It is undeniably true that when applying for a scholarship application, one of the things applicants are always asked is to write a college application essay. Scholarship essays can be stressful, on trying to figure out how to make your essay stand out against thousands of others all writing on the same topic. FIn order to be unique, your essay has to be effective and memorable to strike the judges. In as much as this may seem like quite a lot of pressure, you should worry not because these ten tricks will help you accomplish your goal of impressing the judges and winning the scholarship opportunity.
1. Follow the guidelines
It is integral to comprehensively read through the guideline of the essay to determine parts of the instructions that have been emphasized. Look at what is being mentioned first. For example, if it the word count, ensure that you write the exact word length and not even a word more or less. Take into account the things that have been bolded and the recommendation if there are any. Reading the instructions keenly will help you not to veer off the right direction. Most judges do not complete reading an essay if they realize the instructions were not adhered to. Therefore, if you want to stand out ensure that you do not bend any of the instructions.
3. Get to the point
A good essay must have a clear as well as a meaningful point. After writing your essay, it is important to have a self-evaluation by asking yourself, “so what?” did your writing get across or what did you learn. You will know it is great when you elicit some real raw emotions. However, when these emotions make your reader get to a conclusion or a realization, then they do not serve your purpose. For example, if you want to prove that you deserve the money, then you should make that a focal point. You should not write ‘in conclusion’ in a bid to put across that is where your point is made. Instead, the essay should flow, and it will effectively lead to your main point without necessarily having to announce it.
3. The show, Don’t tell
It is important to paint pictures with words because it is a vital tool a writer can use to capture the attention of the reader. Almost everyone does not like reading the dry essay with only facts and statements. To attain this alluring aura in your essay, it is important to focus on imagery, pacing, and narratives. Make the essay to have a significant amount of depth as well as emotion. For instance, you can use words or stories that open you up to them in a manner that they can gaze into your soul. Make the reader put himself or herself in your shoe. This will probably make your essay stand out.
4. Take the road less traveled
Notably, many scholarship essays seem to have an obvious answer. Upon reading the question and you get the answer quickly, it is more likely that it will occur to other quickly too. To avert this, it would be prudent to pursue another direction that is less traveled. Take a different approach that will make you unique from the rest. For example, you can decide to give your first reaction about the subject. This will make the judges consider you from the rest because you will have come out more interesting than the rest. In as much as this might be relatively challenging, it has a brighter side that, in the sense that it makes your essay unique and noticed, therefore, giving an upper hand in getting that sought of opportunity.
5. Come out swinging
It is true that any good piece will grab the attention of the reader on the first page. Suppose you are required to pick one book out of hundreds of them. You are more likely to pick the one that grabbed your attention right away. The same dilemma is always faced by scholarship judges since they are tasked with the responsibility of selected only a few from thousands of applicants. It is therefore prudent to try and win the attention of the reader from the onset. Instead of starting by giving a narration of where you born or being raised in difficulties, try something unique and captivating. Start with something unexpected then later get into your narration. The motive is to have the judge read your first paragraph and get fascinated by it. You must ensure that the rest of the essay is also interesting and informative. This will make your essay more memorable and gain a competitive advantage over the rest.
6. State your accomplishments
It is important to state your accomplishment nicely without appearing to be bragging. Stating your unique perspectives and interests will go a long way in creating a memorable essay. This is important because it will show the judges what you have attained and how it commensurate with the available opportunity and how it can be of significance to your career development.
7. Proofread your essay
After finishing writing the essay, it is important to proof read the essay and correct any spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors that could have been made. It is even advisable to have found an editor to help in editing the paper and advice in case any corrections are required. Even the well-researched written essay can be derailed by awkward sentences or spelling mistakes. It is therefore important to have your essay edited by a well-informed person like a teacher, parent of a grammar-nerd friend.
8. Speak within the heart
Make the judges feel that you a true person who struggles and overcomes, who faces fears and gets to the opposite facet. You have to make them know you are worth their bucks.
9. Start and end formidable
Try as much as possible to get your audience on the inception and depart a long lasting impression. Much time should be spent on these parts to make your essay noticeable.
10. Understand the criteria used in the evaluation of the application essay
Customize your essay with Custom Writing based on the criteria used for the evaluation. For instance, if the application is about leadership include things such as the extent of the leadership experience you have, what obstacles you faced and how you overcame them, why you got involved in leadership experience among other factors.