Scholarships can make the difference between attending your dream school and settling for a backup. Here's how to write essays that win funding.

Understand What Scholarship Committees Want:

They're investing in your future. They want to see:

• Clear goals and ambition
• Evidence of achievement and potential
• Financial need (if applicable)
• Alignment with the scholarship's mission

The Winning Formula:

1. Open with Impact — Start with a specific moment or achievement that demonstrates your drive.


2. Tell Your Story — Connect your background, challenges, and achievements into a coherent narrative. Be specific about obstacles you've overcome.


3. Show Impact — Quantify your achievements when possible. "Raised $5,000 for local food bank" is stronger than "helped my community."


4. Connect to the Scholarship — Research the organization's values and mission. Show how you embody them.


5. Look Forward — Articulate clear goals and explain how this scholarship will help you achieve them.

Pro Tips:

• Apply to many scholarships — it's a numbers game
• Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship
• Have someone proofread every submission
• Keep a master document of your achievements and experiences for quick reference
• Start early — many deadlines are months before college deadlines

I've helped students collectively win over $2 million in scholarships. The common thread? They all told authentic, specific stories.