I'm feeling a bit stuck on my scholarship essay and could use some inspiration. Are there any websites or books that showcase the best scholarship essays? I'm aiming for a unique and compelling story.
There are several resources available where you can browse examples of well-written scholarship essays. Keep in mind that these are just for inspiration; it's important that your essay is original and reflects your own experiences and personality.
One great place to start is CollegeVine's blog. It houses a treasure of articles with tips, prompts, and sample essays for scholarships. They provide feedback on what works effectively in each example and why, which might give you the spark you're looking for.
Another useful resource is the scholarship's or institution's webpage. Some have sections specifically for past winning essays. Examining these examples can provide valuable insight into the caliber of essays that the scholarship committee resonates with. Just remember, these works are highly tailored to a specific prompt with a specific audience in mind.
In terms of published material, a book titled "How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: 30 Essays That Won Over $3 Million in Scholarships" by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe can be a good starting point. These examples won’t be as readily accessible as online resources, but the book should be available from your local library or major bookstores.
Lastly, try connecting with previous scholarship winners from your school or local community. They might be willing to share their essays or their process for writing it with you.
Remember, the best essay will be one that is true to who you are and tells your unique story. Use these resources as a guide, but make sure your own voice shines through. It’s your experiences, after all, that will make your essay truly unique and compelling.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.