Essay Scholarships for College Students 2024: Any Tips?

I'm looking for essay scholarships for the 2024 academic year and could use some guidance on where to find them or tips for essay writing. Has anyone had success with these and what helped you stand out?

Sure, glad to help!

Finding scholarships: You can use platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily (formerly Cappex). They have vast databases of scholarships where you can filter by various factors including if an essay is required. You should also check with your college's financial aid office and your department, as they often have a list of scholarships you might be eligible for.

Writing the scholarship essays: Similar to college essays, successful scholarship essays often showcase your passion, curiosity, and dedication. Here are a few tips:

1. Read the Prompt Carefully: Every scholarship has a unique essay prompt or question. Make sure you understand it completely before you start writing. Answer the question directly and stick to the topic.

2. Share a Personal Story: Essays that include personal stories or experiences often stand out. This can help the reviewers understand who you are, your motivations, and why the scholarship matters to you.

3. Be Specific: Instead of saying, for example, "volunteering at the hospital helped me grow," pinpoint a specific instance, feeling, or person that influenced you at the hospital. The more specific the detail, the more unique the essay.

4. Make sure to Edit: And then edit again. Sloppy essays with typos, grammatical errors, or poor formatting might be discarded even if the content is good. A polished essay reflects your dedication and attention to detail.

Remember to tailor your essay to each scholarship application. Reusing essays is fine, but it's crucial to make sure each one reflects the specific goals or values of the granting organization. Good luck with your applications!