1. …writing a winning scholarship essay
Your guide to…
…writing a winning scholarship essay

2. What you’ll learn… Scholarship details–including application tips
Step-by-step guide to essay writing
Tips for getting quality letters of recommendation

3. What are Scholarships?
Money awarded to students to help pay college expenses
It’s “free” money that is not repaid
Most require an application process with competitive review

4. Who awards scholarships?
Mostly colleges
Community organizations
Businesses

5. Types of scholarships Academic Financial need Activities Career-based
Based on GPA, ACT score, or class rank
Determined by FAFSA results
Career-based
Activities
Awarded for a variety of occupation studies
Based on school/community
involvement

6. Will you get an athletic scholarship?
Of the 7.4 million high school student athletes, 460,000 go on to play college athletics (NCAA).
This means…
6% of high school athletes compete in college.
So…the chances are slim!
Source: NCAA Eligibility Center
Of those…
2% are offered an athletic scholarship

7. Where to find scholarships
The college you plan to attend
ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org
Your school counselor’s office
Your clubs and organizations – and your parent’s
The college you plan to attend. Contact the school for a list of scholarships they provide and application procedures.
ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org - will hear more about.
Your school counselor’s office. Visit regularly to check on local and national awards.
Other resources could include your coach, clubs and organizations, and your parents’ employers and civic organizations.
National search sites - find a list on the ScholarshipQuest page.
National search sites

8. About Free resource at EducationQuest.org
Has over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships
Set up a profile to be matched with scholarships that match your criteria

9. ! ! Application tips Organize scholarships in deadline order.
Set aside time each week to work on them.
Focus on college-based and local scholarships. 
List your activities, honors, and volunteer work. 
Use Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org
Organize scholarships in deadline order and set aside time each week to work on them.
Focus on college-based and local scholarships. You’re more likely to earn them over large national awards.
On the application, list your activities, awards, honors classes and volunteer or paid jobs. Track them using the Activities Resume.
Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exams in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.
Don’t ever pay for scholarship services! Talk to your school counselor or contact EducationQuest about free resources.
Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores.  ! !
Don’t EVER pay for scholarship services!

10. Advice from a Scholarship Provider
1. Follow application instructions.
2. Honestly answer all questions.
3. Have someone proofread your essay. (An English teacher is a good resource).
4. Meet application deadlines.
There’s a difference between “postmarked” and “received.

11. = Why bother applying? If you… 10 hours
Time equals money
Lisa segue to Luis
If you…
spend ___________applying for scholarships,
10 hours
$1,000
and earn ________in scholarships,
you just made _______an hour!
$100

12. How to Write Winning Scholarship & College Essays
Writing a winning scholarship essay
How to Write Winning Scholarship & College Essays

13. Why essays?
Test scores and grades provide a numbers case. Essays provide the personal story.
Helps the selection committee answer two questions:
1. Is the student qualified?
2. Is the student a good fit?

14. The process Research Prompt Develop Concept Outline Write
Revise & Edit
The process

15. Pointers Uniqueness Single focus Structure Opening Tone & Style
Closing

16. Uniqueness
“I want to attend college because it will give me an education that will help me succeed.”
“I’m a leader in my school because I’m captain of the football team.”

17. Uniqueness Share a story no one else can.
Story helps you answer the question, not distract.
Uniqueness factor allows your essay to rise to the top.
The essay is a window into your mind and personality, along with a way to gauge your writing ability.

18. Single Focus
“I developed my communication skills throughout my four years in high school. I was president of my speech team, editor of our school newspaper, and class president.”

19. Single Focus Allows for in-depth writing to prove your case.
Provides opportunity to “show” versus “tell.”

20. Structure
Chronological
Cause  Effect

21. Opening Action Dialogue Societal Statement Personal
Takes reader into the middle of action sequence
Dialogue
Takes reader into action, but with dialogue
Societal Statement
Starts with societal observation
Personal
Takes reader into your mind

22. Tone & Style Your voice Sentence variety Word choice Clichés
Transitions

23. Consider Full-Circle Ending
Closing
Don’t Summarize Points
Consider Full-Circle Ending

24. Letters of Recommendation
Who is the selection committee interested in hearing from? Why?
Provide:
Letter Request (2-4 weeks before deadline)
Scholarship Criteria
Activities Resume
Personal Profile

25. EducationQuest.org Find scholarship tips & resources!