As a high school junior, I'm trying to get a head start on writing scholarship essays for college. Does anyone have examples or advice on how to write compelling essays for scholarships?
As someone closely involved in college admissions, I've seen a wide array of essays, and I can tell you that writing a compelling scholarship essay is all about authenticity, impact, and reflection.
1. Authenticity: Begin your scholarship essay by sharing a story or event that is unique to you. It should be an experience or moment that resonates deeply and reflects your character. Remember this isn’t about making you look like the most incredible student ever, it's about showing who you truly are and why you're passionate about what you do.
2. Impact: Scholarships are often intended for individuals who are driven and able to make a positive impact on the world. Demonstrate the influence you've had on others or your community. This might be through a volunteering role, leadership position, or a project you've initiated.
3. Reflection: Good essays aren’t just storytelling, they explore the importance of the event or experience and speak to its significance in your life. This is where reflection comes in. Explain what you learned from the experience, how it influenced your personal growth or decisions, and how it will impact your future actions or attitudes.
For example, if you're writing an essay for a technology scholarship, you might tell a story about how you designed a mobile app to help elderly members in your community navigate public transportation. It would include details about your thought-process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. You'd then delve into the results like the increase in public transportation usage among the elderly in your community using your app and how this experience solidified your passion for tech and your desire to use it for community betterment.
Finally, I'd advise you to be concise and to the point. Don't use too many unnecessary flowery words. Write clearly and persuasively. It's about substance, not verbosity. And don't hesitate to seek out and take on board feedback from teachers, counselors, or even peers. It can go a long way in sharpening your narrative. Good luck!
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