The Essay

This is your chance to make your application jump out of the pile -- make the most of it!

Use an outline to organize your thoughts

• Hook readers early -- making them care about you.

• Write a powerful, short paragraph expressing the theme of your essay.

• Address every question asked.

Tell a compelling story -- its all about you!

• What makes you unique?

• Why do you qualify for this particular scholarship?

• What makes you a good investment?

• What obstacles have you overcome?

• What is your family history?

• Are you the first generation in your family to go to college?

• What are you doing with your life?

• What are your educational plans and goals?

• What are your career goals?

• How will this scholarship help?

Put yourself in the selection committee's shoes.

• What do you want them to know about you?

• Be creative.

• Be honest.

• Make your strengths shine.

Write your essay very carefully. Look for feedback, revise, and rewrite.

• Answer the question.

• Follow guidelines for length very carefully.

• Standard font size, spacing margin

• Use language used in the question.

• Use active verb form and descriptive language.

• Be specific (early childhood education, not "education").

• Proofread for grammar and punctuation more than once. Don't rely on Spell Check!