How to Start a Scholarship Essay

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Tips and tricks to write an unforgettable scholarship essay
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College scholarships can be incredibly competitive and most of them have an essay component. While you may dread writing these essays, they're nothing to fear—the scholarship committee just wants to know a little more about you. With a strong introduction that hooks your reader, you're halfway there! But how do you start a scholarship essay? Here, you'll find some great ideas for how to start, along with some general writing strategies that you can carry through to the rest of your essay.

Sample Introduction and Template

1

Include the 3 key elements of an introduction.

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    Start the intro with an attention-grabbing first sentence to draw your readers in. Then, write a few sentences that summarize what your essay will cover. Finish the introduction paragraph with a short thesis statement that directly answers the prompt. [1]
    • A great intro sentence could be something like, "I never thought I'd have to raise my siblings," or, "On April 7, 1997, my life completely changed."
    • Your overview sentences could go on to say, "My parents struggled to look after us, so I become the only constant in my brothers' lives. I had to grow up fast, but I also learned a lot about myself in the process."
    • Your thesis statement might look like this, "I realized that I have a lot to offer and I'm starting a career in social work. This scholarship will give me the financial support that I need to start my educational journey."
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2

Open with an element of surprise.

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    If there's something about you that's extremely unusual, you can sometimes use it to your advantage. Start your essay with a more conventional description of you, then transition into the unexpected to surprise your reader and make them want to know more. [2]
    • For example, you might write: "If you looked at my parents' mantle, overflowing with trophies and medals, you'd probably conclude that I was an athlete. But what you wouldn't know is that I was born with only one leg."
3

Compare yourself to the scholarship's namesake.

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    Many scholarships are created in honor or in memory of another person. Read up on that person and find out what you have in common with them. Drawing parallels between their life and yours could give you a leg up for the scholarship. [3]
    • For example, you might write: "Mary Lewis dedicated her life to improving her community with public vegetable gardens. Last year, I worked with fellow disabled students to create a sustainable vegetable garden at our school that was accessible to others with disabilities."
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4

Raise a question.

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    Rhetorical questions can be tough to use in writing. But done correctly, a question can help you set the stage for the rest of your essay. Questions are most effective when the answer is something unexpected. [4]
    • For example, you might write: "For the past 4 years, I've volunteered with my local hospice. Why would a healthy, athletic young woman want to volunteer with people who are dying? Because I, too, have faced death. I know what it's like to be told you only have a few days to live."
5

Set the scene dramatically.

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    If your essay hinges on a life-changing personal event, make it the centerpiece by taking your readers into the experience with you from the very beginning. Write in present tense and use short fragments to really put your reader into the middle of the experience. [5]
    • For example, suppose you're writing an essay about rescuing an injured dog and how that made you decide to become a veterinarian. You might write: "I could smell him before I saw him. Small and frail, he limped toward me. His fur was matted and he trembled. His large eyes were full of fear. He pleaded with me for help."
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6

Include quotes with caution.

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    Something someone else said, no matter how famous, isn't likely to say anything about you —and that's what your essay is about. At the same time, a short, punchy quote used well can pull your reader in and interest them in your story. [6]
    • For example, you might write: "Nevertheless, she persisted." I never really understood the meaning of that rallying cry until, at 14 years old, I stood in front of the principal of my school to speak on behalf of myself and other disabled students."
7

Use buzzwords from the essay prompt.

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    [7] Make it so many, if not all, of these words appear in the first paragraph of your essay. This lets the reader know that you're paying attention to the prompt and addressing it directly. [8]
    • Look into the background of the organization awarding the scholarship as well. Find out what the organization's core values are and how you can best communicate that you embody those values. The organization's website is a good place to start, but you might also search for any articles written about the organization. [9]
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8

Include a roadmap of your essay.

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    Use the last part of your introduction to let your readers know what you're going to tell them in the rest of the essay. Explain clearly how the content connects directly to the prompt you were given. [10]
    • For example, you might write: "My compassion for and special connection to animals spurred me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine." Then, in your essay, you would provide an instance that demonstrated your compassion and another that demonstrated that special connection.
    • Your roadmap doesn't necessarily have to be a "spoiler." For example, if the prompt is to "discuss a book or experience that made you want to be a writer," you might write: "While I'd always loved reading, I never considered writing stories myself until my 7th grade English teacher gave me a book for an extra-credit report." In your essay, you would then go on to discuss the report and name the book. [11]
9

Close your introduction with your thesis statement.

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    Use your thesis statement to relate back to the prompt and tie the introduction into the rest of the essay. Look back to the prompt for clues on how to structure your thesis to answer it directly. [12]
    • For example, if the prompt is to describe what sparked your interest in veterinary medicine, your thesis might be: "My experience rehabilitating stray dogs sparked my interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine."
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10

Write in your own voice.

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    Make it clear from the first line that this essay connects your unique experiences, perspectives, and ambitions to the core values of the scholarship. [13] Don't write in the style you imagine the readers expect—let your passion and personality shine through. [14]
    • Focus on standing out, not writing like everyone else. Although you can look at samples of other winning scholarship essays to get ideas, make sure the words in your essay are your own.
    • Your own perspective is key. For example, if you're a person of color, don't try to "whitewash" your essay. Scholarship committees like diversity, so if you try to cover up your identity, you're only hurting yourself.
11

Make your sentences active and concise.

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    Compelling writing carries your reader along. Maintain the active voice throughout your essay to show, rather than tell, your reader why you're the best choice for the scholarship. [15]
    • For example, you might write: "I strive to demonstrate my passion for the environment every day. In my sophomore year, I started the recycling program at my school. As president of the environmental club, I teach fellow students what they can do to help save the world we live in."
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should a scholarship essay look like?
    Jake Adams
    Scholarship & Admissions Counselor
    Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University.
    Jake Adams
    Scholarship & Admissions Counselor
    Expert Answer
    A scholarship essay can be formatted as a 5-paragraph essay and should show how you align with the scholarship's purpose and values.
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  • Question
    What grade should you start applying for scholarships?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Check the application instructions for the scholarship itself—it'll usually tell you what grade applicants should be. Usually, scholarships are open to graduating seniors, but some are also open to juniors. Many scholarships are also open to students who are already in college.
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  • Question
    What is a good way to start a scholarship essay?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    There are a couple of ways you can start a scholarship essay. If the scholarship was created to honor a specific person, you can try comparing yourself to them demonstrate what you have in common with the namesake. Read up on that person and find out what you have in common with them. Drawing parallels between their life and yours could give you a leg up for the scholarship. It's also a good idea to reference some of the buzzwords in the essay prompt. Make it so many, if not all, of these words appear in the first paragraph of your essay. This lets the reader know that you're paying attention to the prompt and addressing it directly. Remember, most scholarships are designed to benefit a specific type of person (a Southern writer or a woman from Kentucky, for example). So if you can show how you're the perfect person for the scholarship, it can help boost your chances.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Have friends or family read your essay—they can give you tips on how to make it stronger.
        Thanks
      • Make your introduction short and sweet. The general rule is that the introduction should be about 10% of the total word count of your essay—this usually isn't many words! Most scholarship essay introductions only have 3-4 sentences.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://scholarshipowl.com/blog/apply-for-scholarships/scholarship-essay-introduction/
      2. ↑ https://www.owens.edu/writing/scholarship/
      3. ↑ https://www.owens.edu/writing/scholarship/
      4. ↑ https://www.owens.edu/writing/scholarship/
      5. ↑ https://www.nitrocollege.com/blog/how-to-start-a-scholarship-essay
      6. ↑ https://www.thecollegemonk.com/blog/scholarship-essay-introduction
      7. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.owens.edu/writing/scholarship/
      9. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/ways-to-make-your-scholarship-essay-stand-out
      2. ↑ https://www.internationalstudent.com/essay_writing/scholarship_essaysample/
      3. ↑ https://online.maryville.edu/blog/how-to-write-a-scholarship-essay/
      4. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/ways-to-make-your-scholarship-essay-stand-out
      6. ↑ https://www.owens.edu/writing/scholarship/
      7. ↑ https://www.southuniversity.edu/news-and-blogs/2013/05/8trickstowritingstandoutscholarshipessays

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To start a scholarship essay, open with an interesting story, experience, or anecdote to draw your reader in. Then, connect your opening to the broader topic or question you'll be addressing throughout your essay. If you need some inspiration for a good introduction, read the essays written by the previous winners of the scholarship you're applying for. Just make sure you use your own voice and experiences to write your essay so it comes across as authentic. To learn how to conduct research for your scholarship essay before you write it, scroll down!

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