The application process is usually linked to huge stress, and nerves. Students spend days or months choosing the college or university and understanding their application requirements. Then, they also need to think about writing the best scholarship essay, which literally determines their enrollment. So, it is super common when they are over scared of failing. This review will share with you the best tips on how to write a scholarship letter and be enrolled 100%.
Tips on How to Start a Scholarship Essay
The first factor to consider is to understand the requirements for such writing, structure, format, and even examples. On most occasions, it predetermines around 500 words. It should come double-spaced, with 12 points of Times New Roman font, 1-1.5 margins. However, do ensure to refer to your preferred college requirements since they may all vary. Check also the dos and don’ts for scholarship essays below:
Do | Don’t |
---|---|
Do always follow the prompt, and stick to requirements; | Don’t try to start your paper with quotes (It is too trite); |
Do be concise with the central thought; | Don’t try to impress an admission committee with fancy words; |
Do research the college or university values or missions (Normally, this information is specified on the official websites in the ABOUT US section); | Don’t turn your paper into a CV; |
Do transform your possible weaknesses into benefits; | Don’t push an admission committee to give you a scholarship straightaway. Money should be the secondary goal; |
Do use REAL examples from your life. | Don’t boast about your achievements. |
Other necessary factors on how to write a good scholarship essay include:
#1 Have a Strong Hook, Opening Sentence
Normally, it is quite hard to come up with a catchy opening sentence, so you’d better check the examples online. For example, you may use an anecdote made up by yourself if you are skilled. Then, it can be a short introduction to your dream if a topic is dedicated to revealing who you see yourself after graduating from college. Yet, it should be all short. No need to spill the beans in the introduction. Check the example:
- “I would like to become a doctor because I started examining people’s health faster than speaking” – obviously, it is a joke, however, you do not start with something like “I want to become a doctor, because it is my dream” – NAH…
#2 Divide Your Main Body Into Ideas
Again, if your topic is related to your career or personality goals after graduation, you have to approach it step-by-step. For example, the first paragraph of the main body will share your vision of your life after graduating. Like, – “I used to always dream of becoming a doctor to help others overcome their health struggles affordably”. You may see that that statement provokes some kind of empathy because some medical treatments when not falling for insurance require huge funds.
The second paragraph will present to the admission committee your great goals regarding studying. You will introduce a reader to your desired fields of study. You may tell that you are dedicated to studying the non-intrusive ways of operating humans. Otherwise, how to approach the health conditions by avoiding antibiotics.
The third paragraph will be the place where you start sharing your vision regarding changing the medical system for the best among others, as an example.
Note, you can always draw a reader’s attention with a story related to your topic. For instance, if you want to become a doctor, try to recap such situations when you really saved a person’s life (if you have such ONLY!). Try to retell that story by introducing your skills, or mastership among others.
One idea is per one paragraph. Do not forget linking words for the smooth transitions between them all.
#3 Be Honest
When you write your scholarship paper or particularly conclude it, you have to be always honest. The admission committee reviews hundreds or thousands of students’ application papers, so they know all the tricks. If you want to show them your leadership skills, do that only if you have them. In simple terms, do not try to “paint” yourself in bright colors, if you are a dull person. On the other hand, learn how to sell yourself with adjectives in the letter academically. Note,
- If you want to become a doctor, do not try to create stories about how you saved a person’s life just to impress someone. Do indicate it if it is a real situation;
- If you once tried to help a person but did not succeed, you can indicate it BUT ONLY if you can transform that failure into a success. An admission committee will only see that you can learn from your mistakes or failures, and can admit that.
#4 End Your Personal Paper with Humble Thanks You
When you are about to begin writing the conclusion, you should be humble when saying thanks for reading your paper. Try to catch their attention by emphasizing your candidacy, reminding them about your strengths, and your visions regarding the studies. In the end, say a brief “Thank You”. It should be no longer than 1 sentence, or it may seem flattering, regardless of how good your scholarship essay was.
- “So, that’s my mission! I want to save people, but also help transform the treatments into something affordable. So everyone will hurry to hospitals rather than stay at home saying “No, it is too expensive.” – You refer to the thesis, or hook mentioned in the introduction, and do not add any new ideas that may only puzzle the reader’s head.
- “I believe I am a good candidate for the scholarship because my mission is actual rather than imaginative. I know my goals can be achieved rather than promised.” – It is also a good example for those who want to emphasize their benefits.
#5 Proofread
Your scholarship essay should be approached in terms of proofreading more carefully compared to other papers. One mistake may spoil everything. You can first refer to such online editors as Grammarly or the Hemingway app. They both can hint at the readability, and spelling, grammar mistakes. Then, prior to submitting the essays, ask your relatives, or friends to read them and give you sincere feedback or advice.
Think of the usage of the passive voice also! It usually harms readability. Finally, do leave your scholarship essay to “rest” for a bit. It fits those who have previously prepared enough time before submitting it. After a few days, you can re-read your essay once again, and occasionally spot some missing logic, or mistakes.