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

2. 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?

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

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

5. 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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.”

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

9. Structure
Chronological
Cause  Effect

10. 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

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

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

13. 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