Helpful Tips for Writing Your Essay
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Understand the Prompt
Carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Identify key themes and requirements to ensure your response addresses all aspects of the question.
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Reflect Before Writing
Take time to reflect on your personal experiences, challenges, and moments of growth. Consider specific examples that demonstrate your journey and transformation during high school.
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Follow Instructions
Adhere to the specified word count, formatting, and any other instructions provided in the scholarship application. Failure to do so may negatively impact your application.
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Create an Outline
Organize your thoughts by creating a clear and logical outline before you start writing. This will help you structure your essay coherently and ensure that each point contributes to your overall narrative.
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Focus on Specific Examples
Support your claims with concrete examples. Whether discussing challenges or achievements, provide specific instances that showcase your personal growth. This adds depth to your narrative.
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Connect to Future Goals
Articulate how your experiences have influenced your future goals and aspirations. Show a clear connection between your personal growth and how it has shaped your vision for the future.
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Tell Your Story Authentically
Be genuine and authentic in sharing your experiences. Use your own voice and personal style to make your essay stand out. Avoid clichés and focus on unique aspects of your journey.
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Highlight Key Traits
Emphasize relevant qualities (i.e. resilience, adaptability, determination, self-awareness). Clearly demonstrate how these traits have developed and how they contribute to your character
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Show, Don't Just Tell
Instead of simply stating your personal growth, illustrate it through vivid descriptions, emotions, and tangible outcomes. Paint a picture that allows the reader to truly understand your journey.
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Edit and Revise
Review your essay critically for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Eliminate unnecessary words and ensure that each sentence serves a purpose.
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Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay. Proofread your essay multiple times and consider using tools like spell checkers (i.e. Grammarly) to catch any overlooked mistakes.
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Seek Feedback
Ask teachers, counselors, or peers to review your essay. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your essay before submission.