Finding a scholarship opportunity is hard, but getting your application to stand out from the crowd is even more difficult. It is common to have several applicants with similar grades, activities, goals and even aspirations. That’s why a good essay is needed.

Essays help the sponsors learn more about the person behind the application and give them a detailed look into their school and social life. How you write your essay can make or break your chances of getting funding.

 So here are some tips to guide your essay:

1. Know your audience

It is important to realise that every scholarship provider looks for someone who meets their specific criteria. When you get your application, study the questions closely, the organisation giving the scholarship, and look for any past recipients you can find.

Is the scholarship for someone who has dealt with adversity at home? Do the sponsors prioritise character or community service over grades? Whatever the answer might be, researching this helps you identify if you fit their criteria or not and how to structure your essay.

2. Plan in advance

Getting an early start on each application helps you avoid having a generic essay. Begin your research about a week earlier than you think you should, and it will allow you enough time to turn out something great.

Planning ahead will also give you time to craft an outline, which can help your essay stay concise and on the theme. Think of two or three main points you want to make in response to the essay question, add some supporting information under each of them, and consider a sentence or two of introduction and conclusion. 

Planning in this manner helps you write a structured essay without rushing through it.

3. Show personality

When you start writing, don’t forget that the core purpose of your essay is to convince the scholarship provider that you are the student they want.

Answer the questions in your outline, and consolidate each point with a specific personal detail that shows you care about the subject.

If you are writing about your involvement in an activity, do not summarise it because it would sound more like a resume. Rather, explain your involvements and achievements in detail. You can also share something about who you are, which would be far more memorable.

4. Have an editor

Lastly, run your essay by someone to crosscheck. The person could be your parent, teacher, or friend. However, it’s advisable to seek a professional to help you identify and fix areas that others would have missed. A few minutes of proofreading by a professional editor can make a huge difference.

In summary, writing scholarship essays can be quite a headache. But by starting early, answering the right questions, and describing what makes you unique, you can write outstanding essays with results.