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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Creative Scholarship Essay Ideas to Stand Out?

I'm brainstorming for a scholarship essay and want to make sure that my submission is memorable and unique. What are some creative angles or unique story ideas that have worked for others in the past? I’ve heard that creativity can play a big role in catching the reader’s attention. Any tips or examples of themes that might set me apart from other applicants would be amazing. I'm open to unconventional ideas or approaches that others have found effective!

a year ago

Being creative and innovative in your scholarship essays is definitely a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd. Remember that your essays should reflect who you are, so feel free to imbue them with elements of your character and personal experiences.

1. Highlighting Unusual Hobbies: If there are any unusual hobbies or interests you have that may not be typical, this can really make a unique impact. For example, suppose you have a passion for collecting vintage postcards. You could discuss how this hobby has taught you about history, opened a window to different cultures, and fostered a unique understanding of communication.

2. Incorporate Your Future Goals: Delve into your future ambitions and if they're unique or interestingly focused, definitely weave that into your essay. For example, if you aspire to develop innovative recycling methods to combat plastic waste, discuss how this passion came about and how the scholarship will support your goal.

3. Lessons from Failure: Rather than solely highlighting success, discussing a time you experienced failure and how it taught you invaluable lessons can be quite impactful. It could offer a great insight into your resilience and learning style, qualities that scholarship committees value.

4. The Impact of Books or Movies on Your Life: If there’s a book or a movie that has profoundly impacted your life or thought process, it can provide a creative theme for your essay. Discuss how that influenced your perspective and led to action in your life.

5. Random Acts of Kindness: Were there moments when simple acts of kindness profoundly impacted you or those around you? These stories can resonate on a deeply emotional level, showing your empathetic nature and your commitment to making a difference.

Remember to keep your narrative authentic and personal, that way it will not only be unique, but also sincere and compelling. Good luck with your scholarship essays!

a year ago

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