how to write a scholarship essay

How to Write a Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essays usually test how well you can express yourself in words. In order to write a good scholarship essay, begin by thoroughly reading and understanding the requirements. You also need to brainstorm various ideas that you may have about the given questions/topics. What do you know about the questions or topics raised? Make a list of the questions and possible answers.

The next step is to create an outline. An outline allows you to write a well flowing essay. Use a good attention grabber introduction as well as a good conclusion.
Whether or not you have the option of choosing your own topic to demonstrate why you deserve the scholarship, the following tips should help you write a good scholarship essay.

• Follow the Guidelines
Read and understand the requirements for the essay before starting. Follow all guidelines to the letter including those that relate to number of words, font, spacing, and style. Answer all questions asked.

• Highlight Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities tell a great deal about a person. Focus on your extracurricular activities to show your personal priorities and indicate what you consider to be important. Discussing your volunteer time in a slum or orphanage and explaining how it affected you personally is a good approach for a development related scholarship. Think about the relationship between your extracurricular activities and your chosen career and path of study.

• Highlight Accomplishments
Focusing on your accomplishments will enable you to show how you are a talented and hard-working individual who deserves a scholarship. Bring out personal traits that illustrate an active person who gets things done.

• Highlight Difficult Adversity
It is common to find questions related to the most difficult time in your life and the reasons whereof. Seize the opportunity to show the scholarship award committee that you can withstand pressure and will not give in easily. Do not stress your woes. Remain positive.

• Allocate Adequate Time
Allocate yourself adequate time to put together a quality essay. Try to always have a ready CV, transcripts and other common scholarship requirements.

• Edit and Proofread
Your scholarship essay should flow smoothly. Having a smooth, well-edited essay increases your chances of winning a scholarship.
Avoid common mistakes like spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Proofread your essay several times and have someone else proof read it for you.