The prospect of writing an essay just to have a chance at a scholarship may not exactly appeal to you, especially if you are applying to college from high school, and you have to write essays for your classes as well as for your college applications. Even though you may not want to do it, it doesn’t have to be a painful process, and it may even be fun if you’re interested in the subject matter. Keep in mind there are perks that may come with winning the scholarship aside from the money. You may be able to have your work published.
Before writing your scholarship essay, consider the following tips:

Do not start your essay with a definition from the Oxford English Dictionary.
Enough said.

Do your research.
The Student Essay Contest scholarship, provided by the Fraser Institute, asks students to ponder what the government should do in times of economic crisis. Don’t let yourself submit an essay that is not well-researched. Research the subject of economic crisis and learn what theorists or politicians have suggested. Use the research as a foundation, and without regurgitating the ideas of others, provide your own thoughts on the matter.

Discuss essay questions with as many people as possible.
The Great Canadian Questions Essay Competition asks students to write an essay in one of the following areas: Founding Concepts, Identity Revolution, After Unity, Canada and the World, Heroes and Symbols and Does History Matter? There are great Canadians all around you with ideas on these subjects. If you get stuck, ask your friends and family what they think about the topics. Chances are, something you discuss will spark an idea or inspire you with something you can expand on further.

Do not print your essay on coloured, scented paper just to make it stand out.
Your words are what should make your essay stand out, and any obvious attempt to get the attention of the judges is just going to tell them you don’t think your words alone are good enough. Ask yourself if your essay is something someone else would want to quote.

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Arthor: Sarah Terry (Originally Published on schoolfinder.com)
Image: inmagine