layout for a scholarship essay

• Applying For Scholarships

Use This Scholarship Essay Format (w/example)

David Dec 24, 2018

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Winning a scholarship can be hard. There is a lot of competition, especially for the more prestigious awards. It is important that you do as much as you can to increase your chances of winning.

You may do this in many ways. Of course, if you apply to more scholarships, you increase your chances of winning. Getting awesome letters of recommendation is also key.

And then, there’s the dreaded scholarship essay that so many students have trouble with. As challenging as the essay is, it is critical to your application. 

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Your resume may show off all your achievements. But your essay shows the scholarship committee who you are. This is the place for you to set yourself apart from other candidates.

No doubt, the content of your essay is very important. (Like having an engaging introduction and memorable conclusion ). However, the scholarship essay format is also important for making a good impression.

Often times, students invest so much of their time focusing on the content requirements of the essay, that they forget about the es say format.

Why the Essay Format is Important

Scholarship committees have many essays to review. Setting a general format for all students saves them time when reading essays. They will not make any exceptions.

The last thing you want to do is ruin your awesome essay with a lousy format. So, here are some tips on how you should format your essay to make it look professional. You want to come across as a serious contender and a top candidate for the scholarship.

How to Format Your Scholarship Essay

Most scholarship applications  have the same format requirements for the scholarship essay. If you come across an application that doesn’t specify how to format your essay, the following format is a safe option for you to go with. Remember, if you ever have doubts, contact the scholarship committee for clarification.

Essay Format: 

• Double spaced
• 12 point Times New Roman font (Arial and Verdana is also okay). Don’t use any fancy script fonts, as beautiful as you may think they are.
• 1-1.5” margins (top, bottom, and side)
• Indent every paragraph or insert a blank line in between each paragraph to set them apart
• Insert your last name and page number (for longer essays) on the top left. You may also choose to sign your name at the end of your scholarship essay.
• Titles are optional. But, a catchy title can make a difference and engage your reader. Think about it, the title is the first thing your reader sees. 

Follow the word count guidelines as set by the scholarship committee. Scholarship judges usually don’t want to read an essay that is longer than ¾ to a page in length.

If your essay needs to be 300 words, it is okay if you don’t meet that exact number, such as 294 or 310. But, if you hand in a 450-word essay, they might not accept your application. It is best to get closest to the number as possible.

It can be tempting to write a long essay on all your accomplishments. But this isn’t what the scholarship committee wants to see . Quality is more important than quantity. 

Of course, there are exceptions. Always make sure that you know what the word requirement is.

Brainstorm your thoughts beforehand, create an outline, and stick to it. This should help you keep to the maximum work number.

Body Paragraphs

Your essay should consist of three or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should have at least three sentences.

Include a thesis statement in your introduction paragraph. The thesis sentence explains what you will talk about during your essay. Remember, your introduction paragraph should reel in your reader. 

Each body paragraph should f ocus on a different aspect that represents your thesis statement. Your concluding paragraph should revisit the theme and wrap up your main points. 

Use logical transitions between your body paragraphs. These help to connect the different topics in your essay. 

Other Tips: 

•   If you need to print and mail in your essay, use high-quality paper and an envelope that will fit the paper without folding it.
•   If your instructions state not to staple your materials, follow the rule. You don’t want to be disqualified for something as silly as this after you’ve worked so hard.
•   Take time to revise your essay. Read your essay out loud and pass it along to a family member to revise it as well. Sometimes, it takes many times (and eyes) to find errors.

When reviewing your essay, make sure that it is easy to follow. Are you answering the essay prompt in a concise manner? Ask family members if they know what the essay prompt is from reading your essay.

Before starting to write your essay, get to know the organization awarding the scholarship. What is its mission? The information you include in your essay should match their expectations and goals.

Finally, make sure that your essay focuses on you and not somebody else, like a role model. If you are talking about a role model, explain how that person has impacted your life and your goals.

Some of the guidelines ma y seem unimportant. But, the scholarship committee pays attention to minute details. They usually provide guidelines as a way to see how well applicants can follow them. If they don’t provide instructions, follow the essay format we have listed for you above.

Clearly read all instructions of the scholarship application. Making trivial mistakes is a sure way to get your candidacy revoked. If there’s something you don’t understand, reach out to the scholarship committee. They are there to assist you and answer questions. 

You may be tempted to apply only to scholarships that don’t require an essay. These scholarship applications are easier to fill out. But, for this reason, they receive a lot more applications. 

Using a free scholarship matching service can help you find loads of scholarships in no time. Get the money you deserve by applying to scholarships you qualify for. Spend time working on those essays and you may be a lucky winner.

Scholarship Essay Examp le: 

From Dad’s Shadow to My Own

Growing up, I always thought that I was going to take over my dad’s automobile shop. I had helped him in his store from a young age, handing him a screwdriver when he needed to turn a screw and a Coca-Cola when he was thirsty. He called me his mini-me and nothing made the smile on my face wider. I hid behind the shadow of my dad, a shy and awkward middle-schooler. I wanted to be just like him, that is, until I grew into Sam Foster and realized my own potential. 

When I entered freshman ye

ar of high school, I looked for a way to get to know new people. I decided to join my school’s drama club. Never having acted before, it was a pretty random choice. Especially because I was so shy. But, not being the sporty type or the science type didn’t leave me with many other options. 

We got our first assignment to perform a monologue in front of everyone. I was absolutely terrified. I practiced in front of the mirror in the bathroom for hours every night. I couldn’t imagine performing it in front of 20 other students in the club. 

The time came to perform my monologue. I got up on stage, my entire body shaking. My director gave me the okay to start. What happened next was a miracle. I started reciting my lines and gained confidence that I’ve never felt before. I became my character and didn’t not ice the crowd in front of me. 

On that day, I realized my calling in life. I was born to be an actor. Since freshman year, I have starred in every play at my school. I have taken acting classes in my high school, and outside acting classes. Next year, I am starting at the University of Michigan where I will major in drama. 

Unfortunately, my parents haven’t been the most supportive of my career choice. They were expecting me to take over the family business and not pursue my own path. I will have to rely on taking out loans to fund my education. 

I am planning to find a part-time job at school, but with all of the studying I will be doing and participation in school clubs and shows, my time to work will be limited. This scholarship will greatly assist me in pursuing my educational and career goals. 

As proud as little Sam Foster w as in his dad’s automobile shop, the Sam Foster of today is even prouder. No longer is he too shy to stand on his own, but he thrives in the spotlight. 

I am so excited to begin my bachelor’s degree in the fall. I know that I will gain invaluable skills. My education is so important to me and to my future. 

Thank you for your time and consideration for this award, 

• Scholarship Essay

David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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Not sure how to nail the perfect scholarship essay format?

Applying for college is a big task with lots of steps, from filling out forms to taking exams. But when it comes to catching a scholarship, things get even trickier! To stand out, you need a scholarship essay that grabs attention, and getting the format right is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key elements of a winning scholarship essay : how to structure your introduction, body, and conclusion. Plus, we’ll share some great examples to guide you.

Let’s get started and make sure your scholarship essay hits all the right notes!

• 1. What is a Scholarship Essay Format?
• 2. How To Format A Winning Scholarship Essay?
• 3. Scholarship Essay General Formatting Guidelines
• 4. Scholarship Essay Format Examples
• 5. Scholarship Essay Formatting Tips 

What is a Scholarship Essay Format?

A scholarship essay format is a set of rules and guidelines that you need to follow to organize your essay accurately.

Formatting plays an important role in scholarship essays and other types of essays and academic papers. If you get the formatting right, it will show the committee members that you can understand and follow the required instructions.  

A well-formatted scholarship essay can help you stand out. It will give the committee a sense of:

• Who you are
• What are your career goals
• What makes you deserve financial aid 

Now, let's see how you should format your scholarship essay!

How To Format A Winning Scholarship Essay?

A scholarship essay typically follows a straightforward format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to structure a scholarship essay, but a popular approach is the 5-paragraph essay format. That said, the best structure for your essay can vary based on the topic and your personal writing style. 

Let’s see how to start a scholarship essay!

Always Start With an Introduction

The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. It should hook the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Start with an engaging hook that grabs attention. This could be an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. Follow this with a brief overview of what you’ll discuss in the essay. 

Finally, include a thesis statement that outlines the main point or argument you’ll be making. Try to wrap up your introduction in a single paragraph. 

Imagine you’re applying for a scholarship to support your studies in environmental science. Your introduction might start like this:

Use Clear and Concise Body Paragraphs 

The body of your essay is where you dive into the details. This section should be well-organized and present a clear argument or narrative that supports your thesis.

Divide the body into paragraphs, each focusing on a topic sentence or aspect of your argument. Use examples and personal experiences to illustrate your points. Make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next, maintaining coherence throughout.

For a scholarship essay on environmental science, the body might be organized as follows:

End With An Impactful Conclusion 

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. It should summarize the main points of your essay and reinforce your commitment to the scholarship’s goals.

Recap the key points you’ve made in the body of the essay. Reiterate why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your goals. End with a powerful closing statement that leaves a memorable impact.

Scholarship Essay General Formatting Guidelines

Here are the format requirements that you need to follow for structuring your scholarship essay. 

• Double-space your text or use 1.5-spacing. 
• Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana font is appropriate to use.
• If not specified, a font size between 10 and 12 points should be used.
• 1-inch margin on all sides of the paper.
• Insert a blank line in each body paragraph or indent every paragraph. 
• Include your last name and page number on the left side of the paper.
• Titles are optional, but they might be provided to you by the committee.

Don’t forget to follow the instructed word count by the scholarship committee. Scholarship committee members don’t read essays longer than ¾ of a page in length. 

Different Formatting Styles for Scholarship Essays

Here are some of the most commonly used formatting styles for scholarship essays:

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is frequently used in humanities and liberal arts essays.

Key Features:

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Margins: 1-inch on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-spaced throughout.
• Header: Last name and page number in the top right corner.
• Title: Centered, without underlining, italics, or quotation marks.
• Heading: Your name, instructor's name, course, and date in the top left corner.

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is typically used in social sciences, education, and psychology essays.

• Header: Running head with a shortened title and page number in the top right corner.
• Title Page: Title of your essay, your name, and institution centered on the page.

Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style is used in various disciplines, including history, business, and fine arts.

• Spacing: Double-spaced, with single-spacing for block quotations and footnotes.
• Title Page : Includes title, your name, course title, instructor's name, and date.

Scholarship Essay Format Examples

For a better understanding of the scholarship essay writing format, take a look at some examples. The following samples will clear any doubts you might have regarding the formatting. 

Scholarship Essay Format Template

College Scholarship Essay Format

Scholarship Essay Format for University

Scholarship Essay Format For High School

Scholarship Essay Heading

APA Format for Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay Letter Format

Scholarship Sample About Why I Deserve the Scholarship

Visit our blog on ' scholarship essay examples ' to see sample essays.

Scholarship Essay Formatting Tips 

When there is no specific guidance, it is common to struggle with certain formatting choices. Here are some expert tips for you to help you navigate the correct formatting of a scholarship essay.

• Always read the instructions carefully before you start writing
• Follow a clear and concise essay structure
• No need to include the question at the top as committee members know what the essay prompt is
• To start a new paragraph, either indent a new line or add an extra blank, but you shouldn’t do both. 
• Personalize your paper as much as you can
• Always promote yourself but stick to the truth!
• You can make your essay more compelling by adding a unique story about yourself
• Keep a similar size for all paragraphs for coherency
• Always double-check your scholarship application essay for spelling or grammar mistakes
• You can ask an instructor or a counselor to assess your work

Hopefully, you will write a perfect scholarship essay with the help of the aforementioned scholarship essay guidelines and tips.    

To Wrap it Up, scholarships are a great opportunity for students to receive money for studies and forget their financial issues. However, thousands of students apply for these free scholarships, and only a few students get aid.

But, you can hire a reputable scholarship essay writing service such as MyPerfectWords.com to maximize your chances! 

if you need help simply request “ can someone do my essay ” and our expert writers will write a scholarship essay and format it according to the required guidelines.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a scholarship essay be.

When it comes to the length of a scholarship essay, it often depends on the guidelines provided by the scholarship committee. Generally, scholarship essays are either short or long, with common lengths being a 500 word essay or a 1000 word essay .

It’s important to follow the specified word count to show that you can adhere to instructions and communicate effectively within given constraints. If no length is specified, aim for a concise and clear essay that covers your main points without unnecessary fluff.

Is it acceptable to use a formal tone in a scholarship essay?

Yes, a formal tone is typically preferred in scholarship essays to convey professionalism and seriousness.

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Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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