Students often find it difficult to start off scholarship essays.
Education is costly, so it's no wonder why students seek scholarship opportunities to help defer the costs. Applying for scholarships typically involves submitting an essay on an assigned topic. In some cases, applicants are given the opportunity to select their own topics. Regardless of the topic, a scholarship essay has to start with a strong, compelling opening to capture the judges' attention.
Personal Story
Make a personal appeal to the scholarship committee by starting the scholarship essay with a personal story about an important, live-changing event in your life. The website Super College suggests giving the scholarship committee a "slice of your life" by focusing on an experience in your life that will make you stand out from other candidates.
Quote
Using a famous quote to begin a scholarship essay is a typical approach students take. Then they sit down to start writing. Using a quote can be tricky, so ensure that the quote you select is appropriate for the format and purpose of the scholarship essay you're crafting.
Qualifications
Tell the scholarship reviewers up front why you're an ideal candidate for the scholarship. Start the scholarship essay with one or two sentences that cover your accomplishments, skill or abilities as they relate to the purpose of the scholarship. Write confidently but avoid sounding egotistical. Super College suggests highlighting one or two of your major skills in your essay.
Story of Adversity
Super College states that many students opt for tear-jerking stories when they write their scholarship essays. Their advice is to focus less on the problem and more on what a student has done in his life to solve the problem or overcome an obstacle. Stories of adversity may include losing a close family member, improving grades or overcoming bullying.
Raise a Question
The website Scholarship Help encourages students to raise a question in their introductions to make them inviting. A theme appropriate question can work if it's related and interesting enough to intrigue the scholarship board.
Share an Interesting Fact
Starting a scholarship essay with an interesting fact, whether about yourself or related to the theme of your essay, is sure to garner the attention of the scholarship review board. So if you're a classically trained singer or a publisher teen writer, include this detail at the start of your scholarship essay to intrigue your audience and leave a lasting impression.
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