An effective scholarship essay aligns with the values of the granting organization while providing a direct response to the prompt. By planning ahead, you can save time by crafting a single essay that addresses multiple prompts with similar questions.
It’s advisable to apply for a diverse range of scholarships that correspond with your background, values, and interests. Local scholarships offering smaller award amounts may be less competitive and more pertinent to your situation than larger national ones. Writing an authentic essay becomes easier when the scholarship topic holds personal significance for you.
What is a scholarship essay?
Scholarships are a form of financial assistance for students that don’t need to be paid back. They are granted based on various criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, intended field of study, personal background, or extracurricular activities and interests.
Similar to college applications, scholarship applications often require students to submit their academic records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.
A scholarship essay allows you to express your values and qualities while addressing a specific prompt, such as “How does technology impact your daily life?” or “Who has had the most profound influence on your life?”
Beware of scholarship scams
While some applications may not require an essay, be cautious of scholarship scams that:
- Promise you scholarship funds in exchange for a fee
- Assert that scholarship information is exclusively available through their organization
- Request your bank or credit card details to secure the scholarship
Some reputable companies do charge for providing extensive scholarship lists or creating a personalized list of scholarship opportunities based on your profile. However, you can always find scholarship opportunities at no cost through your school counselor, community network, or an online search.
Apply for a wide variety of scholarships
Applying for a wide range of scholarships, both large and small, can increase your chances of securing funding for college. Research national, local, and university-specific scholarships, as well as options from organizations, foundations, and corporations. This includes scholarships specifically for international students. Start the application process early, often as early as your junior year of high school, and continue through your senior year. Tailor each application to the specific scholarship criteria to make the strongest case for your qualifications.
Choose the right scholarships for you
Select scholarships with missions and essay topics aligned with your background, experiences, and interests. Authentic, compelling essays are easier to write when the subject resonates with you. Don’t overlook local scholarships, even with smaller awards – every dollar counts for college expenses. Local scholarships often face less competition, improving your chance of winning.
Check these sources for local scholarship opportunities:
- Worship places
- Your high school or college
- Community organizations
- Businesses and corporations
- Professional associations
- Foundations and non-profit organizations
- Online scholarship databases (e.g., Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
- Organizations related to your intended major
- Labor unions
- Employers
- Local banks, credit unions, and financial institutions
Make a scholarship tracker spreadsheet
As you research various scholarship opportunities, maintain a detailed tracking spreadsheet. This will help you stay organized and on top of the application process. Be sure to include the following in your spreadsheet:
- Scholarship award amounts
- Application deadlines
- Required materials for each scholarship
We’ve provided a free Google Sheets template you can use to efficiently track your scholarship applications from start to finish.
Scholarship application tracker template
In addition to the scholarship details, include the essay prompts in your college essay tracking sheet. Group or color-code overlapping prompts so you can write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Don’t forget, you may even be able to reuse or adapt your main college application essay for some scholarship submissions.
Tailor your essay to the organization and the prompt
When adapting an existing essay, ensure it directly addresses the scholarship prompt, adheres to the word count, and aligns with the organization’s values. Scholarship committees can spot generic, untailored essays, so take the time to thoughtfully customize your response to each opportunity.
Research each organization
Begin by reviewing the organization’s mission, background, and eligibility criteria to ensure you are a well-qualified applicant. Examine the details of the application process, what materials are required, and firm deadlines. Assess the scholarship’s monetary value, duration of the award, and any special obligations.
Explore the organization’s reputation by reading reviews, checking accreditations, and looking at past recipient profiles to understand what they valuemost in applicants. If any part of the scholarship appears questionable, do not hesitate to contact the organization directly to clarify and gauge their responsiveness.
Write a focused and relevant personal story
After thoroughly researching the scholarship organization’s mission and values, craft a compelling personal narrative that demonstrates your alignment with their principles and your potential for success.
Identify a specific experience or moment that epitomizes the qualities and attributes the organization seeks to uplift. Your story should be authentic and put the spotlight on your own journey, growth, and perseverance – avoiding rehashing accomplishments like a resume or drifting into broad philosophizing.
A strong scholarship essay shares a meaningful vignette that responds directly to the prompt with a positive, solution-oriented tone. If appropriate, you can briefly highlight how the financial support would facilitate achieving your educational aspirations. Conclude with an expression of gratitude for the opportunity.
Scholarship essay example
Here is an example of a focused and relevant personal story for a scholarship essay: