3 must-know strategies for writing a better scholarship essay

May 23, 2012

So you've spent the last eight months slaving over college applications and writing your heart out in essay after essay. The last thing you want to think about - other than finals probably - is a scholarship application. Here's the good news: All those college essays? Well there's probably a lot there that you can mine for your scholarship applications. The bad, but totally manageable, news? These essays aren't a piece of cake, at least not if you're going to win that scholarship!

Applying for scholarships is a time-consuming but extremely rewarding task. Scholarships and college grants can help a student stay well above water during financially difficult years at college and university. And the application essay is the place you seal the deal - this is where readers get to know you and decide whether you're the student they want.

Try these three tips to maximize your essay's potential.

1. Thesis, thesis, thesis! This is the anchor of your essay, it's the single idea that everything centers on, so make sure it is absolutely stellar. Devote as much time to your thesis as you do to your whole introduction. Although it can be more than one sentence, don't stretch it out if it's not necessary. Remember you want your thesis to be concise not simple.

2. Get personal, but not too personal. Let your reader know who you are, what you love, what you loathe, your dreams and aspirations. Don't be shy - that'll kill your chances of winning - but at the same time avoid telling too much. A scholarship essay isn't a journal, so edit yourself appropriately. Also remember that this isn't an AP Lit essay on Hamlet. You're talking about yourself, and a little drama makes for a great read. Just don't drag the reader through a gossip mill.

3. Read it aloud to yourself. Of course most of us probably shouldn't write like we talk, but reading your paper out loud will give you an idea about how the language sounds. If it's awkward or choppy you'll want to go back and polish up those sections. This is also a great way to double-check for grammar - and for extra assurance, try handing it off to a friend to read through.

Scholarships are an important part of higher education, and not one worth missing out on. Run an online search for college scholarship opportunities and find an essay topic you feel fits you best. Happy writing!

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