Writing a College or Scholarship Essay

Goals of the essay:

• To give the readers a better understanding of who you are, beyond your transcript, test scores and list of activities
• To show the depth of interest and passion you may have in a certain area
• To explain something significant about yourself that the readers wouldn’t otherwise know
• To show your reader that you can think logically and analytically
• To set yourself apart from the many other applicants who will apply with equally good academic records, scores and recommendations

 Things you absolutely should do:

• Comply with the requests of the application (essay length, format, topic)
• Type your essay
• Double space your essay (easier to read)
• Answer the question that was asked
• Send the correct essay in with the correct application
• Write your own essay

Remember:

• This is the portion of your application that is totally under your control
• Your personality and character should be reflected in your essay
• What makes you special may not seem profound, but it will be meaningful and authentic

Do:

• Choose an appropriate topic
• Remember your audience
• Choose something real to write about, something you feel strongly about and are knowledgeable about.
• Make sure your essay sounds like you; write in your own voice.
• Proofread; do not rely on your spell-check to catch errors of syntax, homonyms and simply making sense.
• Have someone else proofread your essay, such as a teacher or parent
• Listen to someone read your essay aloud - what does it sound like to you?
• Focus on the chosen topic.
• Reflect enough on what you have to say so that you exhibit some depth.
• Feel free to be challenging or funny if that is who you truly are.
• If focusing on another person and his/her life, make sure that you indicate in detail and in a reflective way how that person has influenced your life.
• If you choose to focus on a life event from your childhood, make sure that it has relevance to who you are now; make the connection for your reader as to how and why this past event may have been a “turning point” for you.

What might you do to get started?

• Stop stressing out and just get started by writing something.
• Remember that there is no one formula for a successful essay.
• Identify your interests and passions.
• Identify your strengths.
• Be yourself.
• Spend some time writing spontaneously or journaling on a variety of topics:
  • My mother/father says that I always …
  • My best friend would say that I …
  • Write an introduction of yourself to your future college roommate.
  • List as many adjectives as you can think of that describe you.
  • In what special ways do others see you contributing to your family, school or community?

If you have any questions about planning and financing a college education or selecting a career, please call 800.986.4322 (toll-free) or email us at collegeplanning@esfweb.com. If you wish to visit a College Planning Center, please call for an appointment to ensure that a counselor is available.