Download Writing a Scholarship Essay and more Slides Technical Writing in PDF only on Docsity! Writing a Scholarship Essay Making the essay work for you! Reasons why students don‟t write scholarship essays (and lose out on scholarships!) They hate to write. They don‟t think they will win anyway. They don‟t think they have anything to say. They don‟t think they can write very well. They can‟t get started (writer‟s block.) How Do I Get Started? Make sure you read the essay question carefully and answer it completely. Give the judges reasons that you are a good fit for the scholarship. What makes you stand out from the other applicants? How can your essay reflect these things without you having to actually state them or brag? Questions to Ponder… Who are you? What has made you who you are? What are you doing? What have you done? What are your goals? Why are you dedicated to them? What in your life reflects that commitment? Why do you need a scholarship? How will it make a difference? What Should I Say? Talk about things you would enjoy discussing further if given the chance. Choose a few key points to develop…three or four are good. Think about this: What would the judges find memorable and/or unique about you. Be positive! Include concrete examples to illustrate larger themes. Don‟t just tell the judges that you are a dedicated student; show them through an example instead. Outline Sample I. Introductory sentence a. State your name b. State the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. II. Educational Objectives and Career Goals a. Identify your major. b. Explain why you selected it. c. How will this degree impact your career plans? d. What are your future plans? Outline Sample cont‟d III. Brief Background a. Tell about yourself. b. How did you get to where you are today? c. What is important to you? d. Give concrete examples that reflect your character and your strengths. e. Include extracurricular interests: volunteer work, hobbies, things that make you stand out or are unusual. IV. Need a. Why do you need a scholarship? b. How will it make a difference to you? Outline Sample cont‟d V. Conclusion a. Wrap it up with a couple of sentences. b. The ending should make your essay feel finished. c. You can include how your education so far has made a difference to you. d. You can thank the judges. e. Avoid an ending that is too lofty or idealistic (“With my education, I plan to change the world into a beautiful, peaceful place.”)
