how to start a scholarship essay about yourself

how to start a scholarship essay about yourself

Tips for Writing a Compelling Scholarship Essay

1. Introduction

In the introduction, quote the scholarship’s mission statement. As you write, research this mission. What is its purpose? What are the goals? You will use this information to answer the question in the prompt. For example, if the scholarship’s mission is to help a young woman from a small, rural community in the Midwest to earn a degree in engineering, your essay should answer the following question: “How will this scholarship help you attain your goals?” Your response should be, “I want this scholarship to serve as an example for other students from similar backgrounds and inspire them to dream big.” This focused response answers the question and reflects your goals for the future. By keeping your essay focused on the mission of the scholarship, you will be able to address the committee’s specific criteria. Saying that you are very involved in your community is vague and does not reflect a clear understanding of the mission. But winning the scholarship is money you need for school and that you do not want to pay back—that’s more specific.

2. Highlighting Your Achievements and Goals

Give the essay to a friend, a parent, or even a stranger and ask them to read it, then tell you what you have written about, without looking at the essay. If they can give you a clear, concise answer, you have hit the nail on the head. Always answer the question asked of you. If the essay topic is discussing your goals in the field of your choice (healthcare), and you get off the topic of your past experiences in the field and how they have influenced you, then you reach a lofty level of writing about what a hero is to you, though it relates in some sense, you are beating around the bush. Make every effort possible to stay on the decided topic and answer the question asked. Never let yourself get too far away from what is being asked of you.

Show the importance of highlighting your achievements and goals by listing some examples of topics. For example, what are your career aspirations? What are your educational goals? What community service have you done that has helped others? What past experiences have you had that set you apart from other candidates? There are numerous examples of this to list, again depending on the essay and the goals you have set for yourself. You are the best judge of what is most important about you and what you want to convey to a scholarship committee. What has been the most influential event in your life? (It can be personal or academic) This would be a topic to explain how you have arrived at the point you are at now and what changes you have made in your life to get there. Always remember, if it’s an event that was difficult for you, the essay can be a chance to explain how you have grown from the experience.

3. Sharing Personal Experiences and Challenges

Challenges can be easier seen than identified. I have faced several challenges, one of them was learning that a person’s mind should not be judged solely by their appearance. As an ethnic minority, it was easy to feel that it was us against the world. Everywhere I turned, there would be something to remind me of my skin color and who I was. Whether I was at a store, restaurant, or even in school, I was constantly being watched and scrutinized. This took a toll on my self-esteem and I even questioned who I was and who I wanted to become. However, at the ending of my high school career, I had set the standard for the generalization of an ethnic minority. By achieving high honors, being in sports, and choir, I was able to show that we are people of potential and can break boundaries and social stigmas. At this point, I was able to change the views of my peers and even teachers’ views and this is where I can say that it was an accomplishment. This experience had taught me to carry myself in a professional manner and to always be true to who I am. Although it would be easier for me to give into the stereotypes that were placed upon me, I have always held my head up high and stuck to my values. With this type of mentality and attitude, I am confident that I can carry these strengths and experiences and use them to overcome any adversity during my training in medical school.

This is the most important aspect: To whom much is given, much is required. As we have heard our entire lives, it is important to challenge ourselves. When I step outside my comfort zone, I become a strong individual mentally and physically. When I was 17 years old, my father lost his battle with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. For 5 years, I was the first member of my family to attend college. I was never the type to settle for anything less than what I am capable of. At times, it is still hard for me to reflect and remember the tough times when I would pause in my studies to help my family. By telling my story of my past, I can reflect and see how much stronger I am today and how this experience has developed my character to this day. As other students might be able to relate to my situation, it is a great way for them to see who I am aside from my achievements.

4. Demonstrating Your Passion and Commitment

This may be one of the most frequently cited suggestions when it comes to writing a memorable scholarship essay, but first impressions are critical. You must grab your reader with the first words, and you only have a few sentences to do it. You must convince the committee that you are a person of purpose. You are decisive, proactive, and most importantly, you take things seriously. It is crucial that the first few sentences are thought-provoking; you want to entice the reader to continue reading. Once you have caught the reader’s attention with the beginning of your essay, it is important that you keep his or her attention. Do not revert to a dull, elementary pattern of writing, such as simple chronological telling of events. Remember, you are attempting to stand out among hundreds of other essays, not revert to a “safe” pattern of writing. This is your opportunity to make forming your essay, and eventually, forming your ideas, a truly creative process. If one were to ask an interviewer what delivered the coalescence of a person’s heart, mind, and soul during a conversation, the answer might be, “Passion.” The people who breathe life into their words, truly believing in the topic that they are speaking of. They leave the interview fervent and wistful. To have passion is to have the ardor and resolve to be unwavering in your aim. But how do you infuse these facets into a written essay? Be confident. Write definitively. Share your dreams. Share your concerns. Pose questions. Propose provocative information. Write it as a challenge to both yourself and the reader. This is the way that determination surfaces on paper.

5. Conclusion

With this in mind, the following is a general guideline for writing a compelling essay and easy to follow steps that contain the higher essentials for a great reward – a scholarship. Step one to writing a good essay is to understand the type of essay you are being asked to write. Unless specified, the accomplishment of an essay will generally be successful if done right and done persuasively. Some private scholarships may require a specific type, but the goal here is generally the same – to win a reward.

Most importantly, it is important that students understand the real reason for the task. While a tough assignment, writing an essay enables the author to express their thoughts to the reader in a convincing manner. This has value to the writer with the knowledge they are developing a skill that will aid them in writing persuasively, and to the reader who may be enlightened, or at the very least thought provoked. Writing gives one a voice, and it is by voice that we can be heard. Writing a compelling essay and persuading the reader to understand your perspective has lasting implications. By practicing this art, a student can not only bring about new and positive change on any topic of interest; they can also gain a reward that will institute further change through personal development.

In conclusion, a compelling scholarship essay can be a key factor in receiving a reward for something as simple as a class assignment, to a college admission or a summer internship. It is a known fact that there are numerous types of scholarships available, and that there is stiff competition when it comes to winning those awards. The key is to be persistent, and to stand out among other candidates. If you can do this, then the reward is simply too good to pass up. Whether the essay is for a scholarship, a class, or even a contest, many students often find the task overwhelming. Essay writing can be challenging, but the hard work is well worth it.