If you are applying for a scholarship, it is vital to have a compelling essay that presents you as the ultimate candidate for the opportunity. This one essay could mean the difference in your future and it is important to spend a lot of time making sure that it is perfect. Here are some hints to help you write the most compelling essay possible.
1. Do not get overly dramatic or emotional. Although it is important to express your personality, do not go overboard. Keep the language you use professional and avoid excessive punctuation. Nothing turns off a board faster than the overuse of exclamation points. Present your essay in a neutral tone, while focusing on your strong points in a businesslike way.
2. Proofread, proofread, proofread. You cannot have your essay too perfect. You will need to proofread it several times. Do not rely on your computer’s spell checker in this situation. Many people have the best success by reading their essay backwards. You won’t get caught up in the wording this way and it is easier to spot errors. If possible, have someone else read your essay to catch errors that you may have missed.
3. Follow a standard format. This is not the time to get creative. You will need to have a solid introduction to your essay that tells the committee why you need a scholarship and what you have planned for your future. Next, you will need to include the body of the text. This is the meat of your essay and should be the longest. Your conclusion should wrap up all that you covered in your essay and should end with a statement on why you believe you are the strongest candidate for the scholarship.
4. Use a personal “voice.” Although it is important to avoid being overly emotional in your essay, you will still need to create a personal connection with your reader. Don’t be afraid to strike up a relationship by sharing personal anecdotes that fit in well with your essay. Use a voice that is professional yet friendly. Avoid pompous wording or overly long words. Most readers pick up on the fact that you are trying to appear more intelligent or well read than you really are. Just be yourself and let your own personality shine through your text. If necessary, write several different drafts to see which one will work best.
