How to write a scholarship application essay

The short answer

A scholarship essay should answer three questions in your own words: who you are, what you want to do, and why this scholarship will help you do it. Use one or two real examples from your life, keep to the word limit and read the question again before you submit.

What the readers look for

• A clear answer to the exact question that was asked.
• Proof of effort and results, shown by examples and not by big words.
• A realistic plan for how you will use the scholarship.
• Honest and personal writing that sounds like one person and not like a template.

A simple structure

1. Opening: one or two sentences that begin with a real moment or a clear statement, not with a general sentence about education.
2. Your background: the facts that matter for this scholarship, such as your studies, your results, your family situation if it is part of the application, and any work or volunteering.
3. One main example: a problem you faced, what you did, and what changed. Give numbers where they are true.
4. Your goal: the course or career you want, and the steps you will take.
5. Why this scholarship: how it will help you, and what you will do for others once you have finished.
6. Closing: two sentences that connect the end back to the opening.

Write it in four steps

1. Read the instructions and the question twice, and write down the word limit, the deadline and the documents that are asked for.
2. Make a list of your examples and choose the best one or two. Depth is better than a long list.
3. Write a first draft without worrying about the length. Then cut it to the limit.
4. Leave it for a day, then read it aloud, correct the errors, and ask a teacher or a friend to read it and tell you what is unclear.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copying an essay from the internet or from a friend. Readers notice, and it can end the application.
• Starting with a very general sentence such as education is the key to success.
• Writing only about difficulties and not about what you did about them.
• Making claims that you cannot prove, or that the documents do not support.
• Going over the word limit, or submitting with spelling and grammar errors.
• Sending the same essay to every scholarship without changing it to fit the question.

Before you submit

• Does the essay answer the question that was asked?
• Is every fact true and in agreement with your documents?
• Is the name of the scholarship correct, and have you checked the deadline?
• Have you saved a copy of the essay and of everything that you sent?

Where this comes from

• The instructions and the question set by the scholarship you are applying for. Always follow the official guidance, which is the final rule.