chicago, or some other type of citation (unless it is specifically required). Instead, it is important to simply be consistent in how you cite your sources. Most essays probably will not require outside sources or research, but if you are applying to certain research-based or STEM scholarships you may want to brush up on your citations.

Do’s and don’ts for scholarship essay formatting 

Final thoughts

Writing can be a very stressful process for students, both in the scholarship process and the college admissions process. One of the best things that you can do is give yourself plenty of time to write and refine your essays. Ideally, you will also have a trusted outside reader serve as an editor for all of your essays.

The major rules of scholarship essay formatting are to follow the application instructions and make sure that your formatting is not distracting. Ultimately, you will want to ensure that the essay reader can easily and clearly read your essay and not distract them with sloppy or unconventional formatting.

Additional resources for writing essays

Here at Scholarships360, we have nearly every resource to help you write your best scholarship essay and to help you through the college admission process. Learn how to write winning scholarship essays , including how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay as well! Maybe you are writing a “Why this college” essay ? We can help with that too! Also, be sure to check out our individualized supplemental essay guides for schools that require them.

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Key Takeaways

• First and foremost, always carefully read the instructions of what format is required 
• Unless otherwise specified, double space your essay and break it down into easily digestible paragraphs
• If not stated, use easy to read fonts like Times New Roman or Ariel
• Never use information without citing, and if you do need to cite, be consistent with citation style (such as MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)
• Always. always double check that your essay is not only formatted correctly, but thoroughly proofread for grammar and spelling
• Most important of all is to always look for any formatting guide from the scholarship provider, and ensure that you take their advice over any of ours

Frequently asked questions about scholarship essay formatting  

Should a scholarship essay be double spaced, what citation style should i use in a scholarship essay, is it better to include a scholarship essay title, what font is good for a scholarship essay, scholarships360 recommended.

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Navigating the Scholarship Application Process: Dos and Don'ts

Nearly every incoming college student desires a cost-effective way to obtain a college degree. And it is no secret that colleges are expensive, and the fees tacked on can make the prices seem insurmountable. To start, there is tuition, room, board, required books, and possibly even more fees depending on which extracurricular activities you decide on when you get to your university. That is a significant reason the prospect of scholarships has become so popular. However, finding and applying for scholarships can be daunting. That is why we at NSHSS have compiled a list of five dos and don'ts to remember when seeking your next scholarship.   

This guide can help weather the storm of what it means to apply for a scholarship, how best to weed out the false scholarship opportunities, and how you can secure a top spot of contention among the hundreds, sometimes thousands of students who will be applying for the same scholarship right alongside you. With these tips and tricks, you’ll discover a whole new approach to deciding what scholarships can work for you and how best to obtain them effectively.   

1. Get Familiar with the Different Scholarships.  

Commonly, a prospective student will generally apply to two different types of scholarships. They are  need-based and merit-based . While many scholarships can fall under both categories, they can differ in more ways than one. A need-based scholarship is based on a given student's economic background. Your university will use FASFA resources to approximate what scholarships best fit your financial needs and match you with possible scholarships through the university. Merit-based scholarships focus on your academic and extracurricular achievements from previous education. While Merit-based scholarships will consider your financial history, they are more likely to base their decision on your academic performance.   

These two parameters still leave plenty of choices for the student searching out scholarship opportunities. So it is crucial that once you understand a scholarship's basic criteria, you investigate further to see what types of academic achievement they are looking for. Most university websites and scholarship databases will provide a thorough questionnaire for each student. These questions allow the database to narrow down the scholarships that best fit the student, thus giving them a more straightforward opportunity to find the right scholarship. For instance, if you perform poorly in math but excel in writing, you should focus on writing-based scholarships. It is important to consider your academic strengths, reflected in your grades when applying for any scholarship.  

2. Get Organized   

Entering into college for the first time can be a lot to tackle. That's why it's crucial to stay organized on all the little things you, as the student, must keep track of. This is true for the scholarships you apply to. It can be easy to apply to a unique scholarship you might run across one day but forget about it a month later and miss a follow-up email. Some scholarships will begin accepting applications and essays months in advance, and it is on each student who applies to keep track of how, when, and where they applied for that scholarship. This will help secure your chances of knowing how much money you have acquired through your efforts instead of letting specific responses fall through the cracks. Your university can provide a complete list of all the scholarships you have applied to through their database, including when you applied and when they will contact you. But that still requires you to list and stay on top of all those dates.  

You must also keep track of what you submit on your applications. Each scholarship application has different requirements, including the word count of your essay, specific instructions on where/how to apply, and any extra materials to be included alongside your essay. It is very easy to lose out on a chance at a scholarship you otherwise would be perfect for based on a lack of required information. You must be professional, approachable, and organized to prove that you are worth the money.  

3. Express Yourself Professionally   

Most scholarships are designed to engage with student outreach and create a community. This means that most companies or organizations want to get to know the student with whom they spend their money. That is where you, as the student, shine and show them the great things about you. The written essay is a fairly standard requirement on scholarship applications, and it can be daunting in the midst of everything else on your plate, but it is no less critical. Putting time and effort into expressing yourself, your interests, and your hard work into an essay gives them a better reason to trust you with their generosity. Let the essay shine a light on you. But don't let it become a spotlight. Like the essays written for your college applications, they express depth and maturity to represent someone grown up and ready for their next step into college. And keep in mind that quality takes time.  

Be sure to put a lot of time and attention into your essay. Sometimes, the essay prompts can be pretty random depending on which scholarship you’re applying to, but they are all equally important regarding the financial possibilities. It is essential to begin your essay early and read it over more than once before submitting it. This will give you time to sit with it, consider your written content, and check for any grammatical or spelling errors. A key to appearing professional is providing the best-looking work on the first try. But do not be afraid to be yourself.  

4. Recycle the Good Stuff  

Often, when applying for scholarships, you might find yourself repeating the same information over and over again. You’ll fill out your name, phone number, email, etc. The same can be said about what you include in your essays and other portions of your applications. It can become redundant after a while. But have no fear; there is a solution. Recycling your old essays can be a valuable way to save time and stick to what has worked in the past. But you have to understand how to do it correctly. Recycling an old essay is not the same as reposting a carbon copy of an essay into your new application. You can take meaningful, trusted information about yourself and your experiences and reuse those sections in a recent essay. You still must write an essay that adheres to the standards set by the specific scholarship application, but this does not mean you have to come up with something new every time. There may be particular passages from old essays or descriptions of previous volunteer jobs that were worded wonderfully in a past essay. Pulling out those old sections and recycling them into a new essay will give you a foothold in your latest essay. But be careful.   

Every scholarship organization wants to feel they are being taken as seriously as others. They will sniff out when an essay has been copied and pasted into their application. Refrain from assuming that just because you wrote a good one, no one can tell a copy from an original. Be respectful and professional to each new application by starting your essay from scratch, only pulling the best parts of old essays to be used again.  

5. The More the Merrier  

The search for scholarships can be as daunting as actually applying for them. You might find a few, apply to half, and feel that was enough. But you must apply to as many as possible, as long as you fit within their parameters. This consistency will help build your chances and even the odds against you. For as many scholarships as you might find, hundreds of students just like yourself are submitting applications. It is not enough to stand out and do your best work; you must be willing to do that repeatedly. Repetition gets results over time. This is part of why looking outside your university's scholarship database is good. There are so many more scholarships available if you can find them. It's finding the ones that apply to you that can be hard. Eventually, with enough commitment, you will find some that take an active investment in your future.   

Alright, now for some Don'ts  

For all the good that scholarships can provide students, we must outline some of the past pitfalls students have fallen into. We would like to make you aware of these roadblocks on your path so that you can avoid them moving forward.   

1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute  

One of the issues that students face is time sensitivity when it comes to the requirements of starting college. We can have something on our plates and let three weeks go by before we realize it’s due the next day. We’ve all been there, and it happens to the best of us. But bear in mind the risk that procrastination will be to your future when securing a financial base in college. As mentioned above, scholarships can begin accepting applications months in advance, and those dates can crop up very quickly. It's best to keep your scholarship calendar updated and check it regularly.  

2. Don’t Give Out Bank Information  

This is important when detecting a false organization just trying to scam you. The easiest way to tell is by seeing the type of information they are requesting. It is a scam if they want your social security number, bank account number, or credit history. Any legitimate scholarship will have access to your government-secured FASFA and can find the information there. If a scholarship tries to charge you to apply, that is a tell-tale sign to avoid that specific scholarship. The very definition of a scholarship is financial assistance, so there should be no reason they need to charge you to apply.   

3. Don’t Go for the Biggest Number  

Every scholarship you will find will offer a different amount of money. However, even though one organization provides only half of another, the organization is still worth taking seriously. A scholarship worth lots of money also means many applications and higher competition. You should work hard and be diligent no matter the size of the scholarship. With enough smaller-sized scholarships that you win, you can add that money up quickly. And the beauty of scholarships is that there is no limit to how many you can apply to. So, look for the ones that fit who you are and what you can do instead of basing your decisions on which one will pay you the most.    

4. Don’t wait till Senior Year   

The longer you wait to begin filling out scholarship applications, the harder it will be to find funding by the time college begins. You can continue your scholarship search at any time during college, as many people do, but the earlier, the better. As with college applications, junior year is a great year to begin finding scholarships. This provides ample time to find out which selected you, which ones did not, and how much you still need come Senior year. Plus, most scholarships repeat every year, so if you do not get a scholarship one year, you might get it again the next.  

5. Don’t Be a Cliche  

Scholarships are designed so that you can make yourself stand out. You must look at scholarships as a way to show, not just tell, these organizations why they should invest in you. Do not waste essay word count on quotes from other famous people, self-deprecating sentences, or bland generalizations about yourself. Show in your essay just how specific and unique you are and why that matters to the people reading the essay. Sometimes, it is hard to sell yourself, but the best way to do it is by just being honest and taking pride in what you have accomplished.   

These Dos and Don’ts are all a part of one important thing to remember when applying for scholarships: do the best job you can. By being professional, honest, and hard-working, you can craft a fantastic application for all those eagerly awaiting scholarships just looking for somebody like you. It is not easy to go through this period of life when college, scholarships, and money become such big question marks on your horizon. By keeping these points of reference in mind, you will be more than capable of doing an excellent job and showing others the same. With enough determination, you will find somebody, or a few people, who want to invest in your future. But, as always, it begins with you.   

We at NSHSS are proud to support students seeking scholarships to other resources. But we know that scholarships are just one part of the whole college experience. Preparing yourself for these next steps can make all the difference. To help you in your journey, we have provided a variety of webinars that tackle specific questions and concerns that may arise during your first steps into college. These resources are a guidebook to aid you in your quest. We strive to see students succeed. And we know that you can!  

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The Dos and Don’ts of Scholarship Applications: Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Getting your scholarship application right is the key to getting free funding to supplement your college lifestyle. Unfortunately, the cost of attending college has been rising for the past decade, with most students forced to terminate their studies prematurely due to high tuition costs. Scholarships allow deserving students to afford higher education while minimizing their reliance on student loans. That said, scholarship applications are highly competitive, and only the best submissions make the cut. This article looks to increase your chances of getting that desired funding by highlighting crucial scholarship dos and don’ts.

Crucial Scholarship Dos

Scholarship judges have tons of applications to review and may spend only a few minutes or seconds looking at each application. Understand that thousands of equally deserving students will seek the same funding as you. To help you get things right, here are a few dos.

Do Plan and Dedicate Enough Time for the Applications

Scholarship applications have many moving parts that include an essay and a questionnaire. You will likely make costly mistakes if you start your application at the last minute. On the other hand, understand that deadlines are strict, and any submission made after the indicated timeline will not be considered. So, start planning your application early and schedule time to complete all the required parts. If you need help with your essay, pay for research paper writing delivered by competent professionals.

Do Read and Understand the Guidelines

Each scholarship program has a predefined set of requirements that comprise all the necessary information relating to the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and benefits. These instructions are meant to guide students and ensure they meet all the necessary conditions, improving their prospects of winning scholarships.

Ensure you review these guidelines multiple times to see whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Understanding what the application requires also helps avoid confusion in the later stages of the application. Even if you find that you qualify in every area, reread the guidelines to ascertain that you get the other elements of the application right. Finally, order custom write my paper for cheap help online if you need assistance with your scholarship essay.

Do Monitor the Deadline

It is important to remember that college scholarship applications are always time-bound. This means that there will be a duration within which you will be expected to complete every aspect of your submission. In addition, most scholarship applications open annually, meaning you have to wait until the next window if you miss the deadline. So, keep track of important dates and start working on your documents early.

Prepare Your Documents Early

The application process has several elements, and the candidates are asked to submit different documents used to judge their status. Your application will stay incomplete until you have submitted all the required documents. The committee will require details and certification relating to your academic background and proof of work. They may also ask for a resume, bank account details, and category. For a hassle-free process, ensure you store the soft copies of your application documents on your computer in their required format. Keeping all your documents handy before you start working on your application will simplify things and save you considerable time.

Do Proofread the Documents Before Submission

Once you have completed applying for the scholarship, you must check every detail before submitting the documents. A few mistakes and typos can cost you a crucial funding opportunity. Understand that, in most cases; students are not allowed to alter their applications after making the final submission. So, ensure to proofread and edit your text, including the scholarship essay. After sending in your essay, keep track of your application status.

Scholarship Essay Don’ts

The amazing thing about scholarships is that you don’t need to pay them back. Unfortunately, the process is highly competitive as many students struggle to win the few funding opportunities available. With such competition, a simple mistake can cost you your precious slot. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t limit your search for scholarship opportunities to the Internet;
• Don’t wait until the application deadline to get started;
• Don’t include false or misleading information in your application;
• Don’t share your login details with third parties;
• Don’t submit incomplete details;
• Don’t apply to a few scholarships;
• Don’t make assumptions regarding your application; and
• Don’t send the same scholarship application essay at every opportunity.

The Bottom Line

The cost of a college education is rising, with most students priced out of valuable higher education. Scholarships offer free funding, allowing students to afford a college education without the burden of student debt. It fills the financial gap for most families and makes life easier for learners. However, the scholarship application process is highly competitive, and only those who follow instructions qualify. Follow these tips to make the most of your scholarship application and submit winning documents.

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