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• How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

Published on October 11, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A good scholarship essay demonstrates the scholarship organization’s values while directly addressing the prompt. If you plan ahead , you can save time by writing one essay for multiple prompts with similar questions.

Table of contents

Apply for a wide variety of scholarships, make a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, tailor your essay to the organization and the prompt, write a focused and relevant personal story, scholarship essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Scholarships are a type of student financial aid that don’t require repayment. They are awarded based on various factors, including academic merit, financial need, intended major, personal background, or activities and interests.

Like college applications, scholarship applications often require students to submit their grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

A scholarship essay shares your values and qualities in the context of a specific question, such as “How does technology affect your daily life?” or “Who has had the greatest impact on your life?”

Be wary of scholarship scams

While some applications may not require an essay, be wary of scholarship scams that do the following:

• Guarantee you scholarship money for a fee
• Claim scholarship information is exclusive to their company
• Ask for your bank or credit card information to hold the scholarship

Some legitimate companies do charge for releasing comprehensive scholarship lists or creating a tailored list of scholarship opportunities based on your profile.

However, you can always discover scholarship opportunities for free through your school counselor, community network, or an online search.

Many students focus on well-known, large scholarship opportunities, which are usually very competitive. To maximize your chance of success, invest time in applying for a wide variety of scholarships: national and local, as well as big and small award amounts. There are also scholarships for international students .

In addition to charitable foundation and corporate scholarships, you should consider applying for institutional scholarships at your prospective universities, which can award money based on your application’s strength, your financial situation, and your demonstrated interest in the school.

Check with your guidance counselor, local organizations, community network, or prospective schools’ financial aid offices for scholarship opportunities. It’s a good idea to start applying as early as your junior year and continue throughout your senior year.

Choose the right scholarships for you

Choose scholarships with missions and essay topics that match your background, experiences, and interests. If the scholarship topic is meaningful to you, it will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay.

Don’t shy away from applying for local scholarships with small dollar amounts. Even a few hundred dollars can help you pay for books.

Local scholarships may be more tailored to your community, background, and activities, so they’re likely more relevant to you. Fewer students apply for these scholarships, so you have less competition and a higher chance of success.

Some places to look for local scholarships include

• Civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.
• Your church, mosque, synagogue, or place of worship
• Community groups, such as the YMCA
• Ethnicity-based organizations
• Your local library or local small businesses
• Organizations related to your intended major
• Your city or town
• Your school district
• Unions, such as SEIU, the Teamsters, CWA, etc.
• Your employer or your parents’ employers
• Banks, credit unions, and local financial institutions

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While researching scholarship opportunities, create a scholarship tracker spreadsheet to keep track of the following:

• Scholarship amounts
• Required application materials

You can use our free Google Sheets template to track your scholarship applications.

Scholarship application tracker template

You can also include scholarship essay prompts in your college essay tracker sheet . By grouping or color-code overlapping essay prompts, you can plan to write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can also reuse or adapt your main college essay .

Even if you’re adapting another essay, it’s important to make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, stays within the word count limit , and demonstrates the organization’s values. The scholarship committee will be able to tell if you reuse an essay that doesn’t quite respond to the prompt, so be sure to tailor it to the questions asked.

Research each organization

Before writing, research the scholarship organization’s mission and reason for awarding the scholarship. Learning more about the organization can help you select an appropriate topic and relevant story.

While you should tailor your essay to the organization’s values, maintain your authentic voice. Never use false or exaggerated stories. If the organization’s values don’t align with yours or you can’t brainstorm a relevant story for the scholarship, continue searching for other scholarship opportunities to find a more appropriate one for you.

After researching the organization, identify a specific personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies why you will be a successful student.

Choose a story with the following criteria:

• Responds to the prompt
• Demonstrates the organization’s values
• Includes an authentic story
• Focuses on you and your experience, not someone else’s

A good scholarship essay is not

• A resume of your achievements
• A lengthy opinion piece about the essay topic
• An essay featuring a negative tone that puts down others

If appropriate, you can briefly address how the scholarship money will help you achieve your educational goals. You should also end with a brief thank-you.

Take a look at the full essay example below. Hover over the underlined parts to read explanations of why they work.

Prompt: Describe how working for Chelsea’s Chicken restaurant has developed leadership skills that will help you succeed in college. Give specific examples of leadership characteristics that you have exhibited during your employment with us.

As a nervous 16-year-old, I walked into Chelsea’s Chicken for my first day of work determined to make enough money to put gas in my car and buy pizza on the weekends. My only previous job was mowing my neighbors’ lawns when they were on vacation, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a bit intimidated by my new responsibilities, especially handling money and helping disgruntled customers.

However, it didn’t take me long to learn my way around the cash register and successfully address customer complaints. One day, Roger, the store manager, asked me if I wanted to join Chelsea’s Chicken Leadership Training Initiative. He said he saw leadership potential in me because of my attitude with the customers and my enthusiasm for learning new job responsibilities. It surprised me because I had never thought of myself as a leader, but I quickly agreed, and Roger handed me a three-ring binder that was thicker than my math and science textbooks put together! He told me to take it home and read over it during the following week.

In that binder, I discovered that being a leader means taking the initiative, especially when the job is undesirable. One week later, I got to practice that idea when a little kid threw up in the bathroom and missed the toilet. It smelled terrible, but I stepped forward and told Roger that I would clean it up. My coworkers thought I was crazy, but I started to believe in my leadership potential.

That night as we closed the store, Roger pulled me aside in the parking lot and told me that he could tell that I had been studying the manual. He wanted to give me more responsibility, along with a dollar-per-hour pay raise. I was surprised because I had been working there for only a couple of months, but his encouragement helped me make a connection: good leadership helps other people, and it often is rewarded. I was determined to experience more of both.

Within a month, I was ready to take the Team Leader exam, which mattered because I would receive a promotion and a much bigger raise if I passed. But, when I got to work, two of the scheduled team members had called in sick. We were noticeably short-handed, and our customers weren’t happy about it.

I walked back to the lockers, put on my vest and hat, and took my place behind an open register. Customers immediately moved into my line to place their orders. Roger looked at me with surprise and asked, “Did you forget that you’re testing tonight?” I responded, “No, sir—but what’s the use of taking a leadership test if you aren’t going to lead in real life?” Roger smiled at me and nodded.

He stayed late that night after we closed so that I could leave early and still take the test. I noticed that Roger was always staying late, helping employees learn new skills. His example taught me that leaders take the initiative to develop other leaders. He gave me a clear picture of what shared leadership looks like, making room for others to grow and excel. When I asked him where he learned to do that, he said, “From the same leadership manual I gave you!”

Chelsea’s Chicken has offered me so much more than a paycheck. Because of Roger’s example, I have learned to take the initiative to care for my family and friends, such as being the first to do the dishes without my mom asking or volunteering to pick up my friend for our SAT prep course. Now, as I prepare to enter college, I have confidence in my leadership ability. I know I’m signing up for a challenging major—Biology, Pre-Med—yet I also know that Chelsea’s Chicken has helped me to develop the perseverance required to complete my studies successfully.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.

Invest time in applying for various scholarships , especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.

You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.

Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count , and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay .

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How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays: Tips and Examples

Many students dream of going to colleges and universities, but the rising cost of education often stands in their way. Fortunately, scholarships provide a possible solution to this financial hurdle. Scholarships not only help students pay for their education but also offer a chance to showcase their achievements and potential. However, the competition for scholarships can be fierce, with thousands of applicants vying for limited funds. To maximize your chances of success, it is crucial to know the secrets of writing winning scholarship essays.

When it comes to writing scholarship essays, it is important to note that the written piece serves as a window into your life. It gives the scholarship committee a glimpse into your personality, values, and beliefs. Therefore, it is essential to convey a strong and authentic voice throughout your essay. By doing so, you can leave a lasting impression on the committee and increase your chances of securing the scholarship.

One of the most important things to remember while writing a scholarship essay is to answer the given question or prompt. This sounds simple, but many applicants often get sidetracked or fail to address the question directly. To avoid this pitfall, take the time to carefully read and analyze the prompt. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you and craft your essay accordingly. By staying focused on the question, you can demonstrate your ability to think critically and provide a thoughtful response.

Furthermore, a winning scholarship essay should tell a captivating story that highlights your unique experiences and achievements. Consider incorporating personal anecdotes, such as a time when you faced a challenge or a moment of triumph. These stories not only make your essay more interesting to read but also allow the scholarship committee to get to know you on a deeper level. Remember, your essay is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression, so make it count!

In addition to storytelling, it is also important to showcase your knowledge and passion in the essay. Demonstrate that you have studied and understand the field or subject area relevant to the scholarship. Share your insights, ideas, and future goals regarding the topic. By displaying your expertise and enthusiasm, you not only show your dedication but also prove that you are a worthy investment for the scholarship foundation.

Lastly, don’t forget the basics of good writing when crafting your scholarship essay. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are just as important as the content itself. Avoid typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your essay multiple times. You can also ask a trusted friend, teacher, or family member to review your essay and provide feedback. Remember, a well-written and error-free essay presents a professional image and increases your chances of success.

Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Scholarship Essay

When it comes to writing a scholarship essay, there are a few key tips and techniques that can help you stand out from the competition. Whether you’re applying for a scholarship based on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or personal beliefs, it’s important to create a compelling essay that clearly communicates your unique qualities and abilities. Here are some tips to help you craft an outstanding scholarship essay:

The first paragraph of your essay should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Consider using a personal anecdote or a surprising statistic to hook the reader and establish your unique voice.

2. Stay focused and organized

Make sure your essay is well-structured and follows a logical flow. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, and the content should be relevant to your overall thesis. Avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary information.

3. Be specific and provide examples

Instead of making general statements, provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your points. This will make your essay more memorable and persuasive.

4. Highlight your achievements and experiences

Don’t be shy about showcasing your accomplishments. Whether it’s winning a competition, taking on a leadership role, or overcoming personal struggles, make sure to highlight the moments that have shaped you into the person you are today.

5. Tailor your essay to the scholarship institution

Research the institution offering the scholarship and tailor your essay to align with their values and goals. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

6. Edit and proofread

Before submitting your essay, make sure to thoroughly edit and proofread it for grammar and spelling errors. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review it for clarity and coherence.

By following these tips, you can craft a scholarship essay that not only impresses the scholarship committee but also showcases your unique qualities and abilities. Good luck with your scholarship application!

Examples of Successful Scholarship Essays

1. my journey as a flying problem solver.

As an aspiring engineer, I have always been fascinated by flight and the challenges associated with it. In my scholarship essay, I explained how my love for aviation led me to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. I highlighted the problem-solving skills I have developed through my coursework and internships, showcasing how I am ready to tackle the complex challenges faced in the aviation industry.

2. Embracing My Heritage as a Muslim Student

Being a Muslim student in a predominantly non-Muslim school has its challenges, but I have learned to embrace my heritage and use it as a source of strength. In my scholarship essay, I shared how my Islamic beliefs have shaped my values and made me a more compassionate and understanding individual. I also discussed the importance of promoting unity and diversity in educational institutions and the wider society.

3. Making a Difference through Science and Technology

Science and technology have always fascinated me, and I believe they hold the key to solving many of the world’s pressing issues. In my scholarship essay, I discussed my passion for learning and how I have used my knowledge in science and technology to make a difference in my community. I shared projects I have undertaken, such as developing a piezoresistive sensor for monitoring air quality, and explained how these experiences have shaped my career goals.

4. Overcoming Language Barriers and Finding my Voice

English is not my first language, and I faced many challenges when I first started school in the United States. However, I did not let this discourage me. In my scholarship essay, I talked about my journey of learning a new language and how it has opened doors for me. I highlighted the activities I have engaged in, such as joining the school newspaper, where I have written articles on topics I am passionate about. I also discussed the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in schools.

5. The Journey of a Military Student

As a military student, I have had to adapt to new places and schools frequently. In my scholarship essay, I shared my experiences of moving from place to place and how it has shaped my character. I discussed the challenges I have faced, such as leaving friends behind and starting over in a new school. I also talked about the valuable life skills I have gained, such as resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

Importance of Feedback in Improving Scholarship Essays

Writing scholarship essays can be a difficult task because it requires presenting oneself in the best possible light, while also adhering to the guidelines and standards set by the scholarship organization. In many cases, the essay itself can make or break the chances of winning a scholarship.

Getting feedback on your scholarship essay is essential for improving its quality and increasing your chances of success. Feedback provides a fresh perspective and highlights any weaknesses that may not be apparent to the writer. It allows you to see your essay from another person’s point of view, which can be invaluable in identifying areas that need improvement.

The Benefits of Feedback

Receiving feedback on your scholarship essay is worth its weight in gold. It helps you see the essay through the eyes of the reader, ensuring that you are effectively communicating your thoughts and ideas. Feedback helps you identify areas where the essay might be unclear or difficult to understand and provides suggestions on how to make it more concise and focused.

Feedback also ensures that your essay meets the specific requirements set by the scholarship organization. Sometimes, essay prompts can be broad or open-ended, leaving room for interpretation. By receiving feedback, you can ensure that your essay stays on track and addresses the specific question or prompt effectively.

Moreover, feedback helps you highlight your achievements and personal strengths. While it’s important to be humble in a scholarship essay, providing concrete examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to your academic or career goals can make your essay stand out from the rest. By receiving feedback, you can ensure that your achievements are showcased effectively without sounding boastful.

Where to Find Feedback

There are several sources from where you can seek feedback on your scholarship essay. One option is to ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Another option is to seek feedback from professionals, such as college counselors or scholarship essay coaches, who have experience in reviewing scholarship applications.

Another valuable source of feedback is online communities or writing groups focused on scholarships or college applications. These platforms provide opportunities to share your essay with others in a similar situation, and they can provide valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Being Open to Feedback

Receiving feedback on your scholarship essay can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if it highlights weaknesses or areas where improvement is needed. However, it’s important to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to make changes.

Remember that feedback is meant to help you improve your essay and increase your chances of winning the scholarship. Take notes on the feedback you receive and consider each suggestion carefully. It’s important to remember that feedback is not a personal attack but rather an opportunity for growth.

How do I start writing a scholarship essay?

To start writing a scholarship essay, first read and understand the prompt of the essay. Make sure you know what the essay is asking and what the scholarship committee is looking for in the essay. Then, brainstorm ideas and think about personal experiences or stories that can support your essay. Finally, create an outline to organize your thoughts and start writing the essay.

What should I include in a scholarship essay?

A scholarship essay should include your personal story, experiences, and goals. It is important to highlight your achievements, skills, and strengths that make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. Make sure to address the prompt of the essay and explain why you deserve to receive the scholarship.

How long should a scholarship essay be?

The length of a scholarship essay may vary depending on the specific instructions given by the scholarship committee. However, most scholarship essays are usually 500-1000 words long. It is important to follow the word limit and ensure that your essay is concise, well-written, and focused on the main points.

Can I reuse my scholarship essay for multiple scholarships?

It is possible to reuse parts of your scholarship essay for multiple scholarships, but it is important to tailor your essay to each specific scholarship. Make sure to read the prompt and requirements of each scholarship carefully, and modify your essay to address the specific question or criteria of each scholarship. This will increase your chances of success.

How can I make my scholarship essay stand out?

To make your scholarship essay stand out, you can start with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Use personal anecdotes, specific examples, and vivid language to make your essay engaging and memorable. Also, make sure to proofread your essay to avoid any grammatical or spelling errors. Finally, be genuine and authentic in your writing and let your passion and personality shine through.

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The Ultimate Guide To Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

Stand out from the rest.

With the cost of higher education skyrocketing in the last few decades, it’s no surprise that many students seek out scholarships to help cover tuition. As a result, it’s a very competitive endeavor, which is why students need to find ways to stand out. We’ve put together this resource to help write a scholarship essay that will get the application committee’s attention.

How To Find Scholarships

Many students know that they want to apply for scholarships but don’t know where to find them. Honestly, this can be the most difficult and intimidating part of the process for students! Here are some suggestions for where to start. 

Ask a Guidance Counselor

One of the best resources for high school students is their guidance counselor. They are prepared to help students make academic and career plans and should be aware of scholarship opportunities to align with your needs and goals. 

Talk to the College or University

Already have a college or university picked out? Reach out to the school’s financial aid department. In addition to the many scholarships you can find online, they may offer information about funding offered directly through the school. 

Submit a FAFSA Application

Even if a student isn’t planning to accept student loans, they should definitely consider completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Not only will the resulting report inform them of any financial assistance for which they qualify, but many scholarship committees require applicants to submit a FAFSA. 

Search Scholarship Websites

There are many scholarship websites where students can find awards and applications. Sites such as Scholarships.com and Scholarship 360 allow you to use filters to narrow down your search results based on your needs and interests. 

We’ve also put together the following guides:

• How To Get a Full-Ride Scholarship
• Best Merit-Based Scholarships  
• Excellent Scholarships for High School Seniors
• Great Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Best Scholarship Opportunities for Future Teachers

Do an Internet Search

Head to a search engine, social media platform, or sites like Reddit to look for scholarships. You can even create posts inviting other users to share suggestions.

Ask an Employer

Some workplaces offer tuition benefits or other financial assistance for higher education. If a student is employed, it’s an option to reach out to someone in the HR department to see if they offer any programs or scholarships. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Scholarship Essay

Do: know the rules.

The most important thing anyone can do before writing a scholarship essay is this: Read all of the rules and guidelines and then reread them! Students can even ask someone else to read them too, to make sure they fully understand what they need to do. Failing to follow the rules is one of the main reasons why students are unsuccessful in getting scholarships. 

Do: Set Aside Plenty of Time

Start working on scholarship essays right away. Do not wait until a week (or day!) before the deadline. This gives students time to write several drafts of the essay if needed. Also, you never know when a technology-related issue might strike, so having a little extra time can save you from disaster. 

Do: Research the Scholarship Provider

Dig deep when applying for a scholarship. Find out who is funding the award and spend some time researching the provider. Do they have a vision or mission statement? Do they support any specific causes or types of students? Is there any way that applicants can make themselves more attractive candidates for the specific audience? Students should use this information to their advantage! 

Do: Brainstorm

Students should take some time to think about what they’ve learned about the scholarship essay guidelines and the provider. Then, brainstorm about what they want to say and share and why. Here are some questions to ask as they pertain to education and career goals:

• Who are you? Think of yourself but also your background.
• What makes you who you are?
• What have you done?
• What do you want to do?
• How are you going to get there?
• Why do you need a scholarship?
• How will it make a difference?
• Are you a first-generation college student?
• Do you have any unique qualities or needs?
• What makes you proud?
• What lessons have you learned?

These are heavy questions, but finding the answers to at least some of them will help provide the substance needed to write a truly effective scholarship essay. 

Do: Find Ways To Stand Out

Many, many students are applying for scholarships. They have to find a way to stand out from the rest. Students should think of the things they learned when they researched the scholarship provider. Are there any ways they can appeal to that audience? If so, focus on those areas. 

Do: Be Honest

Do not lie on a scholarship application. Let’s say that again: Do not lie on a scholarship application. Students should remind themselves that they are worthy on their own. If an applicant is discovered to be dishonest, it can really hurt them in the long run. 

Do: Stay on Topic

When reading the guidelines for the scholarship and doing brainstorming, be sure to keep the topic of the essay in mind. Everything students share and communicate should be related to the topic. 

Do: Be Professional

Students should use their very best skills when writing a scholarship essay. They should not use slang, casual language, unconventional fonts, emojis, or texting abbreviations. 

Do: Proofread and Edit Multiple Times

It’s a good idea to prepare to write this essay at least three times. First, there’s a rough draft that should be carefully proofread. Students can ask a teacher or other professional to also look at their paper. Then students should repeat this process once or twice more until they’re happy with the results. They shouldn’t just write it and submit it all at once! 

Don’t: Brag

While students want to highlight their strengths and accomplishments, they should not brag. They also don’t want to put down other candidates or people to make themselves look good. Tell a story without embellishments. 

Don’t: Reuse a Scholarship Essay

Students put a lot of effort into writing scholarship essays, but please don’t reuse them! 

Scholarship Essay Sample Outline

Ready to get started? Having a solid outline provides a road map for the journey. Here are some suggestions for making it easier to write a scholarship essay! 

Introduction

Students should explain who they are and try to make it engaging. Hook readers by sharing a few details that will be elaborated on in the body of the essay. 

Educational and Career Goals

Students should share what they want to study and hope to gain by getting an education, as well as how it will prepare them for their future career. They should be passionate! 

Who Are You?

Student should briefly explain their background, which can include details about family, personal values, and how they got to where they are today. 

Why Are You a Good Candidate for the Scholarship?

This is where students need to really think about what they learned about the scholarship provider. What are they looking for in a candidate? Students should do their best to not only shine as a good student and leader, but also find solid ways to connect with the scholarship provider’s mission. After including some teasers or breadcrumbs in the introduction to hook the reader, this is a good place to share the rest of the story. 

To wrap up a scholarship essay, students should reiterate their commitment to their education and career. Restate how the story shared demonstrates a readiness for college and how winning the scholarship can help the applicant follow their dreams. Best of luck!

Do you have tips on how to write a scholarship essay? Share them below! Plus, check out  The Ultimate Guide to College Scholarships!

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10 tips on how to write a winning scholarship essay

Studying abroad can be a costly affair for international students, but scholarships can offer some respite . Scholarship applications typically require students to write a scholarship essay to show the admissions committee why they deserve funding.

While competitive, the essay gives you a platform to demonstrate your strengths, goals and accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom.

It requires plenty of thought to produce a winning scholarship essay, but with the cost of tuition rising each year – one academic year’s tuition fees at a US university can range from US$40,000 to US$52,000 while fees at a UK university could start from £9,250 up to £30,000, depending on the course major — the results may be well worth your effort. 

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy, here are 10 tips on writing a scholarship essay:

The scholarship essay gives students a platform to demonstrate their strengths, goals and accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom. Source: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP

Scholarship essay tip 1: Highlight what makes you unique

There is no perfect scholarship essay or writing formula, but the vast majority of winning essays give the scholarship committee a good idea of what drives you, your passions and what you want to do with your education. 

In short, write about who you are to the scholarship judges. Make them believe in you and your story.

Scholarship essay tip 2: Read the statement and identify key themes

Your scholarship essay prompt can be either a sentence or a question. From there, identify the theme and what you should expand on. This could be about leadership, your impact or even the community. 

You could write about certain experiences and accomplishments, how and why you chose to be involved in these activities, the challenges you faced and how you overcame these, as well as lessons learnt from the experience.

The more you understand these themes, the more examples you can include to showcase your skills and abilities and how you used them.

For example, 2013 QS Leadership Scholarship winner Hayley Capp ‘s essay statement was: “Where I have demonstrated responsible leadership, or innovation, and how it made a difference either in my community or in my work.”

Capp founded a branch of Enactus – “where people either work with social enterprises or to create a social enterprise, using business and entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions to social problems and make a difference to communities” – at her university during her undergraduate studies.

In her scholarship essay, Capp used her experience of collaborating with Enactus members in Uganda to design strategies for addressing high youth unemployment levels.

Scholarship essay tip 3: Be passionate

Some essay prompts will give you free rein to write about any topic, which will give you the advantage of writing about something that you enjoy or that means a lot to you.

For example, your prompt may ask you to describe your proudest accomplishments. You can discuss your volunteer experiences , or perhaps about looking after your sick family member despite having a busy schedule. An understanding of your family circumstances can give the admissions committee a holistic view of you as sports, extracurricular activities or even community service can be a privilege that requires resources an applicant may or may not have access to. 

Because Joy Zhou ’s supplemental scholarship essay asked her to describe an experience with an extracurricular activity of her choosing, she wrote about how she managed to found a Science Olympiad club in her high school despite numerous challenges, including objections from the athletic director.

“Try to go with something that you have been doing for a long time and think if there is something quirky or different about your experience in it, or there is some aspect of that experience that you can use to sum up the entirety of your experience doing the extracurricular activity or if there is a passion burning, you can write about that too,” Zhou advises.

Vanderbilt University awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Zhou.

Scholarship essay tip 4: Learn what moves the judges

Why are the judges or universities giving this scholarship? You have to dig deep to understand their motivations behind the scholarship, and what their mission is, be it to increase equity or the university’s competitive advantage.

Take a look at previous scholarship winners and read their essays or excerpts, and you will have a better idea of what appeals most to the scholarship committee.

Having a better understanding of what the scholarship committee is looking for will give you a better shot than writing an essay by shooting in the dark.

Scholarship essay tip 5: Create a strong hook

The beginning of your essay should have a strong hook. A powerful opening sentence will help you draw a reader in and convince him or her to read the rest of your essay.

Ritesh Verma wanted to be a millionaire so he studied stock patterns and professional trades and even made some money over two years. He felt he was ready to go even further so he asked his parents to fund an Ameritrade account but “the stock market took it within a week”.

He began his essay with,  “It was ironic that my life shattered into a million pieces,  or so I thought. What’s this dream? Well, I had a vision myself as a millionaire, realising that millionaire stock trader lifestyle that’s our ties across the internet.”

His essay helped him win a scholarship worth over  US$100,000 to study at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Scholarship essay tip 6: Be aware of the word limit

Many scholarships will have a word limit, so stick to it — it’s there for a reason. If you exceed the word count, your scholarship essay, however great and well-written, may be disqualified.

You can keep track of your word count when using  Microsoft Word or Google Docs. There are also apps to help you keep track of your words, including letter counter .

Scholarship essay tip 7: Plan, plan, plan

Your main goal is to make your scholarship essay stand out from the competition. One surefire tip is to plan what goes into your essay.

Create a structure (introduction, body and conclusion) that works for you — a winning scholarship essay may vary in structure, so you need to decide what would work for you that suits your content and writing style.

Scholarship essay tip 8: Persuasive writing

This might be of interest to you if you have not heard of the persuasive “writing triangle” before: ethos, pathos and logos. A great scholarship essay uses this triangle for maximum persuasive effect because these three techniques are excellent for pulling in the reader’s attention.

Ethos uses credibility or reliability to establish your knowledge on the subject matter. Your life experiences – which most scholarship essays ask about (luckily!) – are a form of ethos, so use this to your advantage.

Pathos makes use of emotional appeals like creativity and imagination. For example, you may be asked to talk about an imaginary future and how you will make this a better one with your invention or strengths.

Finally, logos refers to using logic to make your points more factual. Your scholarship essay can include key statistics about a related social issue that you want to discuss.

Scholarship essay tip 9: Be realistic and specific 

Why do you deserve a scholarship? This can be a challenging question to answer, particularly for a need-based scholarship, as you may struggle to decide how honest you want to be about your financial or family circumstances that have led you to apply for a scholarship in the first place.

It’s important to note that you should never lie in your essay. If you know what you want to get out from your scholarship is funding for your studies, state it in your essay. Explain how the scholarship can help you to achieve your goals.

Scholarship essay tip 10: Revise

Above all, make an effort to revise your scholarship essay. Take breaks whenever possible and look at your essay with fresh eyes. This way, you will find more ways of revising your essay to ensure the final copy reads and flows well.

Find someone you can trust – your teacher, friend or advisor – to read your draft. Sometimes, they will find mistakes you have missed and can give you feedback on how to improve it.

All in all, we understand writing a scholarship essay is not easy, but with these tips, we hope that you will have an easier time doing this. All the best!

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• Student Questions

How Do I Write A Winning Scholarship Essay?

Are you eager to learn the secrets of crafting a winning scholarship essay that will set you apart from the competition? Do you want to discover the tips and techniques that will help you showcase your unique qualities and convince scholarship committees to choose you? Look no further! In this article, you will find valuable insights and practical advice on how to write a captivating scholarship essay that will increase your chances of securing the financial support you need for your educational journey.

Table of Contents

Understanding Scholarship Essays

What is a scholarship essay.

A scholarship essay is a written piece that is typically required by scholarship committees as part of the application process. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, experiences, and aspirations to the committee, with the aim of convincing them that you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

Why are scholarship essays important?

Scholarship essays are important because they provide you with the chance to stand out among other applicants. They allow you to share your unique story, highlight your achievements, and demonstrate your potential to make a difference in your field of study. Scholarship essays give scholarship committees valuable insights into who you are as a person and how you align with their mission and values.

What are scholarship committees looking for?

Scholarship committees are looking for several key qualities and characteristics in scholarship essays. They want to see your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study, as well as evidence of your achievements and potential. They also want to understand how receiving the scholarship will help you reach your goals and make a positive impact. Lastly, scholarship committees are looking for authentic and genuine essays that stand out from the rest.

Preparation and Research

Know the scholarship requirements.

Before starting your essay, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the scholarship requirements. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria, word count, deadline, and any specific guidelines or prompts provided. Understanding the requirements will help you tailor your essay to meet the scholarship committee’s expectations.

Research the scholarship provider

Take some time to research the organization or institution offering the scholarship. Visit their website, read about their mission and values, and learn about their previous scholarship recipients or projects they have supported. This research will allow you to understand their priorities and tailor your essay to align with their goals.

Understand the essay prompt

The essay prompt is the question or statement provided by the scholarship committee that you must address in your essay. Take the time to carefully analyze and understand the prompt. Identify the key themes or ideas the committee wants you to explore, and consider how you can best showcase your skills and experiences within the scope of the prompt.

Gather relevant information

To write a compelling scholarship essay, you need to gather relevant information about yourself and your achievements. Review your academic record, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any other experiences that have shaped who you are. Identify key accomplishments, challenges overcome, and lessons learned that you can incorporate into your essay to make it impactful and engaging.

Structuring Your Essay

Create an outline.

Before diving into writing, create a clear and concise outline for your essay. An outline will serve as a roadmap, helping you organize your thoughts, maintain a logical flow, and ensure you cover all the necessary points. Divide your outline into sections for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction is the first impression the scholarship committee will have of your essay, so it’s important to make it engaging and compelling. Grab the reader’s attention with a captivating hook, such as an intriguing fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. Clearly state the purpose of your essay, which is to demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. Provide some background information to give the reader context and set the stage for the rest of your essay.

Body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your essay should each focus on a main idea or aspect of your candidacy. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point you are trying to convey. Use clear and concise language to explain your ideas, providing specific examples and evidence to support them. Avoid repetition and tangents to ensure that your essay remains focused and cohesive.

The conclusion is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee. Summarize the main points you have discussed in your essay, reminding the reader of your achievements, aspirations, and commitment to your field of study. Reiterate the importance of your topic and why it matters to you. Leave the reader with a memorable closing statement that reinforces your suitability for the scholarship and your dedication to making a positive impact.

Writing Engaging Introductions

Grab the reader’s attention.

In order to stand out from other applicants, it is crucial to grab the reader’s attention right from the start. Use a captivating hook to pique their curiosity and make them want to continue reading your essay. Consider starting with a compelling quote, an intriguing fact, or a personal anecdote that relates to your chosen field or the scholarship you are applying for.

Clearly state your purpose

Your introduction should clearly state the purpose of your essay, which is to convince the scholarship committee that you deserve the scholarship. Be explicit about why you are the ideal candidate and what makes you unique. Clearly articulate your goals, achievements, and aspirations, making it clear why you are deserving of their support.

Provide background information

While it is important to grab the reader’s attention, providing some background information is also essential. This will give the reader context and help them understand the motivation behind your application. Explain why you are interested in the field of study or career path you have chosen, and highlight any experiences or challenges that have shaped your journey so far.

Developing Strong Body Paragraphs

Focus on a main idea per paragraph.

Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea or aspect of your candidacy. This allows you to delve deeper into specific topics and present a clear and coherent argument. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point you will be discussing, and use the rest of the paragraph to provide evidence and examples to support your argument.

Use clear and concise language

When writing your body paragraphs, it is important to use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that could confuse the reader. Instead, strive for simplicity and clarity, ensuring that your message is easily understood and appreciated.

Support your ideas with evidence

To make your essay more compelling, it is important to support your ideas with concrete evidence. This could include specific examples from your experiences, achievements, or academic record. Use data, statistics, or testimonials to bolster your claims and demonstrate the impact of your work. By providing evidence, you make your essay more credible and convincing.

Avoid repetition and tangents

To maintain a logical and coherent flow in your essay, it is important to avoid repetition and tangents. Each body paragraph should contribute to your overall argument and provide new insights or examples. Make sure to review your essay and remove any redundant information or ideas that do not directly support your main points.

Crafting a Memorable Conclusion

Summarize your main points.

In your conclusion, it is important to summarize the main points you have discussed throughout your essay. Remind the reader of your achievements, experiences, and goals. This will reinforce the key aspects of your candidacy and leave a strong impression on the scholarship committee.

Reiterate the importance of your topic

The conclusion is a great opportunity to reiterate the importance of your chosen field of study or topic. Highlight the significance of the scholarship and how it will help you make a difference in your field. Show the committee that you are passionate about your area of interest and committed to contributing to its advancement.

Leave the reader with a lasting impression

To make your conclusion memorable, consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a powerful anecdote. This will leave a lasting impression and ensure that your essay stands out among the rest. Remember, you want to leave the reader wanting to learn more about you and why you deserve the scholarship.

Creating an Impactful Writing Style

Use specific and vivid language.

To make your essay engaging and memorable, it is essential to use specific and vivid language. Instead of using general or generic terms, be more descriptive and provide details that paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind. This will help make your essay more personal and relatable, allowing the scholarship committee to connect with your story on a deeper level.

Show, don’t tell

When describing your experiences or achievements, it is important to show, rather than tell, the reader. Instead of simply stating that you are passionate about a certain cause, provide specific examples of how you have taken action and made a difference in that area. By showing your dedication and commitment through concrete actions, you make your essay more impactful and believable.

Be authentic and genuine

Scholarship committees are looking for genuine and authentic essays that reflect who you truly are. It is important to be yourself and let your unique voice and personality shine through in your writing. Avoid trying to impress the committee with overly formal or complicated language. Instead, be honest, sincere, and true to yourself.

Proofread and revise your essay

Before submitting your essay, it is crucial to proofread and revise it thoroughly. Look for any grammar or spelling errors and correct them. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly and is free from unnecessary repetition or tangents. It can also be helpful to ask a trusted individual, such as a teacher, mentor, or family member, to review your essay and provide feedback.

Tailoring Your Essay to Scholarship Requirements

Address the essay prompt directly.

The essay prompt provided by the scholarship committee should be the focal point of your essay. Make sure to address the prompt directly and fully. Consider the key themes or ideas the committee wants you to explore and ensure that your essay provides a thoughtful response. By addressing the prompt head-on, you show the committee that you have carefully considered their requirements.

Highlight relevant experiences and achievements

To make your essay stand out, it is important to highlight relevant experiences and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the scholarship. Focus on those experiences that align with the scholarship’s goals and mission. This could include academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, volunteer work, or any other activities that showcase your dedication and potential.

Emphasize your passion and commitment

When crafting your essay, emphasize your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study or career path. Share the reasons why you are deeply interested in this area and how it has influenced your personal and academic journey. Show the scholarship committee that you are dedicated to making a difference and that receiving the scholarship will enable you to pursue your goals with even greater impact.

Demonstrate how your goals align with the scholarship

To convince the scholarship committee that you are the ideal candidate, it is important to demonstrate how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission and values. Research the scholarship provider and understand their priorities and objectives. Show the committee that you share their vision and that receiving the scholarship will enable you to contribute to their cause in a meaningful way.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Missing the deadline.

One of the most common mistakes is failing to submit the scholarship essay by the deadline. It is crucial to carefully note the deadline and manage your time effectively to ensure that you have ample time to write, revise, and proofread your essay. Missing the deadline could result in disqualification, so make sure to prioritize your essay and plan accordingly.

Ignoring the essay instructions

Another common mistake is ignoring or overlooking the essay instructions provided by the scholarship committee. Each scholarship may have specific requirements or prompts that need to be addressed. Failing to follow these instructions could result in your essay being disqualified. Take the time to thoroughly review and understand the instructions, and ensure that your essay adheres to them.

Failing to showcase your unique qualities

Scholarship committees are looking for candidates who stand out from the rest. Failing to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and achievements is a missed opportunity. Don’t be shy to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Use your essay as a platform to demonstrate why you are unique and deserving of the scholarship.

Using generic or cliché language

Using generic or cliché language can make your essay appear unoriginal and uninspiring. Scholarship committees read countless essays, so it is important to make yours memorable. Avoid using generic phrases or clichés and strive for originality in your writing. Use your own voice and tell your story in a way that engages the reader and sets you apart from other applicants.

Seeking Feedback and Proofreading

Ask for feedback from trusted individuals.

Before submitting your essay, it is highly recommended to seek feedback from trusted individuals. This could be a teacher, counselor, mentor, or family member who can provide objective insight. Ask them to review your essay for clarity, coherence, and overall impact. Their feedback can help you identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

Proofread for grammar and spelling errors

After receiving feedback from others, it is essential to proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Such errors can distract the reader and undermine the credibility of your writing. Use spelling and grammar checkers, as well as your own eyes, to identify and correct any mistakes. Pay special attention to the proper use of punctuation, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement.

Check for clarity and coherence

During the proofreading process, ensure that your essay flows smoothly and is easy to understand. Check for clarity and coherence by reading your essay out loud or asking someone else to read it aloud to you. This can help identify any awkward sentence structures, unclear ideas, or gaps in logic. Make necessary revisions to ensure that your essay is clear, well-organized, and coherent.

Ensure the essay meets the word count

Lastly, before submitting your essay, confirm that it meets the specified word count. Scholarship committees often have strict guidelines regarding word limits, so it is important to adhere to them. If your essay is too long, revise and condense your writing. If it is too short, consider adding additional examples or explanations to strengthen your points and fully address the prompt.

By following these guidelines and putting effort into crafting a well-written and compelling scholarship essay, you increase your chances of standing out as an exceptional candidate. Good luck!

Related posts:

• What Scholarships Am I Eligible For?
• Can I Apply For Multiple Scholarships?
• What Are The Requirements For Maintaining A Scholarship?

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How To Write A Scholarship Essay With Examples In 2023

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This is your time to shine!

When you apply for a scholarship, you have to submit an essay for it! Many students face one issue when they come across this step, and that is how to write a scholarship essay! Don't worry; this is an issue we will help you solve by teaching you everything you need to know about how to write a scholarship essay, from how to start a scholarship essay to how to end one! So, let's dive right into it! 

What is a Scholarship Essay?

Before we tell you about how to write a scholarship essay, you need to understand what it is! In a scholarship essay, you explain and persuade the committee members as to why you deserve financial aid. This essay is submitted with the scholarship application, and it is your one opportunity to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

How to write a Scholarship Essay?

Let's discuss how to write a scholarship essay! Here are a few things to keep in mind on how to write a scholarship essay. One simple tip on how to write a scholarship essay is just to make sure that your essay provides insight into your vision and experience, which ultimately defines you and your passion for your study subject. Here are a few points to note when you write an essay on a scholarship.

1. Have an engaging start

Have questions about how to start an essay? Try including a quote or phrase related to your planned course that you may later introduce in the essay. Giving an idea about your interest in the subject will persuade the committee. Showing a broader understanding of your subject can assist in persuading the judges to provide you with the financial aid you need. 

2. Know your target audience.

When you start to write your essay for a scholarship, you need to know your target audience, in this case, the scholarship committee; you need to understand their requirements and expectations. Find out their ideal prospect and make sure you fit into that vision. Make a list of key points you want to include in your essay. You don't have to give up your vision; modify your essay to fit their parameters.

3. Read the scholarship essay prompts thoroughly.

When you think about how to start a scholarship essay, the biggest tip is to read the essay prompts thoroughly. You must comply with the appropriate essay prompt structure and word count. Also, double-check that you are simply replying to all prompt sections.

4. Research about the scholarship provider

Read about the corporation or organisation in charge of the scholarship programme. You will find their mission and requirements on their website; this is one of the best tips on how to write a scholarship essay. This can help you customise your essay according to their needs. Many scholarship sponsors also showcase former scholarship winners on their websites, often with the winning essay. Examine what the scholarship provider says about prior winners to determine which of your qualities to emphasise in your essay.

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5. Authenticity is your power

One of the best tips on how to write a scholarship essay is that your life and experiences are essential and significant! You are not required to fabricate or invent details to appear more deserving of the scholarship money. Your authenticity is your power; use it for your gain. It is recommended to show and not tell, as it is evident for the readers to spot such things. Instead of just explaining everything, try constructing a vivid image for the reader. Don't just claim you're stressed out because you're juggling employment and high school; make a mental image and provide clear, credible instances. 

Gain a competitive edge by delving into the intricacies of scholarship opportunities in sought-after destinations such as Australia, Ireland, and the US. Your journey to academic excellence begins with the wisdom shared in our insightful blogs on student scholarships in Australia , scholarships in Ireland and if you want to apply in US then there is a blog on top scholarships in the USA for international students.

6. Seek out writing advice

To make your essay stand out, it's important to seek out writing advice and guidance from reliable sources when you are lost on how to write a scholarship essay. Your academic advisor can provide valuable insights into the writing process, such as how to write a scholarship essay, how to start a scholarship essay, and how to make your argument compelling. There are plenty of online resources that can help you improve your writing skills, such as grammar and style guides, online writing courses, and writing communities where you can get feedback on your work.

7. Look out for grammatical errors.

Make sure you proofread your essay and look for grammatical errors. You can scan your essay through various grammar-checking websites before submitting your essay.

Scholarship Essay Format

One of the key aspects of how to write a scholarship essay is to write a compelling argument to stand out from the competition and convince the selection committee that you are the best candidate for the award. However, it is equally important to pay attention to the essay format. We will discuss the important things to remember and include in a scholarship essay format.

1. Fonts to Use for Scholarship Essay

One tip on how to write a scholarship essay is to stick to a consistent professional style. This includes 1-inch page margins, a 12-point font size double-spaced, and a "standard" script like Times New Roman in classic black. Don't experiment with fonts or colours here. You want the content of your essay to stand out, not your unconventional formatting.

2. Scholarship Essay Title

The essay submission format determines this. You can copy and paste the body of your essay without a title if there is a text box entry. If you attach an essay as a Word or PDF document, you can include a title, although this is usually unnecessary unless there are specific scholarship essay format rules. Also, there is no need to add the essay question or prompt at the top of your essay.

3. Scholarship Essay Structure

The structure of the essay is a very crucial element. The structure of the essay helps you make a blueprint and guides you in deciding which points have to be included under which section. This is a format that is generally used when you think about how to write a scholarship essay. 

Introduction

When you think about how to start a scholarship essay, it needs to draw the attention of the reader with a catchy beginning line relating to the question. Introduce your significant points, which you will discuss later in your essay. Include a strong point that proves your determination and drive to attend college.

Extend your critical points in the essay for a scholarship here. Support your claims with proof, examples, and facts. This is the section where you can tell the committee how you got to where you are now, what inspired your hobbies, interests, or desire to attend college, and how the essay for a scholarship will help you reach your academic and personal goals. Remember to utilise specifics instead of broad remarks.

Describe how earning this award might help you achieve your goals and have a broader community impact, if any. Explain how critical this scholarship is to you, not only financially but also in terms of helping you reach your goals, and this is how to end a scholarship essay. You can know more through our blog on how to write personal statements . 

We have compiled some of the best scholarship essay examples which you can go through before starting your essay.

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Scholarship essay examples.

However, many overlook that receiving many minor scholarship applications can be life-changing. The essays below can help you move from planning and living your college and achieving professional goals.

1. This essay example is from the New York University College of Arts and Science essay.

"Although I agree that I will never be able to support myself only via ice skating, the education and talents I have obtained have opened endless avenues. Ice skating has given me the work ethic, resilience and inspiration to grow as a teacher and English speaker. It has helped my academic performance by instilling in me the importance of rhythm, health, and routine. "

2. This essay example is an excerpt from the North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship-winning essay.

"My parents pushed me to respect school when I was five years old because they were born in Vietnam and had limited access to education. Because of this disadvantage, I learnt to take everything seriously and to give everything I had to fulfil projects like founding my school's Badminton Club in my fresher year and the Red Cross Club this year. The more I got involved, the more I grew as a leader and as a person. As a leader, I acted the same way I did with my younger cousins and siblings."

Top 5 Scholarships and Scholarship Essays

The essay for a scholarship is written in order to give a small demonstration to the scholarship committee as to why you deserve the scholarship and what makes you the best among other students. You can highlight some of the challenges and how you coped up and overcame them, which shows your problem-solving ability. Here are the top 5 scholarships:

1. Kang Foundation and Legal Scholarship

2. New York University Scholarship

3. North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship

4. Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship 1

5. Questbridge Scholarship

Scholarship Essay Prompts

Are you struggling to come up with ideas on how to write a scholarship essay? There are plenty of standard essay prompts and topics out there to guide you. These prompts will help you get started on your essay for a scholarship and give it a definite structure. Let's explore some useful prompts that you can use to write an outstanding essay.

1. My family members.

2. My part-time job efforts in high school.

3. The doors I have opened.

4. My dreams and inspiration.

5. Learning for the best - how (person) changed my life.

6. The person who is influenced by views.

7. Goals I will achieve in 10 years.

8. What differentiates you from the hundreds of students who apply for our scholarships?

9. How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally?

Scholarship Essay Tips

It is crucial to make your essay for a scholarship stand out from the hundreds of other applicants while working on it. A well-written and formatted essay can not only grab the attention of the scholarship committee but also make a strong impression, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the scholarship. Here are some tips to follow to make your essay engaging and memorable

• Choose a topic you are passionate about.
• Follow a narrative structure.
• Re-read the essay prompt and identify the key themes. 
• Outline your essay before writing.
• Make sure your outline does justice to your essay prompt.
• Add your real-life experiences and highlight your problem-solving abilities.
• Talk about your accomplishments without bragging too much.
• Make sure your essay has a flow.
• Have someone with strong writing skills proofread your essay.
• Be concise and specific, and avoid generalising.
• Empower your sentences with punctuation.
• Do a little research about the university and the scholarship they are providing before starting your essay. 
• Be professional, but write the essay in your voice. 
• Avoid including inspirational quotes in your essay.

Do's and Don'ts of Writing a Scholarship Essay

When you think about how to write a scholarship essay, it may seem like a daunting task, but keeping the necessary guidelines in mind will make the process smoother. Here are some do's and don'ts that you should follow when you write an essay for a scholarship.

• Before writing your essay for a scholarship, read and understand the prompt carefully. You need to know the requirements and what the college is looking for, so tailor your essay accordingly.
• Your essay for a scholarship should showcase your achievements and why you deserve the scholarship out of all the other applicants. Mention your achievements, skills and experiences that prove your suitability for the scholarship.
• Be authentic and personal in your writing; your essay for a scholarship should be a reflection of who you are as a person. Your goal should be to create a lasting impression on the scholarship committee after reading your essay.
• Do edit and proofread your essay with care before submitting it. Check for grammar mistakes, coherence and flow of content. Your essay should be polished and professional.

Don'ts

• Never plagiarise in your essay, as this will definitely get your application rejected. Use your authentic words and ideas, and cite any sources properly if you need to use them in your essay.
• Avoid drama and emotions in the content of your essay. Even though you wish to add a personal touch to the essay with your qualities and experiences, you don't want to come across as insincere or overly emotional. 
• Submit your essay before the deadline, as missing it could potentially disqualify you from consideration.
• Your essay should be relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. Do not write an essay that is unrelated and does not answer the prompt. This may lead to disqualification, too.

We hope this guide helped you find new ways to write your scholarship essay. The amber scholarship is a scholarship provided by amber; we hope you try your luck with it! This is your chance to show the scholarship committee what you have to deserve the scholarship. Also, read about our blog on what should be written in personal statement . You can also check our detailed blog on how to write thesis statement

Frequently Asked Questions

How to start an essay for a scholarship for masters, why is an essay for a scholarship for masters an important part of the application process, are essays for a scholarship and college essays the same, can you write an essay for a scholarship in a 2nd and 3rd person perspective, what are some important aspects to keep in mind when writing an essay for a scholarship for a masters.

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• Essays / Financial Guides

How to Write an Outstanding Scholarship Essay

Are you searching for ways to fund your college education without worrying about repayment? Scholarships can be the answer you’re looking for! Scholarships provide you with free money to cover your educational expenses and give you a competitive edge among other applicants.

In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you write a winning scholarship essay.

1. Get Creative and Stand Out

When it comes to choosing a topic for your scholarship essay, it’s important to think outside the box and avoid common themes. Imagine being asked, “Who is your role model and why?” Instead of selecting a well-known celebrity or historical figure, consider someone who will capture the judges’ attention.

For instance, take a unique perspective by writing about someone like Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock.” Highlight his journey from having only $7 to his name to becoming a successful millionaire. Discuss how he established The Dwayne Johnson ROCK Foundation, an organization that helps hospitalized children and promotes physical fitness programs for children. This unconventional choice will make your essay memorable and showcase your ability to think differently.

2. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Applying for multiple scholarships can be overwhelming, but you can simplify the process by creating essay templates. As you begin to notice similarities in the essay questions, draft a few templates that can be easily tailored to specific scholarships. This approach will save you time and energy, allowing you to apply for more scholarships and increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

Remember, with an abundance of scholarships available, it’s crucial to treat the application process like a job. The more applications you complete, the higher your chances of securing the funds you need for your college education.

3. Infuse Passion into Your Writing

To captivate the judges, write about topics you are passionate about. Your essays should reflect your genuine interest and enthusiasm, making them more engaging to read. Let your passion shine through as you articulate your academic and career goals.

Show the judges how your passions will drive your studies and contribute to your success. Demonstrating your dedication through your writing will greatly increase your chances of being selected for a scholarship.

4. Check, Double-Check, and Revise

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-edited essay. Take the time to carefully proofread your work, checking for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure that your sentences are clear, concise, and effectively convey your message.

By demonstrating attention to detail and professionalism, you will leave a lasting impression on the judges. Remember, a flawless essay shows your commitment and can greatly enhance your chances of being awarded a scholarship.

Also read: How to Proofread Your College Essay for Success: 4 Essential Tips

In conclusion, winning a scholarship requires standing out from the competition. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing valuable scholarship awards for your college education.

Get creative, develop essay templates, infuse passion into your writing, and meticulously check your work. With a well-crafted scholarship essay, you can pave the way for a bright and successful future.

Good luck on your scholarship journey!

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How to write a scholarship essay

A step-by-step guide with instructions, outlines, and samples

Great scholarship essays show, not tell, why the applicant is a strong contender through personal stories. Writing a winning scholarship essay involves showcasing your accomplishments, skills, and volunteer work in a intimate, yet professional tone.

A great scholarship essay can increase your chances of receiving financial aid by helping you stand out from a crowd of applicants. In this guide, we’ll cover how to write a winning scholarship essay, so you can feel even more confident in your college application process.

Here’s what we’ll review:

• Why scholarship essays are important
• What makes a great scholarship essay
• What makes scholarship essays different from traditional essays
• How to stand out from the crowd by writing a great scholarship essay
• A sample of a scholarship essay (with explanations)
• Pro-writing tips and advice

Applying for college financial aid is a multi-step process, and an outstanding scholarship essay plays an important role.

Scholarship essays serve an important purpose

If you plan on applying for financial aid, you’ll need to know how to write a stellar scholarship essay. Writing a scholarship essay may be one of the most challenging parts of your application process, but it’s also one of the most important.

A scholarship essay is a tool that shows your college’s scholarship committee why they should support you financially. Through a concise, brief yet detailed and well-written essay , you have the opportunity to show your college how you’ll use the financial aid they give you to reach your goals and become an asset to the community.

You get to tell your college committee, in a professional way, why they would want you as part of their team.

Need a scholarship?  Click here to see scholarships that Ultius offers.

This requires you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments in a humble way that doesn’t sound like boasting. We’ll review some stylistic writing tips later that will help you do this. But first, let’s review the foundational elements of a scholarship essay and what makes it different from other academic writing.

Scholarship essays are different from traditional academic essays

A primary factor distinguishing scholarship essays from other types of academic essays is the fact that scholarship essays are, simply stated, all about you and your college: the entire focus is persuasive , and as described above, the purpose of the essay is to explain why and how you’ll use the financial aid you receive in the best way possible.

Before we dive into the “how to” of writing, let’s review some basic elements of a great scholarship essay.

What makes a great scholarship essay?

#1 the introduction.

Think of the introduction to your essay not just as an overview of what you’ll be discussing, (though it should give the readers a glimpse of your theme and main points), but more importantly as a chance to capture attention.

The title of your essay functions as a hook, engaging your reader. In the same way, the introduction should be interesting. It functions to make your reader want to continue reading your entire essay.

For example, which of the following headlines are you more likely to read?

• “Scholarship Essay for James Smith,” or,
• “Using a College Degree to Help Make American Schools More Affordable and Fun, by James Smith.”

Most likely, you’d want to read the second one. The first one is pretty dry and boring, and doesn’t really say anything about what the essay is about-- other than it being a scholarship essay.

There’s no incentive to read it.

Still stuck?  Consider using essay writing services from Ultius to get 1-on-1 help with your scholarship piece.

The second title, however, queues you as reader to read on. It is a title you can relate to as a student and a school administrator. Most students would like school to be fun, most parents would like it to be affordable, and most teachers would like it to be both. The second title is engaging because it is specific, relatable, and tells the reader about the value contained in the essay that follows.

Make your title and introduction specific and think about how you can say them in an interesting way that shows the reader your essay has value.

#2 Themes and examples

An organized and convincing essay generally has one primary theme that weaves all parts of the essay together. For instance, a scholarship essay may have a central theme like “community service,” or “ nursing and healthcare ,” or “business management,” depending upon the education, interests and life goals of the student writing.

The idea here is that, in writing your scholarship essay, you want to be sure to not only tell your college’s scholarship committee what your goals are, but also to demonstrate how you’ll apply your education to the real world, and what experience you have so far to help you do this.

#3 Anecdotes

Anecdotes are short, amusing stories about events or people. Similar to how we talked about using examples above, anecdotes are effective at demonstrating how the ideas you present in a scholarship essay apply to real life. Anecdotes help your ideas come to life.

For example, if you’re writing a scholarship essay about business leadership, you may choose to tell a story about how your work cleaning houses taught you about attention to detail in all areas of life. The example essay we’ll review below uses an anecdote about helping the family business better manage checkbook balancing.

Through stories, you have the chance to catch your readers’ attention by highlighting how you can contribute to the world with your skills and experience

#4 Writing with passion

Writing with passion is important because it shows the scholarship committee you’re applying to that you care, and that you’ll make your best effort to use the financial aid you’re given in a productive, meaningful way.

Passion also helps your reader(s) stay engaged by writing in a way that others can empathetically relate to.

Said simply, writing with passion makes your essay interesting.

The example essay later in this guide demonstrates passion in the concluding paragraph by explaining why the essay writer wants to study business management—in order to improve the lives of employees and community members through providing wholesome food.

In this way, the essay becomes personal, and reveals the writer’s individual values and motives.

#5 Getting the formatting correct

Great scholarship essays are formatted according to the requirements of the school the essay writer is applying to. Following correct formatting requirements demonstrates that you are organized and able to follow instructions. Different schools may have different requirements when it comes to formatting, so be sure to clarify your instructions.

A general rule of thumb, especially if you’re given few instructions, is to double space your essay and use one-inch margins. If you quote or paraphrase any information from another source, be sure to cite it correctly and in the style the college you’re applying to requires. Common citation styles are APA and MLA.

Generally, you probably won’t have many citations in a scholarship essay since it is primarily focused on how you will apply your personal experiences and education to further your career goals.

Last, great scholarship essays have appropriately spaced paragraphs and phrases. They avoid run-on sentences and break up information into digestible bits. Generally, a single paragraph shouldn’t be more than two-thirds of a page if it’s double-spaced, or a third of a page if it’s single-spaced. Separating and organizing different thoughts into different paragraphs makes your writing easier and more enjoyable to read.

#6 End with a strong conclusion

Fantastic scholarship essays don’t neglect the chance to leave a lasting impression with readers. A common mistake inexperienced writers make is putting lots of attention into the introduction but little attention into the conclusion .

Clearly, it makes sense that the conclusion would be an easy area to neglect from a writer’s standpoint, since the writing process is almost complete and a simple re-cap of your main points should suffice, right?

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction. The introduction flags readers’ attention and makes sure your essay is read in the first place, whereas the conclusion makes sure the reader remembers and acts on what he or she has just read.

And in the case of a scholarship essay, acting on what was just read means choosing the essay writer as a financial aid candidate.

Review: the elements of a great scholarship essay:

The diagram below illustrates the components that make up a scholarship essay that is easy to read, interesting, relevant, and organized.

How to stand out and write a winning scholarship essay

Now that we’ve reviewed the basic elements of a great scholarship essay, let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to take to write an essay that will win you the college education you’re aiming for.

#1 Know what your audience wants to hear in your scholarship essay

The first step in being able to choose a theme that is relevant to your goals and experiences and sounds appealing to your scholarship committee, is to know what your audience looking for.

Think about what’s important to the school you’re applying to. This is a balancing act. You don’t want to write an essay that sounds too salesy, or appears to obviously “schmooze” your scholarship committee, but you do want your essay to be relevant to what your committee cares about.

The best way to do this is to understand the scholarship you’re applying for , and why it’s offered.

Likewise, if you’re applying to a scholarship offered based upon GPA, you’ll probably want to talk about your experience with grade achievement, critical thinking capacity and how you plan to apply those skills to your college and professional goals.

Finally, if you’re applying to a nurse educator scholarship, you’ll most likely want to highlight what life experiences contribute to your ability to be a fantastic future nursing leader.

The key, when understanding your audience, is to ask:

“Why are the donors of this scholarship (the people providing the money) offering financial aid?”

In other words, who do the donors want to support? Who would be their ideal candidate?

Next, list some reasons why you match what they’re looking for and some corresponding real-life examples. You can use this list later when you create your writing outline.

#2 Find your scholarship essay theme

This second step is similar to the first, since in understanding your audience you’ll likely find your theme. However, during this second step, you’ll start to elaborate. Instead of just understanding what your audience, or the scholarship committee, is looking for, you’ll identify a theme that unifies your goals and experiences with what’s important to your audience.

Remember the list you created in step #1?

Here’s where it starts to come in handy. What’s the common theme that emerges as you look at the reasons you match what your audience is looking for? Likely, they’ll match the type of scholarship you’re applying to.

Or, if you’re applying for an arts scholarship, you’ve had experience painting murals with school groups and you want to become an art teacher, your theme may be “helping classroom education come to life with visual arts.”

Your theme won’t necessarily be the title of your essay (though it could be). Rather, it will guide your title, and it will also guide the rest of your writing. Your theme is like a compass. Everything you write should point back to your theme, explaining why and how you’re an ideal candidate for the scholarship.

#3 Create an outline for your scholarship essay

This step should be relatively simple. Use the list you made in step one to help you. Your outline should start with an introduction and end with a conclusion (see the earlier section of this blog for how to write an effective intro and conclusion). In the middle should be the main body and point(s) of your essay (you should do this whether you decide to buy an essay or not).

The body and main points will be filled with examples of your experiences that relate to your educational and professional goals.

Start by listing the goals and the examples you want to write about, and then arrange them in an order that logically flows and makes sense.

As you write, use transitional phrases and storytelling so that your writing doesn’t feel like a “list,” but instead, flows seamlessly.

#4 Be creative and original

The word creative is used a lot today, but what does it actually mean? In the case of a scholarship essay, being creative means being original. You’ve got to stand out from a crowd of other applicants.

That means avoiding generic stories and phrases. It also means avoiding generalizations and clichés . When you tell a story or share your experience, get specific. If you get specific, it’s hard not to be original, because chances are, no one else has had experiences quite like yours.

#5 Show, don’t tell in your essay

Imagine trying to learn to play basketball just by being told about the game through a lecture, and then being thrown into your first game. It’d be pretty frightening, to say the least! You’d probably stumble all over the court and drop the ball. However, if a coach took you out onto the court and showed you how to dribble and shoot, you’d learn more quickly, because you’d be able to observe the game actually happening. You’d be shown.

If you’re an adult applying for a scholarship to help financially because you want to go back to school, you can be extremely descriptive in your reasoning for needing that scholarship.

The same concept applies in writing. If you tell your reader about something, you’re likely to have less of an impact. But, if you show him or her, they’ll understand and be able to visualize what you’re saying.

#6 Use stories in your scholarship essay

Stories are effective ways of showing, instead of telling, your reader what you’re trying to say. In a scholarship essay, this couldn’t be more important. For instance, consider the “telling” versus “showing” example we reviewed above. If you’re trying to tell your reader about your business management skills, show him or her how you solved a specific challenge for a business.

#7 Proofread and know when to ask for help!

Another round of editing can mean the difference between a polished essay that wows critical eyes of your scholarship committee, or one that gets set aside just because of a few fixable errors. Submitting a proofread paper shows that you’ve taken the time to correct your work and put your best impression forward. Proofread your work at least twice, and have a friend read it as well to catch any last errors. Finally, if you feel stuck, know where to find help. The Ultius writer help section is a great place to find comprehensive guides on essay writing.

Example scholarship essay:

Pro writing tips (best practices and advice):.

Check out the table below for additional hints and advice on crafting an outstanding scholarship essay. If you still have questions, visit the Ultius writer help section ! Best of luck, and remember, have fun with the writing process!

Plan your essay

Take time to strategize and plan a well-thought outline. It’ll make the writing process much easier and your ideas will likely flow better for your reader.

Watch the tone and voice in your scholarship essay

Don’t try to be too fancy. Remember, you want your essay to be relatable and down-to-earth, while still keeping a tone of professionalism.

Be persuasive, but stay humble

You want to do a little boasting about yourself in your scholarship essay. But, ironically, you don’t want it to sound like boasting. In other words, you want to highlight your strengths and all you have to offer, but in a way that’s humble and appreciative.

Let your individuality shine!

It’s easy to fall into the unconscious trap of sounding “like everyone else.” While other scholarship papers can serve as helpful examples in terms of organization, tone and style, you’ll have the best luck by using those examples as a foundation and then writing your own essay that stands out enough to catch your committee’s attention. In a pool of hundreds or thousands of “similar” essays, how can you give yours a different twist?

Answer hidden questions in your essay

If you’re writing a scholarship essay for nursing education, don’t just answer the obvious prompt such as, “explain why you want to study nursing education.” Instead, think about what the scholarship committee is really asking you. Most likely, they’re asking, “how will you add value to our school and the professional nursing community?”

Re-read your essay intro

Remember, the introduction is arguably the most important part of your essay, aside from your conclusion. Proof read it again, even when you think it’s finished. As you proofread, pretend you’re someone on your scholarship review committee. How would it sound to them? How can you make it better?

Ask for help with your scholarship essay if you need it

Don’t let the pressure of time keep you from asking for a quick proof read from a friend, or from getting professional help from professionals at Ultius. It may not seem critical at the time, but it could make a big difference in your future college education!

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6 Awesome Scholarship Essays That Worked

When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are the best form of financial aid, since they offer students free money that never needs to be repaid. But let’s face it: completing scholarship applications, especially the essays, can feel overwhelming. The scholarship essay is arguably the most important part of the application and should be well-thought-out. In this article, we’ll walk  through five scholarship essay examples and explain why they worked, so that you can write your own winning scholarship essays .

Here are 6 winning scholarship essay examples that worked:

Why this scholarship essay example worked:, how could this essay have been better , want more resources on writing your scholarship essay, get started with your scholarship essay.

The essay is your chance to let your personality and life experiences shine through, giving you the opportunity to stand out from other applicants.

The best way to get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for is to look over scholarship essay examples from past winners. Take some time to analyze the writing style, think about the strong points, and consider how you can improve. Below, we’ll show you just how you might dissect a scholarship essay.

1. Going Merry Scholarship Success Story by Gabby DeMott

What’s a winning scholarship essay look like? Check out this Going Merry success story with Gabby DeMott.

ESSAY PROMPT: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

“There were only a few minutes to go and our eyes were glued to the screen. On the edge of our seats, clutching whoever happened to be next to us, we watched as the referee blew his whistle and the German players took their free kick. The ball was hit with precision and skill; it flew up over the Swedish players, past their goalie, and was caught safely in the back of the opposing team’s net. We all jumped up and screamed, a mixture of German and English, of excitement and relief, of pride and anticipation.

We stood, enraptured, for the last several minutes of the game as Germany kept its 2-1 lead over Sweden. The horde of us, Germans and Americans alike, hugged and cheered and made our way out onto the balcony, where we chanted “Deutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!” for the whole village, the whole country, the whole world to hear. Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn’t even mine, so part of something I didn’t really belong to.

My German friends didn’t care that we were from different countries; they didn’t care that we would only be staying for three weeks. They accepted us into their homes and their daily lives, their traditions and their celebrations. In watching that World Cup game, it didn’t matter that we were from different places; we were all cheering for the same team. The acceptance I felt in Germany extended beyond that living room. I came to the country on a three week exchange with ten other students from my school.

We each stayed with host families and attended the Wildermuth Gymnasium, which was surprisingly accommodating to a gaggle of loud American teenagers. The teachers were friendly and welcoming, the students treated us like ordinary peers, and even the people I interacted with in public were understanding.

Before coming to Germany I feared judgment based on my level of the language (which is nowhere near as good as the German students’ English) and American politics. It was intimidating to be in a country with limited knowledge of the language and the customs, even though everyone was welcoming. People did ask myself and the other students about the US’s political climate, but no one blamed us for it. They recognized that we were outsiders, that the place we came from had flaws, and they accepted us anyway.

Since that trip, I’ve found myself trying to provide that acceptance to people in my own country. For example, I work at a canoe livery and we receive a lot of visitors with limited English. Some of my coworkers will avoid such customers because they don’t want to take the time to explain things, to exercise patience with someone who may not understand them. If people had done this to me in Germany, my time there would have been much less enjoyable; in fact, I would have been offended.

So now when someone walks up to me at the livery and asks a question in English that isn’t perfect, I smile and welcome them. I take my time to make sure they understand, that they can have a good time, and that they feel accepted. It’s a small action, but I know firsthand that it can make a big impact, at my place of work and in the world. “

• It shares a personal story of realization. Gabby’s essay throws us right in the middle of the action in her story, from her perspective. She paints a clear picture of where she is, how she feels, and what her goals were in that moment. She then goes on to explain the unity of the German and American students to introduce other people in the essay. LESSON TO TAKE : When including additional people in an essay, introduce them early on so you can continue telling your story in an organic way.
• She reflects on her previous fears and explains how she’s moved past those to grow. In the fifth paragraph, Gabby shares how she feared judgment due to her level of the German language and American politics. As Gabby became more familiar with the host families and her German friends, she realizes they accepted her, and she relaxes. LESSON TO TAKE: Sharing a story in sequential order can help illustrate personal growth and how your character changed for the better.
• She answers the prompt and demonstrates how she’ll put her newfound knowledge in action. Once Gabby realized her German friends and host family accepted her, regardless of her fears, that sparked a realization for her when she returned home to America. Gabby concludes her essay by explaining how she’s providing that same acceptance she received in another country to acquaintances and people in her country, to be patient, help them enjoy themselves, and to welcome them.  LESSON TO TAKE : Consider concluding your essay with a wrap-up of what you learned, and how you plan to apply that lesson in your life.

2. Who is a “Good” Doctor? by Joseph Lee

Below is a winning essay from Joseph Lee, Rush Medical College for the Giva Scholarship.

ESSAY PROMPT: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

“Had you asked me the same question one year ago, my answer would have been vastly different to the one I will give today. In the summer of 2012, with my first year of medical school completed, I embarked upon my last official summer vacation with two things in mind: a basketball tournament in Dallas and one in Atlanta. My closest friends and I had been playing in tournaments for the past 10 summers, and it was a sacred bond forged together in the name of competition. However, two weeks before our first tournament, I became instantly and overwhelmingly short of breath. Having been born to Korean immigrant parents, I was raised to utilize the hospital in emergency cases only, and I knew this was such a case. A few scans later, doctors discovered numerous pulmonary emboli (PE), caused by a subclavian deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and just like that, I was lying in a bed of a major hospital for a life threatening condition.

Fast forward a few months, and I am lying in a similar bed to treat the underlying cause of the subclavian DVT: a first rib removal. There is little that can adequately prepare someone physically, emotionally or spiritually to undergo surgery; and my thoughts continued to race in the days following. In addition to the expected physical pain, isolation, fear and frustration were a few of the emotions I experienced in the four day ordeal. The procedure went according to plan thanks to a skilled surgeon and his team, but the attributes that made the doctor “good” went far beyond his ability to operate.

“Wow. I’m glad you are feeling better” and “I can’t believe you went through that” are common reactions people have when they see the scars on my upper chest. Quite frankly, the past nine months have been difficult, literally full of blood, sweat and tears. But through it all, I have been able to maintain my positivity and gratitude knowing that I have gained the invaluable experience of being a patient and discovering the vulnerability and trust that patients give their doctors. Patients indulge information to doctors that they may have never told anyone in their life and in doing so, place a great deal of trust and responsibility in the hands of a doctor. Many patients will not understand the mechanism of disease behind their condition and anticipate that the doctor will explain to them and their family why it is that they are feeling the way they are and ultimately heal them. And that is precisely what my surgeon understood: the privilege of being able to care for patients and the intimacy of the doctor-patient relationship. And as I awoke to the care of my worried parents, the first thing they wanted to discuss was the details of the procedure that was methodically and patiently explained to them by my “good” doctor.

In study after study, patients have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care, not because of lack of knowledge or health outcome, but because their doctors did not show enough warmth in the encounter or listen to the patient’s questions and concerns. There are few times where a patient and their loved ones are more vulnerable and in need of compassion than when dealing with a hospitalization. And for some doctors, a patient may be another item on a checklist, but that patient is someone’s mother or father, son or daughter, sister or brother. My “good” doctor understood this and would often say “If you were my son…” when discussing treatment options, reflecting on the type of care he would want for his family and treating me similarly. Such ideals are rooted in love and compassion for patients, not as clients in the health care system, but as fellow human beings striving to make something of themselves and the world around them (I).

Unfortunately, the ordeal of living with a chronic illness or undergoing a major operation extends beyond the confines of the hospital. Whether it is creditors harassing patients for medical bills, prescriptions that need to be refilled, or lifestyle modifications that need to be made, the health care experience doesn’t end when a patient walks out of the hospital doors. It often takes merely a minute, as in the case of the “good” doctor who told me that as a student I could apply to get the procedure financially covered by the hospital. Such foresight in anticipating financial concerns and directing me on the next steps to be taken provided relief in the surmounting stress.

Lastly, the “good” doctor understands that as our patients are human, so are we. This means we will make mistakes, some of which can result in life-threatening consequences. With that said, the “good” doctor practices humility and honesty, apologizing and sharing as much information with patients as possible. Although no one strives to make mistakes, they will happen, and how one reacts to them is a distinguishing feature of the “good” doctor (II).

Of all the qualities I tried to explain in what makes a “good” doctor, there was no emphasis on skill and knowledge. And while being able to fulfill the duties of making the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans is expected, the intangibles of love, compassion, foresight and honesty is what makes a doctor, “good”. I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a “good” doctor.”

• It tells a captivating story. This essay immediately pulls the reader in, immersing the audience right in the story. . We want to know how Joseph’s definition of a good doctor changed and why it did so. Hooking your reader from the first sentence of your essay or even the first paragraph is a surefire way to keep your reader engaged in the story you’re telling. The story itself is also told really well, with good pacing and just enough detail to elicit empathy without causing boredom. (He could have easily given too much scientific/medical detail!)  LESSON TO TAKE : When telling an anecdote, consider how much detail is the right amount, to make it engaging.
• It’s a list, without you realizing it’s a list. After the first 2 paragraphs (which are mostly story-telling), the rest of the essay is effectively a list of ways that doctors are “good”: they recognize the intimacy and trust involved in the doctor-patient relationship (paragraphs 3-4), they anticipate future sources of patient stress (paragraph 5), and they exercise humility (paragraph 6). Joseph could have easily structured the essay simply by saying “There are 3 main things that make a doctor good” and then explaining each idea. However, that would have been much more boring! Instead, he expertly hides the list format, by couching it in an engaging story. LESSON TO TAKE: Not all list-type essays need to feel like lists.
• It’s personal and believable. Joseph takes a negative personal experience, shows what he learned from it and how it caused him to grow as a person. Sometimes essays about singular, defining moments or experiences can seem blown out of proportion and thus not credible. This one feels right: a big ordeal in his life that has therefore shifted his perspective.  LESSON TO TAKE : Consider which personal stories to tell, and make sure the “size” of the story feels right.

3. Life Happens Scholarship by Emily Trader

Here is an example of a moving scholarship essay on the topic of family loss by Emily Trader for the Life Happens award.

ESSAY PROMPT: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.

“When I was seventeen years old, my father lost his battle with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. As long as I shall live, I do not believe that I will ever forget the first moment I saw my father’s once vibrant face in that cold and unforgiving casket. I won’t forget his lifeless and defeated hands, or how his pale lips would never utter another joke or speak to his grandchildren. Even though the day of his funeral was undoubtedly the worst day of my life, I wish I could relive it just to be with him one more time. Since that moment, I have felt as if all of my grief and longing resides underneath my skin with nothing to relieve the pressure. On September 8th, 2016, I lost my voice of reason, my confidant, my cheerleader, and my best friend.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had lost so much more. Upon my father’s passing, he left us with funeral and medical expenses that his insurance would not cover. Because he did not have any form of life insurance, the financial burden of his death was now the responsibility of my mother and me. Even though my mother works night shifts as a neonatal nurse and her commute is nearly two hours, she was forced to pick up extra shifts to support my family. Though I already had a job and I worked about ten hours a week, I now work anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five hours a week, and I am also a full-time high honor student. Even though the death of my father forced me to realize the importance of cherishing time with my family, I do not see them very often because of our busy schedules. I also sacrificed my social life and the joy that every senior in high school should experience. Instead of football games and homecoming, I had to deal with mourning and the possibility that I would not attend college because of my family’s financial troubles.

If my father had a life insurance policy, we would not have to work ourselves to the bone and sacrifice our physical and emotional well-being to keep up with expenses. I would not have to worry so intensely about the future of my education on top of the crippling grief that I have felt over the last five months. If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable. I will not soon forget the stress and despair that I have experienced, and I now realize that to have a life insurance policy is to throw your surviving family members a crucial lifeline. Though no one can ever prepare you for the trauma of losing a parent, life insurance allows you to grieve without the constant stress of financial burden, and for that reason, it is an absolutely essential precaution.

I love and miss you so much, Dad. Thank God I will see you again.”

• She answers the prompt . It would be easy to write an essay that just spoke to her grief, or to what her father was like and how much he meant to her. But the essay prompt asks applicants to reflect on how the loss has affected the student emotionally and financially. Emily does a great job of this, by connecting the financial parts (she and her mother needing to pick up extra hours of work), with the emotional (due to the work schedule, the family not being able to spend as much time together). She also addresses how this might affect her college plans. LESSON TO TAKE : 
• She provides (beautiful) detail. The first paragraph immediately pulls the reader in because of the detailed description she provides (“ his lifeless and defeated hands”, “pale lips” ). Similarly, the specificity of how her family is shouldering the financial burden (e.g. her working 25-to-35-hour weeks) make it feel more real rather than generic.  LESSON TO TAKE : Use details and descriptions to make something feel more emotional and tangible.
• She knows her audience . This scholarship is funded by Life Happens, an organization formed by seven leading insurance providers, in order to educate the public about important insurance planning topics. Clearly Emily researched the provider and understood that an essay that spoke to the importance of insurance planning would be well-received by the essay readers. LESSON TO TAKE : Research the scholarship provider and adjust your content to fit the organization’s or company’s mission statement (or business model).

4. Going Merry Scholarship Success Story by Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez

Jesús Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez wrote a winning scholarship essay (and video!) that he submitted on Going Merry . He earned an outstanding $40,000 through the Golden Door Scholarship.

ESSAY PROMPT: What differentiates you from the hundreds of DACA students who apply to our scholarship? Use one of those opportunities to tell us something else we cannot see just by looking at your grades, test scores, and transcripts.

“I always knew I was different than my friends in some way. Growing up, I struggled to speak English while everyone else had little to no problems. I needed extra help in school while my friends coasted by with ease. My friends would hop on planes and travel all around the world while I had to stay at home. At the age of 13 all of my friends started driving while I still couldn’t.

I built up the courage and asked my mother why I did not have access to the simple liberties everyone else did. My name Is Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez, and I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life.

Looking back there is not a single thing that I would change. Knowing that I had to work harder than everyone else lead me to be the person that I am today. I took that fire inside of me, pushed myself, graduated first in my class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA, became a Kansas Scholar, and graduated High School with a semester’s worth of college credit. In November of 2016, everything began to look up for me. I received a work permit and a social security card all thanks to the DACA program. I was finally able to get my license, get a job, and most importantly attend college.

I plan to continue my success in the classroom and do everything to the best of my ability as I know that under my current circumstances it can all be ripped away from me at any moment. Growing up with my situation has taught me to not take advantage of a single opportunity. There has been continued support around me past and current and I know there are people out there rooting for my success. I will strive to be the first generation in my family to graduate from an American University and I will set a stepping stone for my future family so they will not have to struggle as I did. My citizenship is not a setback, it is a mere obstacle that I will always learn to work around if it means giving my future children a better life, just like my mother did for me.”

• He shares how hardships made him who he is today. Right off the bat, Jesus sets the tone for his essay by sharing how he struggled to speak English and that he was not given the same opportunities as his peers. He shares his mother’s explanation on why he lived a different life, along with his honesty in the challenges of growing up with a different citizenship situation than the teens around him. LESSON TO TAKE : Share personal details (as you feel comfortable), and consider including a defining memory or conversation hat contributes to your story. This can help paint a picture of your beginnings or your inspirations.
• He includes emotional details. Although Jesus grew up with hardships, he persevered and mentions he wouldn’t change anything. It may have taken a little longer than his peers to get his license, but he also excelled in school, pushed himself to graduate first in class, and take college courses on top of all that. LESSON TO TAKE : Tell your story with details, feelings, thoughts and emotions to explain where you came from and where you are now.
• He plans for the future . Jesus shared his personal story with us, and then explains how he plans to continue his success without letting anything get in the way of his path. He goes on to say his citizenship is not a setback, and that he works to provide a better life for himself and for his future children. LESSON TO TAKE : Include your plan at the end of the essay. Consider how you’ve grown and how you will bring these lessons learned with you to help your future.

5. Why College Is Important to Me by Nicole Kuznetsov

Here’s an example of a simple yet creative and heartfelt essay on the popular prompt, Why is college important to you?

ESSAY PROMPT: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

“As a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom. I found comfort in the fact that my future had an easy-to-follow template: elementary, middle, and high school, college, job, family retirement, “happily ever after” ending. When I graduated from elementary school I was told I completed 25% of my education. During my middle school graduation, I was told I was halfway there and I know I’ll be told I’m 75% done when I throw my cap in the air this June. College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary.

Going to college makes sense. From helping my parents land stable jobs after coming to America to giving my brother the chance to gain work experience at some of the top financial firms, college educations have shown their worth in my family. Yet I didn’t think about what actually goes on inside the magical universities until I entered high school. Applying to the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering was the first time I had actively made a decision in my education. With the encouragement of my parents and favorite science teacher who recognized that I would excel in the challenging environment of like-minded students, I applied. Four years later, I can confidently say they were right.

My class of twenty-six has shown me the benefits of a collaborative rather than a competitive environment, especially the impact that camaraderie with my peers has on our collective learning experience. Each student has an inspiring level of passion and motivation that made me excited to learn, work on projects, and participate in discussions both in and out of the classroom. I used my education to gain skills and open doors for myself such as an internship at my local hospital. I gained confidence in my abilities to communicate with individuals from strangers my age to practicing professionals. I was thinking longer and harder than I ever had before to solve individual problems and large-scale challenges. In all honesty, I was having fun.

Looking back on my years at the Academy I realize how big of an impact the school made on how I view education. I wasn’t coming to school to mark another day off my calendar and inch closer to finishing the next 25%. I came to school to learn and question and push myself. Now, as a senior, I’m excited. I’m thankful for the sample that my high school gave me of what learning is supposed to be like and thankful that it left me wanting more. I’m entering college in August with a new understanding of its importance. It is important because it is what I want for my future.”

• It finds structure through chronology . This essay is basically structured like a chronological timeline: As a child, I believed this. Then I applied to this high school (my first active academic decision). Then the high school changed me. Now I’m a senior and I believe this. Not all stories are best told in time order, but the simplest stories often are. And simple stories provide structure, which scholarship committees love. LESSON TO TAKE: Consider structuring your essay like a timeline, emphasizing the milestones along the way that have led you to where you are today. 
• It is simply told . While the essay is descriptive, it doesn’t try to get fancy with overly flowery language or unnecessarily long SAT words. And that’s the strength of it. For instance, this passage [“ College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary” ] explains her child’s logic in a really clear and well-written way. 
• It’s got (mostly) great topic sentences . We here at Going Merry love a good topic sentence– that is, a sentence at the beginning (or end) of a paragraph that summarizes the rest of the paragraph. It helps “signpost” the most important parts of your essay. Here, three of the four paragraphs (1, 2, and 4) have strong and concise topic sentences. “As a child, my life had structure” sets up the rest of the paragraph to explain what these structures and unquestioned rules were. “Going to college makes sense” sets up why college made sense to her parents. 

6. Financial Literacy for Hispanic Women by Rosaisha Ozoria

The inaugural Founder’s Scholarship supported by the New York Women’s Bond Club in honor of Michaela Walsh goes to two New York City public high school students who won an essay competition writing about their hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide . Winners of this scholarship won a trip to accompany Women’s World Banking to Amman, Jordan for their biennial gathering of WWB network members.

PROMPT: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.

WINNING ESSAY:

“Twice a week I head down to volunteer at the Los Sures Social Services office, situated next to the local senior citizen home, to help at the food pantry. We distribute food to people in my neighborhood. Many are familiar faces. Many are middle-aged Hispanic women with children dangling from their hips like grass skirts. These women are there as a result of their culture and lack of financial knowledge. In our Spanish culture, patriarchy prevents women from preparing for themselves as much as they should. This leads to Hispanic women having little or no money management skills. Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighborhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial education.

While I was volunteering I met a woman who happened to live in the same building as my aunt. Unemployed with two young children, and a husband earning minimum wage at a fast food restaurant, she struggled to get by every day. I thought to myself – many in my community are just like her. Then I realized I could do something to help. How? I can start a financial literacy program, which teaches Hispanic women to earn and manage money. Once a woman becomes financially literate, she is capable of making good personal and professional decisions, empowering her to improve her family’s financial well-being. Moreover, such a program will help Hispanic women become competitive employees, even in a slow recovering economy such as the one we are experiencing now.

Participating in the 2013 Women’s World Banking Global Meeting in Amman, Jordan gives me access to invaluable resources that will help me achieve this goal. I hope to find mentors from a roomful of inspiring, experienced leaders who will offer me their guidance. Also, meeting accomplished women from other countries means access to new ideas and unique perspectives. And if I am lucky, I may even come across individuals who can provide financial support to jumpstart my financial literacy program for Hispanic women. Lastly, I will tell my idea to everyone I meet in Jordan, a baby step to help Hispanic women rise from poverty.

The world continues to change rapidly, especially with globalization. It is about time that Hispanic women strive for gender equality. Thus, it is essential that Hispanic women increase their roles and knowledge in finance. The women in my neighborhood shall no longer be left out. I will task myself to help these women become better, stronger and most importantly, take control of their lives. I want to be involved so that they can save themselves from any unforeseen financial crisis. This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference – in my neighborhood and for my Spanish community.”

• There is clear structure . Right off the bat, the introduction summarizes what the reader can expect to find in the body of the essay. In particular, the closing line of the first paragraph (“ Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighborhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial education”) works as an effective topic sentence, tying together the anecdote and the reason she’s interested in networking with the scholarship provider, Women’s World Banking. The last 2 paragraphs also serve clear, independent purposes: the penultimate one establishes what she would do with the scholarship (the trip to Amman), and the final paragraph explains why her particular interest is important for the larger Hispanic community. LESSON TO TAKE: Clear structure helps the reader follow your point better (especially if they’re skimming, which scholarship essay readers almost definitely are!) So include a summarizing topic sentence at the beginning or end of your first paragraph, and make sure each subsequent paragraph serves a purpose that moves forward your argument or story. 
• The author’s passion shines. Rosaisha, the scholarship winner, is clearly passionate about serving her Hispanic community of women.  And rather than simply saying that, she shows us how she cares by using personal examples from her volunteer work. LESSON TO TAKE : Show, don’t tell. Use specific personal examples, and don’t be afraid to show your emotions.
• She stays positive.   Even though Rosaisha discusses what might be considered a  difficult and personal topic, she keeps the tone light and inspirational. She expresses hope and her desire to make a change in the world, answering the essay in a positive tone.  It’s important to make sure your essay is not too depressing to read. (Essays about personal trauma are a bad idea.) This is a scholarship provider, not a therapist! 

While this was a winning essay, we note that it did have two points of weakness: 

• The second paragraph lacks a bit of structure. Her point ends up feeling a bit generic, and it’s unclear what she is thinking versus planning or actually doing . For instance, she realized she could start a financial literacy program. Did she then do so? It’s unclear. 
• The last paragraph is again a bit general. Often scholarship committees want to see what concrete steps will be taken, using the scholarship award. Here she speaks in lofty terms about what goals she hopes to accomplish, without explaining ways she might accomplish this goal. 

For more information on writing a killer scholarship essay, check out our list of helpful tips .

Also check out these related blog posts: 

• 6 tips for writing scholarship essays about academic goals
• How to write the best personal statement, with examples
• How to write an awesome essay about your career goals

You can start writing your winning scholarship essay today and submit it to thousands of scholarship applications, all in one place. Sign up for Going Merry today to put your pro scholarship essay writing skills to practice. Going Merry is your one-stop scholarship shop to search and apply for scholarships to get you on the right foot for funding your future.

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How to write a compelling scholarship essay

You’ve made the decision that you’re going to business school and found you’re eligible for a scholarship. Next up–how do I actually write a compelling scholarship essay? Transmitting your achievement, inspirations, and not to mention that je nais se quoi –French for a uniquely distinctive and attractive quality–into paper can seem daunting. However, once you know the rules of the game, this can be easily tackled.

Originality will always be the key to what sets you apart from other applicants. But the first thing you’ll need in order to be awarded financial support is to understand the scholarship criteria and themes. Is there a specific topic to talk about? Are there particular traits you can draw from the school’s ethos? Is there an exact number of words to fulfill? And crucially–when are the deadlines?

After you’ve taken some time to absorb the above, you’ll naturally start developing a plan of attack for your scholarship essay. When you’re ready to start writing, a good structure will help you strengthen your case of why you should be awarded the scholarship.

To write a compelling scholarship essay, the structure you should follow is:

1. Stick to a subject that fits your profile:

Depending on the school that you’re applying to, you are usually able to work on either an open subject scholarship essay or nominated profile that fits with the school’s “DNA”.

The following scholarships and awards are available to undergraduate applicants:

Global Generation Scholarship:  

For applicants who bring a unique global perspective to our school community through their international experiences or multilingualism.

Entrepreneurial Impact Scholarship:

For budding candidates who have a true entrepreneurial spirit and put ideas into action.

Growth Mindset Scholarship :

For forward-thinking individuals that demonstrate a growth mindset, personal development, and achievement in the face of adversity.

Future Leader Scholarship :

For aspiring business leaders who have the desire and potential to achieve significant success as future leaders in any industry.

Technology & Innovation Scholarship :

For creative applicants who have a strong desire to learn about the technology and innovative ideas that will shape tomorrow’s world.

DECA Scholarship :

For DECA member students from around the world who are emerging as the next generation of entrepreneurial business leaders.

The Social Impact Award :

For socially conscious individuals who have a strong passion for social entrepreneurship and have demonstrated the ability to implement solutions to benefit society.

Visionary Women Award :

For female students who have outstanding drive, talent, and vision.

Academic Excellence Award:

Exceptionally strong candidates will be automatically selected for this award based on their pre-undergraduate results.

The following scholarships are available to graduate applicants:

Social Impact:

For applicants who have had and will have a positive impact in making the world a better place.

Academic Excellence:

For candidates that have excelled in their studies, earning an outstanding GPA.

Global Professional:

For aspiring business leaders who have worked full time for a minimum of one year in a large global corporation.

Entrepreneurial Impact:

For professionals that have had an internship or volunteering experience and have demonstrated involvement, leadership, or had a role in the outcome of an entrepreneurial project.

Women in Business:

For female applicants who have work or internship experience or have led a team in an international environment.

Future Leader (masters only):

For students who have demonstrated enthusiasm and a natural aptitude to lead.

Senior Leader (MBA and Executive MBA only) :

For students who have demonstrated leadership of high-performing teams in an international arena.

2. Organize your examples: Find linkages

Hult’s scholarship essay requires you to point out examples of how you link to the subject or embody the attributes of the profile you chose. It could be referring to work experiences and talking about a particular role, academic achievements, or extra-curricular activities and projects.

Once having the above details, you need to keep in mind that you have a word limit, otherwise the application will be rejected. So be sure to pick the best of!

3. Know your audience: Be human

Before you type a single word, remember that the Admissions Committee takes time to read each one of the applications received in order to make their decision. Be humble and personable, and adding authentic gratitude to the reader, is a good way of acknowledging your audience.

4. Plan an essay structure: Introduce your story, a body of examples, and reinforce

For any essay, a clear structure is vital. It will ensure your thoughts have an organized flow and allows readers to follow your story. Start by engaging the Committee with your story–who you are and your journey–then develop the body with any examples of challenges and obstacles you encountered. Don’t forget to include what you learned from the experience or how you persevered, and most importantly how this shows your eligibility.

5. Are you a Hult fit?

The Admissions Committee is looking for a specific candidate. Again, be sure you know what that is and constantly reinforce throughout your essay how that candidate is you. At Hult, we look for students who are bold, have a global mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, and seek to challenge the status quo. So, what are you bringing to the classroom? What about your challenges and experiences makes you different? What are your ambitions and how will a Hult degree help you get there?

6. Close strongly

The closing is the reinforcement of why this all matters. Bring your story together and emphasize key points in the essay. They’re your final words so talk from the heart and be honest about your needs.

7. Review it and ask someone to proof

Don’t let spelling mistakes get in the way of a strong scholarship essay. Ensure it reads well. Review your essay and read it out loud so you can feel the flow of your words. Finally, do a test run and ask a teacher, colleague, or family member to proofread and give feedback.

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Download our brochure to find out more about our global undergraduate program or start your application today .

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How To Write an Outstanding Scholarship Essay

Jan 16, 2023

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on November 29, 2021. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

There is no single winning formula for writing a successful scholarship essay, especially considering how much the questions vary. In addition, you may be writing to a third-party funding organization or the school itself. In short, there are a lot of considerations to make as you approach scholarship essays.

What is important, however, is that you make your response relevant, unique, and well-strategized. This includes figuring out what content will be most effective for proving that you need and will take advantage of the scholarship, communicating that clearly and passionately, and organizing your essay correctly.

In this post, we guide you through all of these aspects of brainstorming and writing a scholarship essay. Using our tips, we guarantee that your essay will stand out and show the scholarship committee that you will use their opportunity wisely!

Read (and re-read!) the question

It may seem obvious, but you have to be sure you’re answering the question that’s being asked — we have seen many clients write their first drafts and have to completely rewrite their responses because they failed to provide an appropriate response. So, before you even start brainstorming, it’s essential that you completely understand what the question is asking.

Identify any values or themes that the question is centering on and try to understand what the purpose of the question is . In other words, you will want to ask yourself: how will the scholarship committee be using this question to determine who does and doesn’t receive the award, and how can I use this question to my advantage ? 

Know your audience

Once you’ve figured out the direction your response should go in, the next step is knowing who you’ll be writing it to. Knowing your audience is essential for any piece of writing, especially when you are competing against hundreds of others for a selective scholarship.

For this step, we suggest doing some of your own research into the values and activities of the funding organization or department. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship that is funded by an organization that values diversity and inclusion, you may want to see what kinds of initiatives they promote so you know what kind of diversity-related topics and approaches they believe in. In turn, this will help you choose what ideas and examples you write about.

Brainstorm relevant strengths, values, and skills you can highlight

Now, it’s time to think more concretely about how to link these bigger ideas to you . What strengths, values, and skills of yours connect to what the scholarship committee is looking for? And how can these demonstrate that you will take full advantage of the scholarship?

For this step, we recommend that you write down as many of these aspects as you can think of and why this would be valuable for your scholarship application. (If you have already established your personal brand , this is a helpful starting place.) Then, think about how you can relate these main ideas to what the question is asking. 

For example, let’s imagine the question is asking why gaining new perspectives is important for leadership. While you might have great analytical skills, you might also want to list out how you have learned from and utilized your collaboration strengths to learn from others. Focusing on an aspect of your leadership that relates to new perspectives will not only show that you have a versatile set of skills and strengths but also that you are a good fit for the scholarship and its community.

Write down examples in STAR format

Now that you have an idea of what strengths, values, and skills you may be able to use for your essay, the next step is to think of corresponding examples from your personal and professional life. Using examples in your scholarship essay is key to painting a clear picture of how your ideas have played out in your own context and showing the readers why your strengths and skills are important and valuable in relation to the scholarship. 

So, for each idea that you are using to respond to the question, we suggest at least one example of how you used that strength, skills, or value. Each of these should be in STAR format . This means that you should be detailing the context and/or challenges, your responsibilities, your actions, and the results of your efforts. We also suggest adding in the impact of your intervention in a way that relates to the question. 

Continuing from the example above, if you are telling a story about how you used collaboration to drive innovative results at your company, you will want to explain the challenge your team or company was facing, what your plan or tasks were to utilize collaboration to overcome the challenge, how you carried these tasks out — ideally, detailing the unique ways that you leveraged a wide variety of perspectives — and what the results of your actions were, including what you learned about the value of combining different perspectives on the problem at hand. 

Remember, the examples you choose to highlight should demonstrate clearly how you put the values and ideas that the scholarship committee is looking for into action .

Use keywords from the prompt

As you start to hone down on which ideas and examples are the best fit for your essay, it’s also a good idea to consider what keywords from the question you can integrate into your essay. 

Using keywords from the question (as well as the funding organization or school’s values) will demonstrate your commitment to the committee’s values. It will also ensure that you are clearly connecting your ideas and stories to the question. 

Write an engaging introduction

We always suggest writing essay bodies first so your main ideas are clear and fleshed out. Once you have done this, it’s time to think about how to add the final touches: an introduction and conclusion that engage the readers and make you stand out.

There are many possibilities for writing an introduction with a great hook. For example, you may want to invoke imagery of a moment that impacted you and motivated you to be invested in the values that you will be writing about. One of our clients’ introduction sentences for a diversity-oriented scholarship, for instance, was this: 

My mother, a successful businesswoman from Brazil, and my father, a medical worker from India, have always shown me the valuable things that can be achieved from cross-cultural collaboration and diverse perspectives. Together, they have come up with amazing fusion meals, enhanced their careers by learning from each other’s different views of success, and raised me to be an open-minded and team-oriented person and professional. Thanks to my parents, I have a unique and deep passion for diversity and inclusion, which has evolved into my career, allowing me to produce outstanding and innovative results through collaboration.

This introduction demonstrates a clear and well-founded motivation for diversity and inclusion through a specific picture of the applicant’s background. It’s an excellent window into why diversity means so much to this person and, what’s more, leaves the scholarship committee wanting to know more about how they have integrated this lesson into action by the end of the introduction paragraph.

Write a conclusion that synthesizes your ideas

Once you’ve written your introduction, you can move on to your conclusion. Rather than being a simple, repetitive summary of everything you’ve written in the response, this should be a synthesis that looks forward to the future. In other words, you will want to reiterate the main ideas you’ve presented but then show how you will bring your demonstrated skills/strengths/values forward using the scholarship.

Thus, to write a captivating conclusion, you will want to emphasize why you are a good fit for the scholarship and be sure to say how it will help you achieve your objectives related to the question.  For example, if you are writing about the importance of constant learning, it would be a great idea to write about what the scholarship will provide you that will allow you to keep making growth-oriented achievements during your master’s program and, if applicable, what opportunities or aspects of the scholarship’s community you could leverage to nurture your/others’ development.

Get expert help to write a winning scholarship essay

Considering all the work you’ve put into the MBA application process , writing even more essays for scholarships may feel like an overwhelming task. This is especially true considering that each essay will likely require its own set of expectations and examples.

Luckily, Ellin Lolis Consulting’s team has the experience and storytelling power to help you turn your ideas into successful essays that earn you the scholarships you’re applying for . From brainstorming the right stories that will impress the scholarship committee to polishing your essay’s structure and grammar (and even helping you negotiate scholarship offers !), we are here to ensure perfection.

For example, Fernando used our services and was admitted to Michigan Ross’s Erb dual degree program on a full scholarship. Here’s what he had to say:

“ Ellin’s amazing contributions to my application led me to be admitted to my top program on a full scholarship. I can comfortably say that the return on my investment was bigger and faster beyond my wildest dreams!

If you are looking for an MBA consultant that is capable of understanding your story comprehensively rather than giving quick glances to your essays, go with Ellin.”

To learn more about our essay editing options and how we can help you write an outstanding scholarship essay, click here.

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“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth

Grade level.

College Students

Application deadline:

January 31, 2025

Scholarship Overview

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!

Eligibility information

This scholarship is open to undergraduates at four-year universities in the U.S. who are enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants must also meet the below eligibility requirements.

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Application information.

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Essay Prompt

How will earning the “Outstanding Undergraduate” College Scholarship help you achieve your educational and career goals?

Maximum 250 words

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Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

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A blog from the Yale Journal on Regulation and ABA Section of Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice.

Made possible in part by the support of davis polk & wardwell llp.

Nominations Are Open for the 2024 ABA Administrative Law Section Awards!

Take a look at the award deadlines provided below to get detailed information about the requirements and guidelines.

Gellhorn-Sargentich Law Student Essay Award Competition

Created in 2006, the Gellhorn-Sargentich Law Student Essay Award Competition honors the memory of two men who left us too soon, Ernest Gellhorn, a distinguished law dean, administrative law professor, and practitioner who was Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice and Thomas Sargentich, a distinguished administrative law professor at American University’s Washington College of Law who was a great friend of the Section. The Competition is sponsored by the Section.

More Information Here

Award for Scholarship in Administrative Law

Each year, the ABA Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice recognizes the best work of administrative law scholarship for the prior year. The award recipient is selected by August, announced soon thereafter, and the award winner is invited to the Section’s Administrative Law Conference.

Mary C. Lawton Award for Outstanding Government Service

The Mary C. Lawton Award for Outstanding Government Service is presented annually by the American Bar Association’s Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice. The nomination should be based on outstanding contributions to the development, implementation, or improvement of administrative law and regulatory practice that reflects sustained excellence in performance. This is an extremely prestigious award, and we hope that you will give thoughtful consideration to this request for nominees. There are relatively few honors for government attorneys that recognize them for the “body of their work.” Past recipients of the Award have spoken of this recognition as being a career capstone, and we are privileged to recognize their service. All government attorneys active in the fields of administrative law and regulatory practice are eligible. While career officials generally will be favored, exceptional political appointees also will be considered. Nominations are being solicited from federal government agency general counsels, state attorneys general, and other officials, as well as from members of our Section and the ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division.

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Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Students      >      Essay Contests      >     Atlas Shrugged

✓    Open to all high school, college, and graduate students worldwide.

Annual Grand Prize

June 14, 2024

Summer Entry Deadline

Book Length

Interested in participating?

Fill out the contact form below, and we’ll email you with more information about this year’s contest—including instructions on how to enter.

Thank you for signing up!

We’ll email you more information about this year’s contest—including instructions on how to enter. In the meantime, please let us know at [email protected] if you have any questions. We’re happy to help.

What is Atlas Shrugged?

The astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world—and did.

Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, Atlas Shrugged is unlike any other book you have ever read. It is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man’s body, but about the murder—and rebirth—of man’s spirit.

How It Works

Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompt. You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.

The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize. The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.

The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title, with the opportunity to secure a grand prize of $25,000.

Challenging Essay Topics

Each entry round features a unique topic designed to provoke a deeper understanding of the book’s central themes and characters.

Essays must be written in English only and be between 800 and 1,600 words in length.

Questions? Write to us at [email protected] .

• Summer Prompt
• Fall Prompt
• Winter Prompt

The essay prompt for our fall entry period has not yet been determined. We will post it here as soon it’s available.

The essay prompt for our winter entry period has not yet been determined. We will post it here as soon it’s available.

Grand Prize

Master our grading standards.

Essays are judged on whether the student is able to justify and argue for his or her view, not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. 

Our graders look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized.  Essays should stay on topic, address all parts of the selected prompt, and interrelate the ideas and events in the novel. 

Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged .

Organization

Understanding, contest timeline, discover the power of atlas shrugged.

Atlas Shrugged  is a mystery novel like no other. You enter a world where scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors are inexplicably vanishing—where the world is crumbling.

And what you discover, by the end, is an uplifting vision of life, an inspiring cast of heroes, and a challenging new way to think about life’s most important issues.

Learn more and request a free digital copy of the book today.

Learn from Past Winners

Curious to know what makes for a winning essay in the Atlas Shrugged   contest? Check out some of the essays written by our most recent grand-prize winners. 

To varying degrees, they all display an excellent grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged .

Click here to see the full list of 2022 contest winners.

Jacob Fisher

Graduate Student

Stanford University

Stanford, California

United States

Mariah Williams

Regis University

Denver, Colorado

Nathaniel Shippee

University of Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Samuel Weaver

St. John’s College

Annapolis, Maryland

Patrick Mayles

Graduate student

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Christina Jeong

College Student

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Improve Your Writing Skills

Other than endorsing perfect punctuation and grammar in English, the Ayn Rand Institute offers no advice or feedback for essays submitted to its contests. However, we do recommend the following resources as ways to improve the content of your essays.

The Atlas Project

Writing: a mini-course.

Sign Up for Contest Updates!

Want to stay up-to-date on any new developments to the contest? Sign up to our email list below.

We’ll send you periodic reminders about the contest deadlines, as well as helpful resources to ensure you get the most out of your experience reading and writing about Ayn Rand’s  Atlas Shrugged .

Great! Let's get you a copy of the book.

Atlas Shrugged is a mystery novel like no other. You enter a world where scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors are inexplicably vanishing—where the world is crumbling.

What you discover, by the end, is an uplifting vision of life, an inspiring cast of heroes, and a challenging new way to think about life’s most important issues.

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We've received your request for a free copy of Atlas Shrugged and will be emailing you details on how you can access it shortly. In the meantime, are you ready to begin the entry process?

Please enter your password below, either to create a new account or to sign in to your existing account for the contest. Once you're logged in to your account, you'll be able to save your entry progress and return later to complete it.

Hi, . Ready to enter the contest?

Now that you've logged in to your account, let's get you started on your entry for the contest. It's OK if you haven't finished reading the book or writing your essay yet. We'll save your progress for you to continue later.

Then, when you're ready to submit your essay, just return to our platform. Your saved entry will be right where you left off. So, why wait? Take the first step, and start your entry today.

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