Posted: March 1st, 2023

How to End a scholarship essay

What is a Scholarship Essay?

A scholarship essay is a written composition that outlines a student’s achievements, goals, and aspirations to persuade a scholarship committee to award them financial support to pursue higher education. Scholarship essays can take various forms, but they typically require students to demonstrate their abilities and potential through clear, concise writing. This essay may be the deciding factor in whether or not the student receives the scholarship, so it is crucial to write a compelling essay that stands out from other applicants.

The purpose of a scholarship essay is to convince the scholarship committee that the student is the best candidate for the scholarship award. The essay should showcase the student’s unique qualities, academic achievements, and career goals. A well-written scholarship essay can help students overcome financial barriers to education and open doors to new opportunities. A good scholarship essay will not only impress the scholarship committee but also leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Scholarship essays require careful planning, research, and drafting to ensure that they are effective. It is important to understand the prompt, identify the key themes and ideas, and create a strong outline before starting to write. The essay should be personalized and demonstrate the student’s personality, interests, and passions. With a clear understanding of what a scholarship essay entails and some tips on how to write one effectively, students can increase their chances of receiving financial support to further their education.

How to Write A Scholarship Essay Outline

Writing a scholarship essay outline is an essential step in the essay writing process. It helps to organize your ideas and thoughts and ensures that your essay flows logically. Here are some steps to follow when creating a scholarship essay outline:

1. Understand the prompt: Before creating an outline, read and understand the prompt or essay question. Identify the key themes and ideas that the scholarship provider is looking for in the essay.
2. Brainstorm ideas: Jot down any ideas that come to mind about how you can address the prompt. These ideas can be organized into different categories, such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, career goals, and personal experiences.
3. Create an introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information on the topic. It should also include a thesis statement that summarizes the main point of the essay.

Example: “Growing up in a low-income family, I have always been determined to pursue higher education. This essay will outline my academic achievements, personal experiences, and career goals, and explain why I am the ideal candidate for this scholarship.”

4. Develop the body paragraphs: The body paragraphs should provide more detail on the categories identified in step 2. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and include specific examples and details to support your argument.

Example: “I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and have taken several advanced placement courses. In addition, I have participated in several academic competitions and have won first place in the Math Olympiad two years in a row.”

5. Write a conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement in a new way. It should leave the reader with a lasting impression of the student’s achievements and potential.

Example: “In conclusion, my academic achievements, personal experiences, and career goals demonstrate my commitment to pursuing higher education. With this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my dreams and contribute to society in a meaningful way.”

Creating a scholarship essay outline can make the essay writing process less daunting and more manageable. It helps to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent. By following these steps and including specific examples and details, students can write a compelling scholarship essay that stands out from other applicants.

How to Start a Scholarship Essay

Starting a scholarship essay can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth process. Here are some tips on how to start a scholarship essay with explanations and examples:

1. Start with a strong introduction: A good introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear sense of what the essay is about. It should be interesting, engaging, and concise. Here are some examples of effective ways to start a scholarship essay:

• Start with a quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
• Tell a story: “When I was a child, my parents always told me that education was the key to success. Growing up in a low-income family, I never fully understood the value of their words until I started my own journey towards higher education.”
• Ask a question: “What does it take to be a successful student? For me, it is a combination of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn.”

2. Clearly state your purpose: The scholarship essay should have a clear purpose, and this should be evident in the introduction. The reader should know why you are applying for the scholarship and what you hope to achieve with the funds. Here are some examples of how to state your purpose:

• “I am applying for this scholarship to pursue a degree in engineering and ultimately work towards creating sustainable solutions for environmental problems.”
• “As a first-generation college student, this scholarship will help me overcome financial barriers and achieve my dream of obtaining a higher education.”
• “I am passionate about using my education to make a positive impact on my community, and this scholarship will help me turn that passion into a reality.”

3. Preview your main points: It is helpful to preview the main points you will be discussing in the essay. This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and helps to organize your thoughts. Here are some examples of how to preview your main points:

• “In this essay, I will discuss my academic achievements, my community involvement, and my career aspirations.”
• “I will outline how my personal experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a degree in business, the impact I hope to make with this degree, and how this scholarship will help me achieve my goals.”
• “Through this essay, I will showcase my leadership skills, my passion for social justice, and my dedication to using my education to make a difference.”

In summary, starting a scholarship essay requires a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention, a clear statement of purpose, and a preview of the main points. By following these tips and using the examples provided, students can start their scholarship essay with confidence and set themselves apart from other applicants.

How to Structure a Scholarship Essay

When it comes to writing a scholarship essay, it’s important to have a clear and logical structure that effectively communicates your ideas and makes a strong impression on the scholarship committee. Here’s a breakdown of the most common structure for a scholarship essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear overview of what the essay will be about. This is also a good place to state the thesis or main argument of the essay. For example, you could start with a personal anecdote or a thought-provoking question that relates to the prompt.
2. Body: The body of the essay should be organized into several paragraphs that each cover a different point or idea. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and provides evidence or examples to support your argument. You should also make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next to create a cohesive and coherent argument.
3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis in a clear and concise way. This is also a good place to leave a lasting impression on the reader by providing a call to action or making a strong statement. For example, you could emphasize how receiving the scholarship would help you achieve your goals and contribute to your community.

Here’s an example of how this structure could be used to write a scholarship essay:

Introduction: When I was in high school, I volunteered at a local soup kitchen and was struck by the impact that a single meal can have on someone’s life. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in nutrition so that I could help others lead healthier and happier lives. I believe that receiving this scholarship would allow me to further my education and achieve my goals.

Body: In the first paragraph of the body, I would discuss my academic achievements and how they have prepared me for a career in nutrition. I could mention specific classes or research projects that demonstrate my passion for the subject. In the second paragraph, I could discuss my extracurricular activities, such as volunteering at the soup kitchen or participating in a community garden. I would explain how these experiences have shaped my goals and helped me develop important skills, such as teamwork and communication. In the third paragraph, I would discuss my career goals and how receiving this scholarship would help me achieve them. I could mention specific programs or internships that I plan to pursue with the scholarship funds.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I am passionate about nutrition and believe that receiving this scholarship would help me make a meaningful contribution to society. I am committed to using my education and experience to help others lead healthier and happier lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Thank you for your consideration.

How to End a Scholarship Essay

The conclusion of a scholarship essay is just as important as the introduction and body of the essay. A strong conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee and help the student stand out from other applicants. Here are some tips on how to end a scholarship essay effectively:

1. Reiterate your main points: The conclusion is an opportunity to remind the reader of the key points you made in the essay. Summarize your main arguments and highlight how they support your case for receiving the scholarship.

Example: “In summary, my academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership experiences demonstrate my potential to make a meaningful impact in my field of study. I am confident that with your support, I can achieve my goals and contribute to society.”

2. End with a call to action: Use the conclusion to inspire the reader to take action. Encourage the scholarship committee to consider your application and express gratitude for their time and consideration.

Example: “I hope you will consider my application for this scholarship and invest in my future. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my studies and make a positive impact in the world.”

3. Provide a memorable final thought: End your essay with a powerful statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a quote, a personal reflection, or a statement of gratitude.

Example: “As I embark on this journey, I am reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ I am grateful for this opportunity to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in the world.”

In conclusion, the end of a scholarship essay is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Reiterating your main points, ending with a call to action, and providing a memorable final thought are effective ways to conclude your essay. By following these tips, students can increase their chances of receiving the scholarship and achieving their academic and career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the conclusion of a scholarship essay important?

A: The conclusion of a scholarship essay is important because it provides an opportunity for the applicant to leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee. It is the final opportunity to convince the reader that you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

What should be included in the conclusion of a scholarship essay?

A: The conclusion of a scholarship essay should summarize your main arguments, end with a call to action, and provide a memorable final thought. This will help leave a lasting impression on the reader and increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Should I include new information in the conclusion of my scholarship essay?

A: No, the conclusion of your scholarship essay should not include any new information. Instead, it should reiterate the main points you made in the essay and provide a summary of your arguments.

How long should the conclusion of a scholarship essay be?

A: The length of the conclusion of a scholarship essay will depend on the length of the essay itself. However, it should be long enough to effectively summarize your main points and provide a memorable final thought, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or loses the reader’s attention.

Can I end my scholarship essay with a question?

A: While it is possible to end your scholarship essay with a question, it is generally not recommended. A more effective approach is to end with a powerful statement or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.