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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

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

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 a Scholarship Essay (with Examples)

September 27, 2023

While applying to college, many students are faced with an additional, daunting task: how to write a scholarship essay. Financial need, already a sensitive subject, can become a stressful factor in the process alongside other existential unknowns. Luckily, scholarship essays will not require you to go tiptoeing around the taboo topic of money. Furthermore, most scholarship essay prompts more or less resemble standard supplemental essay questions. The trick then is to make your scholarship essay stand out. The following article and scholarship essay example will offer up pointers for anyone striving to win a college scholarship.

Organizing Scholarship Essays by Prompt

You may feel like melting into a lump of despair when facing a browser full of tabbed scholarships. The best way to avoid getting overwhelmed is to organize and analyze a list of prompts. Why? Because your first goal is not simply to figure out how to write a scholarship essay. Rather, you’ll want to know how to save time while writing complex and relevant scholarship essays.

As you look over the various prompts, you’ll notice that some sound fairly open-ended, while others ask for something quite specific. In response, you should annotate each prompt with thematic keywords. This will help you figure out when you can use the same essay for several prompts.

Your annotated list may look something like the following…

Sample Scholarship Essay Prompts

1) “Explain something that made a big impact in your life.”

• Keywords: event , personal development, growth, background

2) “We’re committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.”

• Keywords: minority, diversity, identity, study abroad

3) “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

• Keywords: background, identity, interest, talent

Sample Scholarship Essay Prompts, Continued

4) “Please explain a personal hardship or catastrophic life event that you have experienced. How did you manage to overcome this obstacle? What did you learn and how did you grow from it?”

• Keywords: event, personal development, growth, challenge, background

5) Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

• Keywords: world development, challenge, future

6) “Tell us three things that are important to you. How did you arrive at this list? Will these things be important to you in ten years? Why?”

• Keywords: background, values, interest, development, identity, future

Scholarship Essay Prompts ( Continued)

7) “What does it mean to you to be part of a minority community? What challenges has it brought and how have you overcome them? What are the benefits?”

• Keywords: minority, community, challenge, growth

8) “Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.”

• Keywords: community service, humanity, community, background, future, values, career

9) “Discuss in your essay any challenges or obstacles you have dealt with and overcome in life and how this will help you succeed in college and beyond. Describe how volunteer, community service or extra-curricular activities have shaped who you are today and what it has taught you. May also include future educational plans and career goals.”

• Keywords: challenge, future, community service, interests, value, personal growth, career

How to Write a Scholarship Essay through Prompt Analysis

Let’s compare some prompts by keywords. You’ll notice that some prompts have a lot of overlap, such as prompts 1 and 4. Both have event, personal development, growth, and background as keywords . Prompt 4 includes the additional keyword challenge . This prompt explicitly asks you to explain how you have “overcome” a “personal hardship or catastrophic life event.” While prompt 1 is not so specific, it would be easy, even natural, to include this narrative arc in your response. This means depicting how you faced the thing that “made a big impact in your life.” In other words, these two essay prompts, though worded differently, allow you to tell the same story.

Other prompts provide potential overlap. In this case, it’s up to you to find and interpret these moments. You may consider the values, strengths, interests, and experiences you wish to relate. For example, prompts 7, 8, and 9 all mention community through different approaches. While prompt 7 focuses on one’s past involvement in a minority community, prompts 8 and 9 are more future-facing, and don’t mention minorities.

Scholarship Essay Examples (Continued)

Here, your best strategy involves answering prompts 8 and 9 together in a single scholarship essay. To do so, the essay would need to detail “a challenge or obstacle you have dealt with” (9) which has thus “shaped your perspective on humanity” (8). This narrative arc will thus inform your “future” educational and career plans (8 and 9). Note that prompt 9 allows you to mention extra-curriculars. However, I wouldn’t recommend it, since this would make your essay less relevant to prompt 8. After your essay is written, adapt it to align with prompt 7. Consider condensing the part about the future into one final sentence and focusing more on minority aspects of your community.

How to Scholarship Essay Avoid Burnout

The above tactic will allow you to avoid burnout by strategizing your essay approach ahead of time. In turn, you’ll be able to maximize your efforts from the get-go. You’ll also likely find that your essays become more complex and nuanced when you consider several prompts at once.

The next step involves editing. Refer back to the prompt, once you have a draft written. Ask yourself, did I answer the question fully? Do I need to edit this essay further to emphasize a particular point? Do I need to cut the essay down to fit a new word count? Contrarily do I need to bulk it up? If so, are there other essays in my portfolio from which I can borrow material? Strategic editing will allow you to respond to a large number of essays during peak essay-writing season.

Finally, you’ll notice that most essays require a word count between 250 to 600 words. It’s often easier to write a longer essay first. This will allow you to go into greater detail without censoring your ideas. You may find yourself including dialogue, scenery, emotions, and all sorts of other specifics that make an essay personal. As you whittle down this essay to comply with a similar prompt, you’ll want to identify which pieces of the essay do the most work to get your message across. Don’t simply condense everything by eliminating details, for details are often the most memorable aspects of an essay. More on this next.

How to Write a Scholarship Essay Using the Three Fs

The three Fs can be applied to any college essay, though they are particularily useful in scholarship essays. Why? Because the three Fs will enable you to impress readers and beat out other applicants. Ultimately, they’ll help you win financial support. Think of the three Fs as a checklist to go over, once you’ve completed an essay draft. Ask yourself, is my essay fabulous? Flawless? Fearless?

How to Write a Scholarship Essay (Continued)

If your essay is fabulous , it glitters with personality. It is detailed, unique, and does its best to highlight your impressive journey. If your essay lacks a little fab, ask yourself, how can I make this essay more enjoyable and memorable to read? If your essay is flawless , it lacks all spelling, syntactic and grammatical errors. It answers every aspect of the essay prompt, and leaves no room for vagueness or misunderstandings. To avoid flaws, give your essay to several people to proofread. Finally, if your essay is fearless , it is not afraid to get a little vulnerable. This may sound contradictory to the first F. On the contrary, this fearlessness refers to the confidence to tell your own story. A fearless story isn’t afraid to go deep, add complexity, or get emotional. It is unafraid to show why its author deserves a financial boost.

Scholarship Essay Example

Now that we’ve established how to approach the scholarship essay, let’s dive into a scholarship essay example. The scholarship essay below stems from a prompt we saw above: Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way (500 words).

My generation is growing up in a time of increased global turmoil. We’ve witnessed Brexit, the Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, a series of refugee crises, and the invasion of Ukraine. It’s easy to liken this moment to Europe in the 1930s, which saw a spike in fascism and propaganda (their version of fake news). Only now, my generation must also contend with the hottest summers on record, raging forest fires, and the beginning of the 6 th extinction. It’s no wonder we deal with it all through increased skepticism and existential dread.

While I don’t have a simple solution, I believe most problems stem from ignorance. Xenophobia and racism, offshoots of ignorance, can be overcome by exposing isolated groups of people to greater diversity. This begins in the classroom. While dictators are hard to dispose of, education provides critical thinking skills, which allow citizens to make informed decisions when electing officials. Finally, developing a willingness to learn at an early age creates an instinct to continue learning throughout life. We desperately need intellectual flexibility if we are going to adapt to the planet’s needs as a world population and put a stop to industry-led fossil fuel burning.

Scholarship Essay Example (Continued)

The change I’d like to make is free, enhanced education for everyone, at every level, from elementary school to post-doctorate research institutes. To do so, I suggest defunding national militaries and channeling this spending into schools. Imagine if 80% of the 877 billion dollars the U.S. military spends annually went into learning. Combating fascism and climate change would look more feasible. And yet, no leader would agree to making their country more vulnerable by relinquishing arms and armies. Change must come from the people.

As the planet continues to heats up, and conflict over land increases, we must work together. The first step towards increased education is communicating this need for education: through journalism, on social media, in the streets. Next, I suggest lobbying politicians for incremental change. Finally, I believe a global grassroots movement to implement future-focused education, led by activists, educators, and philanthropists, would make this theoretical idea a tangible reality.

Last year, my mother, who never received a college education, decided to offer free gardening courses in our backyard. I quickly joined in. While teaching a handful of neighbors how to provide year-round food for pollinators may seem trivial, I’ve already seen positive repercussions. One conservative neighbor has set up an organization that collects and redistributes leftover produce from the markets to refugees. Another neighbor is now teaching middle schoolers how to cook and compost. These efforts have brought unusual strangers together and given visibility to our movement, #futurefocusededucation. I’ve seen it firsthand. The more we educate, the sooner we can combine our knowledge to create solutions.

Scholarship Essay Example Dissected

This scholarship essay succeeds at answering all parts of the prompt. It includes the change the author wants to make, and inevitable obstacles she’d face at the governmental and international level. These obstacles may sound insurmountable. Yet the essay shows that individuals are not powerless to enact change when they work together towards a common goal. The author provides various thoughtful steps we might take in order to prioritize education and peaceful collaboration.

Finally, the author portrays herself as someone personally invested in the political, humanitarian, and environmental state of the world. She proves that she’s already begun to make the changes she wants to see at the microscopic level. Overall, readers of this scholarship essay can see that this student is invested in bettering the world. This student would make for a proactive participant in her academic environment.

What’s Next?

Now that you have some inkling of how to write a scholarship essay and have reviewed of our scholarship essay examples, you may want to delve into more aid-related articles on the College Transitions Dataverse. You can read up on Need-Based Financial Aid Grants , and learn about Selective Colleges with Generous Scholarships . Furthermore, you may want to create your own Scholarship Timeline , in order to stay on top of the various deadlines. Good luck!

• Costs & Financial Aid

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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• Applying For Scholarships

Use This Scholarship Essay Format (w/example)

David Dec 24, 2018

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Winning a scholarship can be hard. There is a lot of competition, especially for the more prestigious awards. It is important that you do as much as you can to increase your chances of winning.

You may do this in many ways. Of course, if you apply to more scholarships, you increase your chances of winning. Getting awesome letters of recommendation is also key.

And then, there’s the dreaded scholarship essay that so many students have trouble with. As challenging as the essay is, it is critical to your application. 

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

Your resume may show off all your achievements. But your essay shows the scholarship committee who you are. This is the place for you to set yourself apart from other candidates.

No doubt, the content of your essay is very important. (Like having an engaging introduction and memorable conclusion ). However, the scholarship essay format is also important for making a good impression.

Often times, students invest so much of their time focusing on the content requirements of the essay, that they forget about the es say format.

Why the Essay Format is Important

Scholarship committees have many essays to review. Setting a general format for all students saves them time when reading essays. They will not make any exceptions.

The last thing you want to do is ruin your awesome essay with a lousy format. So, here are some tips on how you should format your essay to make it look professional. You want to come across as a serious contender and a top candidate for the scholarship.

How to Format Your Scholarship Essay

Most scholarship applications  have the same format requirements for the scholarship essay. If you come across an application that doesn’t specify how to format your essay, the following format is a safe option for you to go with. Remember, if you ever have doubts, contact the scholarship committee for clarification.

Essay Format: 

• Double spaced
• 12 point Times New Roman font (Arial and Verdana is also okay). Don’t use any fancy script fonts, as beautiful as you may think they are.
• 1-1.5” margins (top, bottom, and side)
• Indent every paragraph or insert a blank line in between each paragraph to set them apart
• Insert your last name and page number (for longer essays) on the top left. You may also choose to sign your name at the end of your scholarship essay.
• Titles are optional. But, a catchy title can make a difference and engage your reader. Think about it, the title is the first thing your reader sees. 

Follow the word count guidelines as set by the scholarship committee. Scholarship judges usually don’t want to read an essay that is longer than ¾ to a page in length.

If your essay needs to be 300 words, it is okay if you don’t meet that exact number, such as 294 or 310. But, if you hand in a 450-word essay, they might not accept your application. It is best to get closest to the number as possible.

It can be tempting to write a long essay on all your accomplishments. But this isn’t what the scholarship committee wants to see . Quality is more important than quantity. 

Of course, there are exceptions. Always make sure that you know what the word requirement is.

Brainstorm your thoughts beforehand, create an outline, and stick to it. This should help you keep to the maximum work number.

Body Paragraphs

Your essay should consist of three or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should have at least three sentences.

Include a thesis statement in your introduction paragraph. The thesis sentence explains what you will talk about during your essay. Remember, your introduction paragraph should reel in your reader. 

Each body paragraph should f ocus on a different aspect that represents your thesis statement. Your concluding paragraph should revisit the theme and wrap up your main points. 

Use logical transitions between your body paragraphs. These help to connect the different topics in your essay. 

Other Tips: 

•   If you need to print and mail in your essay, use high-quality paper and an envelope that will fit the paper without folding it.
•   If your instructions state not to staple your materials, follow the rule. You don’t want to be disqualified for something as silly as this after you’ve worked so hard.
•   Take time to revise your essay. Read your essay out loud and pass it along to a family member to revise it as well. Sometimes, it takes many times (and eyes) to find errors.

When reviewing your essay, make sure that it is easy to follow. Are you answering the essay prompt in a concise manner? Ask family members if they know what the essay prompt is from reading your essay.

Before starting to write your essay, get to know the organization awarding the scholarship. What is its mission? The information you include in your essay should match their expectations and goals.

Finally, make sure that your essay focuses on you and not somebody else, like a role model. If you are talking about a role model, explain how that person has impacted your life and your goals.

Some of the guidelines ma y seem unimportant. But, the scholarship committee pays attention to minute details. They usually provide guidelines as a way to see how well applicants can follow them. If they don’t provide instructions, follow the essay format we have listed for you above.

Clearly read all instructions of the scholarship application. Making trivial mistakes is a sure way to get your candidacy revoked. If there’s something you don’t understand, reach out to the scholarship committee. They are there to assist you and answer questions. 

You may be tempted to apply only to scholarships that don’t require an essay. These scholarship applications are easier to fill out. But, for this reason, they receive a lot more applications. 

Using a free scholarship matching service can help you find loads of scholarships in no time. Get the money you deserve by applying to scholarships you qualify for. Spend time working on those essays and you may be a lucky winner.

Scholarship Essay Examp le: 

From Dad’s Shadow to My Own

Growing up, I always thought that I was going to take over my dad’s automobile shop. I had helped him in his store from a young age, handing him a screwdriver when he needed to turn a screw and a Coca-Cola when he was thirsty. He called me his mini-me and nothing made the smile on my face wider. I hid behind the shadow of my dad, a shy and awkward middle-schooler. I wanted to be just like him, that is, until I grew into Sam Foster and realized my own potential. 

When I entered freshman ye

ar of high school, I looked for a way to get to know new people. I decided to join my school’s drama club. Never having acted before, it was a pretty random choice. Especially because I was so shy. But, not being the sporty type or the science type didn’t leave me with many other options. 

We got our first assignment to perform a monologue in front of everyone. I was absolutely terrified. I practiced in front of the mirror in the bathroom for hours every night. I couldn’t imagine performing it in front of 20 other students in the club. 

The time came to perform my monologue. I got up on stage, my entire body shaking. My director gave me the okay to start. What happened next was a miracle. I started reciting my lines and gained confidence that I’ve never felt before. I became my character and didn’t not ice the crowd in front of me. 

On that day, I realized my calling in life. I was born to be an actor. Since freshman year, I have starred in every play at my school. I have taken acting classes in my high school, and outside acting classes. Next year, I am starting at the University of Michigan where I will major in drama. 

Unfortunately, my parents haven’t been the most supportive of my career choice. They were expecting me to take over the family business and not pursue my own path. I will have to rely on taking out loans to fund my education. 

I am planning to find a part-time job at school, but with all of the studying I will be doing and participation in school clubs and shows, my time to work will be limited. This scholarship will greatly assist me in pursuing my educational and career goals. 

As proud as little Sam Foster w as in his dad’s automobile shop, the Sam Foster of today is even prouder. No longer is he too shy to stand on his own, but he thrives in the spotlight. 

I am so excited to begin my bachelor’s degree in the fall. I know that I will gain invaluable skills. My education is so important to me and to my future. 

Thank you for your time and consideration for this award, 

• Scholarship Essay

David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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How To Write A Winning Scholarship Essay (with example)

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Scholarship essays are an inevitable part of most scholarship applications. Sadly, many qualified students see an essay requirement, think, “I’m not a good writer,” and decide not to apply. Don’t fall into that trap! Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay today!

As a former writing instructor, I know firsthand that anyone can write a winning scholarship essay if they devote the time and effort. Follow the steps below to write an excellent scholarship essay and dramatically increase your chances of winning scholarships!

Take your time

For most people, it’s not possible to write a stellar essay ten minutes before the application deadline. We recommend giving yourself a few hours to write the first draft of your scholarship essay. Ask a friend to read it over or just take some time away, then take another hour to proofread your essay, ideally the next day.

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Start with structure.

Remember, the reader is not in your head. A solid essay structure is needed to convey your ideas effectively. Before you begin writing:

Create an outline to map out your idea

Clear topic sentences

Plan for multiple paragraphs, with each paragraph headed by a clear topic sentence for that paragraph’s main point

Transition!

Use a transitional sentence or phrase at the end of each paragraph to connect one idea to the next

Answer the prompt

Nothing will set you back like not responding to the prompt provided. It screams “this person didn’t bother to fully read the directions,” or worse, “this person doesn’t care about what we are asking.”

Read the prompt, and then read it again. This is where giving yourself plenty of time to write comes in handy. Rather than immediately starting to write:

• Let the prompt sit with you awhile so that you come up with the best response
• Think of the prompt as a question to be answered
• Consider your audience while being your authentic self

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Start with a hook

Your writing teachers were not joking about the importance of the introductory hook. There are a number of ways to hook the reader, including:

• Using startling statistics
• Opening with a moving sentence
• Making a strong statement

For an example of an engaging hook, say you are writing an essay about social media distraction. Perhaps you could open with:

It might sound odd, but I love my flip phone. In fact, I feel nothing but disdain for that moment stealing villain, the iPhone .

See how you’re already interested in reading on? Effective writing is all about telling an engaging story, and a strong hook is the first step!

Go Deeper: How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)

Don’t forget formatting

Be mindful of any required formatting. This might include a word count or page limit. The application may also specify single or double sentence spacing, using certain fonts, or using a certain format, such as MLA or APA.

Related: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Show, don’t tell

Finally, no matter what, do your best to tell an engaging story! If given the opportunity, focus on a specific challenge you’ve faced or goal you’ve achieved. As you tell your story, the qualities that make you a great scholarship applicant–your drive, your passion, and your personality–will shine through!

In conclusion?

Speaking of conclusions, don’t end your scholarship application essay with “in conclusion,” which sounds robotic on the page. Instead, think about why what you wrote matters, and remind the reader of just that.

An effective way to bring cohesion to your essay is to refer back to your hook in the closing. For example, if you used that flip phone introduction, your closing might say:

So while some people have 100s of pictures of “experiences” that they were not truly present for, I have lifelong memories stored in my own mind, no extra cloud space required.

Notice how that ending wows? It wraps up your “story” and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of who you are as a person.

Key Takeaways

• Having to write an essay may feel intimidating, but we promise that you are more than capable of completing this step of your application
• Give yourself plenty of time to sit with the essay prompts and then draft your response
• Once you’ve written your essay, ask friends or family to read your work 
• Most importantly remember to take time to read all the directions about the essay and answer the questions that they are asking you

Final thoughts

For more in-depth instructions on how to conclude your scholarship essay, you can consult our guide on how to end scholarship essays . If you are looking for additional scholarship opportunities, check out our list of top writing & essay scholarships .    

Remember, writing scholarship essays is an opportunity to show who you are in a way that test scores and rankings never can. Don’t miss out on winning scholarship awards that you qualify for. Happy writing, all, and don’t forget to apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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How To Write A Scholarship Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide

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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 a lot of issues, one of which is how to write a compelling scholarship essay that showcases their strengths and sets them apart from the competition. 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?

A scholarship essay is a crucial component of the application process when seeking financial aid for your educational pursuits. It serves as a platform to persuasively articulate why you are a deserving candidate. It also shows how to write a scholarship essay that sets you apart from the competition. 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. Now, let us get started on the writing part of a scholarship essay:

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 about 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.

Step 1: Hook your reader from the start

If you 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 convincing the judges to provide you with the financial aid you need. 

Step 2: Understand your 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.

Step 3. Read the scholarship essay prompts carefully

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.

Step 4. Get to know 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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Step 5. share your authenticity.

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 the US, then there is a blog on top scholarships in the USA for international students.

Step 6. Seek feedback and guidance on your writing

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.

Step 7. Ensure your scholarship essay is free from 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, personal, and career goals . 

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 . 

Scholarship Essay Examples

Receiving multiple smaller scholarship awards can be life-changing and help you achieve your college and professional goals. The following scholarship essays demonstrate how to write a winning scholarship essay for any university:

Scholarship Essay Example #1: 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."

Scholarship Essay Example #2: 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."

Scholarship Essay Example #3: University of California, Berkeley Scholarship Essay

"My passion for computer science began in middle school when I discovered the power of coding to create and solve problems. Since then, I've dedicated countless hours to learning programming languages and developing my skills. Last summer, I had the opportunity to intern at a local tech company, where I contributed to a real-world software project and gained invaluable experience working in a professional environment. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in software engineering and make a positive impact through technology."

Scholarship Essay Example #4: Georgia Institute of Technology Scholarship Essay

"As a first-generation college student, I understand the value of education and the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with opportunities they never had. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been my greatest motivators. Through my involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at a local community centre and tutoring underprivileged children, I've developed a deep appreciation for giving back and making a difference in others' lives. Pursuing a degree in engineering will allow me to combine my love for science and mathematics with my passion for helping others."

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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 scholarship essay prompts that you can use to write a scholarship 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?

Tips on How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

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 on how to write a winning scholarship essay:

1. Select a topic you are passionate about

2. Follow a narrative structure

3. Organise your essay in a clear

4. Re-read the essay prompt and identify the key themes

5. Outline your essay

6. Make sure your outline does justice to your essay prompt

7. Highlight your experiences and problem-solving skills

8. Talk about your accomplishments modestly

9. Maintain a consistent flow throughout your essay

10. Seek feedback and proofread your essay

11. Be concise and specific, and avoid generalising.

12. Use punctuation strategically to add emphasis and structure to your sentences

13.  Research the university and the scholarship they are providing before you write an essay

14. While maintaining a professional tone, write the essay in your unique voice

15. Avoid overusing of inspirational quotes in your essay

Things you need to Avoid While Writing a Scholarship Essay

Writing a compelling scholarship essay can be a challenging task, but keeping the necessary guidelines in mind will make the process smoother. Avoiding certain pitfalls is just as important as following the recommended best practices. Here are some crucial don'ts that you should follow when you write an essay for a scholarship.

1. Never plagiarise in your essay, as this will undoubtedly get your application rejected. Use your authentic words and ideas, and cite any sources properly if you need to reference them in your essay

2. While adding a personal touch to your essay with your qualities and experiences is encouraged, avoid coming across as insincere or overly emotional. Maintain a balanced and professional tone throughout your writing.

3. Submit your essay before the deadline, as missing it could potentially disqualify you from consideration. Plan ahead and give yourself ample time to draft, revise, and proofread your essay.

4. Your essay should be directly relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. Do not write an essay that is unrelated and does not answer the prompt, as this may lead to disqualification.

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.

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Top 5 Scholarships and Scholarship Essays

The essay for a scholarship serves as a platform to demonstrate to the scholarship committee why you are a deserving candidate and what sets you apart from other applicants. It provides an opportunity to highlight challenges you have faced, how you coped with and overcame them, and showcase your problem-solving abilities. Here are the top 5 scholarships and a brief overview of their scholarship essay requirements.

1. Kang Foundation and Legal Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at students pursuing a career in law. The essay should highlight your passion for the legal field, your academic achievements, and any relevant extracurricular activities or work experiences that have prepared you for a career in law.

2. New York University Scholarship

The New York University Scholarship essay prompts often focus on your personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and how you plan to contribute to the diverse community at NYU. The essay should showcase your unique perspective and how you have overcome challenges or pursued your interests.

3. North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership and community involvement. The essay should highlight your leadership experiences, volunteer work, and how you have made a positive impact in your community.

4. Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship 

The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship is designed for students who wish to study abroad. The essay should outline your goals for studying abroad, how it aligns with your academic and personal aspirations, and how you plan to leverage the experience to further your personal and professional growth.

5. Questbridge Scholarship

The Questbridge Scholarship is a prestigious program that provides financial aid to high-achieving, low-income students. The essay should focus on your academic achievements, personal challenges you have overcome, and your aspirations for the future. It should also highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or society.

We hope this guide helped you find new ways to write a 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 a personal statement . For those working on their dissertations, we provide valuable insights on crafting a compelling thesis statement. You can also check our detailed blog on how to write thesis statements .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a compelling introduction for a scholarship essay, how do you structure a scholarship essay effectively, what are some tips for writing a strong conclusion for a scholarship essay, how can you make your scholarship essay stand out, what common mistakes should you avoid in a scholarship essay.

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• Writing Tips

​How to Write a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

6-minute read

• 22nd August 2022

Writing a scholarship essay can seem like a daunting task. For many students , higher education isn’t possible without financial aid, and scholarships are especially valuable because the money awarded doesn’t have to be paid back.

Even though the stakes are high, there are a few manageable steps you can take to ensure you write a great essay to submit with your scholarship applications. We have a few top tips to help you get started, along with writing examples to demonstrate some key points. Check out our guide below to learn more.

A scholarship essay is a great opportunity to present yourself and your accomplishments in an impactful way. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of each scholarship deadline so you can allow sufficient time for the writing process, which typically includes the following:

·   Read the essay prompt and brainstorm ideas.

·   Create an outline covering the key points you want to address.

·   Write a draft and seek feedback from trusted teachers, family, or friends.

·   Make any necessary revisions and proofread before submitting your final draft.

Scholarship review committees will be able to tell if you rushed through your essay, so give yourself the best chance of winning an award by staying organized and on schedule!

Who and What?

Researching the scholarship provider and diligently reviewing the essay prompts can help you write an essay that makes you stand out as a top candidate.

1. Who are you writing to?

Learn more about the organization offering the scholarship and why the scholarship fund was created.

For instance, a scholarship may honor its organization’s founder, and the founder’s qualities (e.g., integrity, good citizenship, and leadership) might be the same values guiding the scholarship program as a way to continue the founder’s legacy.

If you identify with any of the same qualities, you can incorporate those keywords into your essay to demonstrate your shared values. Remember to remain authentic, though!

2. What are you writing about?

You must read the essay prompt carefully to identify precisely what you need to accomplish with your essay.

Some prompts ask about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them or your achievements and the challenges you overcame to reach them.

You’ll write about common topics across multiple scholarship applications – some may even be similar to your college admission essay – so you can repurpose your essays as long as you’re diligent about tailoring each one to its prompt.

Your application will likely require other items such as transcripts and test scores, but the essay is your chance to offer something entirely unique. Write about key experiences that highlight who you are and what you’ve accomplished, or you could mention something you’re passionate about.

Remember to follow any specific instructions regarding length and formatting, and be sure to answer all questions listed in the prompt. It can hurt your chances if you’re unable to show the committee that you’re detail-oriented and can follow directions.

Structuring Your Essay

Your essay should follow a standard format that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end. Typically, you should:

·   Establish your main idea in the introduction.

·   Include a separate body paragraph for each key point that supports your main idea.

·   Draw it all together and revisit your main idea in the conclusion.

Scholarship committees read thousands of essays each year. And often, there are hundreds of applicants for an award that can only go to a select few candidates. Writing a powerful introduction and conclusion gives you a chance to make a lasting impression.

1. Introduction

Write an introduction that hooks the reader and encourages them to stay engaged till the end of your essay. Don’t be afraid to add personal, tangible details and an anecdote .

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For example, if you’re writing about your career goals, demonstrate why you’ve chosen that career:

It was the biggest game of the season, and the stands were packed despite the bitter cold. My heart was beating louder than all of the cheers, and I was filled with the anticipation that one more run into the end zone would give us the championship. Everything went silent during that run when the tackle shattered both my leg and my dreams.

My world has always revolved around being an athlete – until one day it couldn’t. I spent many frustrating months rehabilitating, but I got through it because of my dedicated physical therapist, who helped me recover both physically and mentally after a devastating loss. And it was that profound experience that led me to pursue a career in the exercise sciences.

2. Conclusion

The conclusion is the last thing your reader will see, so it’s another opportunity for you to make your essay memorable.

Rather than summarizing with a general statement such as “this is why you should award me a scholarship,” perhaps explain what the financial assistance will help you achieve:

My parents never had the opportunity to go to college, and neither did their parents. I watched them work hard every day just to make ends meet, and I often questioned whether I could achieve anything more. Nevertheless, I spent four years working as hard as I saw my parents work, and I beat the odds by getting accepted to college. A scholarship could be invaluable for me, as it would allow me to attend and be successful without having to worry about finances.

Persuasive Writing

While you don’t want your scholarship essay to be overly informal, you’re certainly allowed to add some creativity and personal details to help persuade your readers.

One of the best ways to do so is by writing with the modes of persuasion ; that is, ethos, pathos, and logos.

Demonstrate your credibility. Use your real-life experiences and interesting details to establish, for example, how you’ve contributed to your community:

I saw how much bullying was impacting so many students at my school, so I founded my high school’s first anti-bullying club and organized campaigns to bring attention to the harm that people can cause one another.

Evoke an emotional response. The “show, don’t tell ” writing technique, which involves using descriptive words when discussing actions and emotions, can be especially useful here:

During one of our first awareness assemblies, the theater was completely silent as I read aloud anonymous stories from students about the scars bullying had left on their lives. Tears were stinging in my eyes as I described the struggles my classmates were facing, but I persevered to give a voice to those who didn’t have one.

Convey your point with reason and facts. Use statistics to demonstrate what you’ve accomplished:

In the first year alone, our club improved students’ feelings of safety and acceptance at our school by 53%.

Proofreading and Editing

Don’t forget the importance of proofreading your essay, as spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a bad impression on your reader. Our expert editors can help ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. Give yourself a better chance at impressing scholarship committees by submitting a free trial document today!

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How to write a winning scholarship essay

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Table of contents

• Introduction

1. Read and re-read the essay statement you are being asked to respond to, and identify the key themes.

2. understand the meaning of the key themes., 3. fill your scholarship essay with keywords/synonyms of keywords used in the scholarship statement., 4. make an engaging start to your essay., 5. understand the criteria used by the scholarship committee to evaluate application essays., what to include in scholarship essays about leadership:, what to include in scholarship essays about community impact:.

Hayley Capp, winner of the 2013 QS Leadership Scholarship, shares her top tips on  how to write a winning scholarship application essay .

There is no one way to write a winning scholarship application. If you gathered together all the scholarship entries that have ever won a prize, you would find it difficult to identify what made them the same. Each would offer a distinctive style employed by the author; a unique insight into his or her past, present and future aspirations.

This uniqueness is the key, and the first point to remember when you pick up your pen to write. Make your scholarship application essay exclusive to you, personalize it, delve deep into your passion and drive to study your subject, and create a response that could only ever relate to you. It is this individuality that stands out, and that’s exactly what catches a judge’s eye and defines a winner.

I won the 2013  QS Leadership Scholarship , so will base my guidance on my own thought process when shaping my application essay. However, the basic principles that I highlight with this example can be extracted and applied to other scholarship essay writing processes.

From my own example, the 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’ . I identified the key themes as ‘leadership’ and ‘community impact’.

After identifying the key themes, it is important to understand what each of these ideas really means, beyond the initial level. For instance, I acknowledged that the meaning of ‘leadership’ involved identifying the effects my leadership had – the actions taken and results achieved under my leadership – and not simply describing the position I held and my responsibilities. The more depth you bring to your understanding of the meaning of each theme, the more examples you will be able to identify to demonstrate your abilities.

Using the keywords from the  scholarship statement  throughout your essay will demonstrate your commitment to addressing the question being asked. For instance, I made a special effort to ensure references to ‘leadership’; ‘innovation’ and ‘impacting communities’ ran throughout my essay.

If you are struggling to start your scholarship application essay, why not include a quote or statement that relates to your intended course, and which you can later link to the main body of your text. Showing wider knowledge and aptitude for your subject will help convince the judges that it is a worthwhile investment to support you in your chosen course.

Based on my own experience, I have outlined what I believe to be the key criteria used by  scholarship committee  judges for evaluating scholarship application essays on the themes of leadership and community impact. My advice would be to address all of these areas in your essay, whether the question explicitly asks for it or not.

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• The extent of the leadership experience and degree of accomplishment . What were the results? Did you manage to grow a society from 10 to 100 members through your tenure?
• Why you got involved in the leadership experience . What was your initial inspiration and how did the experience make you feel? This is a very important aspect as it allows you to show your sincerity and demonstrates your passion.
• What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them ? Inspirational stories of perseverance despite adversity make readers (especially judges) want to help you succeed. It also shows that you have great leadership qualities: the ability to adapt to new situations and the determination to not give up.
• What did you learn?   How did these lessons shape you as a leader?  Every experience brings new lessons and personal growth opportunities and the best leaders are humble and realize this. Speaking about these lessons indicates that you have truly reflected on your experiences and that you understand what leadership is. (In other words, you know that leadership isn’t just about getting a title like “President” or “Executive Director”.)
• What does this mean for the future ? A scholarship isn’t just an award; it’s an investment in your future. So if you plan to continue being involved in your particular leadership activity in the future, tell the judges.
• How much time did you dedicate to the activity?  The scholarship committee is likely to be looking for applicants who made a fairly long commitment to a community activity.
• Why was it important to you?  Joy from helping others? Excitement of trying something new? Opportunity to form relationships with others? Having a genuine reason helps build a convincing essay.
• Why was it important to the community?  Ask the question: What would be different for your community if you  didn’t  do what you do? It is most important to show that you recognize the real needs in your communities, and act to address these.
• What did you gain yourself through giving to the community?  It is important to show that you understand how through giving, you end up receiving more in the end. Sharing what community service has taught you and how it helped you develop demonstrates that you have truly gained from your participation and suggests you will continue doing so in the future.

My final point of advice when writing your scholarship application essay or cover letter is to really show that you know who you are. What are the relevant past and present experiences that demonstrate your abilities and where are you headed? Use carefully selected language to emphasize your passion, ambition and enthusiasm and remember to adopt a positive mindset, in which you believe in all the great things you have done and plan to continue achieving in the future. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would the judges?

You can browse our various scholarship listings  here , and QS also offers its own  scholarships . Also, you can download our free guide for more advice on how to find scholarships to study abroad. 

Hayley Capp is the winner of the 2013  QS Leadership Scholarship . Covering up to US$10,000 of course fees for a graduate program, the scholarship is awarded to the applicant best able to demonstrate his/her ability to use entrepreneurial and leadership skills to make a positive impact on a community.

This article was originally written in September 2013. It was updated in November 2019.

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10 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples From Real Students

Make your application shine.

Writing a scholarship essay can be intimidating. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high, so students are bound to feel the pressure. It may be helpful, therefore, to look at essays that were successful. What did those students do to impress the committee? These scholarship essay examples will give you a better idea of how to make an application shine! 

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

We’ve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you haven’t read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started. 

Carefully read the rules

The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didn’t do the right thing. 

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process. 

Get to know the provider

Think of the scholarship provider as your target audience. You want to tailor your essay to impress them, so do your research. What kinds of candidates are they looking for? What causes do they support? Dig deep for the information you need!

Think about who you are, what you want to say, and how to appeal to the scholarship committee. Write everything down and then choose the best ideas. 

The scholarship committee will be reviewing many applications. How can you make yours unforgettable? Highlight your strongest assets, share hard lessons if they showcase your growth as a person and/or student, and be honest. Never lie in a scholarship essay!

Be professional

Consider this the most important academic paper you’ve ever written. Don’t use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay that’s been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.

One last tip

Don’t reuse scholarship essays! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but students need to put the same effort into every application. Use the same process and it will get faster and easier every time!

Scholarship Essay Examples

Afc visionary scholarship essay by nicole kuznetsov.

Award Amount: $5,000

Essay prompt: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

Why it was successful: The  beauty of this essay is that it’s well-organized and simple. Nicole Kuznetsov chose to outline her story by using chronology and provided a clean, concise story following a linear path.

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Essay by Christine Fung

Award Amount: $1,000

Why it was successful: Christine Fung masterfully shared how her upbringing instilled strong values, a love for education, and a passion for medicine .

The Bill Browning Scholarship Essay by Gabby DeMott

Award Amount: $10,000

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

Why it was successful: Gabby DeMott shared her experiences with personal growth and overcoming fears in Germany. She also appealed to the very human feeling of wanting to belong in a way that was inspiring. 

Life Happens Scholarship Essay by Emily Trader

Award Amount: $15,000

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.

Why it was successful: Emily Trader fully addressed the prompt in honest, beautiful detail. She knew her audience and tailored her essay to appeal to them while telling her compelling story. 

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Essay prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

Why it was successful: Isabella Mendez-Figueroa shared an empowering story about her parents overcoming financial adversity so that she and her sister could be the first in their family to go to college. 

Giva Scholarship Essay by Joseph Lee

Essay prompt: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

Why it was successful: Joseph Lee offered a captivating , personal story that was essentially a list of things that make someone a good doctor without it feeling boring or calculated. 

New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana

Award amount: $39,500 

Essay prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

Why it was successful: Ana discussed how early experiences w ith learning difficult things has contributed to her passion for teaching and supporting students. 

The Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship Essay  by Steven Fisher

Award amount: $7,500

Essay prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

Why it was successful: Steven Fisher’s powerful essay   connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world. 

Women’s World Banking Founder’s Scholarship Essay by Rosaisha Ozoria

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

Why it was successful: Rosaisha Ozoria   focused on a very specific topic , financial literacy for Hispanic women, and emphasized its importance and relevance to her own life. 

The Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship Essay by Famyrah Lafortune

Award amount: $3,500

Essay prompt: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

Why it was successful: Famyrah Lafortune starts with a strong statement about ending racial inequality and then details the steps she’ll take to make it happen. 

Do you have any great scholarship essay examples? Share them below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more suggestions be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

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How to Write a Scholarship Essay

What’s covered:, why do scholarships require essays.

• Types of scholarship essays

How to write a good scholarship essay

What about scholarships that don’t require an essay.

For many, scholarships are a critical part of paying for your college education. That’s why you want to make sure your scholarship applications receive nearly as much of your care and attention as your college applications do. Essays are a huge component of this.

Many scholarships are competitive, drawing highly qualified applicants with excellent grades and test scores. Essays are a way of differentiating students, learning more about their interests, and determining to whom the organization should give the award.

Scholarships are also born out of organizational missions, and the committee wants to see how your values align with theirs. Essays help illuminate these values. 

Types of scholarship essays 

You’ll encounter several different types of scholarship essays during your search. These are some of the most common varieties you will find.

Career and education goals

Some scholarships target people with particular career ambitions and anticipated majors. This essay prompt is common for those types of awards, as well as more general ones. To approach your essay, you should be authentic, describing your true motivations and why this professional path appeals to you. Let your passion for the industry, sector, or discipline shine through.

Life experiences/qualities/group affinity

When a scholarship targets people of particular demographics, make sure you highlight your affinity with this group in your essay. Describe how these characteristics have contributed to and in some cases shaped your journey — and will continue to do so in your future.

Connection with the institution/organization

Your connection with the institution or organization offering the scholarship often plays a large role in determining winners — so much so that they may ask you to describe why that organization is important to you in your essay. It’s important to do your homework, considering why various aspects of the institution appeal to you and why you want a scholarship from them.

Past writing sample

You may not need to write a new essay at all. The organization could ask you to submit a past writing sample instead. If this is the case, choose a piece that shows your real personality and aligns with the message and mission of the organization offering the scholarship.

1. Understand your audience.

Scholarship committees want to see essays from students who share their organization’s values. Before you apply, you need to do some research to understand what those values are. Consider how your interests and experiences align with what the organization is looking for, and make them clear throughout your essay.

2. Show your personality.

You should also use your voice in your essay. Give the scholarship committee insight into who you are as a person — what drives you, what motivates you, and what interests you. This will allow them to understand you on a deeper level and see your words as genuine.

3. Use anecdotes and examples.

As with your college essays, you’ll bring your experiences to life by using plenty of anecdotes and examples. These will help ground your essay and make it more compelling for your audience.

You may encounter scholarships that don’t require essays. While the applications may be less time-consuming, for the most part, you will need to ensure that your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars are strong because they will usually play a large role in assessing applicants.

While we’re on the subject of no-essay scholarships, we encourage you to enter CollegeVine’s weekly $500+ scholarship drawings . To get started, you just need to create a free account. Increase your chances of winning by referring friends, peer-reviewing essays, and more.

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Tips and strategies for crafting an outstanding scholarship essay.

Scholarship essays are an essential part of many scholarship applications. They provide an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, goals, and achievements to scholarship committees. Crafting a winning scholarship essay requires time, effort, and attention to detail. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with tips and strategies to help you write a compelling and successful scholarship essay that sets you apart from the competition.

From understanding the prompt to drafting your essay and polishing the final draft, we will walk you through each step of the process. You will learn how to identify key themes, structure your essay effectively, and highlight your strengths and experiences in a way that resonates with the scholarship committee. Whether you are a high school student applying for a local scholarship or a college student seeking a national award, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to create a standout scholarship essay.

The Importance of Scholarships

Scholarships play a crucial role in helping students achieve their educational goals. They provide financial assistance to deserving individuals who may not have the means to fund their education on their own. This support can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

Furthermore, scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden on students and their families but also promote academic excellence. By incentivizing students to strive for academic success, scholarships encourage individuals to work hard, stay motivated, and excel in their studies. This can lead to a more educated and skilled workforce, benefiting society as a whole.

In addition, scholarships can open doors to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many students. They can provide access to top-tier universities, prestigious programs, and valuable experiences that can shape a student’s future and career prospects. Scholarships empower individuals to reach their full potential and pursue their passions without the constraints of financial limitations.

Overall, scholarships are not only important for individuals seeking to further their education but also for society as a whole. By investing in scholarships, we invest in the future of education, innovation, and progress. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and the world, thanks to the support and opportunities provided by scholarships.

Why You Should Apply

Applying for scholarships is a smart and strategic move for students looking to further their education. Here are a few reasons why you should take the time to apply:

• Financial Support: Scholarships offer a valuable source of funding that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
• Merit Recognition: Winning a scholarship is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and academic achievements. It can boost your confidence and open up new opportunities.
• Reduced Debt: By securing scholarships, you can reduce the need for student loans and graduate with less debt, giving you a stronger financial foundation after graduation.
• Networking Opportunities: Many scholarship programs provide networking opportunities with other scholars, mentors, and industry professionals, helping you build valuable connections for the future.
• Personal Growth: The process of applying for scholarships forces you to reflect on your goals, achievements, and aspirations, fostering personal growth and self-improvement.

Overall, applying for scholarships is a worthwhile investment in your education and future success. Don’t miss out on the chance to secure the financial support and recognition you deserve!

Benefits of Winning

Winning a scholarship can offer numerous benefits to students, both academically and personally. Some of the key benefits include:

• Financial Assistance: Scholarships provide financial support for tuition, books, and other educational expenses, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
• Recognition and Prestige: Winning a scholarship can enhance a student’s academic resume and demonstrate their merit to future employers and academic institutions.
• Opportunities for Growth: Scholarships often come with additional opportunities such as internships, networking events, and mentorship programs, which can help students develop their skills and build connections in their field.
• Increased Confidence: Achieving a scholarship can boost a student’s confidence and motivation, encouraging them to aim higher in their academic and personal goals.
• Debt Reduction: By receiving a scholarship, students can decrease their reliance on student loans and minimize the amount of debt they accumulate during their education.

Overall, winning a scholarship can have a transformative impact on a student’s educational journey, opening doors to new opportunities and providing valuable support along the way.

Key Elements in Scholarship Essays

Scholarship essays are crucial for securing financial aid for your education. To craft a winning scholarship essay, you must include key elements that showcase your unique qualities and experiences. These elements include:

1. Personal Story: Share a personal story that highlights your values, goals, and aspirations. This will help the scholarship committee get to know you better.

2. Relevance: Make sure your essay is relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. Tailor your essay to fit the requirements and objectives of the scholarship program.

3. Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use transitions to connect your ideas smoothly.

4. Strong Thesis: Present a strong thesis statement that outlines the main point of your essay. This will guide your writing and keep your essay focused.

5. Unique Voice: Use your unique voice and perspective to stand out from other applicants. Avoid clichés and generic statements.

6. Proofreading: Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A polished essay shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

By incorporating these key elements into your scholarship essay, you can increase your chances of winning financial aid for your education.

Understanding the Prompt

One of the most crucial aspects of writing a winning scholarship essay is understanding the prompt. Take your time to carefully read and analyze the prompt provided by the scholarship committee. Pay attention to the key points and requirements outlined in the prompt, such as the essay topic, word limit, formatting guidelines, and any specific questions that need to be addressed.

Create a table or list to break down the prompt into manageable sections. Highlight the main themes or keywords that you should focus on in your essay. By understanding the prompt thoroughly, you can ensure that your essay directly addresses the criteria set by the scholarship committee and increases your chances of success.

Highlighting Your Achievements

When crafting a scholarship essay, it is crucial to highlight your achievements in a way that showcases your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Be sure to emphasize your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, leadership roles, and any awards or recognition you have received. Use specific examples and anecdotes to demonstrate the impact of your achievements and how they have shaped you as a person. By highlighting your achievements, you can effectively communicate your potential to the scholarship committee and increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Tips for Writing a Standout Essay

When it comes to crafting a winning scholarship essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind to ensure your essay stands out from the crowd:

Showing Your Unique Voice

When crafting a scholarship essay, it’s important to remember that you are the only person who can truly tell your story. Don’t be afraid to let your personality and voice shine through in your writing. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd and show the scholarship committee why you deserve to win.

Whether it’s through a unique storytelling style, a powerful personal anecdote, or a quirky sense of humor, find a way to make your essay memorable and engaging. Your essay should reflect who you are as a person, not just your accomplishments and achievements.

Use your own words and express your ideas in a way that is authentic and genuine. Your unique voice is what will make your essay memorable and resonate with the scholarship committee. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through in every word you write.

Structuring Your Essay Effectively

When it comes to crafting a winning scholarship essay, the structure is just as important as the content. Here are some tips on how to structure your essay effectively:

1. Introduction: Start your essay with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and provide some background information about your achievements and goals.

2. Body paragraphs: Divide your essay into several paragraphs that each focus on a specific point or idea. Make sure to provide clear examples and evidence to support your arguments.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

4. Editing: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and coherence in your writing.

By following these tips, you can structure your scholarship essay effectively and increase your chances of winning that coveted award!

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How to Write a Standout Scholarship Essay | Tips & Examples

Top Scholarship Essay Examples: Winning Essays for 2024

Scholarship Essay Prompts 2024 For Students

Not sure how to nail the perfect scholarship essay format?

Applying for college is a big task with lots of steps, from filling out forms to taking exams. But when it comes to catching a scholarship, things get even trickier! To stand out, you need a scholarship essay that grabs attention, and getting the format right is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key elements of a winning scholarship essay : how to structure your introduction, body, and conclusion. Plus, we’ll share some great examples to guide you.

Let’s get started and make sure your scholarship essay hits all the right notes!

• 1. What is a Scholarship Essay Format?
• 2. How To Format A Winning Scholarship Essay?
• 3. Scholarship Essay General Formatting Guidelines
• 4. Scholarship Essay Format Examples
• 5. Scholarship Essay Formatting Tips 

What is a Scholarship Essay Format?

A scholarship essay format is a set of rules and guidelines that you need to follow to organize your essay accurately.

Formatting plays an important role in scholarship essays and other types of essays and academic papers. If you get the formatting right, it will show the committee members that you can understand and follow the required instructions.  

A well-formatted scholarship essay can help you stand out. It will give the committee a sense of:

• Who you are
• What are your career goals
• What makes you deserve financial aid 

Now, let's see how you should format your scholarship essay!

How To Format A Winning Scholarship Essay?

A scholarship essay typically follows a straightforward format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to structure a scholarship essay, but a popular approach is the 5-paragraph essay format. That said, the best structure for your essay can vary based on the topic and your personal writing style. 

Let’s see how to start a scholarship essay!

Always Start With an Introduction

The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. It should hook the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Start with an engaging hook that grabs attention. This could be an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. Follow this with a brief overview of what you’ll discuss in the essay. 

Finally, include a thesis statement that outlines the main point or argument you’ll be making. Try to wrap up your introduction in a single paragraph. 

Imagine you’re applying for a scholarship to support your studies in environmental science. Your introduction might start like this:

Use Clear and Concise Body Paragraphs 

The body of your essay is where you dive into the details. This section should be well-organized and present a clear argument or narrative that supports your thesis.

Divide the body into paragraphs, each focusing on a topic sentence or aspect of your argument. Use examples and personal experiences to illustrate your points. Make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next, maintaining coherence throughout.

For a scholarship essay on environmental science, the body might be organized as follows:

End With An Impactful Conclusion 

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. It should summarize the main points of your essay and reinforce your commitment to the scholarship’s goals.

Recap the key points you’ve made in the body of the essay. Reiterate why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your goals. End with a powerful closing statement that leaves a memorable impact.

Scholarship Essay General Formatting Guidelines

Here are the format requirements that you need to follow for structuring your scholarship essay. 

• Double-space your text or use 1.5-spacing. 
• Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana font is appropriate to use.
• If not specified, a font size between 10 and 12 points should be used.
• 1-inch margin on all sides of the paper.
• Insert a blank line in each body paragraph or indent every paragraph. 
• Include your last name and page number on the left side of the paper.
• Titles are optional, but they might be provided to you by the committee.

Don’t forget to follow the instructed word count by the scholarship committee. Scholarship committee members don’t read essays longer than ¾ of a page in length. 

Different Formatting Styles for Scholarship Essays

Here are some of the most commonly used formatting styles for scholarship essays:

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is frequently used in humanities and liberal arts essays.

Key Features:

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Margins: 1-inch on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-spaced throughout.
• Header: Last name and page number in the top right corner.
• Title: Centered, without underlining, italics, or quotation marks.
• Heading: Your name, instructor's name, course, and date in the top left corner.

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is typically used in social sciences, education, and psychology essays.

• Header: Running head with a shortened title and page number in the top right corner.
• Title Page: Title of your essay, your name, and institution centered on the page.

Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style is used in various disciplines, including history, business, and fine arts.

• Spacing: Double-spaced, with single-spacing for block quotations and footnotes.
• Title Page : Includes title, your name, course title, instructor's name, and date.

Scholarship Essay Format Examples

For a better understanding of the scholarship essay writing format, take a look at some examples. The following samples will clear any doubts you might have regarding the formatting. 

Scholarship Essay Format Template

College Scholarship Essay Format

Scholarship Essay Format for University

Scholarship Essay Format For High School

Scholarship Essay Heading

APA Format for Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay Letter Format

Scholarship Sample About Why I Deserve the Scholarship

Visit our blog on ' scholarship essay examples ' to see sample essays.

Scholarship Essay Formatting Tips 

When there is no specific guidance, it is common to struggle with certain formatting choices. Here are some expert tips for you to help you navigate the correct formatting of a scholarship essay.

• Always read the instructions carefully before you start writing
• Follow a clear and concise essay structure
• No need to include the question at the top as committee members know what the essay prompt is
• To start a new paragraph, either indent a new line or add an extra blank, but you shouldn’t do both. 
• Personalize your paper as much as you can
• Always promote yourself but stick to the truth!
• You can make your essay more compelling by adding a unique story about yourself
• Keep a similar size for all paragraphs for coherency
• Always double-check your scholarship application essay for spelling or grammar mistakes
• You can ask an instructor or a counselor to assess your work

Hopefully, you will write a perfect scholarship essay with the help of the aforementioned scholarship essay guidelines and tips.    

To Wrap it Up, scholarships are a great opportunity for students to receive money for studies and forget their financial issues. However, thousands of students apply for these free scholarships, and only a few students get aid.

But, you can hire a reputable scholarship essay writing service such as MyPerfectWords.com to maximize your chances! 

if you need help simply request “ can someone do my essay ” and our expert writers will write a scholarship essay and format it according to the required guidelines.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a scholarship essay be.

When it comes to the length of a scholarship essay, it often depends on the guidelines provided by the scholarship committee. Generally, scholarship essays are either short or long, with common lengths being a 500 word essay or a 1000 word essay .

It’s important to follow the specified word count to show that you can adhere to instructions and communicate effectively within given constraints. If no length is specified, aim for a concise and clear essay that covers your main points without unnecessary fluff.

Is it acceptable to use a formal tone in a scholarship essay?

Yes, a formal tone is typically preferred in scholarship essays to convey professionalism and seriousness.

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Home > Blog > Scholarship Essay Examples To Help You Get Accepted

Scholarship Essay Examples To Help You Get Accepted

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Updated: September 24, 2024
• General Guide About Content and Writing

Are you worried that your scholarship essay will not get you into your desired college? The scholarship application process can be tough, so you need the help you can get to increase your odds of success. Therefore, consider using the scholarship essay examples in this post to learn the best practices on how to get accepted.

We’ll show you how to structure the scholarship essay from start to finish and discuss essays on why you should receive a scholarship. Furthermore, we’ll offer the best practices and things to avoid. This means that by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to improve the overall quality of your scholarship essay.

So, let’s take a deep dive into the different scholarship essay examples to help you write your own.

What Is a Scholarship Essay?

A scholarship essay is a written statement that applicants submit to scholarship committees as part of their application process. Its primary purpose is to showcase your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations. It will help reviewers understand why the candidate deserves financial support.

In crafting an effective scholarship essay, it’s important to address the specific prompt provided by the scholarship organization. This might be highlighting relevant experiences and values that align with the scholarship’s mission. A compelling narrative can set an applicant apart and emphasize unique perspectives in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, no matter the type of essay , your work should reflect clarity, coherence, and a strong writing style. It often includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This summarizes the applicant’s journey and future ambitions.

Ultimately, a well-written scholarship essay communicates the candidate’s qualifications and conveys their passion and motivation. It makes for a persuasive case for why they should receive the scholarship.

What To Include in a Scholarship Essay

You’ll need to know what elements to include in your scholarship essay to get the best marks and potentially financial aid. After all, there are many scholarship essays that you have to compete with in order to get top grades.

Here are the main things you must include in your scholarship essay:

• Personal background: Share your background and experiences that shape who you are at the start of your essay . Furthermore, discuss your upbringing, family influences, and any challenges you have overcome.
• Academic achievements: Detail your academic accomplishments, such as GPA, relevant coursework, and honors. You’ll also need to mention any awards or recognitions you’ve received that showcase your dedication to learning.
• Extracurricular activities: Describe your involvement in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work. Make sure to focus on leadership roles and significant contributions.
• Career goals: Clearly outline your career aspirations and how they relate to your educational path. Explain why you are passionate about your chosen field and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
• Financial need: Address your financial situation honestly by explaining why you need the scholarship. Furthermore, discuss any challenges you face in funding your education, such as family circumstances or personal responsibilities.

5 Things To Avoid When Writing Scholarship Essays

There are a number of mistakes that you need to avoid making to ensure that your scholarship essays don’t fail. We have listed some of them below.

1. Neglecting the Prompt

Failing to address the specific scholarship prompt can result in a disqualified application. Each essay should directly respond to the provided questions or themes. Take time to understand what the scholarship committee is looking for and tailor your essay accordingly.

Ignoring the prompt can suggest a lack of attention to detail and commitment.

2. Using Cliches

Relying on cliches or overused phrases can make your essay feel generic and unoriginal. Therefore, avoid common statements like “I’ve always wanted to help people” without further elaboration.

Instead, share specific and personal experiences that illustrate your motivations.

3. Being Vague

General statements about your achievements or aspirations can dilute the impact of your essay. Instead of saying, “I want to make a difference,” provide concrete examples of how you plan to do so. Also, use specific anecdotes that illustrate your experiences and skills.

Clarity and detail help the committee understand your journey and intentions more deeply.

4. Surpassing the Word Limit

Staying within the word count limit is crucial, as exceeding it can lead to disqualification. Hence, avoid being overly verbose since it can dilute your message and bore the reader. Instead, focus on clarity and conciseness to ensure every word adds value to your narrative.

Making sure you stay within the word limit by shortening the essay is a great idea.

5. Being Overly Humble or Arrogant

Striking a balance between humility and confidence is essential. Therefore, avoid downplaying your achievements, since it can make you seem unworthy of the scholarship. Furthermore, excessive bragging can alienate readers. This means you’ll need to present your accomplishments and goals confidently, backed by concrete examples.

Ultimately, a balanced approach showcases your self-awareness and helps convey your genuine passion.

How To Structure a Scholarship Essay With Examples

Now let’s turn our attention to the process of writing scholarship essays with the help of examples. We share the scholarship essay writing tips that will help you create the right structure for your submission. This ensures that you don’t leave any of the important parts out when working on your scholarship applications.

Introduce Yourself

In the introduction, it’s essential to capture the reviewer’s attention while providing a glimpse into your background and aspirations. You might begin with a personal anecdote that reflects your motivations.

For instance, “Growing up in a small town, I often watched my parents work multiple jobs to support our family. Their sacrifices ignited my passion for education and my desire to pursue a career in engineering. Receiving this scholarship will not only help me financially but also empower me to achieve my dreams and contribute positively to my community and future generations.”

This immediately allows the reader to connect with your background and sets the context for the rest of the essay. Scholarship committees pay attention to background information more than you might think.

Provide Context and Background Information

Sharing your personal background allows the scholarship committee to understand the unique experiences that have shaped you. Therefore, describe your family situation, challenges, or significant life events. This improves the writing flow since it offers more context to the committee.

For example, “As the first member of my family to attend college, I have encountered various challenges throughout my educational journey. My parents immigrated to the U.S. with limited resources, and I often balanced my schoolwork with part-time jobs to support my family. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and determination.”

Showcase Educational Achievements

Highlighting your academic accomplishments is crucial in demonstrating your dedication to learning and your potential for success. Therefore, discuss your GPA , honors, and relevant coursework. Take the time to gather all of your academic achievements before writing to ensure that you leave nothing out.

You might write, “I maintained a GPA of 4.0 while taking advanced placement courses in math and science, earning recognition as a National Honor Society member. Additionally, I participated in a summer internship program at a local engineering firm. This is where I gained hands-on experience that solidified my interest in the field. My academic journey reflects my commitment to excellence and my drive to achieve my career aspirations in engineering.”

The focus on academic achievement here showcases that you have an interest in learning and will make the most of the course as a college student. Showing interest through evidence is one of the best ways to convince scholarship committees that you deserve your educational expenses paid for.

Discuss Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities reveal your ability to take an interest in multiple things at once and show you are a well-rounded individual. Hence, you’ll need to describe your involvement and any significant roles.

For instance, “As president of the robotics club, I led a dedicated team of students in designing and building a competitive robot, which enhanced my leadership and collaboration skills. Furthermore, I volunteered at a local community center, where I tutored younger students in math. ”

This shows experience and development of different skills and highlights your leadership abilities. These kinds of experiences transfer well to the majority of courses that you will find at graduate school. Therefore, it’s a good idea to include to craft a winning essay.

Outline Your Career Goals

Clearly outlining your career goals demonstrates your vision for the future and how your education will help you achieve it. It’s a good idea to show your ambitions in this section to stand out from the other students seeking a college education.

For example, “My ultimate goal is to become a civil engineer specializing in sustainable infrastructure. I aspire to develop innovative solutions that address environmental challenges in urban areas. Receiving this scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies. I will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in my community. Also, I wish to contribute to creating a more sustainable world for future generations.”

This shows that you have carefully thought about what you want to do with the degree, which gives you a sense of purpose. Are you unsure what your career goals are? Then perhaps you may want to take some time and think about that before completing this section.

Mention Why You Need Help With Finances

Addressing your financial needs and why you require scholarship money is important for the committee to understand why the scholarship is crucial. After all, most committees should focus on low-income students who need free money to take advantage of higher education. Therefore, make sure to outline your need for financial assistance to the scholarship provider.

For instance, “Due to my family’s financial constraints, I am concerned about the burden of college tuition. My parents are unable to contribute significantly to my education, and I have taken on multiple part-time jobs to save money. This scholarship would alleviate my financial stress and allow me to concentrate fully on my studies.

Write a Good Conclusion

Ensure you write a good conclusion . Summarize the key points and express gratitude for the opportunity. You may also want to leave some lasting thoughts that showcase your enthusiasm and desire. Highlight why getting these invaluable resources is paramount to your future goals.

For example, “In conclusion, I am committed to leveraging my education to create positive change in my community. This scholarship is not merely financial support, but it represents hope and a pathway to pursue my dreams. I am genuinely grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. I look forward to the possibility of joining your college and contributing to its mission.”

10 Scholarship Essay Examples of Prompts

In this section, we’ll share the typical prompts you will come across when writing scholarship essays. This will help you set realistic expectations for the type of scholarship essay format you will need to work on. Hence, you can write better sentences in your essay and improve your chances of success.

The majority of scholarship opportunities require similar requirements, so these examples are a good place to start practicing. Most scholarship essays have similar prompts, so after this section you can avoid any surprises.

Keep reading for example prompts you might come across and how to approach them.

1. Discuss a Challenge You’ve Overcome

In response to this prompt, begin by describing a specific challenge or obstacle you faced in your life. This could be personal, academic, or financial. Then, clearly explain the context and significance of the challenge by focusing on how it affected you.

Next, outline the steps you took to overcome the challenge and the lessons you learned from the experience. Make sure to highlight the skills or qualities you developed. This might be resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities.

Finally, connect this experience to your future goals to illustrate how it has shaped your character and prepared you for success in your academic endeavors.

2. Include in Your Essay Why You Should Receive This Scholarship

This prompt requires you to articulate your unique qualifications and reasons for deserving the scholarship. Start by reflecting on your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences that make you a strong candidate. Additionally, be specific about how these experiences have prepared you for your educational journey.

Discuss your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Make sure to link your aspirations to the mission of the scholarship organization. Additionally, emphasize your commitment to giving back to the community or making a positive impact in your field. This demonstrates your potential to be a valuable ambassador for the scholarship.

3. What Influences Have Shaped Your Life?

In this prompt, you’ll want to reflect on the significant influences that have shaped your values, beliefs, and aspirations. You can start by identifying key figures, experiences, or events that have played a pivotal role in your development.

This could include family members, mentors, or transformative experiences that inspired you. Additionally, describe how these influences have motivated you to pursue your educational goals and impacted your worldview.

Provide specific examples that illustrate the lessons learned and how they have guided your decisions. Finally, conclude by connecting these influences to your future aspirations, demonstrating how they continue to shape your path and drive you toward success.

4. What Does Community Service Mean to You?

When addressing this essay prompt, begin by defining what community service means to you personally. Reflect on your experiences and how they have influenced your understanding of service and civic responsibility. Then, discuss specific volunteer activities or projects you’ve participated in to highlight your roles and contributions.

It’s a good idea to explain how these experiences have impacted both you and the communities you served. You can emphasize the skills and values you gained through these activities, such as empathy, leadership, or teamwork.

Finally, connect your commitment to community service with your future goals. This effectively illustrates how you plan to continue making a difference in your community and beyond.

5. Describe a Leadership Experience

This essay prompt asks you to showcase leadership skills and experiences. Begin by describing a specific situation where you demonstrated leadership, whether in a formal role or through a personal initiative.

Clearly outline the context, your responsibilities, and the challenges you faced. Also, explain the actions you took to lead effectively and how you inspired or motivated others. Provide as much detail as possible to back up your case.

Additionally, reflect on the lessons you learned from this experience and how it has shaped your approach to leadership. This shows that you grew from the experience and can take the lessons learned into your academic and professional life.

6. How Have You Contributed to Your School or Community?

You can start by identifying specific contributions you have made to your school or community. Use specific examples to illustrate your commitment and the skills you’ve gained. Also, reflect on what motivated you to get involved and how these experiences have shaped your values.

Finally, you can conclude by connecting your contributions to future goals. This indicates your desire to continue serving and making a positive impact in your community and field of interest.

7. How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?

You can tackle this prompt by discussing a specific instance where you faced stress or pressure. Also, you can explain the circumstances that contributed to the situation and your initial reactions.

Next, describe the strategies you employed to manage your stress, such as time management techniques, seeking support, or engaging in self-care practices. Make sure to highlight the positive outcomes of these strategies.

Finally, conclude by reflecting on how this experience has prepared you for future challenges, and your ability to handle stress as you pursue your education and career goals.

8. What Legacy Do You Hope to Leave?

Consider the impact you wish to have on others and the world around you when answering this essay prompt. You can begin by articulating your values and the principles that guide your actions. Also, reflect on the ways you’ve already begun to make an impact. This might be through volunteer work, leadership roles, or personal initiatives.

Furthermore, discuss the long-term vision you have for your contributions and the changes you hope to inspire. Highlight how your educational goals align with this vision and how receiving the scholarship will support your efforts.

9. What Challenges Do You See in Your Future Career?

Start by identifying potential challenges you anticipate in your future career path. These could include industry-specific issues, workplace dynamics, or personal obstacles. Then, discuss how you plan to navigate these challenges by summarizing the skills and strategies you will employ.

Additionally, reflect on any experiences you’ve had that have prepared you for overcoming obstacles. Make sure to emphasize your resilience and adaptability by demonstrating your readiness to face future hurdles.

10. Describe a Person Who Has Influenced Your Life

When addressing this scholarship essay prompt, choose a specific individual who has had a significant impact on your life. you’ll want to introduce this person and describe your relationship with them. Then, explain how their actions, values, or advice have influenced your decisions and aspirations.

Additionally, share specific anecdotes that illustrate their impact, whether through mentorship, support, or inspiration. This is a great way to show that you have learned from this individual and how it added to your character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose a topic for my scholarship essay.

Choosing a topic for your scholarship essay involves reflecting on your unique experiences, values, and aspirations. Therefore, consider writing about a significant challenge, a pivotal moment in your life, or your long-term goals.

Additionally, ensure the topic aligns with the scholarship’s focus and showcases your individuality. You’ll need to avoid generic themes since this will not help you stand out from the many other applicants.

What tone should I use in my scholarship essay?

The tone of your scholarship essay should be professional yet personal. Hence, aim for a conversational style that reflects your voice while maintaining formality. You’ll need to be sincere and authentic in expressing your thoughts and feelings.

Additionally, avoid overly casual language or cliches. Instead, balance enthusiasm for your goals with humility. Also, remember to be respectful and appreciative of the opportunity the scholarship represents.

How long should my scholarship essay be?

Scholarship essays typically range from 250 to 1,000 words, but it’s crucial to check the specific requirements for each scholarship. Make sure to adhere to any word limits provided, since exceeding them may lead to disqualification.

Also, focus on clarity and conciseness while ensuring you cover essential points effectively. If no limit is specified, then aim for a length that allows you to convey your message fully without unnecessary filler.

How do I make my scholarship essay stand out?

To make your scholarship essay stand out, share unique personal stories and insights that reflect your character and experiences. Also, use vivid imagery and specific examples to engage the reader.

You’ll also need to address the scholarship’s specific criteria and demonstrate how you embody those qualities. Make sure to be genuine and passionate about your goals. This ensures you don’t shy away from discussing challenges you’ve faced.

Can I reuse my scholarship essay for multiple applications?

While reusing essays can save time, it’s essential to customize each one for the specific scholarship you’re applying for. That’s because different scholarships have unique prompts and values, so ensure your essay aligns with their goals.

Additionally, tailor your content to highlight relevant experiences and aspirations that resonate with each scholarship’s mission. Generally, personalizing your essay will make a stronger impact and show the reviewers your genuine interest in this opportunity.

Write Your Scholarship Essay With Smodin AI

Increase your chances of getting into a scholarship program and getting financial aid by studying the examples in this article. The scholarship essay samples we shared showcase how you need to include a personal story to create a winning essay.

Furthermore, pay attention to the top things to avoid section, since this can lead to common writing mistakes that reduce your chances of successful scholarship applications. Scholarship essays stand out when they are not full of obvious mistakes you can avoid.

Do you want to improve the quality of your scholarship essay? Then use Smodin AI to increase your odds of getting the financial aid you need. Our innovative AI tool allows you to generate winning scholarship essays for any prompt you receive. This will save you time when applying to many scholarships at once.

Use Smodin AI to craft your scholarship essay today!

Essay Writing Topics: Getting Started on Your College Essays

Essay writing topics.

Writing essays is one of the most challenging parts of the college admissions process–and the most important. To write the best college essays possible, you’ll need to explore a variety of essay writing topics. If you’re looking for a great essay topics list from which to start brainstorming , you’re in the right place.

Naturally, you might use different types of essay writing to cover different essay writing topics. As you might have guessed, essay writing topics for college essays are quite personal. They share something unique about who you are, adding character and depth to your overall application. In fact, the most memorable college essays often communicate something about how a student sees themselves or the world.

Given how broad college essay prompts are, college essays truly can be about anything. Just do a search of 100 college essay topics, and you’ll see the possibilities are endless. So, how can you decide the best essay writing topics for your college essays?

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of essay writing for college applications and how to get started . We’ll discuss what the best college essays have in common and how to narrow down potential essay writing topics. Specifically, we’ll look at: 

• How essays factor into the college admissions process
• The basics of how to write a college essay
• Why writing college essays is so challenging
• Tackling college essay prompts
• Common essay writing topics
• 35 Great College Essay Topics list
• Essay writing topics to avoid
• How to choose the best essay writing topics
• Where to find college essay writing samples, and more!

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to pick the right topic for a stand out application essay . To start, let’s get a sense of what exactly is a college admissions essay and how it’s different from other types of essay writing.

Types of essay writing

You’ve likely encountered many different types of essay writing in your high school classes. Common types of essay writing include analytical essays, persuasive essays, and compare and contrast essays. These types of essay writing usually include a thesis statement that is backed up by supporting evidence. However, a college admissions essay is a little different.

College admissions essays are typically categorized as narrative essays. Unlike other types of essays, narrative essays center around a story and are written in the first person. In general, essay writing topics for narrative essays are based on personal experiences.

Since you’re writing an essay about you, from your perspective, you have more freedom to be creative with your writing. However, a strong narrative essay should also provide commentary on some central theme or have a message. Essentially, for a narrative essay to be good, it needs to have a point. You can think of this central message as the “thesis” of a narrative essay.

Qualities of a narrative essay

While a strong analytical essay may be direct and convey an argument, a strong narrative essay relies more heavily on storytelling. Common elements of storytelling include plot, character, theme, and conflict. All of these work together to engage the reader, taking them through a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Another important characteristic of narrative writing is showing, not telling. You’ve likely heard the phrase “show don’t tell” in your English classes. Essentially, this means using descriptive sensory details and moments of action to tell a story, rather than simply describing exactly what is happening. This allows your reader to experience your story in a more engaging way, and it allows you to further personalize your narrative.

If you haven’t written an essay like this before, it may seem intimidating. Especially when you think of who your audience is. So, let’s talk about why this type of writing is part of the college application process.

Why do colleges require essays?

To understand what makes strong essay writing topics, we need to understand the role essays play in the college admissions process.

In the US, most colleges and universities follow a holistic approach to admissions. That means they take your whole application, not just your academic performance and test scores, into consideration when evaluating you as an applicant. Moreover, they are looking for well-rounded individuals who align with their values and mission as an institution.

Essays provide insights not quantifiable in grades and test scores, such as your values, character, and challenges you’ve had to overcome. Colleges can get a sense of your growth, maturity, and ability to contribute to the diversity and depth of their student body.

Therefore, the best college essays showcase an applicant’s best qualities and demonstrate why they’d be a great addition to the school. They give admissions a real chance to get to know the real you. Furthermore, since interviews are often not a requirement of the admissions process, your essays are the only chance admissions gets to hear your unique voice.

Personal Statement vs Supplemental Essays

In general, students can expect to write many essays over the course of the college admissions process. The two most common types of essay writing you’ll do for your college applications are personal statements and supplemental essays.

Personal Statement Essay

A personal statement is a general college application essay. It’s typically a longer essay that is shared with every school you apply to. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to share your voice, values, and authentic self with the admissions committee.

Different application platforms, like Questbridge , the Coalition Application , and the Common Application , all have their own version of the personal statement essay. This includes specific prompts, like the seven provided by the Common App. It also includes specific word counts. In the case of the Common App, the personal statement is defined as a 650-word essay.

For the Common App personal statement, the prompt you choose will influence your potential essay topics list. For instance, prompt #2 is about a challenge, setback, or failure. On the other hand, prompt #6 is about a topic, idea, or concept that captivates you. Even just from these short descriptions, it’s clear each of these prompts would produce a very different essay topics list.

However, different from the other prompts, prompt #7 invites you to share an essay on any topic you choose. A prompt like this is extremely open-ended. That is, there could be 100 college essay topics that might be a good fit for this prompt. So, while some prompts do provide different paths for you to explore, there are no limits to what kind of essay writing topics you could use for your personal statement.

Given its length, and importance in your application, the personal statement might feel like the most difficult essay to start brainstorming for. As you start building out an essay topics list, consider looking at personal statement essay writing samples for inspiration.

Supplemental Essays

In addition to your personal statement, you may also encounter supplemental essays. Supplemental essays can vary by length, with most being around 150-350 words. However, supplemental essays also include short answer questions, which can be anywhere from 5-100 words.

Many supplemental essays are about why you’d be a good fit for a specific school. Therefore, these “ Why School ” or “ Why Major ” essays don’t allow much room to explore out of the box essay writing topics. However, other supplemental essays are more about your interests and experiences. So, your essay topics lists for these essays might look more similar to that of your personal statement.

As with the personal statement essay, reading samples can help you get inspired as to what kind of topics you might consider for your essay topics list. We have essay writing samples by school , which include in-depth guides to their supplemental essay questions. We also have a collection of 30+ essay writing samples with tips on how to answer short answer questions . Using these resources will help you create a unique essay topics list for you!

How to write a college essay

Now, let’s discuss the writing process. While your essay topics list is important, it’s certainly not the only part of the process. And, although you’ve certainly heard it before, it’s worth saying again: the best college essays aren’t first drafts. It takes time and effort to write a compelling college admissions essay. Following a writing process can help you organize and focus your ideas, while breaking down the whole process into manageable parts.

Earlier, we discussed various types of essay writing and how they’re different. More specifically, we talked about how the style of a college admissions essay is a little different than your typical homework assignment. However, the process of writing a college admissions essay is actually very similar.

So, before we dive further into essay writing topics, let’s review the four basic steps of the writing process.

The Writing Process in 4 Steps

Brainstorming. This is where the best college essays start: with an idea. When brainstorming, don’t worry about trying to come up with 100 college essay topics. Just start by making an essay topics list of things that are important to you.

If you can’t decide between a selection of prompts, try making an essay topics list for each of them. Then see which ideas you feel most connected to and do some more brainstorming around those.

Writing a first draft. Once you’ve narrowed down your essay topics list to the right idea, you’re ready to start writing. The first draft can often be the hardest, especially if you’re worried about getting it right the first time.

Instead of trying to make it perfect, stay within the word count, or come up with an amazing hook, just start writing! Once you have a first draft, you’ll actually have something to work with, and it’s a lot easier to then cut out what’s not important and build out what is.

Rewriting. This is where your essay will really start taking shape. Now that you’ve gotten your essay writing topics down on paper, it’s time to start developing them further. In many cases, this means exploring the why . Why was this moment in time so important to you? Why should an admissions team care?

This is how you can take an essay from good to great. Play around with your structure and explore different ways to introduce your topic. You might even find yourself rewriting entire sections of your essay. If you have a limited word count, this is where you’ll have to decide what is most important, and how to communicate your point as clearly and succinctly as possible.

Editing and proofreading. This is the polishing stage of the writing process. At this point, you’ve already done the hard part of transforming your essay topics list into a well-written essay. But, to make it a final draft, you’ll need to do one more edit, ensuring you’ve caught any small spelling or grammatical errors. 

While a double period or a misspelled word might seem like minor errors, remember your essay is a reflection of who you are and what you value. Professionalism and attention to detail showcase maturity and dedication. And, a clearly polished essay shows you’re ready to take on college-level writing courses.

Remember, the most memorable college essays are more than just polished. They are also honest and authentic. And, they center around a compelling topic. So, it’s no surprise that strong essay writing topics are key to writing focused and meaningful essays.

Next, we’ll review the basics of essay writing and the role these elements play in a strong college essay.

The basics of essay writing

While there are many different types of essay writing, the best college essays all have some things in common. Let’s review the fundamentals of crafting a strong essay.

When learning how to write an essay in school, you’ve likely discussed the importance of structure and clarity. These two components often go hand in hand. Having a structure to your essay allows a reader to follow your thought process, making your ideas more clear. Additionally, your sentences themselves should be constructed in a way that clearly communicates your ideas.

In addition to these elements, you might have also discussed the importance of voice. In essay writing, your voice is essentially the unique style in which you express yourself. It is created by your word choice, punctuation, point of view, and tone. Voice is at the heart of narrative writing, and it is often what gives college essays their authenticity.

Reading essay writing samples can help you understand how these elements work together in a great college essay . For more essay writing tips, check out our guide to writing better essays .

College Essay Format

There is no set format for how to write a college essay, so long as you meet the requirements of the prompt. Therefore, you can feel free to explore different formats and find the best one to tell your story. However, as previously mentioned, a narrative should have some kind of plot. That is, it needs to have a sort of forward momentum.

Let’s go back to one of the basics of essay writing: structure. Often, narrative essays are structured in chronological order. There is a beginning, middle, and end, and the story moves forward from the past to the present. In some cases, it may end looking towards the future.

However, that doesn’t mean the best college essays are only written chronologically. You can certainly jump around in time and make the order of your story your own. However, your reader should still have a sense of a clear beginning, middle, and end. Most importantly, they should feel like something has changed and that they’ve learned something by the end.

Additionally, keep in mind that the most memorable college essays have a strong hook and compelling conclusion. The very first sentence of your essay needs to draw your reader in and set them up for the rest of your essay. On the other hand, your final sentence should leave a lasting impression, driving home the main message of your essay.

In the next section, we’ll address the specific challenges of writing college essays.

The challenges of college essays

Certain types of essay writing come with their own challenges, and college admissions essays are no different. So, let’s talk about it!

Many students come to our team of college counselors looking for essay help. Even though most students are familiar with the basics of essay writing, they know college admissions essays are a different type of challenge.

Memorable college essays are engaging, even inspiring, without being braggy or overly personal. Indeed, striking the right tone is one of the most challenging parts of writing college essays. While you do need to highlight your strengths and best qualities, it’s important you’re mindful of how you’re doing it. Remember, your reader has no personal connection to you, so your essay needs to be able to stand alone.

Additionally, students may find it challenging to showcase their best qualities in the form of a story. It can be easy to simply list your accomplishments and achievements, but doing so lacks depth and nuance. The more specific the better, but make sure you’re keeping your essay focused rather than haphazardly throwing in details from every topic on your essay topics list.

Another big challenge is time management. Many students have to write countless essays over the course of an application season, which can be extremely time consuming. On top of that, students still have to manage their coursework, extracurriculars, and additional responsibilities. Starting early and giving yourself plenty of time to go through a complete writing process is crucial to writing the best college essays you possibly can.

How do you start a college essay?

Before you can write a great college essay, you’ll need to first settle on a topic. As we mentioned earlier, brainstorming is the first step in the writing process. You can use our guides or webinars for some inspiration to start brainstorming. While you may want to jump straight into writing, don’t rush the process. In fact, taking the time to brainstorm and plan your essay can save you hours of frustration when you finally sit down to write. 

But, you may be wondering, where do essay topics lists come from? In most cases, they come from a specific prompt . Indeed, your prompt will provide you with a starting point and a word count, so you’ll know what kind of topics might work best. So, let’s talk a little more about prompts.

Finding college essay prompts

Your college essay prompts will depend on the specific colleges you’re applying to. You can find your personal statement prompts on the application platform you’re applying through. The Common App should provide the most up-to-date supplemental prompts for each school on your list. For schools that have their own school-specific application , you can find information on their writing supplements online. 

We recommend always checking the school’s official admissions website for the most current prompts. Prompts can change year to year, and you don’t want to be brainstorming an essay topics list for an out-of-date prompt.

Once you have your prompts, it’s important you understand them fully. This will ensure your essay is focused, and that you complete the basic requirement of addressing and answering the prompt. Failure to do so might indicate a lack of attention on your part, and ultimately does a disservice to your application.

Interpreting unusual or creative college essay prompts

While some prompts are more straightforward, such as the “Why School” or “Why Major” prompts we mentioned earlier, some are more open-ended. The University of Chicago is a great example of a school that takes pride in their unpredictable essay questions.

For example, here are two prompts from the 2024-2025 UChicago Supplement :

• Essay Option 1: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents.
• Essay Option 4: “Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”

So, how should you approach these types of prompts? To start, you’ll need to find a topic for your essay that directly answers the question of the prompt. Then, as you continue to develop your ideas, you’ll need to find a way to somehow relate your topic back to you. Remember, the best college essays reveal something about who you are. In the case of unconventional or abstract prompts, they also showcase your creativity.

Even if your prompt is unusual or requires you to explore offbeat essay writing topics, don’t forget the basics of essay writing. Your writing needs to be clear and organized and your ideas fully developed, no matter the topic.

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of essay writing and how to approach different college essay prompts, let’s start talking about specific essay writing topics.

College Essay Topics

With so many essay topics lists out there, it’s clear there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right essay writing topics. If you’ve already started making your own essay topics lists, great! We’ve got more tips coming up about what kind of essay writing topics make the best essays. On the other hand, if you have no idea how to start thinking of essay writing topics, we’ve got plenty of inspiration coming your way.

When it comes to generating strong essay writing topics, there are many ways you can go. In general, you want to explore topics that demonstrate your personal strengths. No matter what essay writing topics you choose to write about, they should always connect back to you. More importantly, they should communicate the qualities and experiences you’d bring to a college campus.

Though essay writing topics determine what your essay is about, they don’t determine what your essay s ays. For instance, after brainstorming potential essay writing topics, you and a friend might both decide you want to write about your family’s respective traditions. However, that doesn’t mean these essays are going to be the same.

You might want to celebrate your family’s traditions and discuss how they’ve influenced your values. On the other hand, your friend might talk about growing out of their family’s traditions and carving a path of their own. Although these essay writing topics are generally the same, they would actually result in two essays that are vastly different.

Now, let’s look at some more specific essay writing topics.

What are some good college essay topics?

As we’ve said, the best essay writing topics come from your personal experiences. However, it’s important they have specific meaning to you. Additionally, they need to be relevant to your college application. They need to provide context for you to share something about who you are, rather than just summarizing something that happened to you.

For instance, we wouldn’t include “that time you met a celebrity on vacation” amongst good essay writing topics. It’s likely this interaction did not fundamentally change your character or your interests, and is just a fun anecdote to tell your friends.

However, maybe you got to serendipitously meet your favorite author, and they inspired you to write a short story you had been thinking about. In this case, the anecdote is an important moment on your path to becoming a writer. But that doesn’t mean this interaction should be your entire essay. The focus of your essay would more likely be on your passion for writing and how it’s impacted your life (one of the essay writing topics you’ll find below).

With all that in mind, here is a short essay topics list that includes some great essay writing topics.

Great Essay Writing Topics

• Turning point in your life. In your essay, you might reflect on a pivotal moment that significantly changed your perspective or direction in life.
• Overcoming adversity. Here, you might focus on a specific challenge you faced, how you addressed it, and what you learned from the experience.
• Passion and purpose. An essay about your passion in life may have to do with something you love or a future career. You might explore the role it’s played in shaping your values and goals.
• Personal growth. Most college essays are in some way about personal growth and require you to reflect on how you’ve evolved and matured through your life experiences.
• Unique life experience. This is an opportunity to share an unusual or extraordinary experience, or something atypical about your background, that has had a profound impact on who you are today.

Some of the most memorable college essays are about these essay writing topics. In fact, you’ll likely see these essay writing topics featured on our essay topics list.

The reason why these are good essay topics is because they all contain an element of conflict or change, which are crucial for crafting an interesting narrative. Furthermore, they show how you became who you are. And, they help admissions imagine the person you might one day become.

What are the most common college essay topics?

Before we give you our essay topics list, let’s look at some of the most common essay writing topics. If you’re looking for overdone topics or themes to avoid, keep reading. We’ll give you our essay topics list of topics to avoid later on in our guide. For now, we want to focus on common essay writing topics, and how you can use them to your advantage.

Here are three of the most common essay topics:

• Extracurriculars (clubs, volunteering, leadership roles, work experience) 
• Family (shared traditions, loss of a family member, change in your family situation)
• Passions/interests (both related to and outside of academic pursuits)

As you look at this essay topics list, you may struggle to think of anything to write about that doesn’t fall into these categories. But, guess what? The best college essays will fall into one or multiple of these categories.

How to write about common essay writing topics

Since everyone is using these general essay writing topics, the danger is writing an essay that sounds generic. You may be worried that your story about trying out for the varsity soccer team sounds similar to someone else’s, and therefore wouldn’t be a good topic. Indeed, a generic essay won’t help your overall application. This is why the details of your essay are so important.

However, rather than discounting a topic you saw on an essay topics list for fear of being too common, think about why you’re drawn to the topic. It probably matters deeply to you, and has in some way helped you become the person you are today. The best essay writing topics are ultimately the ones you are most passionate about and require some level of self-reflection.

If you decide to use common essay writing topics in your essays, the basics of essay writing becomes even more important. You need the quality of yours to stand out amongst the crowd, and you don’t want incorrect spelling or grammar or too much repetition to be the reason your essay writing topics don’t shine .

35 Essay Topics List

Of course, no guide to essay writing topics would be complete without a comprehensive essay topics list! Instead of giving you a random list of 100 college essay topics, here are 35 great essay writing topics to help you start brainstorming for a memorable personal essay.  

35 Essay Topics

1. A significant challenge you’ve overcome. First on our list of essay writing topics is overcoming challenges. Writing about a significant challenge you’ve moved past, and hopefully learned from, shows that you can reflect objectively on your life. And, it shows you can speak intelligently and honestly about your flaws and strengths. 

2. An experience that changed your perspective on life. Next on our list of essay writing topics is describing a moment that changed the way you see the world. Highlighting an experience like this shows that you are open-minded and introspective—both positive traits in a college student.

3. A passion project that showcases your creativity. When brainstorming essay writing topics, you can never go wrong writing about something you truly care about. Colleges like students who care deeply about things, especially when they have shown that they can create something based on that passion.

4. A time you stood up for something you believed in. This is one of our essay writing topics that often inspires some of the best college essays. But be careful, you don’t want to come off as performative. To avoid this, make sure you are humble about your successes and honest about your actions.

5. How a piece of art, music, or literature has inspired you. Again, some of the best essay writing topics touch upon things that you’re passionate about. Plus, engaging deeply in and being able to analyze art and culture are great qualities in a student. 

6. An invention or innovation that excites you. Essay writing topics about new discoveries can be a smart way to tie in your future major or career. Imagine writing about AI before it was popularized from the point of view of a computer scientist, or even better, someone more unexpected like an anthropologist. 

7. A moment when you discovered a new passion. Essay writing topics like this one give you a chance to really put the reader inside your mind. And, with this prompt, you can explore your interests, your values, and even your future goals.

8. The impact of a cultural or family heritage on your identity. Culture and heritage, broadly, are popular essay writing topics, so make sure that you can be specific. Add details and use anecdotes to showcase parts of who you are or what you value.

9. A time you took a risk and what it taught you. Generally, essay writing topics where you learned something or changed perspectives are always a safe bet. But remember, the point of the exercise is introspection, not recounting events as they happened. 

10. A challenge you faced in a leadership role. Essay writing topics like this offer the same benefits as #1 in our essay topics list. However, in this case, you also get to highlight who you are as a leader. 

11. A cause you are passionate about and why. Again, essay writing topics about social justice can be great, but emphasize curiosity and humility rather than righteousness. Plus—the essay needs to ultimately be about you, not the cause . 

12. An ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you handled it. This could be a more exciting version of essay writing topics about a cause. What if, while you were advocating for something, you encountered an ethical dilemma in the process? How did it change your perspective?

13. An achievement that means more to you than accolades. This topic on our essay topics list is another great opportunity to highlight something that genuinely excites you. And, you can go deeper by exploring how this achievement strengthened your values or changed your perspective.

14. How you balance multiple responsibilities or interests. This one of our essay writing topics is interesting because it tells a lot about you. It demonstrates your values, your priorities, and your ability to handle a busy college schedule. But if your answer is just “Google calendar,” maybe look elsewhere on the essay topics list. 

15. A unique hobby or interest that defines you. This can be a great option amongst essay writing topics, but make sure that you’re incorporating self-reflection and engrossing storytelling. Everyone has hobbies that they like, and you need to go a little deeper than that to make your essay truly unique.

16. The impact of a loss or failure on your growth. Odds are, just about any essay topics list will include topics of loss and failure. These popular topics are simple facts of life, but discussing how you handle them is a great opportunity to showcase your strength of character.

17. An aspect of your personality that surprises people. This is also a great addition to any collection of essay writing topics, because it asks you to find qualities that make you stand out. If it surprises people, chances are it will surprise college admissions as well.

18. A personal tradition that brings you comfort or joy. This one of the essay writing topics depends a lot on the unspoken why . You’ll need to go beyond simply describing the tradition itself and reflect on why it brings you comfort and joy and what it means to you. 

19. How you’ve contributed to your community. One of the essay writing topics classically found on supplemental essay topics lists, this question is pretty straightforward. Again, just make sure to bring you and what you learned from the process to the forefront of your essay.

20. A moment when you had to balance competing priorities and what you learned from it. Very similar to #14 on the essay topics list, this prompt emphasizes what you learned. Everyone has to make hard choices in their life, and this topic demonstrates your maturity and self-determination.

21. An unexpected mentor in your life. “Unexpected” is a key word here–don’t hesitate to think big and weird. A mentor could be a TV character , a teacher you never took a class from, the aunt your mom hates but you begrudgingly admire, really anyone! Just make sure the focus of your essay is still on you, not them.

22. A problem you’ve solved or want to solve. For this topic, we recommend thinking small. Instead of trying to solve world peace, think of something more specific. What’s something that affects you or your loved ones that you genuinely think you could fix if given the resources?

23. An experience where you had to step out of your comfort zone. Like all of our essay writing topics, this topic also pushes you to self-reflect. But make sure you’re being specific and thinking about what you discovered in the process. Bonus points if it’s an unusual experience (eg, not singing a solo, public speaking, or playing a new sport).

24. A challenge you’ve faced in pursuing your academic goals. Next on our essay topics list is a topic directly related to your academics. Consider writing this essay if you think you have faced hardships or challenges that other students might not have in their education. On the flip side, if your challenge is just being busy from too many extracurriculars, that’s fantastic, but focus on essay writing topics that center the skills built rather than the adversity. 

25. How you’ve handled a difficult conversation or conflict. The next prompt on our essay topics list encourages students to think about hard conversations. In doing so, you have the opportunity to emphasize traits like open mindedness and the ability to communicate and compromise. (Again: make sure that you learned something, and mention what it was!) 

26. Your approach to learning and intellectual curiosity. If you love learning and think you have a unique approach to it, go for #26 one on our essay topics list! Here you can talk about what kind of student you are, both in and out of the classroom. And, you’ll likely have the added benefit of sharing a bit about your passions and what inspires you.

27. Your role in a group or team and what you learned from it. If you pick this topic from our essay topics list, think about words like “compromise,” “teamwork,” “communication.” Additionally, be sure to include anecdotes and specific examples that demonstrate whichever characteristics or skills you want to highlight.

28. An experience that sparked your interest in a particular field or career. This topic is more often than not at the heart of any great “ Why Major ” essay. Focus on the journey, looking back on how you got to where you are today–and even where you hope to go in the future.

29. A moment of serendipity that led to a significant personal discovery. Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences in life come unexpectedly, and adding a touch of serendipity can bring an extra spark to your essay! Like our other essay writing topics, just be sure you learned something significant from the experience.

30. An object or artifact that has personal significance. Next on our essay topics list, we’re focusing on an object rather than an experience. Be as detailed as you can describing the object, and always remember to explore the why , considering what this object symbolizes for you. 

31. How a particular failure influenced your long-term goals or dreams. Another instance of failure showing up on our essay topics list, this is an opportunity to emphasize your future. You’ll want to connect failure to your ambition, connecting the two in a meaningful way. 

32. An instance where you were let down, but ultimately learned something. As you may have noticed exploring our essay topics list, many great topics turn negative experiences into positive ones. More specifically, how you made the most of a bad experience by learning something from it.

33. A moment when you had to advocate for yourself or others. This entry on our essay topics list speaks to a time when you had to advocate for yourself. But remember, this isn’t always an easy thing to do. Don’t be afraid to explore why this was challenging, and why it was ultimately important for you to act.

34. An experience where you had to adapt to a new environment or situation quickly. Like many of the other topics on our essay topics list, this one directly relates to how prepared you are to attend college. After all, you’re certain to find yourself in new environments where you’ll have to adapt and learn on the go. As always, be sure to describe what you learned and how you have grown. 

35. How you’ve navigated and embraced change in a particular aspect of your life. Last but not least, the final prompt on our essay topics list foregrounds change. As you consider this topic, be sure to go internal and reflect on how you may have changed in order to accommodate new circumstances in your life. 

That was a lot of essay writing topics to take in at once. Keep this essay topics list handy as you start brainstorming for your college essays–you never know what ideas it might uncover!

Choosing the best college essay topics for you

As you saw on our essay topics list, there are countless topics that could one day become amazing college essays. So, how do you choose which are the best essay writing topics for you? Choosing essay writing topics can feel difficult because there’s a lot of pressure to choose the best topic so you can write the best college essays. But remember, the best college essays come from stories that feel personal, reflective, and speak to your character. These kinds of stories can absolutely come from a variety of essay writing topics. 

If you’re stumped, try a free-writing exercise. It doesn’t have to take long. To start, give yourself 15 minutes to write down anything that comes to mind for each of the Common App essay topics. You can also pick from a larger list, but you don’t need to try 100 college essay topics to know which ones work. Pick the ones that spark your interest and do some further brainstorming to see which ones you actually have something to say about. 

Keep in mind, essay writing topics fill an important hole in your college application. They should help add a puzzle piece to admissions officers’ ideas of who you are. If you’re still unsure which essay writing topics will work best for you, think about what the college won’t learn about you from the rest of your application. Specifically, consider what you want them to know about your character. Then, write about that. 

What makes a good college essay topic?

Good essay writing topics have a few key qualities. First and foremost, they are about you . This means that topics that ask you to talk about something other than yourself—a cause, a mentor, a passion—need to be refocused. Why do you care about the cause, and what would you want to do about it? How did your mentor help you at a specific moment in your life, and how have you changed positively because of them? What has pursuing your passion done for your personal growth? The college admissions process can feel a lot simpler if you remember that it’s all about expressing who you are. 

The best essay writing topics also ideally touch upon something original about you and your story. It can be hard to think of what’s unique, but just ask yourself: could these essays have come from anyone? Or could they only be written by you? If you answered “yes” to the second question (or at least, “probably”), then you’ve likely already written memorable college essays.

You can also find essay writing topics that speak to a key part of your application. This could be your intended major, or even your favorite extracurricular. Just don’t forget the basics of essay writing, like good grammar and spelling, and to offer new information and details that enhance rather than repeat. If you do these things, then those essay writing topics can also be great choices.

What should you not write your college essay on?

If you’re smart about it, there are no essay writing topics you should truly never write about. However, there are some that you might want to steer clear of. 

Essay writing topics where you just summarize your accomplishments or mention a cool thing that you did without reflection, like traveling to a new place, aren’t going to make for memorable college essays. As mentioned earlier, essay writing topics that focus more on someone or something else rather than yourself do not make for the best college essays.

Try your best to avoid clichés , overly general topics, and anything that doesn’t sound like you. Remember, you want your essays to be personal, impactful, and appropriate. That means not writing about drugs, romantic experiences, or anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable with your teacher or boss reading.

10 College essay writing topics to avoid

Now that we’ve covered some of the best essay writing topics, here are some college essay topics that you might want to avoid.

Essay Writing Topics to Avoid

A recounting of a single, isolated achievement without context or personal reflection..

If the college finishes reading your essay and doesn’t learn anything about you except that you’re a soccer player who scored a big goal one time, that is not a good essay. Add some reflection: What did you overcome? What did you learn? How has this changed your perspective or goals (pun intended) going forward?

A description of a personal relationship or breakup.

Essay writing topics about romantic relationships are a bit inappropriate for this setting. However, if the relationship is a very small sidebar to a really fun and compelling story, you might be able to sprinkle it in. (For example, if your heartbreak led you to go on a 1940s movie binge and now you’re convinced that though love is fleeting, cinema is forever, and therefore you are going to major in film.)

A vacation or travel experience without personal growth.

Unless travel has changed you in a way you can articulate, save the beach pics for Instagram. Of course, if a trip inspired you to change your major, showed you what kind of career you want to have, or illuminated what kind of person you want to be, then it’s worth exploring.

A story about a famous person or celebrity.

Unless this person is an “unusual mentor” in a way you can communicate compellingly, this topic is unlikely to impress admissions. 

An essay focused solely on someone else’s achievements.

Essay writing topics about someone else’s achievements do not tell the college anything about you. There are lots of types of essay writing, but this one does not belong in a college admissions essay.

A discussion about a personal skill or talent without connecting it to how it has shaped your goals or identity.

Talking about your talents in a college essay without any self-reflection or analysis feels braggy. For instance, if you want to talk about your skiing or bowling skills, you better have a good reason for why an admissions team needs to know about it.

A story with excessive graphic details or trauma.

Some people will say you have to trot out trauma to get into college. That is not true. You are welcome and encouraged to write about significant experiences, including challenging ones. However, do not at all feel like you must recount the hardest moments of your life just so a college will let you in. Take care of yourself, and remember that there is a real person reading your essay on the other end. 

A narrative solely about how you were misunderstood or misjudged.

Talking down your nose or focusing on other peoples’ perceptions of you isn’t the way to win an admissions team over. In your essays, you want to focus on what’s true and authentic about who you are, not what other people think they know about you.  

A superficial discussion of a major historical event or current issue without personal connection.

Again, essay writing topics need to be about you. No matter what you choose to write about, relate it to you and make sure it says something about who you are.

A generic essay about wanting to “make a difference in the world” without specific examples or personal motivation.

Essay writing topics about changing the world are admirable, but you need to make sure these are grounded essays about how you personally relate to these issues, and how you plan on enacting change.

Remember, there are always exceptions to the rule, so long as your essays are focused on you . 

How to write a college essay about yourself

As we said at the beginning of this guide, there are many types of essay writing. Some types of essay writing are persuasive, some types of essay writing are argumentative, some types of essay writing are analytical, and some types of essay writing are narrative. The best college essays are always narrative, and personal, which means you can put your own spin on things. 

When you’re doing types of essay writing you haven’t done as much of, like narrative essay writing, it can seem daunting. That’s totally fair: though you get a lot of training in school to do types of essay writing like argumentative essays, narrative essay writing isn’t as common. 

To write the best college essays, you’ll need to do some serious self-reflection. The point of your essays is to go deeper than a surface level experience, getting into the “how” and the “why.” This looks like focusing on how you achieved something rather than the achievement itself. It might also mean being open about flaws and how you’ve worked to overcome them. Going back to personal growth, it’s about what you have learned from all of the cool things you’ve done. 

As you explore potential essay topics, there are two things you can do to help set yourself up for success: brainstorming and writing a strong thesis. So, let’s talk about what these look like for narrative writing.

Brainstorming for college essays

Learning how to write a college essay begins with learning how to brainstorm. The best college essays are creative and embody your personal voice. So, you’ll want to choose college essay topics that allow you to do that.

One way to brainstorm is to “free write” to different essay topics. Just set a timer, and write whatever comes out—don’t worry about editing, or about cohesive structure. If you get to the end of the time and you’re inspired and want to keep writing, that could be the start of a great college essay.

Brainstorming is part of the basics of essay writing, and is therefore present in all types of essay writing. However, since this is a personal essay, your brainstorming has to be introspective. Ask yourself: What experiences in your life have been impactful? What do you value? What are you interested in? How has your background influenced you? Remember, no matter the topic, you should always try and focus on what is truly meaningful to you.

You can also ask yourself questions about specific moments in your life. Think back to times when you met a good friend, failed a test even though you studied hard, or changed your mind about something. Does anything stand out? 

Once you’ve brainstormed a topic you’re interested in, you’ll want to turn again to the basics of essay writing. That is, you’ll need to further refine your topic by coming up with a strong thesis.

Crafting a strong thesis statement

In the basics of essay writing, there’s usually a thesis statement involved. However, a thesis for a college admissions essay isn’t the same compared to the types of essay writing you do at school. 

A narrative essay needs a driving theme, or a “why.” Unlike in the basics of essay writing for argumentative essays, this thesis doesn’t need to be stated outright. Still, you should be able to tell someone in one sentence what your essay is about, and your reader should be able to understand that as well.

Essentially, your thesis is: what is your essay saying, and why is it important? You can think of the thesis as having a “because” in it, and even a “so what?” at the end. Like “I came in first place in the swim meet because swimming provided a healthy coping mechanism for stress. So what? So now I’m pursuing a major in Clinical Psychology to do research on the brain-body connection!” 

Balancing multiple essay topics

When you’re applying to multiple schools, as most students do, you’ll likely be balancing different college essay topics across multiple college admissions essays. That can feel like a ton of work, but there are always ways to repurpose different essays for different applications. 

When you’re thinking about the basics of essay writing, think about a prevailing personal brand or story about yourself that you want your college admissions essays to reinforce. What makes you, you, and what makes you a great fit for this college? You will have to answer that question for every single school you apply to—so if you get the first half (or even the first three quarters) of that ironed out, it will be easier to translate that story into different formats.

The best college essays still need to be specific to the school you’re applying to, but it’s the same you applying to each school. If you’re a funny STEM major, you don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not just because a school is more competitive or prestigious. And you can certainly reuse your best anecdotes at different schools–just make sure your supplemental essays work well with one another, and that you don’t leave out anything important.

Memorable college essays

Of course, the best college essays are memorable. Since the point of a college essay is to leave a good impression on your reader, the best college essays and the most memorable college essays are one and the same.

You can make a good impression on college admissions officers through your essays by remembering the basics of essay writing. Tell a well-structured story, use great grammar, and write in a way that conveys your voice. And, by the end, be sure they know more about you than they did when they started reading. 

How do I make my college essay stand out?

Here are five tips for how to write a college essay that stands out :

5 Tips for Stand-Out Essays

• Strong writing. Having strong writing means not only having good sentence construction, but good story construction. Even though a personal essay is only 500-650 words, you still want it to have a clear progression: in other words, a beginning, middle, and end. You want to start somewhere, and end somewhere else. And don’t forget a good hook to draw the reader in!
• Have good grammar, but don’t sound like a thesaurus. You don’t need SAT words in  your college admissions essay to ace the college admissions process. Just speak clearly, and don’t submit something full of simple spelling mistakes a quick spell check would have caught.
• A unique or interesting experience—or unique way of thinking about something. It’s not the experience that has to be unique; the way that you process something can be unique as well. If something typical happened to you but you chose a different response, and learned something in the process, that uniqueness will stand out.
• Writing in your own voice. While still being appropriate, you should feel free to write in a way that feels authentic to you. That means you can be funny or sarcastic, or even recount dialogue that uses slang, when appropriate. And remember, if you get help editing, your final essay should still sound like a polished and thoughtful version of you .
• Tell them more about you. If you wrote your whole Common App about your extracurriculars, don’t pick a supplemental essay topic that also asks about extracurriculars. That is, choose your essay writing topics wisely! You want each piece of your application to feel like a piece of the puzzle of you.

Asking for help on your college essays

Your essays are important, so don’t be afraid to ask for help reviewing them. But be cautious of ending up with a product that doesn’t feel or sound like you. Your mom’s college essay isn’t the same as yours, and it shouldn’t be! 

It’s good to ask for help with your essays when you’re brainstorming and deciding between what feels like 100 college essay topics. You can also ask a teacher, parent, or college counselor for help after you have written a draft. After all, when it comes to the basics of essay writing, revising is one of the most crucial steps towards making your essays the best they can be.

Where to turn for essay writing samples?

A great way to learn what makes for memorable college essays is to read essay writing samples. To find more essay writing samples, take some time to explore CollegeAdvisor’s essay resources. We have plenty of successful Common App essays and supplemental essays for you to explore.

Essay writing samples are a great way to see examples of what worked so you can conceptualize how to apply the advice in guides like this to your actual writing process. When you finish reading any essay writing samples, ask yourself if you can pinpoint why it’s good, or try and explain it to a friend. If you can do that, that means you really understand what makes  a good essay. 

Essay Writing Topics – Final Thoughts

Essay writing can be one of the most stressful parts of the college admissions process, but it doesn’t have to be. Colleges use essays to gain insight into who you are in your own words, rather than just relying on grades or SAT scores. You’ll likely have to write many types of essays for your college applications, some shorter, some longer, and some more straightforward than others. Personal essays are longer and can be more focused on who you are outside of school, whereas many supplemental essays are more school or major-focused. 

Tell your story!

No matter the essay, the basics of essay writing requires good storytelling, good grammar, and a good idea. Coming up with an essay topic can feel impossible, so we’ve provided a huge list of potential personal essay topics to brainstorm from. These are also topics you might encounter as supplemental essay prompts. Whether the prompts are to the point or creative, what matters most is what you write. 

Above all, don’t be afraid to be yourself in your writing, because that’s what admissions officers are looking for. In fact, it’s the whole point of the college admissions process!

If you’re looking for personalized guidance and revisions throughout the college admissions process, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Our advisors offer in-depth feedback and brainstorming support to help you craft outstanding essays, with a dedicated team focused on perfecting your work.

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards and Rachel Kahn. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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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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NEW JERSEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2024 ESSAY CONTEST AND ARETÉ SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

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Sep 26, 2024, 13:35 ET

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NEWARK, N.J. , Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with their commitment to inspiring, educating, and motivating youth and students in our state, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announce the winners of the annual student Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund.

Lyla DiPalma and Eliana Matera won the 2024 Who Belongs in the New Jersey Hall of Fame essay contest. Essay Contest winners receive a $500 scholarship to pursue their chosen camp, program, or extracurricular activity.

In the middle school category, Lyla DiPalma , a fifth grader at Charles G. Harker Elementary School in Swedesboro, New Jersey , won for her essay on Tobin Heath , born in Morristown, New Jersey . Lyla's essay focused on Heath's acclaimed soccer career, activism for women's rights and equality, and her use of art to initiate community-wide change.

Eliana Matera , a tenth grader at Bergen County Academies in Elmwood Park , was selected in the high school category for her essay on former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver . In her essay, Eliana described Oliver's dedicated service as the first woman of color to serve in statewide elected office in New Jersey and her devotion to her state's citizens.

"The NJEA is honored to present the annual Essay Contest and Areté Scholarship awards in partnership with the New Jersey Hall of Fame," said New Jersey Education Association President Sean M. Spiller , who is also a high school science teacher in the Wayne public school system. "The financial support provided through these awards has contributed to the successful educational journeys of many New Jersey students and allowed them to see that fulfilling their dreams is possible with hard work and determination."

The Hall of Fame also announced Rchin Bari and Gabriella Stewart as the winners of the 2024 Areté Scholarship Fund, a $5,000 award granted to two graduating high school seniors who exemplify the ancient Greek concept of actualizing one's highest self with moral excellence of character regardless of the circumstances or adversities one is likely to face on the path to greatness. The scholarship recipients must demonstrate academic engagement, moral character, a commitment to their community, and a sense of Jersey pride.

"Together with our sponsors and supporters throughout the great Garden State, we are proud to applaud this year's Areté Scholarship and Essay Contest winners," said Jon F. Hanson , Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "Supporting the next generation in pursuing their highest potential is a vital component of the Hall of Fame's mission, and it's an honor to continue the tradition again this year."

Rchin is graduating from Essex County School of Technology's Newark Tech Campus. He plans to continue his Cancer Research apprenticeship under the Army Educational Outreach Program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology . Rchin's dreams of becoming a medicine practitioner began after learning about incurable diseases and volunteering at a local hospital. Rchin hopes to achieve his Areté by focusing on academic excellence, personal growth, and community impact, primarily through his continued volunteer work and research projects.

Gabriella is graduating from Franklin High School in Somerset, New Jersey . She will attend Howard University to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Media, Communications, and Film. Gabriella aspires to participate in activities that align with her personal goals, promote diversity through the arts, and encourage inclusivity and change within her community.

The winners of the Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund will be honored at the NJHOF's induction ceremony later this year.

Changes to the award structure for both contests will be implemented in 2025. These include expanding the number of scholarship recipients to seven (7), three (3) Essay winners, and four (4) Areté winners and adding tickets to visit the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream to their award packages. The 2025 application window will be October 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025 .

For more information on the Essay Contest, visit:

https://njhalloffame.org/essay-contest/  

For more information on the AretéScholarship Fund, visit: https://njhalloffame.org/arete/ .

ABOUT THE NJHOF:  Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey , and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted induction ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. Through the  New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream  and its many satellite sites, the NJHOF endeavors to present the public, especially students, with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many  sponsors , including Hackensack Meridian  Health , without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org .

Eliza Rosenthale , Princeton Strategic Communications, (609) 558-3330, [email protected]

Aimee Brooks , Princeton Strategic Communications, (917) 881-3849, [email protected]  

SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame

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