This is your chance to describe your own experiences and goals. Avoid generalizations. Stay specific.
Before we dive into the “how to” of writing, let’s review some basic elements of a great scholarship essay.
#1 the introduction.
Think of the introduction to your essay not just as an overview of what you’ll be discussing, (though it should give the readers a glimpse of your theme and main points), but more importantly as a chance to capture attention.
The title of your essay functions as a hook, engaging your reader. In the same way, the introduction should be interesting. It functions to make your reader want to continue reading your entire essay.
For example, which of the following headlines are you more likely to read?
Most likely, you’d want to read the second one. The first one is pretty dry and boring, and doesn’t really say anything about what the essay is about-- other than it being a scholarship essay.
There’s no incentive to read it.
Still stuck? Consider using essay writing services from Ultius to get 1-on-1 help with your scholarship piece.
The second title, however, queues you as reader to read on. It is a title you can relate to as a student and a school administrator. Most students would like school to be fun, most parents would like it to be affordable, and most teachers would like it to be both. The second title is engaging because it is specific, relatable, and tells the reader about the value contained in the essay that follows.
Make your title and introduction specific and think about how you can say them in an interesting way that shows the reader your essay has value.
An organized and convincing essay generally has one primary theme that weaves all parts of the essay together. For instance, a scholarship essay may have a central theme like “community service,” or “ nursing and healthcare ,” or “business management,” depending upon the education, interests and life goals of the student writing.
The idea here is that, in writing your scholarship essay, you want to be sure to not only tell your college’s scholarship committee what your goals are, but also to demonstrate how you’ll apply your education to the real world, and what experience you have so far to help you do this.
Educational Theme | Experience/Example |
Community Service | John Doe learned about the income and education gaps challenging minority populations in his community by volunteering every week to tutor elementary students at his town’s multicultural center. Students shared stories with him about their home and school experiences, and John used this information to help elementary school teachers relate to students. |
Nursing Education | Jane Smith worked as a CNA for two years before she started earning her advanced nursing degree. The bedside care experience she gained helped her understand challenges that new nurses might run into when caring for patients, such as how to manage time effectively with a full floor while giving quality care. Jane plans to use these insights to help create nurse education programs that improve both patient and nurse experiences. |
Business Management | John grew up helping his family manage their own furniture store. While his parents were talking with customers, he stocked inventory and cleaned furniture. As John got older, he began to talk with customers as well and complete sales transactions. This first-hand experience allowed John to understand all components of small business operations. John plans to combine his experiential knowledge with what he learns in school to help bridge understanding gaps between managers and front-line employees. |
Anecdotes are short, amusing stories about events or people. Similar to how we talked about using examples above, anecdotes are effective at demonstrating how the ideas you present in a scholarship essay apply to real life. Anecdotes help your ideas come to life.
For example, if you’re writing a scholarship essay about business leadership, you may choose to tell a story about how your work cleaning houses taught you about attention to detail in all areas of life. The example essay we’ll review below uses an anecdote about helping the family business better manage checkbook balancing.
Through stories, you have the chance to catch your readers’ attention by highlighting how you can contribute to the world with your skills and experience
Writing with passion is important because it shows the scholarship committee you’re applying to that you care, and that you’ll make your best effort to use the financial aid you’re given in a productive, meaningful way.
Passion also helps your reader(s) stay engaged by writing in a way that others can empathetically relate to.
Said simply, writing with passion makes your essay interesting.
The example essay later in this guide demonstrates passion in the concluding paragraph by explaining why the essay writer wants to study business management—in order to improve the lives of employees and community members through providing wholesome food.
In this way, the essay becomes personal, and reveals the writer’s individual values and motives.
Great scholarship essays are formatted according to the requirements of the school the essay writer is applying to. Following correct formatting requirements demonstrates that you are organized and able to follow instructions. Different schools may have different requirements when it comes to formatting, so be sure to clarify your instructions.
A general rule of thumb, especially if you’re given few instructions, is to double space your essay and use one-inch margins. If you quote or paraphrase any information from another source, be sure to cite it correctly and in the style the college you’re applying to requires. Common citation styles are APA and MLA.
Generally, you probably won’t have many citations in a scholarship essay since it is primarily focused on how you will apply your personal experiences and education to further your career goals.
Last, great scholarship essays have appropriately spaced paragraphs and phrases. They avoid run-on sentences and break up information into digestible bits. Generally, a single paragraph shouldn’t be more than two-thirds of a page if it’s double-spaced, or a third of a page if it’s single-spaced. Separating and organizing different thoughts into different paragraphs makes your writing easier and more enjoyable to read.
Fantastic scholarship essays don’t neglect the chance to leave a lasting impression with readers. A common mistake inexperienced writers make is putting lots of attention into the introduction but little attention into the conclusion .
Clearly, it makes sense that the conclusion would be an easy area to neglect from a writer’s standpoint, since the writing process is almost complete and a simple re-cap of your main points should suffice, right?
The conclusion is just as important as the introduction. The introduction flags readers’ attention and makes sure your essay is read in the first place, whereas the conclusion makes sure the reader remembers and acts on what he or she has just read.
And in the case of a scholarship essay, acting on what was just read means choosing the essay writer as a financial aid candidate.
The diagram below illustrates the components that make up a scholarship essay that is easy to read, interesting, relevant, and organized.
Element | Purpose |
Introduction | Engages your readers |
Theme | Unifies your paper |
Examples and Anecdotes | Makes your theme relatable |
Write with passion | Demonstrates your personal investment |
Introduction | Engages your readers |
Correctly format | Organizes your paper according to instructions |
Conclusion | Re-emphasizes your theme |
Now that we’ve reviewed the basic elements of a great scholarship essay, let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to take to write an essay that will win you the college education you’re aiming for.
The first step in being able to choose a theme that is relevant to your goals and experiences and sounds appealing to your scholarship committee, is to know what your audience looking for.
Think about what’s important to the school you’re applying to. This is a balancing act. You don’t want to write an essay that sounds too salesy, or appears to obviously “schmooze” your scholarship committee, but you do want your essay to be relevant to what your committee cares about.
The best way to do this is to understand the scholarship you’re applying for , and why it’s offered.
Likewise, if you’re applying to a scholarship offered based upon GPA, you’ll probably want to talk about your experience with grade achievement, critical thinking capacity and how you plan to apply those skills to your college and professional goals.
Finally, if you’re applying to a nurse educator scholarship, you’ll most likely want to highlight what life experiences contribute to your ability to be a fantastic future nursing leader.
The key, when understanding your audience, is to ask:
“Why are the donors of this scholarship (the people providing the money) offering financial aid?”
In other words, who do the donors want to support? Who would be their ideal candidate?
Next, list some reasons why you match what they’re looking for and some corresponding real-life examples. You can use this list later when you create your writing outline.
This second step is similar to the first, since in understanding your audience you’ll likely find your theme. However, during this second step, you’ll start to elaborate. Instead of just understanding what your audience, or the scholarship committee, is looking for, you’ll identify a theme that unifies your goals and experiences with what’s important to your audience.
Remember the list you created in step #1?
Here’s where it starts to come in handy. What’s the common theme that emerges as you look at the reasons you match what your audience is looking for? Likely, they’ll match the type of scholarship you’re applying to.
Or, if you’re applying for an arts scholarship, you’ve had experience painting murals with school groups and you want to become an art teacher, your theme may be “helping classroom education come to life with visual arts.”
Your theme won’t necessarily be the title of your essay (though it could be). Rather, it will guide your title, and it will also guide the rest of your writing. Your theme is like a compass. Everything you write should point back to your theme, explaining why and how you’re an ideal candidate for the scholarship.
This step should be relatively simple. Use the list you made in step one to help you. Your outline should start with an introduction and end with a conclusion (see the earlier section of this blog for how to write an effective intro and conclusion). In the middle should be the main body and point(s) of your essay (you should do this whether you decide to buy an essay or not).
The body and main points will be filled with examples of your experiences that relate to your educational and professional goals.
Start by listing the goals and the examples you want to write about, and then arrange them in an order that logically flows and makes sense.
As you write, use transitional phrases and storytelling so that your writing doesn’t feel like a “list,” but instead, flows seamlessly.
The word creative is used a lot today, but what does it actually mean? In the case of a scholarship essay, being creative means being original. You’ve got to stand out from a crowd of other applicants.
That means avoiding generic stories and phrases. It also means avoiding generalizations and clichés . When you tell a story or share your experience, get specific. If you get specific, it’s hard not to be original, because chances are, no one else has had experiences quite like yours.
Imagine trying to learn to play basketball just by being told about the game through a lecture, and then being thrown into your first game. It’d be pretty frightening, to say the least! You’d probably stumble all over the court and drop the ball. However, if a coach took you out onto the court and showed you how to dribble and shoot, you’d learn more quickly, because you’d be able to observe the game actually happening. You’d be shown.
If you’re an adult applying for a scholarship to help financially because you want to go back to school, you can be extremely descriptive in your reasoning for needing that scholarship.
The same concept applies in writing. If you tell your reader about something, you’re likely to have less of an impact. But, if you show him or her, they’ll understand and be able to visualize what you’re saying.
Telling |
“My experience working at my family’s furniture store helped me understand how to organize and manage all parts of a small family business.” |
Showing |
“Working at my family’s furniture store, I participated in everything from stocking inventory, to completing sales transactions, to balancing our business checkbook. I quickly learned that running a smooth business required me to not only be organized, but to communicate in an organized way. The clearer I was with employees, the more they felt I respected them and the better they performed. Likewise, the more I took the initiative to communicate with customers, the more lasting relationships I built, and this increased our client retention. Clients felt appreciated and welcomed in our store. There wasn’t one aspect of our business that was less important than the others. Every part served an important role.” |
Stories are effective ways of showing, instead of telling, your reader what you’re trying to say. In a scholarship essay, this couldn’t be more important. For instance, consider the “telling” versus “showing” example we reviewed above. If you’re trying to tell your reader about your business management skills, show him or her how you solved a specific challenge for a business.
Another round of editing can mean the difference between a polished essay that wows critical eyes of your scholarship committee, or one that gets set aside just because of a few fixable errors. Submitting a proofread paper shows that you’ve taken the time to correct your work and put your best impression forward. Proofread your work at least twice, and have a friend read it as well to catch any last errors. Finally, if you feel stuck, know where to find help. The Ultius writer help section is a great place to find comprehensive guides on essay writing.
Pro writing tips (best practices and advice):.
Check out the table below for additional hints and advice on crafting an outstanding scholarship essay. If you still have questions, visit the Ultius writer help section ! Best of luck, and remember, have fun with the writing process!
Take time to strategize and plan a well-thought outline. It’ll make the writing process much easier and your ideas will likely flow better for your reader.
Don’t try to be too fancy. Remember, you want your essay to be relatable and down-to-earth, while still keeping a tone of professionalism.
You want to do a little boasting about yourself in your scholarship essay. But, ironically, you don’t want it to sound like boasting. In other words, you want to highlight your strengths and all you have to offer, but in a way that’s humble and appreciative.
It’s easy to fall into the unconscious trap of sounding “like everyone else.” While other scholarship papers can serve as helpful examples in terms of organization, tone and style, you’ll have the best luck by using those examples as a foundation and then writing your own essay that stands out enough to catch your committee’s attention. In a pool of hundreds or thousands of “similar” essays, how can you give yours a different twist?
If you’re writing a scholarship essay for nursing education, don’t just answer the obvious prompt such as, “explain why you want to study nursing education.” Instead, think about what the scholarship committee is really asking you. Most likely, they’re asking, “how will you add value to our school and the professional nursing community?”
Remember, the introduction is arguably the most important part of your essay, aside from your conclusion. Proof read it again, even when you think it’s finished. As you proofread, pretend you’re someone on your scholarship review committee. How would it sound to them? How can you make it better?
Don’t let the pressure of time keep you from asking for a quick proof read from a friend, or from getting professional help from professionals at Ultius. It may not seem critical at the time, but it could make a big difference in your future college education!
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Published on October 16, 2021 by Meredith Testa . Revised on May 31, 2023.
The ending of your college essay should leave your reader with a sense of closure and a strong final impression.
Endings to avoid, option 1: return to the beginning, option 2: look forward, option 3: reveal your main point, option 4: end on an action, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.
A bad conclusion can bring your whole essay down, so make sure to avoid these common mistakes.
Unlike an academic essay, an admissions essay shouldn’t restate your points. Avoid ending with a summary; there’s no need to repeat what you’ve already written.
Phrases like “in conclusion,” “overall,” or “to sum it up” signal that you have nothing to add to what you’ve already written, so an admissions officer may stop reading.
Instead of stating the obvious, let your work speak for itself and allow readers to draw their own conclusions. If your essay details various times that you worked tirelessly to go above and beyond, don’t finish it by stating “I’m hardworking.” Admissions officers are smart enough to figure that out on their own.
You should also avoid talking about how you hope to be accepted. Admissions officers know you want to be accepted—that’s why you applied! It’s okay to connect what you discuss in the essay to your potential future career or college experience, but don’t beg for admission. Stay focused on your essay’s core topic.
Many successful essays follow a “sandwich,” or full-circle, structure , meaning that they start with some image or idea, veer away from it in the middle, and then return to it at the end.
This structure is clean, self-contained, and satisfying for readers, so it’s a great choice if it works with the topic you’ve chosen.
In the “sandwich” essay outlined below, a student discusses his passion for musical theater. Instead of simply stating that interest, his essay starts with a funny anecdote about a minor fire that erupted on set. At the end, it returns to this anecdote, creating a sense of closure.
Many successful essays end by looking forward to the future. These endings are generally hopeful and positive—always great qualities in an admissions essay—and often connect the student to the college or their academic goals.
Although these endings can be highly effective, it can be challenging to keep them from sounding cliché. Keep your ending specific to you, and don’t default to generalities, which can make your essay seem bland and unoriginal.
Below are a good and a bad example of how you could write a “looking forward” ending for the musical theater “firefighter” essay.
I have found my calling on the stage of the theater and the stage of life. | Musical theater will always be part of my life一even if firefighting won’t. |
Sometimes, holding back your main point can be a good strategy. If your essay recounts several experiences, you could save your main message for the conclusion, only explaining what ties all the stories together at the very end.
When done well, this ending leaves the reader thinking about the main point you want them to take from your essay. It’s also a memorable structure that can stand out.
However, if you choose this approach, it can be challenging to keep the essay interesting enough that the reader pays attention throughout.
In the essay outlined below, a student gives us snapshots of her experience of gymnastics at different stages in her life. In the conclusion, she ties the stories together and shares the insight that they taught her about different aspects of her character and values.
Ending on an action can be a strong way to wrap up your essay. That might mean including a literal action, dialogue, or continuation of the story.
These endings leave the reader wanting more rather than wishing the essay had ended sooner. They’re interesting and can help you avoid boring your reader.
Here’s an example of how this ending could work for the gymnastics essay.
If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Academic writing
Communication
Parts of speech
There are a few strategies you can use for a memorable ending to your college essay :
The best technique will depend on your topic choice, essay outline, and writing style. You can write several endings using different techniques to see which works best.
Unlike a five-paragraph essay, your admissions essay should not end by summarizing the points you’ve already made. It’s better to be creative and aim for a strong final impression.
You should also avoid stating the obvious (for example, saying that you hope to be accepted).
There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay , but these are two common structures that work:
Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.
When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style , and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.
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When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are the best form of financial aid, since they offer students free money that never needs to be repaid. But let’s face it: completing scholarship applications, especially the essays, can feel overwhelming. The scholarship essay is arguably the most important part of the application and should be well-thought-out. In this article, we’ll walk through five scholarship essay examples and explain why they worked, so that you can write your own winning scholarship essays .
Why this scholarship essay example worked:, how could this essay have been better , want more resources on writing your scholarship essay, get started with your scholarship essay.
The essay is your chance to let your personality and life experiences shine through, giving you the opportunity to stand out from other applicants.
The best way to get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for is to look over scholarship essay examples from past winners. Take some time to analyze the writing style, think about the strong points, and consider how you can improve. Below, we’ll show you just how you might dissect a scholarship essay.
What’s a winning scholarship essay look like? Check out this Going Merry success story with Gabby DeMott.
ESSAY PROMPT: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
“There were only a few minutes to go and our eyes were glued to the screen. On the edge of our seats, clutching whoever happened to be next to us, we watched as the referee blew his whistle and the German players took their free kick. The ball was hit with precision and skill; it flew up over the Swedish players, past their goalie, and was caught safely in the back of the opposing team’s net. We all jumped up and screamed, a mixture of German and English, of excitement and relief, of pride and anticipation.
We stood, enraptured, for the last several minutes of the game as Germany kept its 2-1 lead over Sweden. The horde of us, Germans and Americans alike, hugged and cheered and made our way out onto the balcony, where we chanted “Deutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!” for the whole village, the whole country, the whole world to hear. Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn’t even mine, so part of something I didn’t really belong to.
My German friends didn’t care that we were from different countries; they didn’t care that we would only be staying for three weeks. They accepted us into their homes and their daily lives, their traditions and their celebrations. In watching that World Cup game, it didn’t matter that we were from different places; we were all cheering for the same team. The acceptance I felt in Germany extended beyond that living room. I came to the country on a three week exchange with ten other students from my school.
We each stayed with host families and attended the Wildermuth Gymnasium, which was surprisingly accommodating to a gaggle of loud American teenagers. The teachers were friendly and welcoming, the students treated us like ordinary peers, and even the people I interacted with in public were understanding.
Before coming to Germany I feared judgment based on my level of the language (which is nowhere near as good as the German students’ English) and American politics. It was intimidating to be in a country with limited knowledge of the language and the customs, even though everyone was welcoming. People did ask myself and the other students about the US’s political climate, but no one blamed us for it. They recognized that we were outsiders, that the place we came from had flaws, and they accepted us anyway.
Since that trip, I’ve found myself trying to provide that acceptance to people in my own country. For example, I work at a canoe livery and we receive a lot of visitors with limited English. Some of my coworkers will avoid such customers because they don’t want to take the time to explain things, to exercise patience with someone who may not understand them. If people had done this to me in Germany, my time there would have been much less enjoyable; in fact, I would have been offended.
So now when someone walks up to me at the livery and asks a question in English that isn’t perfect, I smile and welcome them. I take my time to make sure they understand, that they can have a good time, and that they feel accepted. It’s a small action, but I know firsthand that it can make a big impact, at my place of work and in the world. “
Below is a winning essay from Joseph Lee, Rush Medical College for the Giva Scholarship.
ESSAY PROMPT: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?
“Had you asked me the same question one year ago, my answer would have been vastly different to the one I will give today. In the summer of 2012, with my first year of medical school completed, I embarked upon my last official summer vacation with two things in mind: a basketball tournament in Dallas and one in Atlanta. My closest friends and I had been playing in tournaments for the past 10 summers, and it was a sacred bond forged together in the name of competition. However, two weeks before our first tournament, I became instantly and overwhelmingly short of breath. Having been born to Korean immigrant parents, I was raised to utilize the hospital in emergency cases only, and I knew this was such a case. A few scans later, doctors discovered numerous pulmonary emboli (PE), caused by a subclavian deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and just like that, I was lying in a bed of a major hospital for a life threatening condition.
Fast forward a few months, and I am lying in a similar bed to treat the underlying cause of the subclavian DVT: a first rib removal. There is little that can adequately prepare someone physically, emotionally or spiritually to undergo surgery; and my thoughts continued to race in the days following. In addition to the expected physical pain, isolation, fear and frustration were a few of the emotions I experienced in the four day ordeal. The procedure went according to plan thanks to a skilled surgeon and his team, but the attributes that made the doctor “good” went far beyond his ability to operate.
“Wow. I’m glad you are feeling better” and “I can’t believe you went through that” are common reactions people have when they see the scars on my upper chest. Quite frankly, the past nine months have been difficult, literally full of blood, sweat and tears. But through it all, I have been able to maintain my positivity and gratitude knowing that I have gained the invaluable experience of being a patient and discovering the vulnerability and trust that patients give their doctors. Patients indulge information to doctors that they may have never told anyone in their life and in doing so, place a great deal of trust and responsibility in the hands of a doctor. Many patients will not understand the mechanism of disease behind their condition and anticipate that the doctor will explain to them and their family why it is that they are feeling the way they are and ultimately heal them. And that is precisely what my surgeon understood: the privilege of being able to care for patients and the intimacy of the doctor-patient relationship. And as I awoke to the care of my worried parents, the first thing they wanted to discuss was the details of the procedure that was methodically and patiently explained to them by my “good” doctor.
In study after study, patients have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care, not because of lack of knowledge or health outcome, but because their doctors did not show enough warmth in the encounter or listen to the patient’s questions and concerns. There are few times where a patient and their loved ones are more vulnerable and in need of compassion than when dealing with a hospitalization. And for some doctors, a patient may be another item on a checklist, but that patient is someone’s mother or father, son or daughter, sister or brother. My “good” doctor understood this and would often say “If you were my son…” when discussing treatment options, reflecting on the type of care he would want for his family and treating me similarly. Such ideals are rooted in love and compassion for patients, not as clients in the health care system, but as fellow human beings striving to make something of themselves and the world around them (I).
Unfortunately, the ordeal of living with a chronic illness or undergoing a major operation extends beyond the confines of the hospital. Whether it is creditors harassing patients for medical bills, prescriptions that need to be refilled, or lifestyle modifications that need to be made, the health care experience doesn’t end when a patient walks out of the hospital doors. It often takes merely a minute, as in the case of the “good” doctor who told me that as a student I could apply to get the procedure financially covered by the hospital. Such foresight in anticipating financial concerns and directing me on the next steps to be taken provided relief in the surmounting stress.
Lastly, the “good” doctor understands that as our patients are human, so are we. This means we will make mistakes, some of which can result in life-threatening consequences. With that said, the “good” doctor practices humility and honesty, apologizing and sharing as much information with patients as possible. Although no one strives to make mistakes, they will happen, and how one reacts to them is a distinguishing feature of the “good” doctor (II).
Of all the qualities I tried to explain in what makes a “good” doctor, there was no emphasis on skill and knowledge. And while being able to fulfill the duties of making the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans is expected, the intangibles of love, compassion, foresight and honesty is what makes a doctor, “good”. I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a “good” doctor.”
Here is an example of a moving scholarship essay on the topic of family loss by Emily Trader for the Life Happens award.
ESSAY PROMPT: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.
“When I was seventeen years old, my father lost his battle with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. As long as I shall live, I do not believe that I will ever forget the first moment I saw my father’s once vibrant face in that cold and unforgiving casket. I won’t forget his lifeless and defeated hands, or how his pale lips would never utter another joke or speak to his grandchildren. Even though the day of his funeral was undoubtedly the worst day of my life, I wish I could relive it just to be with him one more time. Since that moment, I have felt as if all of my grief and longing resides underneath my skin with nothing to relieve the pressure. On September 8th, 2016, I lost my voice of reason, my confidant, my cheerleader, and my best friend.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had lost so much more. Upon my father’s passing, he left us with funeral and medical expenses that his insurance would not cover. Because he did not have any form of life insurance, the financial burden of his death was now the responsibility of my mother and me. Even though my mother works night shifts as a neonatal nurse and her commute is nearly two hours, she was forced to pick up extra shifts to support my family. Though I already had a job and I worked about ten hours a week, I now work anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five hours a week, and I am also a full-time high honor student. Even though the death of my father forced me to realize the importance of cherishing time with my family, I do not see them very often because of our busy schedules. I also sacrificed my social life and the joy that every senior in high school should experience. Instead of football games and homecoming, I had to deal with mourning and the possibility that I would not attend college because of my family’s financial troubles.
If my father had a life insurance policy, we would not have to work ourselves to the bone and sacrifice our physical and emotional well-being to keep up with expenses. I would not have to worry so intensely about the future of my education on top of the crippling grief that I have felt over the last five months. If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable. I will not soon forget the stress and despair that I have experienced, and I now realize that to have a life insurance policy is to throw your surviving family members a crucial lifeline. Though no one can ever prepare you for the trauma of losing a parent, life insurance allows you to grieve without the constant stress of financial burden, and for that reason, it is an absolutely essential precaution.
I love and miss you so much, Dad. Thank God I will see you again.”
Jesús Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez wrote a winning scholarship essay (and video!) that he submitted on Going Merry . He earned an outstanding $40,000 through the Golden Door Scholarship.
ESSAY PROMPT: What differentiates you from the hundreds of DACA students who apply to our scholarship? Use one of those opportunities to tell us something else we cannot see just by looking at your grades, test scores, and transcripts.
“I always knew I was different than my friends in some way. Growing up, I struggled to speak English while everyone else had little to no problems. I needed extra help in school while my friends coasted by with ease. My friends would hop on planes and travel all around the world while I had to stay at home. At the age of 13 all of my friends started driving while I still couldn’t.
I built up the courage and asked my mother why I did not have access to the simple liberties everyone else did. My name Is Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez, and I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life.
Looking back there is not a single thing that I would change. Knowing that I had to work harder than everyone else lead me to be the person that I am today. I took that fire inside of me, pushed myself, graduated first in my class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA, became a Kansas Scholar, and graduated High School with a semester’s worth of college credit. In November of 2016, everything began to look up for me. I received a work permit and a social security card all thanks to the DACA program. I was finally able to get my license, get a job, and most importantly attend college.
I plan to continue my success in the classroom and do everything to the best of my ability as I know that under my current circumstances it can all be ripped away from me at any moment. Growing up with my situation has taught me to not take advantage of a single opportunity. There has been continued support around me past and current and I know there are people out there rooting for my success. I will strive to be the first generation in my family to graduate from an American University and I will set a stepping stone for my future family so they will not have to struggle as I did. My citizenship is not a setback, it is a mere obstacle that I will always learn to work around if it means giving my future children a better life, just like my mother did for me.”
Here’s an example of a simple yet creative and heartfelt essay on the popular prompt, Why is college important to you?
ESSAY PROMPT: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?
“As a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom. I found comfort in the fact that my future had an easy-to-follow template: elementary, middle, and high school, college, job, family retirement, “happily ever after” ending. When I graduated from elementary school I was told I completed 25% of my education. During my middle school graduation, I was told I was halfway there and I know I’ll be told I’m 75% done when I throw my cap in the air this June. College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary.
Going to college makes sense. From helping my parents land stable jobs after coming to America to giving my brother the chance to gain work experience at some of the top financial firms, college educations have shown their worth in my family. Yet I didn’t think about what actually goes on inside the magical universities until I entered high school. Applying to the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering was the first time I had actively made a decision in my education. With the encouragement of my parents and favorite science teacher who recognized that I would excel in the challenging environment of like-minded students, I applied. Four years later, I can confidently say they were right.
My class of twenty-six has shown me the benefits of a collaborative rather than a competitive environment, especially the impact that camaraderie with my peers has on our collective learning experience. Each student has an inspiring level of passion and motivation that made me excited to learn, work on projects, and participate in discussions both in and out of the classroom. I used my education to gain skills and open doors for myself such as an internship at my local hospital. I gained confidence in my abilities to communicate with individuals from strangers my age to practicing professionals. I was thinking longer and harder than I ever had before to solve individual problems and large-scale challenges. In all honesty, I was having fun.
Looking back on my years at the Academy I realize how big of an impact the school made on how I view education. I wasn’t coming to school to mark another day off my calendar and inch closer to finishing the next 25%. I came to school to learn and question and push myself. Now, as a senior, I’m excited. I’m thankful for the sample that my high school gave me of what learning is supposed to be like and thankful that it left me wanting more. I’m entering college in August with a new understanding of its importance. It is important because it is what I want for my future.”
The inaugural Founder’s Scholarship supported by the New York Women’s Bond Club in honor of Michaela Walsh goes to two New York City public high school students who won an essay competition writing about their hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide . Winners of this scholarship won a trip to accompany Women’s World Banking to Amman, Jordan for their biennial gathering of WWB network members.
PROMPT: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.
WINNING ESSAY:
“Twice a week I head down to volunteer at the Los Sures Social Services office, situated next to the local senior citizen home, to help at the food pantry. We distribute food to people in my neighborhood. Many are familiar faces. Many are middle-aged Hispanic women with children dangling from their hips like grass skirts. These women are there as a result of their culture and lack of financial knowledge. In our Spanish culture, patriarchy prevents women from preparing for themselves as much as they should. This leads to Hispanic women having little or no money management skills. Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighborhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial education.
While I was volunteering I met a woman who happened to live in the same building as my aunt. Unemployed with two young children, and a husband earning minimum wage at a fast food restaurant, she struggled to get by every day. I thought to myself – many in my community are just like her. Then I realized I could do something to help. How? I can start a financial literacy program, which teaches Hispanic women to earn and manage money. Once a woman becomes financially literate, she is capable of making good personal and professional decisions, empowering her to improve her family’s financial well-being. Moreover, such a program will help Hispanic women become competitive employees, even in a slow recovering economy such as the one we are experiencing now.
Participating in the 2013 Women’s World Banking Global Meeting in Amman, Jordan gives me access to invaluable resources that will help me achieve this goal. I hope to find mentors from a roomful of inspiring, experienced leaders who will offer me their guidance. Also, meeting accomplished women from other countries means access to new ideas and unique perspectives. And if I am lucky, I may even come across individuals who can provide financial support to jumpstart my financial literacy program for Hispanic women. Lastly, I will tell my idea to everyone I meet in Jordan, a baby step to help Hispanic women rise from poverty.
The world continues to change rapidly, especially with globalization. It is about time that Hispanic women strive for gender equality. Thus, it is essential that Hispanic women increase their roles and knowledge in finance. The women in my neighborhood shall no longer be left out. I will task myself to help these women become better, stronger and most importantly, take control of their lives. I want to be involved so that they can save themselves from any unforeseen financial crisis. This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference – in my neighborhood and for my Spanish community.”
While this was a winning essay, we note that it did have two points of weakness:
For more information on writing a killer scholarship essay, check out our list of helpful tips .
Also check out these related blog posts:
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One of the most popular scholarship essay questions is “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” Answering such a question can be difficult because you don’t want to sound too needy or greedy. Your essay must stand out from the competition while still being humble and appreciative. Check out these essay writing tips, along with a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship.
Your essay will be unique to your experiences, but there are some general guidelines you should follow. Here are tips for writing a “why I’m deserving scholarship” essay:
With a 100 word scholarship essay, you need to jump into the thesis as quickly as possible. There is not enough space for a lengthy introduction. Use concise language, and showcase your biggest achievements/goals. You should have enough sentences to break into two small paragraphs, though one may only be two to three sentences.
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I believe I deserve this scholarship because I am an innovative problem solver. As the student council president, I helped re-organize my school library to better accommodate students’ needs. I worked with staff to categorize books to better reflect current school subjects. I will use the same leadership mindset to obtain my business degree with a focus on project management. My goal is to work in construction management to increase efficiency in low-income housing development. With this scholarship and the need-based grants I will receive, I can complete my education and continue to solve problems within my community.
Word Count: 98
A 250-word scholarship essay usually consists of 4-5 paragraphs. The introduction can have a short lead-in, but it should arrive at the thesis quickly. The body paragraphs should support the assertion made in the first paragraph (the reason you deserve the scholarship). The conclusion should summarize the essay collectively, and it may include a statement of appreciation.
One of the most debated topics in America is how to provide affordable healthcare to the masses. I believe the answer lies in accessible healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners often go unappreciated and unrecognized for their versatility and value in the medical profession. With this scholarship, I could continue my training to become a nurse practitioner and provide attainable medical services to underserved communities. Growing up in a small Montana farming town, the closest hospital was 45 minutes away. The only local family doctor charged whatever he wanted because he was the sole provider. My parents relied on home remedies to treat any ailment my brother and I developed. This is when my passion for medicine first took form. Minimal medical care was not a concern until my father went to the hospital for severe stomach problems. These were the result of Crohn’s disease, a condition that can be managed with treatment. Because my father had not been to the doctor in years, the flare up was highly aggressive. It took months to get it under control and get him on preventative medication. I decided to go to college to help people like my father. As a nurse practitioner I can practice medicine without charging a fortune for my services. I plan to serve in rural communities where hospitals and doctors are limited or non-existent. I am grateful to be considered for this scholarship opportunity, and should I be selected, I will use it to advance my medical education.
Word Count: 248
With a 500-word scholarship essay, you have room to tell your story and create an experience for the reader. Use several introductory sentences to lead into your thesis and set the tone for the essay. The body paragraph should flow in a logical manner, most often chronologically. Then the conclusion should re-emphasize the thesis and leave the scholarship committee with something to remember.
Winston Churchill once said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” And while I never define my obstacles as ‘failures,’ I mark my success by my repeated perseverance through adversity. I have faced several challenges over the years, from dyslexia to homelessness; yet I continued to earn exemplary grades and graduate at the top of my class. I deserve this scholarship because I have the strength and determination to achieve my goals, no matter what hurdles I have to overcome. I was not born a gifted student. Testing and assignments were always difficult for me, whether I studied or not. In second grade, my parents had me tested for learning disabilities. The psychologist said that I had a hyperactivity disorder and prescribed medication to suppress my energy. After two years abiding by that treatment, I was re-evaluated and diagnosed with dyslexia. This helped me get the treatment I needed, and I finally made progress in school. Shortly after I learned how to study with dyslexia, my father lost his job. He was the sole breadwinner for the household, and I was soon on the street with my mother and two younger siblings. I got a job in newspaper delivery, one of the few fields that will hire a 12-year-old. My father found odd jobs to bring money to the family, and together we were eventually able to pay for a two-bedroom apartment to live in. I was valedictorian that school year, and I maintained a perfect attendance record. Like my father, I knew I had to do whatever was necessary to succeed and thrive. In high school, I developed an interest for psychology. I noticed patterns in behaviors, both in myself and in the people around me. I asked my child therapist, the one who officially diagnosed me with dyslexia, if I could work at his clinic over the summers. He allowed me to intern at his counseling center my junior and senior year, and I gained valuable insight into the business side of psychology. I am now entering the second year of my psychology degree. I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree and earn a Doctorate of Neuropsychology in the years that follow. My focus is on psychological testing, specifically for children with autism or learning disabilities. I spent years struggling in school because of a preventable misdiagnosis. I want to ensure that other children do not face the same struggles in their future. Why do I deserve this scholarship? Because I have the passion and determination to become a trusted member of the psychological community. With my education, I can help children get the treatment they need at an early age, giving the best chance at finding their own success. You’re not just helping me get through college. You’re improving the quality of life for countless families to come. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship with your organization.
Word Count: 492
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As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.
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PhD student Furkan Kir 's research article “English-medium instruction (EMI) as the great (un)equaliser: experiences of former EMI students in Turkey” has been published in the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. Kir’s article explores the experiences of students who dropped out of an English-medium university in Turkey and postulates that strict English proficiency requirements at some Turkish universities pose a problem for many students. Fine work Furkan.
Molly Porter 's article “’Damn the Empire!’: Imperial Excess, National Nostalgia, and Metaphysical Modernism in the Poetics of Parade’s End” has appeared in the special issue "Ford Madox Ford's War Writing" in the April 2024 publication of Humanities. Congratulations, Molly!
The Kennedy Center recently named graduate student Jack Wolfram 's play, Paradise Untapped , as a regional semi-finalist for the 2024 John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play. A portion of Wolfram’s play was staged alongside three other rising playwrights' works at the Region VII Festival in Spokane, WA. Paradise Untapped’s premise is proper clever:
Paradise Untapped , a one-act play rooted in critical fabulation, tells the story of Deborah Milton and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The two entered our world a lifetime apart in England to different world-renown intellectuals, tethered across time by a shared fiery intellect and creative compulsion. Both yearn to make a name for themselves and do right by their gifts, tell stories that will be remembered, but doing so proves diametrically opposed to their respective circumstances.
Congratulations Jack!
MFA student Simon Graham is one of the 2024 Association of Writers and Writing Programs' Intro Journals Project Winners, in the fiction category.
Jennie Baker, Abygail Gutierrez, and Jack Wolfram have each earned highly competitive Disability Travel Awards from the Conference on College Composition and Communication (4Cs), the largest conference in the field of writing studies. These awards recognize "scholarship dedicated to improving knowledge about the intersections of disability with composition and rhetoric, the value of disability as a source of diversity, inclusive practices and the promotion of access, and the value of disability as a critical lens" and provide funding to help cover the costs of attending the 2024 CCCC conference being held in Spokane. Congratulations!
Also in the 4Cs category, PhD student Anselma Prihandita has been awarded a 2024 Scholars for the Dream Award from the Conference on College Composition and Communication. This prestigious award funds travel to the convention and confers an opportunity to connect with important mentors outside of our home institution. Nice work Anselma!
Ph.D. student, Andreas Bassett was recently selected as the Bibliographical Society of America's Katharine F. Pantzer New Scholar and has been invited to speak at the upcoming 2024 Bibliographical Society of America annual meeting. Quite the honor – good going Andreas!
Remember Rasheena Fountain , from about a page up, publishing award winning poetry? As a current Ph.D. student in English and MFA graduate (‘21), Rasheena will be a featured artist at the new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) on Oregon State’s campus in Fall 2024. Fountain’s “Dropped Down Blues” Black speculative and blues audio-visual project, set in Pipers Creek during salmon migration, will be featured in the exhibition How to Carry Water: Memory in Three Questions. The exhibition brings together contemporary visual artists and humanities scholars in shared observations and questions about watersheds. So interesting Rasheena, congrats!
And Tenzin Sangpo , a second year MFA student, was declared a “Dalai Lama Graduate Scholar – 2023" by the Ganden Phodrang Foundations of the Dalai Lama. What an honor Tenzin!
E. J. Koh has been named a finalist for the 2024 Young Lions Fiction Award by The New York Public Library and Young Lions for her novel The Liberators.
Julia Park and undergraduate student Emily Tang have been selected to the Husky 100. Each year, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the University of Washington.
Wen Eckelberg (graduating senior, English and American Ethnic Studies) has been selected as a Yenching Academy Scholar at Peking University . Yenching Academy at Peking University provides a fully-funded interdisciplinary Master’s in China Studies Program to a select group of students from around the world who are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional academic study. Eckelberg’s English honors thesis explores Chinese American history from the 1850s to now, from San Francisco to Seattle, connecting her personal family history to the general story of the Chinese American experience, with inclusions of her original poetry.
English Department Awards and Prizes
Graduate Teaching Awards
Sylvia Chowdhury and Hunter Little won the Joan Webber Teaching Award, with Amelia Lehosit named as honorable mention.
Olive Brend won the Richard Dunn First Year Teaching Award.
Graduate Fellowships
Matthew and Maria Proser Endowed Fellowship in English: Francesca Colonnese
Padelford Endowed Fellowship: Jacob Oliver , Alex Romero
Recent PhD student Renee Lynch has been awarded the English department’s Heilman Dissertation Prize for "Decolonizing Collaboration in English Language Teaching: Teacher Identity and Tanzania," Su Motha (chair)
Robert R. and Mary Waltz Dissertation Fellowship – Andreas Bassett and Jianfeng He
Donna Gerstenberger Fellowship – Megan Butler
Creative Writing Prizes
Derek Hwang--Joan Grayston Prize Sanjana Ramesh (G) Eugene Van Buren
Undergraduate Scholarships
Adam Ramer--Eilert Anderson Scholarship Frederick Lu--Edward Cox Scholarship Maizy Green--Argentina Daley Endowed Fund Lena "Ruby" Storey--Robert Heilman Scholarship Maizy Green--Roger Sale Scholarship Glika Mitro--Tia Vall-Spinosa Sullivan Scholarship Samuel Abraham--Lucky Budd Waller Scholarship Riley Hull--Peter Thorpe Scholarship Gabe Cortina--Gamma Phi Beta Scholarship Emmalee Heins--Kollar Scholarship Keira Murphy--Charles H. Krysieniel Jaime Stout--Dave and Joan Empfield Endowed Scholarship* Tristyn Struve--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Adam Ramer--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Frederick Lu--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Mitro Glika--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Samuel Abraham--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Riley Hull--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Gabe Cortina--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Emmalee Heins--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Keira Murphy--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship Lena "Ruby" Story--John Kimball Woolley Scholarship
Undergraduate Prizes Riley Hull--Hilen Essay Prize Ari Snyder--Honors Thesis Prize
Creative Writing Prizes and Awards Sara Cline--Academy of American Poets Prize Binh Tang-- Bentley Prize (Prose) Anne Duncan--Bentley Prize (Poetry) Sydney Hwang--Joan Grayston Prize Simon Graham--David Guterson Prize Wen Eckelberg--Arthur Oberg Prize Justine Huggins--Charlotte Paul Reese Award Kathie Wu--Eugene Van Buren Award Creative Writing Scholarships Nicole Pannucci--Edith K. Draham Scholarship Emma Reiss--Stephanie Dassel Barden Endowed Scholarship
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Learn how to end a scholarship essay in five steps. After reading, you will have an ending that is effective, succinct, and memorable!
Check out these scholarship essay examples and learn how to write a great personal statement for scholarships or creative writing scholarships.
Learn essential tips on how to write an amazing scholarship essay conclusion. Also includes a sample conclusion you can use for inspiration!
A good scholarship essay demonstrates the scholarship organization's values while directly addressing the prompt.
In this guide, learn how to write a scholarship essay, including the top 10 most common scholarship essay question prompts.
We have a few top tips to help you write a scholarship essay, along with writing examples to demonstrate some key points.
We've put together these guidelines on how to write a scholarship essay to help your submission stand out from the rest.
Absolutely, it can be extremely beneficial to have others review your essay. They can provide constructive criticism, catch any typos or grammatical errors, and provide an outside perspective to ensure your message is clear and compelling. Creating compelling scholarship essays can help you win college scholarships to pay for your education.
A great scholarship essay helps the scholarship provider understand the real person behind the application and can be the key to winning the award (assuming you meet the other scholarship criteria). Scholarship Essays vs. College Essays. Scholarship essays are very similar to your college application essays in terms of strategy.
Now you've written your scholarship essay—or most of it. All that remains is the hardest part: the conclusion. You know that the conclusion can make or break any essay, and this isn't an essay that you want broken. To give yourself the best possible shot at a scholarship, make sure that the conclusion of your essay is the best part of it.
Need advice on how to write a winning scholarship essay? Follow these top tips from a successful scholarship applicant.
Use these tips to write a scholarship essay that will help you stand out from the crowd and earn the scholarship money you need for college! ... For example, at the very end of your essay, you can simply say something like, "Thank you for this opportunity and for taking the time to read my essay." Bam.
Starting your scholarship essay with a strong introduction is important. However, knowing how to end your scholarship essay correctly is also important. Take time to put that final bow on the package, and get ready to hand it off to the scholarship committee.
Wondering how to write a scholarship essay? We can help! Use our six tips for writing a scholarship essay to make your submission stand out from the crowd.
Writing a scholarship essay is not an easy task, but our scholarship essay examples help students learn the paper structure, format, and useful writing tips. ... How to End Your Essay? All good scholarship essays follow this structure. Now that you are working on a conclusion remember that it might be the only thing the admissions board members ...
A scholarship essay is a tool that shows your college's scholarship committee why they should support you financially. Through a concise, ... #6 End with a strong conclusion. Fantastic scholarship essays don't neglect the chance to leave a lasting impression with readers.
The conclusion of your college admissions essay should leave your reader with a strong sense of closure and a lasting final impression.
We've got you covered with our ultimate guide on how to end an essay for a scholarship. Whether you're striving for that life-changing financial aid or just want to .
What's the right scholarship essay format? (Double spaced? Font? Title?) We answer those questions and give you winning essay templates.
The best way to write a successful scholarship essay is to look at examples from past winners. Here are 6 winning essays and why they worked.
Learn essential tips for writing a "Why I Deserve This Scholarship" essay. Includes 3 sample essay examples of 100, 250, and 500 words
Discover the best, most creative, no-essay scholarships for the students that don't love to author huge essays.
Help cover the cost of college without writing a single essay! Niche is giving one student $2,000 to put toward tuition, housing, books or other college expenses — no essay required. Apply below for your chance to win so you can focus on your education, not your finances. Good luck!
A merit scholarship is typically awarded based on academic success or extracurricular record. They can be given directly by the school or by a separate for-profit or non-profit organization.
No-essay scholarships are a great way to get free money for college. Find and apply for the top college no-essay scholarships.
This year's roll call of exceptional student achievements features variety! Sure, you will see the standard publications of criticism, poetry and fiction. But also: an award-winning stage play, speculative fiction, a study of the impact of English language requirements on Turkish undergraduates, and an audio/visual project set in Piper's Creek.