10 Steps in Writing a Motivation Essay for Scholarship

Writing Motivation Essay: Step By Step Guide
If you want to qualify for scholarship, you don’t just need high grades or an excellent academic
record but also a great scholarship motivation essay that will convince and convey positive
impression to your readers.
You write this essay to apply for scholarship in a university program, and it is one of the bases of
the committee as to whether they’d want to see you and know you further in the interview. That
being said, you need an outstanding essay. For a guide, check out the following steps that will
help you get started and do well.
Steps in Writing the Motivational Paper
Step 1
Go to the official website of the university, and then read and know as much as you can about
them.
You should be able to research and understand the mission, values and direction of the university
or college you would be writing for. The more you know about them the more you will be able
to put together a customized and well targeted essay that will impress your readers, helping you
simplify your essay in the direction that will convince them that you are the right fit for the slot.
Remember, there are many applicants that are vying for the scholarship. Thus, your main goal
must be to stand out among the rest of the applicants seeking for the scholarship. Your first step
for that matter is to learn as much about the institution, letting you write based on their values,
culture and dynamic environment. Researching about the university also lets you highlight the
attributes or qualities that they are looking for their applicants—leadership, courage, passion and
so on.
Step 2
Create a short list of the important points you are looking to highlight or focus in your essay.
Doing so, you will be able to answer significant common questions for admissions, including
1. Why do I want to study in the university?

2. What makes me an ideal candidate for the scholarship program being offered?
3. What are the past experiences that have helped me better myself and how such will
help me adjust in the new surroundings when I get accepted in the college that I am
applying?
Step 3
Choose the most significant points in your motivation letter college.
Avoid making too many points; otherwise, you will not be able to emphasize the most significant
ones, but you will lose focus. Think of your most important assets, and do not get too excited to
show as many of them as you could. Otherwise, your essay will lose focus, and you will not be
able to capture the interest of your readers. By saying too many things about yourself, you might
just leave a bad impression of arrogance. In all cases, you don’t want to show them that you
know too much or you are a know-it-all candidate. Just be consistent by selecting a few of your
most important qualities.
Step 4
Plan the structure of the essay.
You can start with the basics about yourself, but saying that does not mean you restate what you
already wrote in the CV or resume. This can be a draft of the structural plan of your paper. Here,
you can write only the most relevant experiences that relate to the major you are applying for,
and then write two paragraphs about your reasons and motivation for wanting to study in the
college or university. Then, write about specific hobbies or extracurricular activities that have
helped you better your knowledge and skills. How are these valuable to your development? How
did they help you get to where you are now?
Step 5
Start writing the essay by making a simple but catchy introduction.
The introduction of your essay is the most important part of your motivation letter, as it will help
the committee to engage in reading. This section is what will give them the idea on whether to
keep reading or not. The first impression they will have on you is in your introduction—it is
make or break. Use an intelligent and engaging introduction, avoid a cliché and share a story
about yourself.

Write your story. The motivational letters for university application isn’t only about your
accomplishments and achievements, but also your story. The admissions is more interested in
your story—that of the person behind the success. You can also relate a story about a moment
that helped you understand or develop more interest in the subject.
Step 6
Avoid forcing humor in your motivation letter.
It is perfectly fine to sound enthusiastic and positive in the essay, but you don’t have to try to be
very funny. Or else, humor can turn the other way—misinterpretation of the readers.
Step 7
Be yourself. Do not pretend to be someone else.
Always use your tone, voice and self, and do not pretend to be someone else. Only mention
things that are true to you—in your most realistic voice. You are interesting on your own, so you
don’t have to sound like someone else you are not.
Step 8
Answer the questions.
If you’re given questions for the essay, answer them all! They are asked because they are
important.
Step 9
Conclude your essay by addressing the board formally, letting them know how important it is for
you to be accepted in the scholarship. Let them also know that you are looking forward their
decision.
Step 10
Proofread and edit.

It is an important final stage in your essay. You don’t want to put your readers off with typos,
spelling and grammar mistakes. Check on the structure, flow and of course the grammar,
punctuation and spelling of your paper several times before submission.
There you have your 10-step guide on how to write the scholarship essay. Follow these tips and
increase your chance of being accepted. Finally, do not rush your motivational letter. Of course,
you know how to avoid it, is that right? You should not start writing until it is only a week left
for the submission. Remember that your essay is one of the most important documents—and it is
your chance to sell yourself to the admissions. Thus, prepare and start writing early! Check out a
few motivation essay example online for more references.
Write your scholarship motivation essay today!