1. Tell Your Authentic Story
The most powerful scholarship essays are deeply personal and specific. Don't try to write what you think the committee wants to hear — write the truth of your experience.
2. Start with a Specific Scene
Don't open with a broad statement like "Education is important." Open with a specific moment — a conversation, a decision, a challenge. Drop the reader into a scene that illustrates who you are and what drives you.
3. Your Blackness is an Asset
For scholarships specifically supporting Black students, your racial identity and lived experience are central to your application. Don't sanitize your story. Describe the specific ways being Black in America has shaped your perspective and goals.
4. Show, Don't Tell
Instead of writing "I am a hard worker," describe a specific situation that demonstrates your work ethic. Instead of saying "I want to help my community," describe the specific community need you want to address.
5. Be Specific About Your Goals
Vague goals like "I want to make a difference" are less compelling than specific ones. Specificity signals genuine commitment and makes your essay memorable.
6. Edit Ruthlessly
Every sentence should earn its place. Read your essay aloud — if it sounds awkward when spoken, rewrite it.
7. Apply to More Than You Think You Need
Set a goal of applying to at least 10-15 scholarships. The biggest predictor of scholarship success is the number of applications submitted.