While the application process for colleges and universities may begin to feel like a never ending repetition of information such as the social security number, birth date, degree program, high school grade point average and other factors about a student, the essay for a scholarship must be an individualized effort.
This means that in order to have the strongest chances for winning a scholarship the essay must be unique, expressive, sincere and well written. A well done scholarship search will turn up every type of scholarship, prize, grant or forgivable loan opportunity available to a student. This may mean that a student will be crafting essays about everything from bowling to biology, or even something like their personal dedication to the career path of their choice.
It is critical that the scholarship search be conducted in a manner that addresses the following:
• Hobbies
• Activities
• Sports participation
• Volunteerism
• Academic and athletic achievement
• Interests of the student
• Family history and/or ethnicity
• Any disabilities of the student
• Parents employers
Only by itemizing these specific facts about a student can an accurate scholarship search be done. After the list of potential scholarship providers is created the student should immediately create a master list of all application deadlines and other relevant information. Many students build a spreadsheet of their scholarship possibilities and check in on a weekly basis.
When crafting an essay a student should be fully aware of the reason the award will be made. For example, if a parent’s employer makes scholarships available the student must express their commitment to seeing their education to the end, what they hope to do with their training and acknowledge their debt to their parents for their support. If, however, the essay is for a prize given by a sports group, the student must itemize their own achievements in the sport and also express where they intend to go with their college degree.
Many students create a “generic” packet or binder for each scholarship application. This is a great idea because it reveals a tremendous amount of information about the student, documents their personal history, interests, achievements and can allow the student to reserve an area for customized information. Many students divide their binders into sections with newspaper clippings or copies of documents that discuss their achievement or dedication to a group or organization included. Some packets will include a photograph of the student along with a sort of “resume” that itemizes their entire academic career.
When it is time for a student to submit an application they can fill out all of the appropriate paper work and include a binder or packet with their essay and information. This will show the scholarship committee the level or organization, commitment and ambition a student has, and that they will bring to their college experience.