Write to Win!

It takes time and effort to pen a winning scholarship essay. Put your best foot forward and devote adequate time to creating the best possible essay you can.

1. Analyze the scholarship details to determine your theme. Look closely at the scholarship essay question - you need to provide a relevant and specific answer to this question. Also, pay attention to the organization sponsoring the scholarship - what does the organization value? For example, if you are applying for any CCD scholarship, you know the college values access to education, so you might consider highlighting the unique path you took to get to college and the specific barriers and challenges you face.

2. Brainstorm your unique story. Related to your theme (step 1), think about your specific life experiences, motivations, goals, strengths, or life philosophy. Write them down. Think of specific and unique attributes; avoid generalities. An example of a generality: "I am a very hard worker focused on creating a better life for my family." An example of a unique attribute: "My father immigrated to the United States to create better futures for his children. He taught us that hard work combined with education opens doors. I strongly believe in this idea of America that brought my father here. Through education, I hope to pay the dream forward to my children as well."

3. Create an outline for the essay. Distill your brainstorming; that is, pick out the best parts of your story to include in this particular essay. These are your main points. Note any details or specifics to include under your main points.

4. Just start writing. Use your outline to start writing paragraphs. At this stage in the game, do not worry about the quality of your writing - just get something down on the page.

5. Polish and review. After you have completed a rough draft, now is the time to start polishing your essay. Ask a friend or professional staff to review your essay. Remember, your first paragraph is probably the most important one. The end of the writing process is the best time to review your first paragraph to make sure it is unique, sets the stage for the rest of your essay, and is well written.