Earning grants and scholarships can reduce the financial impact of higher education for students. Rather than taking out loans to cover the cost of their education, students can secure grants and scholarships to offset at least part of the cost of their tuition and fees. However, competition for such awards is high, meaning students need to present an impressive application package to grant and scholarship committees. Often, applications require essays or short answers to give insight into the applicant's academic and career goals, and it is essential that these items are well written.
Instructions
1. Read the scholarship or grant applications thoroughly to understand the guidelines. Some applicants might require you to write a personal statement that details your career interests, while others might give you a specific essay question or two to answer. Take note of the word or page limit as well.
2. Brainstorm potential topics to discuss. Focus on a specific detail or event from your life to share with the grant or scholarship committee. Do not offer a broad overview of your achievements or a general biography. A volunteer position that encouraged you to pursue a career in education, for example, is a specific and relevant topic.
3. Create an outline. Develop a thesis statement that relates directly to your topic. The thesis should summarize what your essay will discuss in a concise sentence. Choose two or three points that will support your thesis. For example, if you choose to write about your leadership skills as the president of a campus organization, choose a few tasks that you had in that role and explain how they have prepared you to succeed as a scholar. Stay focused on your thesis statement.
4. Tell your readers what you can do for them. If you're applying for a scholarship, focus on how you would effectively use the money. While it clearly pays for tuition, explain how that financial contribution will allow you to attend a school with a top degree program in your field or an internship program that will broaden your career opportunities. If you're applying for a grant, explain how the funding will have a positive impact on your career, your campus, your field of study or the community.
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