1. Scholarship Essay Writing

2. Where do I even start?

3. Step One: The Basics Find out the word limit
Always type (and save!) your essay on a computer
When you’re done writing, re-read the prompt
Have at least one person proofread your essay
Never copy someone else’s work

4. Step Two: What to Write
Always read the essay prompt (the questions you are asked to answer for the scholarship)
List out, in bullet points, what you need to include in your essay (think of them as requirements)
For each bullet point, brainstorm 2-3 different life events/experiences that would fit
Many times, scholarships will ask you to highlight “personal qualities.”
For vague prompts, make your own question to answer
Personal Quality
Story/Experience
Persistence
I was told by my Starbucks manager that I was too quiet, and if I didn’t change I would be fired. I worked with friends and teachers to practice public speaking, and received a strong performance review.

5. How has your life taken you to where you are now, and where do you want to go?

6. Step Three: Know Your Audience
What’s the organization’s mission? What’s the purpose of the scholarship?
How do you represent their values?
Look at the “about us” section of a scholarship’s website

7. Kennedy King “About Us”
“[Scholars] are chosen for their need, academic promise, determination to obtain an education (often in the face of unbelievable difficulties and hardships), leadership potential and commitment to helping their community.”

8. Step Four: Writing Details
Essay should always focus on YOU, and YOUR accomplishments!
With each story (anecdocte): what happened, how did it happen, and why is it important to this essay/you?
Showing vs. Telling…

9. Step Four: Showing vs. Telling
In your essays, you need to both, “paint a picture” for the reader, and, tell them why its important
Showing: Details, Specifics, Examples
Telling: Explaining, Analyzing, Reflecting; General Points

10. Showing vs. Telling TELL SHOW
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a child, because I watched nurses help my little brother when he was sick.”
“Beads of sweat appeared on my brother’s forehead when the doctor turned around holding a needle. As the tears began to well in his eyes, Maria, the nurse who had been caring for him and helping our family, deftly flew in with kind words and a toy, and managed to provide medicine and a smile in a single movement.”

11. Showing AND Telling
“Beads of sweat appeared on my brother’s forehead when the doctor turned around holding a needle. As the tears began to well in his eyes, Maria, the nurse who had been caring for him and helping our family, deftly flew in with kind words and a toy, and managed to provide medicine and a smile in a single movement. As I sat in the corner, watching Maria help our family, I knew I wanted to be like her. I have worked tirelessly from that point to achieve my goal of becoming a registered nurse, and helping migrant families in my community.”

12. Step Five: Does it Make Sense?
Save time! If the essay prompt is similar to one you’ve already written, re-use pieces of your previous essay! BUT…
Make sure it answers the prompt exactly (step one!)
Make sure it flows (does it make sense and work with everything else you’ve written?)