What are the most common scholarship essay questions?

I'm starting to apply for scholarships and I'm curious about the most common essay questions I might encounter. Does anyone have examples of what these questions generally ask? Trying to prep some rough drafts ahead of time.

Of course! Preparing ahead with rough drafts for common scholarship essay prompts is an excellent strategy. There are indeed common themes that come up in these essays, so it never hurts to plan. Some of the most frequent prompts you might encounter include:

1. "Tell us about yourself." This is a broad question that invites you to speak about your background, experiences, aspirations, or interests that might be important to your identity or have influenced your academic and career choices.

2. "Why do you deserve this scholarship?" Here, the scholarship committee wants to understand what makes you a unique candidate. This is a chance to highlight your achievements, the challenges you have overcome, or the impact you've made on your community.

3. "Describe your educational/career goals." These prompts are a chance to share your academic journey and career aspirations, and to explain how the scholarship can help you meet these goals.

4. "Who has been a major influence in your life?" This could be a family member, a teacher, a mentor, or someone else who has had a significant impact on your personal growth or career path.

5. "Discuss a significant event or issue." This broad prompt could be a chance to talk about something happening at a global, national, or local level, or a personal experience that has shaped your worldview or values.

Remember, the key in responding to these prompts is to tell a compelling, personal story. Admissions officers love to hear about personal experiences that helped shape your character, values, and goals. Focus on what makes your story unique and individual to you. Happy writing!