Seven Suggestions for Winning an Essay Scholarship

Dr. Kay Peterson reports:

"If you find it difficult to write, try talking into a tape recorder. After you’re done, you can transcribe the recording and edit the result. This can be the genesis of a good essay. Most people speak at a rate of 200 words per minute, but write or type at a rate of only 30 words per minute. So the act of writing can get in the way of your creativity, interrupting the flow of thought. You will also be more expressive when you talk...Make your essay a hit with these tips from scholarship providers:...Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get going...The judges may be asked to review hundreds of essays. It’s your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. So be creative in your answers...The judges may be asked to review hundreds of essays. It’s your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. So be creative in your answers...Use stories, examples and anecdotes to individualize your essay and demonstrate the point you want to make. By using specifics, you’ll avoid vagueness and generalities and make a stronger impression...Don’t simply list all your achievements. Decide on a theme you want to convey that sums up the impression you want to make. Write about experiences that develop that theme...Personal essays are not 'one size fits all.' Write a new essay for each application—one that fits the interests and requirements of that scholarship organization. You’re asking to be selected as the representative for that group...Make sure your essay is neatly typed, and that there is a lot of white space on the page. Double-space the essay, and provide adequate margins...on all sides...Proofread carefully, check spelling and grammar[,] and share your essay with friends or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss."