Scholarship Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started (and maybe even finished) your scholarship application essays...

IT IS TIME! 

I know it can be hard to write about yourself and share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with total strangers. But it can be the MOST POWERFUL part of your application. Sure, grades and test scores matter but most colleges want to get to know YOU as a person with a story...not just the numbers and letters on your transcript! Your essay really is an opportunity for the people in admissions to learn more about WHY they should admit YOU to their college. 

Carve out some time over Winter Break to work on essays! 

TAKE A CHANCE! 

Be yourself! Make sure your essay 'sounds' like you. Just like you want people to be REAL with you, being REAL in your essay makes a difference! 

Start NOW! Select one of your essay topics. Set your timer for 30 minutes and just brainstorm. Write/type EVERYTHING that comes to mind...even if it's takis! I mean, try to stay focused on the topic and write any and everything that comes to mind. You may come across an idea or direction you weren't expecting BUT that will make an awesome essay! And remember, no one has to EVER see your brainstorming document. 

Check out the links below for some great tips on writing your BEST college essay! There are some video clips too. 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions

College and Scholarship Application Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started your college application essays...

NOW IS THE TIME! 

I know it can be hard to write about yourself and share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with total strangers. But it can be the MOST POWERFUL part of your application. Sure, grades and test scores matter but most colleges want to get to know YOU as a person with a story...not just the numbers and letters on your transcript! Your essay really is an opportunity for the people in admissions to learn more about WHY they should admit YOU to their college. 

TAKE A CHANCE! 

Be yourself! Make sure your essay 'sounds' like you. Just like you want people to be REAL with you, being REAL in your essay makes a difference! 

Start NOW! Select one of your essay topics. Set your timer for 30 minutes and just brainstorm. Write/type EVERYTHING that comes to mind...even if it's hot cheetos! I mean, try to stay focused on the topic and write any and everything that comes to mind. You may come across an idea or direction you weren't expecting BUT that will make an awesome essay! And remember, no one has to EVER see your brainstorming document. 

Check out the links below for some great tips on writing your BEST college essay! There are some video clips too. 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions

MORE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY TIPS!

MORE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY TIPS! 

Be sure to:

• Tell a story. While it can be hard to your personal history, it is how you 'speak' to the readers without meeting them. Try to connect your story to why you are applying for each scholarship.

• Make a list! When you first read the essay prompt, brainstorm and write down any words and phrases that come to mind that are relevant to your answer to the prompt. Each time you read the prompt, add to the list. These words and phrases can guide the focus of your essay and serve as main points and ideas to include. 

• Write with your voice! What does that mean?! Make sure when you are writing that you allow some of your personality to come out. Remember, a lot of people are writing essays. Yours HAS to stand out. Ideally, one of your proof readers (teacher, friend, me) will read your essays and know that YOU wrote it. 

• Start with a powerful first sentence. You need to catch the attention of the reader and encourage them to keep reading. Use your word to paint a vivid picture of the experience(s) you'll be writing about in your essay. 

• Write an outline! This will help you keep your thoughts organized and on track. 

• When you write your first draft, JUST WRITE. Really let the words flow. Write everything that comes to mind and keep writing. You will probably go over your word count and write some things that you'll just cut out of the essay. But you will get warmed up and maybe come across some great ideas to include that you hadn't yet considered. 

• Rewrite, Revise, Rewrite. Make sure you address and spellcheck issues as well as doing your own reading to check for spelling and grammar errors. 

• Have a few people read your essays. You don't have to make use of all of their suggestions but the more eyes that review your essays, the more errors can be corrected. 

• Be proud of your work!

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