SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS AND LETTERS OF - Timpview High School

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS AND LETTERS OFRECOMENDATIONSEssays are often required in applying for scholarships. Therefore, it is wise to have 5-7 pre-written, edited essays beforebeginning to apply for scholarships. Your pre-written essays may not exactly match the required essay topics; however, youcan use what you have already written and adjust to the topic required by the scholarship application.You can use power statements to strengthen an essay. A power statement is a concise statement that includes a specificexample, and is enhanced by using quantified results (#’s, $'s, and %'s). When writing essays, you should use specificexamples, instead of general terms. Avoid including names or dates, unless specific to the essay. If there are opposing sidesto an issue (a behavioral question), be sure to include both sides in a persuasive paper instead of presenting your own viewsexclusively.Make your essay shine by paying attention to the details.Consider the following suggestions:• Ensure that the outline of your essay follows and supports your thesis.• Look at your sentence structure and word choice. Without going overboard and sounding like a thesaurus, youressay should reflect intelligence and polish.• Proof read your essay carefully. Missing punctuation and spelling errors can completely undermine the impact ofyour essay.• Enlist the help of a trusted advisor, a parent, a teacher, a friend or someone with excellent editing skills to reviewyour essay before it is submitted.• Make sure you follow the directions for the essay explicitly. Each scholarship committee determines the essayrequirements. For example, "Submit an essay that is 500-600 words in length and single spaced." The committeewill reject your essay if it is 850 words long and double spaced.Know your audience:• Information is power. Arm yourself with it by taking time to research the sponsoring organization for eachscholarship.o Review their website.o Discover the organization's history, vision and mission statement.o Determine who serves on their board of directors and Google their names to learn more about them.• The information you glean can impact the focus of your essay.Some Possible Essay Topics:General Topics• Tell us about yourself.• What traits do you have that will enhance your education and future employment?• Who or what inspires you?• Tell us about a book or article you have read, or class you have attended, that has inspired you.• Why do you need this scholarship?• Why does education matter to my community?• Describe something you have done in the last 12 months that could change the world.• What would you like to do to change the world for the better?• Do you consider yourself to be a leader? Why or why not?• Describe your personal goals relating to a current issue such as health care, nuclear disarmament, conflictresolution, or a current topic of your choice.

Your Field of StudySome scholarship applications will ask you to write about your major or field of study. These questions determine howwell you know your area of specialization and why you're interested in it.• How will your study of ______ contribute to your immediate or long range career plans?• Why do you want to be a _____ ?• Explain the importance of (your major) in today's society.• What do you think the industry of ______ will be like in the next 10 years?• What are the most important issues your field is facing today?Current Events and Social IssuesTo test your skills at problem-solving and check your knowledge of current issues, many scholarship applications includequestions about problems and issues facing society.• What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?• If you had the authority to change your school in a positive way, what specific changes would you make?• Pick a controversial problem on high school campuses and suggest a solution.• What do you see as the greatest threat to the environment today?• Describe your feelings concerning freedom, liberty, and/or patriotism.Personal AchievementsScholarships exist to reward and encourage achievement. Many committees will ask you to brag a little. Your themesand power statements will prepare the majority of these essays.• Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school.• Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.• Describe your most meaningful achievements and how they relate to your field of study and your future goals.• Why are you a good candidate to receive this award/scholarship?Background and InfluencesSome scholarship committees will ask you to write about your background and major influences to learn more aboutyou.• Pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development.• Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why?• How has your family background affected the way you see the world?• How has your education contributed to who you are today?Future Plans and GoalsScholarship sponsors look for applicants with vision and motivation, so they might ask about your goals and aspirations.• Briefly describe your long- and short-term goals.• Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?• Why do you want to get a college education?

Financial NeedMany scholarship providers have a charitable goal: They want to provide money for students who are going to havetrouble paying for college. In addition to asking for information about your financial situation, these committees maywant a more detailed and personal account of your financial need.• From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your education?• State any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.• How have you contributed to helping your financial situation?Random TopicsSome essay questions do not seem directly related to your education, but committees use them to test your creativityand get a better sense of your personality.• Choose a person or persons you admire and explain why.• Choose a book or books that have affected you deeply and explain why.While you cannot predict every essay question, knowing some of the most common ones can give you a leg up onapplications. Start brainstorming now and you may find yourself a winner!Reusable Letters of RecommendationsMany committees require letters of recommendation as part of the application. It is good to obtain letters ofrecommendation on applicable letterhead, if possible. You should have electronic letters that you can reuse becauseyou will complete most scholarship applications online. If you receive a hard copy letter, ask permission to reuse it. Then,scan it so you have an electronic copy.Possible sources for letters of recommendation:• Community: heads of organizations in which you have volunteered or done a service project• Church: presidents, bishops, other leaders, advisors or teachers• School: principals, counselors, and teachers• Work: clients, customers, supervisors, managers, or co-workers• Family & friends: influential or respected individualsGive the author of the letter details of your experiences and power statements that he or she should include in therecommendation. You may even offer to draft the letter for them to edit. Give the author ample time to provide you witha good letter of recommendation. You should provide them with an oversized envelope and postage for hard copyletters. They are doing you a favor. Remember to thank them for their time and efforts on your behalf.