In this post, we look at 10 steps that will help you win that scholarship.
Step 1: Start EarlyIf you’re serious about winning that scholarship grant, then you probably know by now that getting an early start in writing is crucial. A lot rides on that essay, and thus it’s only sensible that you should give the writing process as much time as it needs. Writing comes in stages, from formulating ideas to proofreading the final copy. If you start your essay at the last minute, you’re likely to produce a work that looks rushed, has underdeveloped ideas, and generally thin in content.
Step 2: Follow the InstructionsYour ability to follow instructions matter just as much as the quality of your essay’s content. In fact, scholarship committees sometimes look specifically at students’ ability to follow minute details. That said, read instructions more than once and highlight all the important details. If the instructions state formatting requirements, make sure you follow them. If not, then you may format your essay using these default settings:
- Double-space
- Use Arial or Times New Roman
- 12 pt font
- 1-inch margins
If you can, make a checklist that you can use to determine if your final copy meets all instructions.
Step 3: Know Your ReaderA winning essay is one that connects with its reader. Before you start your essay, make sure you know what your reader is looking for. For example, assuming that you’re submitting your essay to an environmental organization, it only figures that your essay should not only follow the prompt but it should also relate to the environment. How do you ensure that your essay connects with your reader? By knowing who your reader exactly is. And how do you know your reader? One word: research. Read about the organization, know their mission, their vision, their values and goals. The more you know about your reader, the more capable you are of writing an essay that really connects with them.
Step 4: Talk with the Scholarship Committee Some organizations explicitly forbid applicants from contacting members of the scholarship committee, and you as the applicant has the duty to abide by this rule. But if contacting the committee is allowed and you do connect with a member, try to know more about the organization and what they are looking for. This way, you’ll gather more information about your reader that you can use in improving the essay. Also, you’re advancing your position by letting the committee know that you are truly serious about getting that scholarship grant.
Step 5: BrainstormWriter’s block can cause you to lose precious time, but you can avoid this by brainstorming for ideas. To brainstorm, try writing everything that comes to mind when you think about the essay prompt and the organization offering the scholarship. Never mind that some ideas may be less developed than others. You can screen them later by choosing only those you think have potential. The important thing is to identify your options.
Step 6: Choose a Topic You Feel Passionate AboutWhile writing a great essay is difficult, choosing a topic that you feel passionate about will make the process more enjoyable and exciting for you. More importantly, choosing a topic you feel passionate about will give your essay a sense of authenticity that will not go unnoticed by your reader. Essays that stand out are those which show the genuineness of their authors.
Step 7: Write an OutlineOnce you begin writing, you may find yourself unsure of the direction your essay is heading towards. This is where an outline comes in handy. An outline is basically the backbone of your essay. It gives your essay structure, enabling you to know the scope of your essay, improve flow and organization, and avoid losing focus. At its simplest form, an outline should be composed of an introduction with a thesis statement, a body that expands your thesis using main points, and a conclusion that reiterates the thesis and wraps up the discussion.
Step 8: Make it InterestingYou may be tempted to use your essay to showcase all your honors and accomplishments, but doing so will only make your essay sound dull and commonplace. You have your resume and transcript for that. Rather than recite all your achievements, make your essay interesting by telling a story. More than just directly addressing the prompts, your essay should be unique, insightful, personal, and spontaneous.
Step 9: ProofreadIt goes without saying that your final copy should be free of any grammatical and typographical errors. Remember, a great essay can be ruined by just a few mistakes. Thoroughly proofread your essay before submitting. Actually, have someone read your essay just in case you missed any errors.
Step 10: Enlist Professional HelpAlthough you’re still going to be the author of the essay, enlisting the help of professionals is one of the best things you can do to win that scholarship. Professionals such as those in
CustomEssayMeister have extensive knowledge and advanced skills in writing, which make them the best people to offer important tips and valuable guidelines that can help you craft a successful essay.
ConclusionWinning a scholarship grant is a viable option for those looking for funding their college education. But with countless students competing for the same prize, writing an essay that stands out certainly
becomes a big challenge. However, by following these 10 steps for writing a winning essay, you bring yourself closer to securing your college education.