Hi guys. I'm writing a university scholarship application. Do you know what they're REALLY looking for?

Question

In the application, it says I should "represent" myself -- in other words, this letter (only 400 words) should reveal who I am and what I'm about). And yet, I think I should sound a little "academic". I don't have a lot of concrete stuff to say (ie, I haven't won any prizes or anything...).

Does anyone know what really impresses the univerities? What should I say? Perhaps more importantly, HOW should I say it?

Thank you!!!!

Answer 1

what kind of scholarship is it? Is it based on a major or a talent? Is it a named scholarship for someone? If that is the case, research that person and pull in some thread of commonality you have with that person.

What are you going to do with your degree? Why is going to school important to you and how can that scholarship help you?

Sit yourself on their side of the table and ask yourself "why should I give this person money" Maybe that will help you forumulate your essay. Good luck!

Answer 2

1. You need to be able to juggle fruit.

2. You'll have a better chance if you're a Communist and or Democrat.

3. Tell them you think Women's Studies are real courses.

4. If you can drink for three days without passing out and have a Democratic party registration card on you at all times, that is pretty much your entire resume.

5.If you are a guy..act like your feelings get hurt allot and then share those feelings with one of the gay left wing professors.
That's a guaranteed A right there.

6. Quote Castro and Mao Se Tung as often as possible in the application. You'll not only get the scholarship but a new copy of Mao's manifesto and a little gray uniform as well.

Answer 3

As an average student in High School, I learned that there are a few tricks to the essay questions that can help. First, forget your GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Those are on your application/transcript and so they will automatically know about them. They want to know that you can handle working at a Collegic pace and have qualities that all the other 4.5 GPA 2400 SAT applicants don't. What do you do away from school? Are you into sports? Theatre? Slam poetry? Under-water basket weaving? any talents you have that show dedication and ambition are great to list. Don't worry about the $400 words, they read thousands of aplications and so they really won't mind a break in their lives of vocabulary. Most importantly, don't write anything that isn't you. Be yourself, and since you are obviously awesome enough to know when to ask for help, I'm sure they'll be glad to accept you.
In conclusion remember: 1.) extra-curricular/recreational activities that prove dedication and ambition. 2.) Don't overwork your vocabulary (you shouldn't have to open a thesaurus) and 3.) Be you, that's what they really want to see.

Answer 4

Lemme tell you, 400 words can be a great sales pitch, or one that doesn't give off much of a bang. Remember, you are selling yourself to the school. Your goal is to give a brief summary or biography of what you have done and what you expect to do.

For example, start your essay with brief descriptions of what you have accomplished in the past. This doesn't necessarily mean any awards, per se, but simply things you have done that you are proud of. Don't spend to much time on the academic part of it, unless the scholorship is an academic one. Talk about how you overcame a challenge or two, such as focused on a subject you weren't doing well in and turned it around. Talk about any volunteer/community things that you have actively participated in. Talk about any sports or other extra-cirricular activites you participated in.

Towards the closing, you will want to tell the school what you will offer them, and how they will benefit by having you as one of their students. Speak highly of extra-cirricular stuff, such as student organizations, etc. Talk about your major, and what you intend to do with your education.

I'm sure that you will do fine, as long as you write a few drafts and work out the presentation. If you wait until the last minute, you're not going to help yourself.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

I went through this process a little over a year ago. Schools want to get to know the real you. Make sure to answer what they are asking you in a clear concise statement.

If it is open ended, be brief and to the point. Don't tell them what they already know (grades, class rank GPA) instead tell them things about you (struggles achievements extracurricular activities).

Another thing to remember is to let your writing speak for you until the interview because they no nothing about you. It may also be helpful to attach a picture so they can pout a face with the application.

Finally, stay within the suggested length. This is one of the more important factors because it shows that you can follow directions as well as makes you stand out.

I wish you the best of luck!!!!

Answer 6

Schools are looking for you to be unique. Normally, I would suggest you talk about a struggle you've been through, and what you've learned from it. Or describe an event that has impacted you in a positive way.

Standing out doesn't have to mean you volunteer every Saturday, but show that you deserve the scholarship because you have been through some experiences that others have not. Represent yourself by describing some life events. Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Basically, you want the university to know you're a hardworking, bright student. Tell them not only about any academic honors you received in high school, but also any activities you did, such as BETA club, band, sports, etc. This will make you seem more well-rounded, which colleges like. You can also talk about your hobbies and other activities you like to do, to tell them a little about your personality. Talk about your academics first, where you went to school, where you grew up, etc. Then talk about your activities, then hobbies, then personality, etc.

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Whatever you do, don't make it sound overly verbose and psuedo-intellectual. Many people will advise you to write in metaphors, and use obscure words, but it will make you look like you are an idiot trying to look smart.
Simply write who you are, what your goals are, and how motivated you are. As an employer, I look for someone who is directed, and is hungry for my position, and I know schools look for similar aspects.
When I get those... "It has always been my dream, my passion, my driving desire to count beans in your office...." I throw it away.
Be honest, and let them know that you want in badly, and you know what you can offer. Be confident and assertive, and avoid fluff. You do not need to write stuff like I was captain of the chess club and have a 4.0 average. They can see that on your transcript. You need to tell them what you are that cannot be shown in records. So do not worry that you do not have accolades.

Answer 9

Well, since I had already been in your foot steps, and took me weeks to get my essay right. The best thing you can do is be yourself. You need to understand that they read a million letters a day, and most the letters are all the same. You need to stand out from the crowd. Tell they your goal when finishing college, your interest, you got a sick memeber in your familly put that in it too!( Sick familly works, when you want to say that your goin to college to do better in life and help that familly memeber) Make them want to understand that u really want to get there! I was in the same boat as you. Didn't win any prizes in high school, but knew that if I express myself to them I got it in the bag. Umm I hope I help.

Answer 10

The best way to represent yourself is to write about stuff that you like to do. Like hobbies you do. Or it could be something that you used to do when you were younger. I would also put in your application how this hobbie makes you feel and why you like to do it. Give them a little feel about who you really are and where you come from. Thats the best way. Bye Lee