What is a scholarship essay?

• An applicant’s opportunity to tell your story to a scholarship committee

 Should reflect your best writing capabilities

• Think of it as a final paper in your English class that is worth 70% of your grade.

• Pay close attention to accuracy, structure, and overall quality

 How long should the scholarship essay be?

• The length of the essay should follow the scholarship guidelines

What should be included in a scholarship essay?

• Anything that answers the question
• Future career goals
• Accomplishments
• Leadership capabilities
• Extracurricular Activities

Do…

• Read all the directions thoroughly and follow them
• Make it personal!
• Proofread and Ask for Help!
• Reuse Essays When Possible!

Do NOT…

• Wait until the last minute to complete the scholarship.
• Do not ask your references for letters of recommendation at the last minute
• Do not avoid a scholarship just because you have to write an essay
• Do not count out small scholarships
• Do not reuse essays with updating.

Do not get discouraged