The Essay
The Essay is the most important part of any scholarship application.
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").
- roofread for grammar and punctuation more than once. Don't rely on Spell Check!
For personal help with an application or essay, please call the MSCD Institute for Women's Studies and Services (303.556.8441) or the UCD Scholarship / Resource Office (303.352.3608). Walk-ins are welcome.
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