Hey everyone, I'm applying for the GE Reagan Scholarship and I need to write an essay for it. What should I focus on to make my essay unique and stand out? Does anyone have any tips or experience with this scholarship?
Hello! The GE Reagan Scholarship is a prestigious award, and it's great that you're applying for it. To write a unique and standout essay, there are a few things you can focus on:
1. Personal narrative: Share a compelling personal story that relates to the values emphasized by the scholarship, such as leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. This narrative should showcase your ability to overcome obstacles and demonstrate personal growth.
2. Passion and dedication: Show a genuine commitment to your interests and initiatives. For example, you might do this by discussing long-term involvement in a particular extracurricular activity, community project, or area of academic interest.
3. Relating to role models: The GE Reagan Scholarship is named in honor of President Ronald Reagan. If there is something about his character, leadership, or ideals that resonates with you, you can incorporate those aspects into your essay. However, it's important to directly tie these concepts back to your own experiences and values - don’t just “name drop” them.
4. Impact and future plans: Discuss what you've been able to accomplish thus far, the positive impact you've had on others, and most importantly, your goals for the future. Your readers want to award this scholarship to students who have a clear plan for how they’re going to make a difference.
5. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating that you have certain qualities, use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate how you've demonstrated those qualities in action.
Overall, the key here is to be genuine and personal. Don't try to write what you think the scholarship committee wants to hear, as that will make your essay sound just like everyone else’s. Instead, focus on what makes you unique and true to yourself. Successful essays are introspective, provide a fresh perspective, and clearly convey the applicant's passion for making a difference.
Finally, if you want to get a more objective sense for whether your essay is doing these things, consider utilizing CollegeVine’s Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine’s marketplace. Sometimes, a second set of eyes on your writing is just the thing you need to ensure your ideas are indeed coming across the way you intend.
Good luck with your essay and your application!
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