Ultimate Guide To Writing Undergraduate Scholarship Essays

You’ve probably already heard that it is important to make your scholarship application stand out from all the rest of the applicants. But this is easier said than done. Even if you fit the criteria perfectly, you’re likely to be just one of a hundred or so similar applicants with the same type of goals, activities, grades, and aspirations.

This is where the scholarship essay becomes your best chance of standing out by making a strong case for why you should be awarded the scholarship. It’s essential the review committee learn as much as possible about the person behind the application. Here’s all you have to know about writing a great undergraduate scholarship essay:

1. Know all you can about your audience.

Though you are a looking at your application as a whole, it would be helpful to learn as much as possible about the award committee and organization that is actively looking to find the right student who meets all of scholarship’s criteria. When you get the application, review the questions closely, the award committee, and anything you can find about past award winners.

2. Develop a writing plan in advance.

Many students mistakenly wait until the last minute to write their essay and wind up having to create one that fits as many applications as possible because deadlines have come up. Plan in advance, at least a week before you think you should be getting started. This will give you plenty of time to create an outline, which will help you structure your paper and keep the content concise and on target.

3. Be sure to be personal and passionate.

When you finally get started with the nitty gritty of composing your application, don’t forget that you need be personal and passionate. You should clearly state that you are the best fit for what the scholarship and the committee represent. For example, don’t just talk about how you received many acting awards; talk instead how acting allowed you to conquer your stage fright.

4. Find a reviewer to edit your application.

Finally, be sure you find someone to review and edit your application. The fresh perspective will help you improve your chances of composing a great piece. Even the most passionate and personal scholarship application can be derailed with even the smallest mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation, let alone awkward sentences. It’s easy to miss mistakes when you’ve worked on your piece for such a long time.