This time of the year is when application deadlines approach even faster than the scholarships themselves. So if you’re in a bind, use these helpful hints to write a last minute scholarship essay.

Just do it!

This is the number one thing I cannot stress enough. Most colleges require a written statement or an essay of sorts, but there are some that don’t. Regardless if the college of your choice requires it or not, you should write the essay. An essay that isn’t required, but when handed in, shows the effort put into your application and a genuine care for the school your applying for. When required, it shows your following of the application’s directions and gives you a chance to speak directly to the admissions staff.

An Essay is a Reinforcing Document

On a strong application, you can use an essay to flesh out some experiences or parts of an application to really make those parts shine, such as contributions to your school or a strong academic record. Really take this opportunity to brag about yourself and what you’ve accomplished so far up to this point in your life.

Many schools these days use the essay as their criteria for selecting students for in-school scholarships, so this is your one big chance to get up on a soapbox and sell yourself to this school for both acceptance and a nice discount off of your education.

An Essay is also an Explanation

While every student may not have the strongest of applications, every student can benefit from a well-versed essay. Essays can give students a chance to explain low grades, financial issues, or other extreme circumstances. This gives admissions staff a chance to look past your transcripts and the hardships you faced to get to the point where you are today. Being honest, sometimes brutally honest, can let admissions have sympathy on your plight. If done properly, you can help make the staff want to help you anyway they can, often in the form of financial aid.

Be Memorable.

Colleges are looking for students who are going to be a part of their culture and an active member of their community. They are not looking someone to sit in her dorm all day and play X-box Live. Tell them how you want to be immersed to campus life. What clubs interest you? What sports do you want to watch or play there? How are you going to spend your time outside of the classroom? These are questions to bring to mind when trying to write your essay. College is about expressing yourself and your pursuits. Let them see your passion.

I hope that this is a good point of departure for your essay. The college essay is the biggest chance you’ll ever get, save for an interview, to talk about why you want to be a part of the college you’re applying to. As daunting as it can be, this is a huge opportunity for students to make their case; make sure you take full advantage of it.

Be sure to show this to your children, as well, if they are in the application process.

For more Tips On Writing A Scholarship Essay, click here.

View David Destefano's Profile      Subscribe via RSS