Winning a scholarship can be the key to achieving your college dreams, but it’s not easy. Scholarships are highly competitive, and the judges who read your essay seek something special. So what can you do to ensure your piece stands out from the rest?
In this article, entrepreneur Hunter Hobson of the Hunter Hobson Scholarship shares six tips on writing a winning scholarship essay to get as much financial aid as possible.
The Hunter Hobson Scholarship
CEO, philanthropist, and family man, Hunter Hobson continues his efforts to give back to the community by creating a scholarship for upcoming and current college students. The scholarship is open to students of all majors and provides $1,000 to help with tuition and other expenses.
Applicants must complete a 500-word essay answering the question: Who has been a role model to you, and why?
1. Start Early
When writing a scholarship essay, the earlier you start, the better. This will give you plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and edit your paper. Even if you feel you usually do your best work under pressure, Hunter Hobson encourages you to arrest the procrastination and get cracking. Starting well before the deadline will allow you to explore different approaches and find the one that best suits you.
Often, a scholarship essay asks a personal question, so give yourself time to dig deep and process any emotions. You may also want to ask someone else to read your essay and offer feedback; a fresh perspective can be helpful.
2. Do Your Research
Before you start writing, it’s essential to read everything thoroughly, from the guidelines to the prompt. Make sure you understand all the requirements and are eligible to apply.
Carefully read the essay prompt multiple times before you start writing; you must clearly understand what is being asked. Once you know what the prompt is asking, brainstorm ideas and look for topics that fit well with the question.
Follow the Instructions
Be sure to follow all the instructions for the essay. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t follow all the guidelines. Scholarship foundations read hundreds, sometimes thousands, of essays, so those who don’t follow directions stand out and are often disqualified instantly.
Look for Inspiration
If you’re having trouble getting started, seek inspiration from other sources. Read some sample essays and notice how they answer the prompt. You can also look for examples of scholarship essays online or in books.
Don’t Plagiarize
Your essay must be original and unique to you. Scholarship committees can spot plagiarism a mile away, so write your theme using your own thoughts and opinions.
3. Be Yourself
Your scholarship essay is your chance to show the committee who you are as a person, not just as a student. This is your opportunity to share your story and tell them what makes you the unique individual you are. Be honest, be genuine, and let your personality shine through.
It is also an opportunity for you to show off your writing skills. Use clear, concise language and strong verbs to tell your story in an exciting way. Your essay should be engaging from start to finish.
4. Proofread and Edit
Before submitting, you must proofread and edit your scholarship essay. If you think you don’t have time for this step, trust us, it’s worth it. A few quick rounds of editing can make a big difference in the quality of your essay.
We recommend reading your essay out loud to yourself, or even better, having someone else read it aloud. You will be able to catch any errors you may have missed and let you hear how your essay sounds to others.
There are also some great proofreading tools available online, like Grammarly, that can help you catch errors and typos. Many of these tools are free to use and can be a helpful way to make sure your essay is error-free.
5. Get Feedback From Others
Once you’ve edited and proofread your essay, getting feedback from someone else is a good idea. Check with a friend, family member, teacher, or mentor and ask them to read your essay and give you honest feedback.
It can be helpful to hear how someone else perceives your essay. They may catch errors or typos you missed, or they may have suggestions for improving the content or structure of your essay. Either way, their feedback can be invaluable as you revise and edit your essay.
6. Hit Submit
When you spend so much time on an essay, it can be hard to hit the submit button. Remain confident in your abilities and trust that you’ve written a robust and compelling piece that showcases who you are as a person.
It’s good to consider that most scholarship committees review essays quickly and don’t have time to read long drawn-out essays. So, make sure your writing is clear, concise, and to the point.
And remember, even if you don’t win the scholarship, writing the essay is still a great experience. You’ll have the opportunity to improve your writing skills and learn more about yourself.
Final Thoughts
Writing a scholarship essay can be challenging, but with these tips, you can feel confident in your ability to write a winning essay. Follow the instructions, be yourself, proofread and edit, and get feedback from others to ensure your essay is the best it can be.
