Learn to Write Scholarship Essays!
It’s time to win some scholarships!
Writing a great scholarship essay isn’t about talent.
It’s about telling the right story.
I’m going to teach you how.
Lesson 1: Write Stories, Not Essays
Don’t make the mistake of simply writing an essay as if you’re still trying to get good grades.
You need to consider your audience and then write the story that convinces them that you’re their #1 candidate!
Lesson 2: Craft Winning Anecdotes
A winning scholarship essay has to tell a story, the core of a good story is a powerful anecdote.
Let’s learn exactly how to write them!
Lesson 3: Write Like a Professional
A winning scholarship essay has to tell a story, the core of a good story is a powerful anecdote. Let’s learn exactly how to write them!
Learn how to tell a story that is balanced between logic (logos), personal credibility (ethos), and emotional (pathos).
Take advantage of the beloved storytelling structure “The Hero’s Journey” to perfectly shape your anecdote.
Make sure your essay looks professional and beautiful by nailing the format!
Grammar and spelling are important things to get right. Even the smallest error can hurt your image in the readers’ minds.
It’s essential that you read the prompt requirements and guarantee that you’re responding to the question it’s asking.
Great characters make great stories. Don’t let your story be that of a ‘lone wolf!’
Lesson 4: The Obstacle/Achievement Essay
One of the most common prompts requires you to write about overcoming an obstacle or succeeding at a personal achievement.
Here’s how to write it perfectly!
Download Handouts below:
Download the “Obstacle” Essay Prompt Placemat
Download the “Personal Achievement” Essay Prompt Placemat
Download the “Obstacle” Essay Critique Rubric
Download the “Personal Achievement” Essay Critique Rubric
Lesson 5: The Mentor Essay
Another common scholarship essay prompt invites you to write about a mentor who has had a major impact on your life.
Let’s write a touching story that wins the hearts of the judges!
Download Handouts below:
Download the “Mentor” Essay Prompt Placemat
Download the “Mentor” Essay Critique Rubric
Lesson 6: The Future Essay
One of the more difficult prompts to answer inquires what you plan to do in the future.
Even if you aren’t 100% sure (and most people aren’t), you can still be successful with this prompt and win some money!
Download Handouts below:
Download the “Future” Essay Prompt Placemat
Download the “Future” Essay Critique Rubric
Lesson 7: The Topic Essay
In many cases, a scholarship sponsor will task you with writing about a specific topic, usually one that matters to the audience.
If you’re going to start getting paid, you’ll need to navigate these tricky waters. Here’s how!
Download Handouts below:
Download the “Topic” Essay Prompt Placemat
Download the “Topic” Essay Critique Rubric
Lesson 8: The Academic Essay
Less often, scholarship sponsors will put you to the ultimate test: Writing an academic essay very similar to what your classroom teachers require.
These essays sometimes guard the top $$$ prizes, so let’s look at how to win them along with everything else!
Download the Problem-Solution Prompt Placemat
Download the Problem-Solution Planning Sheet
Download the Problem-Solution Critique Rubric
Download the Argument Prompt Placemat
Download the Argument Planning Sheet
Download the Argument Critique Rubric
Download the Cause-Effect Prompt Placemat
Download the Cause-Effect Planning Sheet
Download the Cause-Effect Critique Rubric
Download the Comparison/Contrast Prompt Placemat
Download the Comp/Con Planning Sheet
Download the Compare/Contrast Critique Rubric
Lesson 9: Submit the Perfect Application
It’s time to seal the deal and get you that scholarship!
Here’s how to submit a perfect application package that will wow everyone who lays eyes upon it.
You’re done!
It’s time to get started. Let’s win some money for college!
Copyright © 2022, David Safford and NoahDavid Lein
