Scholarships are a fantastic way for current and incoming college students to cover the costs associated with pursuing higher education. Most of the time, a scholarship application includes an essay portion that helps paint a well-rounded picture of who the applicant really is. Submitting a high-quality essay is essential to giving yourself the best chance of being granted a scholarship. Hunter Hobson shares the top qualities to look for in a successful scholarship essay.
1. Clear and Concise Writing
A well-crafted essay should be written in direct and clear language. It is vital to avoid any unnecessary fluff or flowery language. The submission should be logical and concise, so try to focus on getting the point across without rambling. Writers should pay attention to their grammar and spelling, as well.
There is a multitude of free writing tools that can help you with this, such as Grammarly and Ginger. These programs will help ensure that your essay contains no grammar or spelling errors. Other tools, such as Hemingway Editor, can help to make your writing style more concise.
2. Strong Argumentation
The essay should present a strong argument that supports your point of view. To do this, you’ll need to research and cite any sources you use to back up your claims. This preparation will show the reader where you are getting your information and show them that you understand the material in depth.
Make sure to include an introduction and conclusion to show the reader you know what you are talking about. Using the standard essay structure will help draw the reader in and ensure they get a complete picture of your ideas.
3. Personal Connection
Your essay should tell a story about yourself, conveying who you are. It is essential to let your personality shine through in your writing. Let the reader get to know you on a personal level and not just as a number on a page.
Be sure to incorporate any experiences or accomplishments which show why you should be awarded the scholarship. Give details about how these experiences have shaped who you are today and the lessons you will take with you into the future.
4. Convincing Call To Action
In addition to presenting a solid argument, your essay should include some convincing calls to action. Call to action by asking the reader to consider your scholarship application or explaining why you are an ideal candidate for the award.
Ensure that your essay concludes with a clear and powerful conclusion that will leave the reader feeling compelled to take action. Great writers accomplish this by summarizing their argument succinctly and convincingly, or by reiterating why they are the ideal scholarship recipient.
5. Focus On Your Strengths
The essay should focus on your strengths and highlight them positively. This is an opportunity to show the reader why you are the best candidate for the scholarship, so don’t be afraid to be confident.
Try to focus on what makes you unique while also professionally presenting yourself. Professionalism will help set you apart from the other applicants and give the reader an idea of who you are.
6. Review
Once you have written your essay, it’s necessary to review the submission multiple times. You want to make sure that you’ve covered all of the points you intended on in a way that flows naturally. Read your essay outloud to yourself or to family and friends to check if the piece sounds organic and well organized.
Reviewing your essay multiple times will also allow you to ensure that it is error-free and meets the criteria for the specific scholarship you’re applying for. In many situations, application readers will automatically disqualify any submission that does not follow all of the rules and requirements. Double-checking each requirement gives you the best chance at securing the scholarship of your dreams.
7. Presentation
Presentation is vital when it comes to submitting a scholarship essay. Ensure your submission follows the required formatting guidelines, such as font size and margins. Correct formatting will help the reader easily read your writing and understand what you are trying to convey.
You should also double-check that all the content is relevant to the topic and is written professionally. This can help demonstrate that you have put effort into your essay and are serious about receiving the scholarship.
8. Proofread
Proofreading your essay is essential to ensure no mistakes or typos. You should go through each sentence carefully, looking for any errors or areas that could be improved upon.
Get someone else to read your essay and provide feedback. Feedback helps you find mistakes you may have missed while proofreading the submission. Once your essay has been thoroughly checked for errors, it is ready to be submitted.
Concluding Thoughts…
Writing a successful scholarship essay takes time and effort, but it can be done with the proper guidance and tips. By following these tips from Hunter Hobson, you can ensure that your essay stands out from the crowd and conveys why you should receive the scholarship.
