How to Start a Winning Scholarship Essay

Starting a scholarship essay is usually the most stressful part of the application process and we’re going to help you with it! Here is everything you need to know to start a good scholarship essay.

TCM Staff

1st October 2020

A good start for your scholarship essay is an important tool in your college application. College Scholarships are super competitive and the reviewers may not even have time to read the entire essay submitted. Your introduction should be captivating and get your reader hooked. 

The first sentence of your essay is your chance to convince the reader to continue reading. The essay has its essential elements and your introduction is one of them. They should be attention-grabbing to make your reader continue.

Key things to Start off your Scholarship Essay 

It might sound stressful but your scholarship essay introduction is one of the tools for your success. The college officials have to read ample scholarship essays in a day.

Good for you, there’s no ideal way to start off your scholarship essay. It allows you to approach with a creative aspect 

Be that as it may, you still have to keep certain things in mind, to begin with a scholarship essay,

1. Start with an Eye-Catching Initial Statement

Start a scholarship essay by making your introduction subtle and upright. It is a chance to ensure the reader what you will be discussing in the rest of the essay. Don’t drag it by repeating the question and explaining it briefly. 

You are free to use quotations if you like but be cautious while using it. Other people's quotes don't reveal anything about you, which is really what the reader wants to know.

2. Brief Description of your Essay

After giving a short introduction, you can go ahead and give a brief narrative of your essay. It gives them a heads up and holds their attention.

Be sure to maintain a unique voice in your introduction and throughout your essay. Talk about your personal experience and challenges. Dive into your passion and let them know more about it.

3. Stand Out - Avoid Cliches and Tired Phrases

Several students come across as generic when they use quotes or famous personalities examples. The college officials want to read an essay that resembles you.

So utilize your words by writing about yourself and your experiences. A well-written and engaging essay tells a lot about you than a quote. Your examples allow you to modify your essay from generic to exceptional.

4. The Thesis Statement in which you Address the Essay Prompt

Let their values provide some guidance for what you write. Don’t address the points directly but let them know that you are considerate and prudent about this scholarship. You have to ensure that your reader is following along with you without any effort.

It also helps you to be on track and not diverting from the subject.

Don’t forget your conclusions

Don’t lose your grip as you come to the end of your essay. Practice your last sentences to explain why the rest of your essay was outstanding.

Rephrasing or restating your original thesis is quite monotonous. It’s somewhat easy but you have to keep a few things in mind.

You can start by wrapping up everything you said and with a small thank-you note. Your character, dedication, and integrity should come through naturally in your writing.

Tips to Avoid!

Here are some that will help you write the most unique and compelling scholarship essay possible. Students often make these silly moves that lead them to lose their scholarships.

It’s important to avoid these mentioned things. 

Let’s look at the few things you should keep in mind while writing your introduction to the essay.

  • Avoid using long words only to appear smart. Your introduction should sound natural, genuine, and your heart.

  • This essay is about you, so famous quotes are just a distraction. You are allowed to use phrases that stuck with you from the important people in your life. 

  • Avoid naive statements such as “I am excited about this scholarship.” These statements may be true, but they don’t tell us much about you.

  • Skipping the revision stage can be a fatal mistake that is made by numerous students. Go through your essay and do proofreading before you submit it anywhere. Check your grammar and engagement.

The Bottom Line

Try to build a connection. Your experience has made you what you wanted and this personality is suitable for the program you wish to earn the scholarship. Many candidates write relevant personal anecdotes, provided the stories are interesting and well-told. 

Make sure that your storytelling and facts of the story fit into the criteria and enhance your essay and gives your overall message. 

Don't get artificial and don't sump down your introduction in an overly long, complicated, or irrelevant tale, but if you've got a real and genuine story to tell, to frame your essay, use it.

Modify your statement for various scholarships. Lastly, ensure that you have understood the directions and essay questions before you start composing your scholarship essay.

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