3 answers
Rachel
Student
Bristol, Virginia
3
Questions
Asked
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I am a good student with good writing skills, but I cannot seem to win any scholarships. What are they looking for in a winning essay?
I think I am writing good answers to the essay questions on scholarships I think I could win, but I have not had much luck. I wonder if there is a winning formula. Something I need to be sure to include or a certain style? #scholarships #essay
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3 answers
Cindy Trager
Director
5
Answers
Wellington, Florida
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Scholarship readers are looking to be able to picture you from your essay and see where you are at and where you want to go. Most of all have you talk about any hardships and why you need the scholarship.
Cindy recommends the following next steps:
Fiwany Wijaya
Sophomore Food Science Student
6
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Fiwany’s Answer
While I have not applied for a number of scholarships, I believe the best way is to be genuine. Reflect on your experiences and why you really want that scholarship. It's always better to tie in a personal story with the scholarship focus (e.g. academic achievements, leadership experience) rather than just stating why you deserve the scholarship, because everyone else can do this. I would say just focus on one story rather than saying a bit of many stories and really show your passion.
Again, I don't think there is necessarily a winning formula, but having someone go through your essay will definitely be helpful. My go to is to always ask 3 people: someone who knows you on a personal level, someone who you don't know at all (first time meeting) and ask an expert/someone who has experience.
Keep in mind that you are not the only one who feels this way and it may just be the competitive nature of the scholarship and applicant pool. Hope this helps!
Again, I don't think there is necessarily a winning formula, but having someone go through your essay will definitely be helpful. My go to is to always ask 3 people: someone who knows you on a personal level, someone who you don't know at all (first time meeting) and ask an expert/someone who has experience.
Keep in mind that you are not the only one who feels this way and it may just be the competitive nature of the scholarship and applicant pool. Hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Rachel,
Crafting a Standout Scholarship Essay:
To create a standout scholarship essay that can potentially secure the scholarship you're aiming for, consider the following key elements that scholarship committees generally seek in an applicant's essay:
Genuine Narration and Authenticity: Authenticity is a crucial factor in a winning scholarship essay. Committees are interested in understanding the real you. Therefore, sharing personal stories and experiences that reveal your unique character, values, and aspirations can make your essay more memorable.
Addressing the Prompt Accurately: Make sure your essay directly responds to the prompt given by the scholarship committee. Tailor your response to demonstrate how your experiences align with the scholarship organization's values or objectives. Ensure you answer all aspects of the prompt in a clear and concise manner.
Showcasing Impact and Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments, achievements, and any challenges you've surmounted. Illustrating how you've positively influenced your community, school, or family can position you as a worthy candidate for the scholarship.
Maintaining Clarity and Cohesiveness: Ensure your writing is clear and concise, with a smooth flow from one paragraph to the next. Use transitions to link ideas seamlessly and make your writing easy to understand.
Offering a Unique Perspective: Present a unique viewpoint or angle in your essay that leaves a lasting impression on the reviewers. Avoid clichés and generic statements, and instead, share insights that are uniquely yours and set you apart from other candidates.
Thorough Proofreading and Editing: Prior to submitting your essay, thoroughly proofread it for any grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider having someone else review your essay for feedback on clarity, coherence, and overall impact.
By integrating these elements into your scholarship essays, you can enhance your chances of crafting a persuasive and successful application that resonates with scholarship committees.
Top 3 Credible Sources for Further Guidance:
Going Merry Scholarship Essay Examples: Going Merry provides examples of successful scholarship essays that have worked for past winners. Examining these examples can offer valuable insights into what constitutes a winning scholarship essay.
Scholarship Essay Guide by AI Search Inc: This guide offers useful tips on crafting effective scholarship essays, including advice on structure, content, and strategies for distinguishing your application.
Scholarship Essay Writing Tips from Educational Institutions: Numerous educational institutions provide resources and tips on writing successful scholarship essays. These tips are often provided by experienced advisors who understand what scholarship committees seek in applicants' essays.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Crafting a Standout Scholarship Essay:
To create a standout scholarship essay that can potentially secure the scholarship you're aiming for, consider the following key elements that scholarship committees generally seek in an applicant's essay:
Genuine Narration and Authenticity: Authenticity is a crucial factor in a winning scholarship essay. Committees are interested in understanding the real you. Therefore, sharing personal stories and experiences that reveal your unique character, values, and aspirations can make your essay more memorable.
Addressing the Prompt Accurately: Make sure your essay directly responds to the prompt given by the scholarship committee. Tailor your response to demonstrate how your experiences align with the scholarship organization's values or objectives. Ensure you answer all aspects of the prompt in a clear and concise manner.
Showcasing Impact and Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments, achievements, and any challenges you've surmounted. Illustrating how you've positively influenced your community, school, or family can position you as a worthy candidate for the scholarship.
Maintaining Clarity and Cohesiveness: Ensure your writing is clear and concise, with a smooth flow from one paragraph to the next. Use transitions to link ideas seamlessly and make your writing easy to understand.
Offering a Unique Perspective: Present a unique viewpoint or angle in your essay that leaves a lasting impression on the reviewers. Avoid clichés and generic statements, and instead, share insights that are uniquely yours and set you apart from other candidates.
Thorough Proofreading and Editing: Prior to submitting your essay, thoroughly proofread it for any grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider having someone else review your essay for feedback on clarity, coherence, and overall impact.
By integrating these elements into your scholarship essays, you can enhance your chances of crafting a persuasive and successful application that resonates with scholarship committees.
Top 3 Credible Sources for Further Guidance:
Going Merry Scholarship Essay Examples: Going Merry provides examples of successful scholarship essays that have worked for past winners. Examining these examples can offer valuable insights into what constitutes a winning scholarship essay.
Scholarship Essay Guide by AI Search Inc: This guide offers useful tips on crafting effective scholarship essays, including advice on structure, content, and strategies for distinguishing your application.
Scholarship Essay Writing Tips from Educational Institutions: Numerous educational institutions provide resources and tips on writing successful scholarship essays. These tips are often provided by experienced advisors who understand what scholarship committees seek in applicants' essays.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.