Writing the Scholarship Essay
-- by Kay Peterson, Ph.D.

The personal essay. It's the hardest part of your scholarship application. But it's also the part of the application where the 'real you' can shine through. Make a hit with these tips from scholarship providers:

• Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get going.
• Be original. The judges may be asked to review hundreds of essays. It's your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. So be creative in your answers.
• Show, don’t tell. Use stories, examples and anecdotes to individualize your essay and demonstrate the point you want to make. By using specifics, you’ll avoid vagueness and generalities and make a stronger impression.
• Develop a theme. Don’t simply list all your achievements. Decide on a theme you want to convey that sums up the impression you want to make. Write about experiences that develop that theme.
• Know your audience. Personal essays are not 'one size fits all.' Write a new essay for each application—one that fits the interests and requirements of that scholarship organization. You're asking to be selected as the representative for that group. The essay is your chance to show how you are the ideal representative.
• Submit an essay that is neat and readable. Make sure your essay is neatly typed, and that there is a lot of 'white space' on the page. Double-space the essay, and provide adequate margins (1"-1 1/2") on all sides.
• Make sure your essay is well written. Proofread carefully, check spelling and grammar and share your essay with friends or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss.