typical scholarship essay questions

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10 Common Scholarship Essay Questions and How to Answer Them

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Updated on July 15th, 2022

When your student applies for scholarships, writing the essay often feels like the most challenging part. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. By learning about common scholarship essay questions and how to answer them, your student can be prepared for most of the topics they’ll need to address.

Knowing how to answer common scholarship essay questions is only part of the battle. You also have to track down great scholarships to pay for college. If you and your student want to learn more about exciting scholarship opportunities, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar ! Just head to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar and reserve your spot today .

If your student wants to get ahead of the curve and write winning scholarship essays , here’s a look at ten common scholarship essay questions and how to tackle them.

1.1 1. Tell Us About Yourself
1.2 2. How Will This Scholarship Make a Difference for You?
1.3 3. Can You Tell Us About a Time You Failed? What Did You Learn from That Experience?
1.4 4. Tell Us About a Contribution You’ve Made to Your Community
1.5 5. What Are Your Academic (or Professional) Goals?
1.6 6. Tell Us About a Time Where You Stepped Up as a Leader
1.7 7. Who Has Been Your Biggest Influence (or Inspiration)?
1.8 8. Why Do You Want to Go to College?
1.9 9. How Are You Planning on Financing Your College Education?
1.10 10. Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship?
2 Using Common Scholarship Essay Questions to Prepare

1. Tell Us About Yourself

This is possibly one of the trickiest college scholarship essays to write, not because it’s complicated, but because it’s so broad. Students have a lot of freedom with this prompt, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed about how to proceed.

Typically, students shouldn’t just give an overview of their life stories. Instead, they need to provide the committee with insights about their passions and drives, events that shaped their perspective, and relevant successes or achievements.

It’s also wise to be a bit future-focused, discussing not just where they’ve been but where they hope to go. Students can touch on valuable personality traits along the way, too, as that helps the reader gauge who they are as a person.

If you want to get ahead of the curve and write winning scholarship essays, here’s a look at ten common scholarship essay questions and how to answer them.

2. How Will This Scholarship Make a Difference for You?

Generally, students have a few options for addressing this question. First, they could showcase how the scholarship helps them overcome a relevant financial hardship. This can include being able to afford tuition, get needed equipment or supplies, or access a program at a college that may otherwise be out of reach.

Second, they could concentrate on how the scholarship will help them achieve their academic or professional goals. For example, your student might want to discuss how the award would allow them to pursue their preferred field.

Students should focus on how the scholarship eliminates roadblocks, though the exact type of obstacle can vary. Additionally, they should discuss what they’ll be able to achieve if they receive the award, both in the short- and long-term.

3. Can You Tell Us About a Time You Failed? What Did You Learn from That Experience?

For many students, even figuring out how to start a scholarship essay introduction for this topic is hard, let alone writing the whole thing. It’s difficult discussing a failure with others, so many students hold back if they are given this prompt.

However, honesty is the best policy. Additionally, even when talking about a failure, it’s possible to keep the essay positive.

Students should start by outlining the scenario and giving an overview of how the failure occurred. The misstep can be academic, personal, or professional, as long as it’s clear that something went wrong along the way.

After the overview, it’s all about a quick pivot. Students should explain the lessons they learned and what they would do differently if faced with a similar situation again. That helps them demonstrate their self-awareness and growth, along with their ability to persevere.

how to start a scholarship essay introduction

4. Tell Us About a Contribution You’ve Made to Your Community

This scholarship essay prompt is incredibly common for volunteering scholarships or awards focused on service. Students need to share insights about their community service-oriented activities, as well as the positive impact created by their participation.

Additionally, it’s smart for students to spend some time explaining how the experience impacted them. They may also want to touch on any plans they have to continue to remain active in their community, as that can help them stand out.

5. What Are Your Academic (or Professional) Goals?

With this common scholarship essay question, students need to clearly outline what they want to achieve, either academically or professionally, depending on exactly what they are asked. Usually, it’s best to start off with the basics. Students should explain what they want to study or the career path they hope to have.

However, they shouldn’t stop there. It’s also wise to dig a bit deeper, diving into precisely what motivated them to head in this direction. Some students do this by sharing their epiphany moment, while others talk about how it’s the culmination of a life-long passion. As long as it paints a great picture, any approach is potentially a winner.

6. Tell Us About a Time Where You Stepped Up as a Leader

Leadership is a hot topic for college scholarship essays. Many committees ask questions like this one to see what applicants bring to the table. Usually, your student needs to provide a clear example of when they took on a leadership role.

There are a lot of options for approaching this. Heading up a school project counts, as well as captaining a sports team. Coordinating volunteer efforts may work, along with a wide variety of work-related activities.

Again, exactly what your student chooses is less important than how they describe it. It’s all about sharing a story, ensuring the reader can get a good gauge on what happened and how your student’s involvement made a difference.

7. Who Has Been Your Biggest Influence (or Inspiration)?

Many scholarship essay questions want students to talk about their heroes. While it may seem odd to ask students to discuss someone other than themselves, it’s actually a great way to learn more about an applicant’s passions.

As they describe why the person influenced or inspired them, they incidentally talk about how they are motivated, their priorities, and their values. It also allows the reader to learn more about what shaped your student’s goals and aspirations, which can be quite enlightening.

Ideally, students want to be story-oriented. While they can certainly discuss the person’s traits and background, the focus should largely be on moments that inspired or influenced their way of thinking. That makes the essay more meaningful.

8. Why Do You Want to Go to College?

For some students, this question is surprisingly tough. Many students saw college as a must from a relatively young age, essentially viewing it as anything as optional. However, students do have choices about how they move forward after high school.

Scholarship committees want to know that heading to college isn’t an afterthought or something a student is doing solely because they were pressured in that direction. Ideally, students should discuss personal motivations or goals that made college the right choice for them. That way, their passion can shine through.

9. How Are You Planning on Financing Your College Education?

If a scholarship is focused on financial need, your student may face questions about how they intend to fund their education. This can be a difficult topic, particularly for students who may not be able to afford school without outside support, such as scholarships or grants. It’s hard to talk about financial hardship, but this question makes it necessary.

Students should actually start their essay by giving the committee insight into their situation, particularly regarding personal or household circumstances that make affording college difficult. After the overview, students should outline all of their efforts to secure enough funding. That can include everything from applying to scholarships, exploring work-study, getting a part-time job, or anything else.

Often, scholarship committees appreciate it when students are taking every chance to find ways to pay for college. It lets them know that the student is passionate enough to go the extra mile and demonstrates that they aren’t afraid of challenges if it means achieving their goals. So, students should touch on everything they are doing to make their college dream possible.

10. Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship?

Writing an essay about why they deserve a scholarship can be hard for any student. However, it’s a topic they need to be ready to discuss. This is one of the most common scholarship essay questions around.

Previously, The Scholarship System took a deep dive into how to write an essay on “Why I deserve this scholarship,” making that a great resource for any student who wants to prepare. As an overview, it’s about showcasing their perspective without coming across as arrogant and discussing achievements (academic or otherwise) that highlight why they are a standout applicant.

Using Common Scholarship Essay Questions to Prepare

Simply knowing what the common scholarship essay questions are usually isn’t enough. Instead, students should take extra steps to prepare to write their essays.

First, it’s wise to spend a little time brainstorming about the topics. That way, students can develop several ideas that they may want to explore and see if one approach resonates more than another.

Second, checking out some scholarship essay examples that won money is an excellent idea. This helps students learn more about what scholarship committees connect with, as well as more about how to tackle certain topics.

Finally, it’s wise to learn more about essay writing techniques. Along with reviewing how to write scholarship essays , it doesn’t hurt to research college personal statements , as those can be very similar to scholarship (and college application) essays. Similarly, checking out scholarship essay formats is a smart move. It will help your student figure out how to start a scholarship essay introduction, how to end a scholarship essay, and everything in between.

By doing that additional research, they’ll have as much information as possible. And, in the end, that could increase the odds that their essay will be a winner.

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The 16 Most Popular Scholarship Essay and Application Questions

by Gabrielle McCormick | Nov 17, 2018 | Applying for Scholarships , Finding Scholarships , Scholarship Essays | 0 comments

Believe it or not, scholarship committees generally ask the same types of questions and have similar applications.

That’s right! The scholarships you find are going to fit into specific themes which you must be able to identify in order to save your family time, frustration, stress, and most importantly – money.

The 16 themes below are designed for you to use as a reference until you can spot them on your own. Also, make sure you check out our Scholarship Fast Track videos , specifically the Application Accelerators Module , that outlines these scholarship essay themes and questions even more!

The Top 16 Scholarship Essay Themes

Committee Composition
Competition
Contribution
Credentials

I’ve provided a definition as well as common scholarship question examples for each theme.

[info-box type=”success”] Real Talk: These questions are not made-up and, in fact, come from actual scholarship applications that are open to students at all levels. I hope that they serve you well in preparing for your upcoming applications. [/info-box]

Common Scholarship Questions and Essay Prompts

Scholarship essay theme: career.

The career theme is pretty self-explanatory. The committee wants to know any and everything relating to you or your student’s career goals.

Common Scholarship Questions:

What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
Why did you select this career?
How will you change the field/industry?
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Catch-All

This is a student’s life summary or autobiography which usually includes information about the past, present, and future. Some committees refer to it as a personal statement or brief bio. (Warning: Not all personal statements will be looking for a life summary. Make sure you read the application carefully.)

Please write a short autobiography including information about your family, work experience, community involvement, hobbies, spare time activities, and what you hope to do in the future.
Please include a short summary or personal statement describing your accomplishments and goals.
List any honors and awards you’ve received.
List your extra-curricular activities.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Challenges

Everyone loves a good underdog story. An essay theme that focuses on Challenges asks the student to identify a time when they were down or faced conflict. The committee wants to hear how instead of giving up, you rose to the occasion or at least learned what was necessary to achieve success.

Write a short essay that describes areas in your life where you demonstrated leadership and overcame obstacles either through your school, social, or family life.
What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve ever faced? How did you handle it?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Champion

Why you? Out of all the available applicants, why should you or your student earn the scholarship?

Why do you need this scholarship?
Please list any additional comments you believe would be helpful in the committee’s decision.
In 100 words or less, tell why you would like to receive the XYZ scholarship.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Change

This is one I’m starting to see more and more of in the scholarship world. Committees are interested in the opinions, thoughts, and ideas of applicants. With topics like legislation, population control, and the environment, committees want to see analytical and critical thinking skills.

What do you think we should do about gun control in this country?
How would you handle texting and driving?
Create an innovative solution to reduce waste.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Character

As Defined by Merriam-Webster , “Character is the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves .” Essentially, it’s what makes you who you are.

Describe a time in your life that has shaped who you are as a person.
This is what I believe in…
How do you define success?
What traits do you possess that will enhance your education or future career?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Classroom

Academics, teaching methods, assignments, and anything that pertains to student learning fall under this category.

How has technology impacted student learning?
If you could design a college curriculum, what would it be?
Do you believe that standardized testing has helped or hindered student learning?

Scholarship Essay Theme: College

This is one of the most common scholarship essay themes. The premise: Why do you want to go to college?

You’ll often see this theme attached to others as an additional question or a required component of the application.

Why do you want to go to college?
What do you expect to gain from earning a college degree?
What are your educational goals?

Is this helping you? Are you beginning to see how this can save you a lot of time? If so, let me know in the comments below, Tweet Me @ScholarshipTalk, or just share the following message and I’ll know you see the benefits of organizing your scholarships based on themes. ?

[clickToTweet tweet=”Organizing my scholarships based on the 16 core essay themes has saved me time! #OwnYourDegree” quote=”Organizing my scholarships based on the 16 core essay themes has saved me time!”]

Scholarship Essay Theme: Committee Composition

I’m sure you’ve seen some of the eccentric scholarships out there that challenge you to write about your favorite ice cream, talk about using their product, or design a logo for their company. These scholarships tend to be unique or inspired by the sponsoring organization.

Create a greeting card and be featured in our upcoming holiday card collection.
Design a mascot for our company.
Write an essay about how lights and fixtures could impact your mood.
Develop an innovative video to end smoking.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Community

This is also a popular scholarship theme. Instead of looking at a student’s GPA, test scores, or major, the community essay theme focuses on community service, community initiatives, and community improvement.

Describe a meaningful volunteer experience?
Make thank-you cards for military service members.
Share a project you developed to change your community.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Competition

A common theme for athletes, band members, dancers, or those involved in groups/organizations is the Competition scholarship essay. It highlights participation and its associated benefits.

What does it mean to be a good student on the field, in the classroom, and in the community?
Define what it means to be a good teammate?
Describe a moment of sportsmanship.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Contribution

Again, this is another scholarship essay theme that you may see added to another scholarship question or application. The committee wants to know about you or your student’s contribution to society at various levels.

How will you make a difference in our world?
How have you made a difference in your community?
What do you think our country should do to foster unity?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Control

Control , i.e. leadership, oftentimes stands alone as a scholarship theme because of the many questions that can be asked. From being a leader to follower and everything in between, the committee is seeking answers regarding group interaction, the organization of people, or participation within a group setting.

What does leadership mean to you?
Explain a family, social or school situation, in which your leadership made the difference. What was accomplished?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Creative

I’m starting to see a rise in Creativ e scholarship essays as well. You may notice some similarities with the Committee Composition theme because these scholarships are usually committee-driven and created.

The committee will provide a question, but give you freedom in depicting or representing the theme or category they’ve selected.

Write a short story of 2,000 words or less.
Create a video of 2-minutes or less to encourage young people to stop texting and driving.
Submit a photograph depicting the word “family”.

Scholarship Essay Theme: Credentials

As defined by Merriam-Webster , “Credentials are a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person’s background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something.”

These scholarships will require specific credentials to apply or may use the credential within application questions.

To apply for this scholarship, you must be a female student majoring in a male-dominated industry. Please tell us why you selected this career?
Applicants must be a member of the LGBTQI community. Describe a volunteering activity you conducted for your community.
Students must be a dependent of an active military member or veteran. Why do you need this scholarship?
Students applying for this scholarship must be undergraduate students entering their first semester. What study habits do you think are imperative to freshmen student success?

Scholarship Essay Theme: Culture

Cultures can be comprised of many different components. From college communities to hometown traditions, the Culture theme is based on the defining characteristics of a student’s environment.

Tell the committee why you decided to attend college out-of-state?
What does your university’s tradition and pride represent?
Submit a piece of artwork that captures your town.

[info-box type=”alert”]Do you want a downloadable version of these themes and questions for your notes? Click here for a FREE copy . [/info-box]

Save a Ton of Time by Using These Themes

Scholarship applications may have one or several themes present. Focus on identifying your possible scholarship themes.

Labeling scholarships by themes and working on them at the same time allows the student to divide and conquer. If your family can get good at identifying themes, you’ll immediately save hours of time on applications .

As I start to see new themes emerge, I’ll be sure to add them to the list. For now, this should keep you pretty busy as you continue to find and apply for scholarships.

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Applying For Scholarships

How To Answer Common Scholarship Essay Questions

David Dec 28, 2017

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What Are Your Long and Short Term Goals?

These questions may be phrased in several ways: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” “How will your current education contribute to your overall career goals?” Your answers should show that you do in fact have a plan for your future that corresponds to your degree program. The scholarship committee wants to see that their money is going to a worthy cause, not someone just testing the waters in college. Create an answer that shows realistic goals that can be achieved through continued education.

What Are Some of the Most Important Issues in Your Field of Study?

Questions like this are designed to gauge your knowledge of current events in your field. A worthy scholarship applicant will be invested in his or her future career. More importantly, the education that leads to that career will ultimately be used to address current issues. At least, that’s how they will view it. Come up with solutions for each problem, or explain how your education would allow you to develop effective solutions.

What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?

Since this is a scholarship application, you still want to create answers that will put you above other applicants. Turn your weaknesses into opportunities. “I currently have limited knowledge in this area, but with my degree, I will be able to…” you may be sensing a trend here – scholarship committees love solutions . Coming up with a solution shows that you are forward-thinking and intuitive, and both of those qualities are worthy of being rewarded.

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Why Do You Need a Scholarship?

scholarship essay questions concept piggy bank with coins

Describe an Adult Who Had a Major Influence on Your Life

These are common scholarship essay questions because they give a glimpse into you past. While most people will say a parent, grandparent, or instructor, you could choose someone that is slightly less expected. This doesn’t take away from the value of a good parent, but think about how many scholarship applicants respond with those answers.

If you were raised by a single parent, you could discuss how the other parent was a strong influence because you had to learn how to live without him or her in your life. If you had a neighbor who had a positive work ethic, you could explain how that shaped the dedication you have to your degree. Take some time to look beyond the obvious choices, and you may be surprised by what you come up with.

What Are Your Greatest Personal Achievements?

You can choose any achievement you want for this answer as long as you relate it back to your education or career. For example, if you won a singing competition, you could explain how you learned the importance of practice and preparation. Those lessons could help you during your degree and your career. Take the opportunity to brag on yourself, but don’t forget the mission of the scholarship application.

When All Else Fails, Ask Yourself WHY

Why are they asking me this? What will my answers tell the scholarship committee about my life, my goals and my future? What can I say that will show how worthy I am to accept this award? No matter what scholarship essay questions you come across, try to identify the underlying reasons behind the prompts. This will help you create the best answers to earn their financial support.

Scholarship Essay

David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

As an admissions officer, I reviewed thousands of essays for students seeking admission and scholarships. The essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship application process–a strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. That’s why it’s important for you to start a scholarship essay off right!

There are some very simple things that you can do to ensure that your essay is engaging from the very first sentence. In fact, beginning your essay with an exciting opening is one of the most important things you can do, because it will immediately distinguish your essay from the others.

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can nail the very first sentence and start your essay off right!

Engage the reader with the first sentence

No matter what type of essay you are writing, you will want to ensure that the very first line grabs the attention of the reader. One of the biggest mistakes that students make when starting their essay is simply restating the prompt. This is bland and boring.

Now, you might be wondering, “how do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?”. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do.

Related: How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Begin with dialogue

First, you could begin your essay with conversation. This can be an interesting and unexpected way to start your scholarship essay. Maybe someone asked you an unexpected question? Perhaps you were having an interesting conversation with a friend or family member? Either way, dialogue can be a powerful tool to start your essay.

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Put the reader in your shoes.

Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable.

Also recommended: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Scholarship essay introduction example

Next, we’ll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Let’s say you are applying for the Questbridge scholarship program . One of the essays that you will be asked is:

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most influenced you. How are they shaping your future aspirations?

You might be tempted to rephrase the question and start your essay with something like:

“I have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic success…”

This is generic and will not engage your reader at all.

Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:

“I look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.”

Makes a big difference, right? As a reader, you are probably wondering: why does this person have chickens outside their bedroom window? Why did they name this particular chicken Henry?

See also: Here are our top writing & essay scholarships for students!

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

While crafting your opening, be open to ideas about how to close your essay. There is no need to stress about the ending now, but being mindful of effective ways to end an essay is always a good idea. Say you are opening your scholarship essay with Henry the chicken. Is there a way for Henry to make an impactful appearance at the end of the essay to close things out in a way that perfectly wraps everything up? The key is for the essay ending to be meaningful and memorable for the reader.

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If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

Sometimes, we know what we want to say, point by point, but we are not ready to be creative when it comes to opening an essay. In that case, keep writing! There is always the option of going back and crafting an engaging opening after your essay is written. Simply write your main idea where the first paragraph would be to guide you as you write. After, go back when your creative juices are flowing, and craft the amazing opening (and closing) that your scholarship essay deserves!

Final thoughts

As shown, there are many questions that we as readers will have after reading an engaging essay opening such as the one just shared; We want to learn more about the student who is writing this essay. After all, as a writer trying to stand out in a pile of essays, that is our main goal.

We hope that you have a better understanding of how to start a scholarship essay so you can maximize your chances of winning scholarships!

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is the go-to for all things college admissions and scholarships! Wondering how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay ? Curious how to write an essay about yourself ? Wow, do we have the resources to help! Additionally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your college education. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors!

Key Takeaways

The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading
Engage the reader by appealing to the senses
Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you
Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning

Frequently asked questions about how to start a scholarship essay

What is an essay hook, how long should my scholarship essay be.

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Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Prompts

Practical Scholarship Essay Prompts For Students in 2023

19 min read

Common College Scholarship Essay Prompts

Writing a scholarship essay can vary with the subject, but most of them are all about recounting a personal experience. Most of the scholarship programs ask students to write an essay.

So, it is better to have four to five pre-written essays before beginning to apply for a scholarship. This will help you complete the application process fast and will allow you to prepare and apply for more scholarships.

Here are some common scholarship essay prompts and popular essay questions used by colleges to improve your scholarship chances. Don’t forget to follow the proper scholarship essay format when you are answering these questions.

How did you become a dedicated student? What experiences have persuaded you to continue your education?
How did you become a school policymaker, and what changes did you make in your classroom?
Does your skill, attribute, or quality differentiate you from everyone else? How did you develop that attribute?
How has your favorite book or movie influenced your life in a good way?
How did you come out at the most crucial time of your life? And how did your perspective on life change after that difficulty?
What would you most like doing right now, and where would you most like after five years?
Have you tried so hard for something and succeeded? What factors contributed to your success?
What is your strongest personality trait?
How do your family and friends characterize you? And how would they write about you in your scholarship essay?
Have you ever participated in any activity outside your classroom that demonstrates your qualities?
What are your extracurricular activities, and what made you participate in these activities? Why do you continue contributing to them?

Top 16 Scholarship Essay Themes

Scholarship essays are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and secure financial aid for your education. While there are countless scholarships available, certain essay themes tend to be common.

Here are the top 16 scholarship essay themes and how you can answer them:

Overcoming Adversity

Share your personal experiences dealing with challenges such as family hardships, personal setbacks, or financial difficulties.

Explain not only what these challenges were but how you navigated them, demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong determination to overcome obstacles.

Educational Goals

This theme is an opportunity to provide a clear vision of your academic aspirations. Describe your chosen field of study and the specific academic and career goals you wish to achieve.

Elaborate on how receiving the scholarship will aid in realizing these goals, making it easier for the selection committee to see the direct impact of their support.

Community Involvement

When discussing your involvement in the community, share the nature and extent of your volunteer work.

Explain the organizations or causes you've supported, and provide examples of how you've made a difference in your community. Highlight not just what you did but how these experiences have influenced your personal growth.

Cultural Diversity

Delve into your cultural background. Describe the traditions, values, or experiences that are unique to your cultural heritage.

Discuss how this background has shaped your beliefs and perspective on the world, as well as your ability to connect with people from different cultures.

Leadership Experiences

Detail your leadership roles, whether as a captain of a sports team, president of a club, or coordinator of a community project.

Share your accomplishments and how these experiences have taught you valuable leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.

Passion for a Cause

If you're passionate about a particular cause, such as environmental sustainability or social justice, explain the roots of this passion and your involvement in related activities or organizations.

Show how you've actively contributed to the cause and outline your vision for creating positive change.

Career Aspirations

This theme is an opportunity to map out your career path. Describe your intended profession and the positive impact you aim to have within that field.

Explain how the scholarship will enable you to pursue your career goals, whether through specific educational opportunities or financial support.

Academic Achievements

Highlight your academic successes, such as top grades, research projects, or significant awards.

Explain the significance of these achievements and how they reflect your commitment to academic excellence and your potential to excel in your chosen field of study.

Innovation and Creativity

If you've been involved in innovative projects, inventions, or creative works, this theme allows you to showcase these endeavors.

Describe the ideas behind these projects and how they demonstrate your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Extracurricular Activities

Discuss your involvement in extracurricular activities, whether it's participation in sports, clubs, or student organizations.

Explain how these activities have enriched your life, imparted important skills, and contributed to your personal growth and development.

Role Models

Introduce the individuals who have been your role models, mentors, or sources of inspiration.

Share their stories and qualities that have impacted your life and influenced your values, ambitions, and aspirations.

Personal Values

Elaborate on your core values, such as honesty, integrity, or social responsibility. Explain how these values have guided your choices in education, work, and community involvement.

Show how they've influenced your decision-making and actions.

Travel Experiences

Describe your travel experiences, the places you've visited, and the cultural encounters you've had.

Discuss how these experiences have broadened your horizons, changed your perspective on the world, and influenced your future goals or career choices.

Family Background

Share insights into your family's background, discussing your family's history, values, and any significant challenges they've faced.

Explain how your family's experiences have impacted your life, values, and ambitions, emphasizing the influence of your family's background on your personal and educational journey.

Global Awareness

Express your awareness of global issues such as poverty, climate change, or human rights.

Discuss how you stay informed about these issues and your desire to contribute to positive change on a global scale, whether through advocacy, research, or direct involvement.

Adaptability and Growth

Reflect on moments when you've had to adapt to new challenges, whether it was moving to a new city, facing personal setbacks, or encountering unexpected obstacles.

Describe how these experiences have shaped your ability to adapt, learn, and grow, as well as how they've prepared you for future endeavors.

How to Address Scholarship Essay Prompts?

The way to address your scholarship essay prompt will determine how successful is your application.

Every scholarship essay question should be approached differently. Below, you can find some scholarship essay prompts, examples, and guidelines on how to approach them.

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

To answer this question, you need to show that you have a plan for your future that corresponds to your degree program.

The scholarship committee will make sure that their money is going to a deserving candidate. So, you need to create an answer that shows your realistic goals and how they can be achieved through education.

Let's look at the example below to get an idea about answering this question;

Why this Answer Stands Out: The answer to the question is well-structured and concise. It tells a compelling story that includes a clear vision, connects to education, and shows passion and commitment. These are all important parts of a good scholarship essay.

What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

Remember, there are thousands of students applying for the scholarship program. So make sure your answers set you above the other candidates.

To address this popular scholarship essay prompt, you need to turn your weaknesses into great opportunities.

You can achieve this by selecting a problem and then coming up with a solution will show that you are forward-thinking and that quality is worth rewarding.

Let’s look at the example below;

Why this Answer Stands Out: The response strikes a balance between acknowledging a genuine weakness and demonstrating self-awareness and a proactive approach to personal growth.

It also leaves room for further discussion if the interviewer wants to explore how the candidate manages this weakness in a professional context.

What Is Your Greatest Personal Achievement?

To answer this question, you can choose any achievement in your life. You just need to make sure that you can relate it to your education.

The example below can help you get an idea of how to answer this;

Why this Answer Stands Out: This answer does a great job of relating personal achievement to their academic journey. It also shows that the person understands how this achievement connects to their future goals.

What Are Your Contributions to Your Community?

This is a very common scholarship essay question in which you need to describe your experience in community service. Share your experience and the work you have participated in.

In this scholarship prompt, you need to address what you have learned by participating in community service and how you plan to contribute to your community in the future.

Here is how you can answer this;

Why this Answer Stands Out: The answer shows the applicant's dedication to community service, their participation in various activities, and their goal of setting a good example.

It's an informative description of their community contributions, making it a strong choice for a scholarship essay.

What Makes You Unique?

Everyone has a trait or, an attribute that makes them different and unique. It could be their habit or interest. Provide as much detail as possible to answer this prompt in the best way possible.

Here is how you can answer this prompt:

Why this Answer Stands Out: This response is compelling because it provides a clear vision for the future. It shows that the candidate not only identifies their uniqueness but also understands how to apply it, making it a standout response.

Gates Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Gates Scholarship is a highly prestigious program that offers full financial support to low-income students with high academic and leadership potential.

Their essay topics seek to understand your commitment to making a difference in your community and how you plan to utilize your education to achieve this.

Describe a significant challenge you've faced due to your economic circumstances and how you've overcome it.
Share a story that illustrates your dedication to community service and its impact on those you've helped.
Reflect on a personal experience where you demonstrated leadership and how it contributed to your growth.
Discuss a time when you actively advocated for positive change or justice in your community.
Explain how your academic achievements align with your long-term career goals and the impact you hope to make.
Share a book, film, or artwork that has influenced your values and perspectives.
Describe your involvement in a STEM-related project or initiative and its significance.
Discuss an instance when you've had to adapt and grow in response to a challenging situation.
Explain how you've contributed to fostering diversity and inclusion in your school or community.
Reflect on an ethical dilemma you've encountered and how you resolved it.

Robertson Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a unique opportunity that provides full funding for students to attend both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The essay prompts for the Robertson Scholarship often focus on your leadership experiences, passion for creating social change, and how you plan to contribute to the community.

Share a leadership experience that has had a significant impact on your community and how it has shaped your values.
Describe a project or initiative that exemplifies your passion for social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Explain your vision for promoting collaboration and teamwork in a diverse setting.
Discuss a challenge you've encountered while pursuing your academic or extracurricular interests and how you've overcome it.
Reflect on a book, research paper, or intellectual pursuit that has influenced your academic interests and goals.
Describe your commitment to addressing global issues and your role in creating a positive impact.
Share a project or initiative you've led that contributed to meaningful change in your community.
Discuss how your academic achievements reflect your commitment to excellence.
Explain your long-term career goals and how you plan to make a difference.
Reflect on a time when you actively promoted inclusivity and diversity in your community.

Vanderbilt Scholarship Essay Prompts

Vanderbilt University offers a range of scholarships to recognize and support outstanding students.

The essay prompts for these scholarships typically seek to understand your academic and extracurricular achievements and how you envision your college experience at Vanderbilt.

Share a leadership experience that has had a significant impact on your community and how it has shaped your character.
Describe a specific academic or extracurricular achievement that reflects your commitment to excellence.
Explain your passion for a specific field of study and how it aligns with Vanderbilt University's offerings.
Discuss your vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity on your college campus and the role you plan to play.
Reflect on a book, piece of art, or cultural experience that has influenced your perspective.
Share a time when you demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Describe your involvement in community service and its impact on your understanding of social responsibility.
Explain your long-term career goals and how Vanderbilt University's scholarship will help you achieve them.
Share a project or initiative you've led that has contributed to positive change in your community.
Discuss how you plan to make a positive impact on the Vanderbilt campus and the broader community.

Bryan Cameron Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship is a unique opportunity for students who are deeply committed to civic engagement, leadership, and social responsibility.

The essay prompts for this scholarship program often ask applicants to reflect on their efforts to make a positive impact in their communities, leadership experiences, and long-term goals related to social change.

Describe a social or environmental issue you're passionate about and the actions you've taken to address it.
Share a significant leadership role you've held and the impact you've had on your community.
Explain your commitment to civic engagement and its alignment with the Bryan Cameron Foundation's mission.
Discuss a moment when you've demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.
Reflect on a book, article, or piece of art that has influenced your values and aspirations.
Describe your vision for a socially responsible business or organization you'd like to create.
Explain how you've promoted inclusivity and diversity in your school or community.
Discuss how your academic and extracurricular interests align with the Bryan Cameron Foundation's goals.
Share a project or initiative you've led that has contributed to a significant positive change in your community.
Explain your long-term goals for social impact and how the Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship will help you achieve them.

Dell Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Dell Scholars Program is designed to support students from underserved backgrounds in completing a college degree.

The essay prompts for this program often focus on the applicant's personal or family financial challenges, commitment to education, and how they've demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness.

Describe a personal or family financial challenge you've faced and how it has affected your educational journey.
Explain your commitment to pursuing a college degree and how it aligns with the Dell Scholars Program's mission.
Share a time when you demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles.
Discuss the impact of mentorship on your academic and personal development.
Describe your long-term career goals and how a college degree will support them.
Explain how you've contributed to your community and its positive change.
Discuss your academic achievements and their reflection of your commitment to excellence.
Share a project or initiative you've undertaken to address a pressing community issue.
Explain how the Dell Scholars Program can help you achieve your educational dreams and make a positive impact in your community.

Park Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Park Scholarships program at North Carolina State University aims to support students with exceptional leadership and service qualities.

The essay prompts for this program often center around leadership experiences, academic accomplishments, commitment to diversity, and contributions to the community.

Share a meaningful community service experience and its impact on your leadership skills.
Describe a specific academic or extracurricular accomplishment that demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
Explain your passion for a particular field of study and how it aligns with the Park Scholars Program's goals.
Discuss your vision for fostering inclusivity and diversity on your college campus.
Reflect on a book, work of art, or cultural experience that has influenced your perspective.
Share a personal challenge you've overcome and how it has contributed to your personal growth.
Discuss your involvement in community service and its impact on your understanding of social responsibility.
Explain your long-term career goals and how the Park Scholarship can support your journey.
Share a project or initiative you've led that has contributed to a positive change in your community.
Discuss your vision for your college experience at North Carolina State University and how you plan to contribute to campus life and the broader community.

Flinn Scholarship Essay Prompts

The Flinn Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program in Arizona that focuses on identifying exceptional students with a strong commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence.

The essay prompts for this scholarship program often center around leadership experiences, civic engagement, and the applicant's vision for addressing complex social issues.

Share a meaningful leadership experience and its impact on your community.
Explain your commitment to service and civic engagement and how it aligns with the mission of the Flinn Scholarship.
Discuss a project or initiative you've undertaken that exemplifies your passion for creating social change.
Describe a time when you've worked with diverse teams to address a complex issue.
Reflect on a book, research paper, or intellectual pursuit that has influenced your academic interests.
Explain your long-term career goals and how the Flinn Scholarship will enable you to achieve them.
Share a global issue that concerns you and the role you envision in addressing it.
Explain how you've demonstrated a commitment to ethical leadership.
Reflect on a time when you contributed to a significant positive change in your community.

Scholarship Essay Prompts High School

High school students are in the early stages of their academic and personal journey. Scholarships are a great way to support their education, and many organizations are eager to invest in your potential.

How do you plan to continue promoting these values in college and beyond?
What lessons have you learned from this experience, and how will they shape your future?
How has this experience influenced your values and aspirations for furthering your education and making a positive impact on society?
How do you plan to use your STEM knowledge to address real-world challenges?
How do you envision contributing to a greener future during your college years and beyond?
How will you continue to lead and inspire others in college?
How will your growth continue in your college journey?
How do you plan to incorporate your artistic interests into your future?
How have financial challenges shaped your determination to pursue higher education?
Explain your long-term career goals and how you plan to make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Scholarship Essay Prompts College

For college students, the academic and personal landscape has evolved, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Scholarships continue to be a valuable resource to support your ongoing education and personal growth.

How have you excelled in your field of study, and what academic goals do you aspire to achieve in the future?
Explain how this project contributes to your academic and career objectives.
How do these experiences align with your career goals and innovative aspirations?
How do you plan to apply this global perspective in your academic and professional endeavors?
How have you inspired and guided others, and what's your vision for continued leadership?
How do you plan to promote well-being in your community and beyond?
How did you work to address systemic issues during your college journey and outline your future goals for creating positive change?
How will you continue to advocate for environmental causes in your academic and professional life?
How have these experiences influenced your career path?
How do you plan to apply your interdisciplinary skills to make a difference in your chosen field?

List of Unique Scholarship Essay Prompts 2023

Besides the most general topics, scholarship applications may also ask questions regarding your achievements, background, field of study, and future goals.

Here are a few more topics that you can choose to show the scholarship committee who you are and why you deserve this scholarship.

Describe a person whom you admire the most.
What are your short and long-term goals?
Choose a book that has affected you deeply.
Why are you the best fit to get this financial aid?
What inspires you?
What leadership qualities do you have?
Describe a solution to a current social issue of your choice.
Why do you need a scholarship?

It is best to look at some scholarship essay examples and learn how to respond to each prompt in the best way.

By now, you must have gotten an idea about scholarship essay prompts and how to answer them in your essay.

It is not easy to predict every scholarship essay question. Nevertheless, knowing some of the important ones can give you an advantage in applications.

Still, if you don’t know where to start or are looking for expert help, get one-on-one help from the best essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com.

Our scholarship essay writing service is all you need to stand out from other applicants and win the scholarship.

Just say head over to our website and place your order to get paper writing help instantly!

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Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Prompts

Most Popular Scholarship Essay Prompts & Questions

12 min read

Published on: May 16, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

Popular Colleges Scholarship Prompts We Cover

In this article, we provide you with the best and most commonly used essay prompts for the following colleges.

College scholarship essay prompts
Robertson scholarship essay prompts
Park scholarship essay prompts
Vanderbilt scholarship essay prompts
Easy scholarship essay prompts
UCLA alumni scholarship essay prompts
Gilman scholarship essay prompts
Johnson scholarship essay prompts

Feel free to choose any and start writing your scholarship essay or personal statement and show the admission committee why you indeed deserve the financial aid. Make sure to follow the proper scholarship essay format when you are answering these questions.

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Current Scholarship Essay Prompts- 2024

Discuss a current global issue and explain how you would propose a solution to address it.
Describe a personal experience that influenced your decision to pursue a particular field of study.
How have you overcome a significant challenge in your life, and how has it impacted your personal growth?
Share a time when you demonstrated leadership and the impact it had on those around you.
Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in today's society and how you have contributed to promoting these values.
Describe your career aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.
Discuss a book, movie, or other piece of media that has had a significant impact on your life and explain why.
Share a time when you had to work with someone with a different perspective or background, and how you navigated those differences.
Discuss a community service project you have participated in and the impact it had on the community.
Explain the importance of financial literacy and how you plan to manage your finances in the future.

List of Best College Scholarship Essay Prompts

Here are the most common scholarship essay question examples that you can find on most college applications in the US.

Tell us about yourself.
How will this scholarship help you?
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
How will you make a difference in our world?
Describe a volunteer experience?
Why do you need this scholarship?
Describe a challenge you have overcome.
Who do you admire the most?
Why do you deserve this scholarship?
Briefly describe your short- and long-term goals.
What are your academic and future goals?
Tell us about a time when you had failed in something.
What makes you unique?
Does any quality or attribute distinguish you from others?
What are your most important extracurricular activities?
What is your biggest strength and weakness?
What are your greatest accomplishments?
What are your strongest personality traits?
How has your education contributed to who you are today?
What is your most prominent achievement, and how does it relate to your field of study?

Additional Scholarship Essay Prompts

Describe a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. What did you learn from the experience?
How have your experiences with diversity and inclusivity shaped your perspective and goals?
What motivates you to pursue your academic and career goals, and how do you stay focused on them?
Describe a moment when you faced adversity and how you overcame it.
How have your family, cultural background, or community influenced your values and beliefs?
Discuss a book, movie, or event that has impacted your life and explain why.
What is the most significant challenge facing your generation, and what solutions would you propose to address it?
Describe a time when you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. What did you learn from the experience?
What impact do you hope to make in your chosen field or industry, and how will this scholarship help you achieve that goal?

Describe a mentor or role model who has inspired you and explain why.

General Scholarship Essay Topics

Here are some more random scholarship essay topics that you can choose from

A person who has a major influence on your life
Things you have done outside of the classroom that has demonstrated your skills
Have you struggled for something and succeeded?
What leadership qualities do you have?
Why do you want to be a ___?
How do you define leadership?
Describe the importance of a good teammate?
What do you expect to gain from a college degree?
What does success means to you?
A book that has affected you deeply

The 16 Most Popular Scholarship Questions

We have compiled a list of the 16 most popular scholarship questions and how to effectively address them. Letâs take a look!

1. Career How will this scholarship help you achieve your career goals?

When addressing this prompt, discuss your future career aspirations and how the scholarship will support your academic and professional pursuits. Highlight any relevant experiences, skills, or certifications that will contribute to your success.

2. Catch-All Why do you deserve this scholarship?

This prompt allows you to discuss your overall qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. Discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, and future goals.

3. Challenges Discuss a personal or academic challenge you have overcome and how it has shaped you.

When addressing this prompt, be honest and open about a challenge you have faced and how you have overcome it. Highlight any lessons or skills you have gained from overcoming this challenge.

4. Champion Who is a person that has influenced you and why?

When addressing this prompt, discuss a person who has had a significant impact on your life and why. Highlight how their influence has shaped your personal or academic pursuits.

5. Change How will you make a positive impact in your community with the help of this scholarship?

When addressing this prompt, discuss your future community service goals and how the scholarship will support these efforts. Highlight any past community service experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.

6. Character How have your personal values and beliefs influenced your academic pursuits?

When addressing this prompt, discuss your personal values and beliefs and how they have influenced your academic and career goals. Highlight any experiences or achievements that demonstrate your character and commitment to your values.

7. Classroom How will you contribute to the academic community at your future college or university?

When addressing this prompt, discuss how you plan to contribute to the academic community at your future college or university. Highlight any academic or leadership experiences that demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact.

8. College Why have you chosen this particular college or university and how will this scholarship support your academic goals there?

When addressing this prompt, discuss why you have chosen your particular college or university and how the scholarship will support your academic pursuits. Highlight any relevant experiences or goals that align with the college or university's mission or values.

9. Committee Composition What unique perspective do you bring to the scholarship selection committee?

When addressing this prompt, discuss your unique experiences, skills, or background that you believe will contribute to the scholarship selection committee. Highlight any achievements or experiences that demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact.

10. Community How have you contributed to your local community and how will this scholarship support your future community service efforts?

When addressing this prompt, discuss any past community service experiences and how they have made a positive impact. Highlight any future community service goals and how the scholarship will support these efforts.

11. Competition How have you demonstrated your competitive spirit and drive for success?

When addressing this prompt, discuss any academic or extracurricular achievements that demonstrate your competitive spirit and drive for success. Highlight any leadership roles or experiences that demonstrate your potential for future success.

12. Contribution How will you contribute to your field of study through research or other academic pursuits? When addressing this prompt, discuss any research or academic goals you have for your field of study. Highlight any past academic or research experiences that demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact.

13. Control How have you taken control of your academic or personal life and achieved success?

When addressing this prompt, discuss any personal or academic challenges you have faced and how you have taken control of your life to achieve success. Highlight any skills or lessons you have gained from these experiences.

14. Creative How have you used your creativity to solve a problem or make a positive impact?

When addressing this prompt, discuss any experiences or achievements where you have used your creativity to make a positive impact. Highlight any problem-solving skills or unique approaches you have taken to achieve success.

15. Credentials How do your academic credentials and achievements make you a strong candidate for this scholarship?

When addressing this prompt, discuss your academic achievements and credentials that make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. Highlight any honors, awards, or certifications that demonstrate your academic excellence.

16. Culture How have your cultural experiences and background influenced your academic pursuits and goals?

When addressing this prompt, discuss how your cultural experiences and background have shaped your academic pursuits and goals. Highlight any experiences or achievements that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential to make a positive impact in your field of study.

How to Address Scholarship Essay Prompts?

Below you can find some of the most common scholarship questions and tips to answer them. Keep in mind these guidelines while answering the scholarship essay topic of your choice.

Your answers should show that you have a plan for your future and are serious about it. The scholarship committee wants to see that their money is going to someone who has the necessary drive, so don't be shy with what you say.

There's a competition going on - one that you can't afford to lose when your future is at stake. You need to stand out, and the best way to do it is by addressing any weakness with an answer like âI currently have limited knowledge in this area, but I will be able to make up for my lack of experience through diligent study.â These scholarship committees look for applicants who show potential rather than people who already know everything about what they want from life.

It is very important to show the scholarship committee that you are passionate about your goals and ambitions. This will help them decide who they offer scholarships to, so it makes sense to take this question seriously.

While it is impossible to paint a complete image of your entire life in such a short time, you can give an overview of the information about your life that matters most with this scholarship.

To answer this question, show you have a serious plan for the future through education.

Maintaining a strong GPA throughout college is not enough; scholarship committees want more than just an educated student. They also want someone who will use their degree in ways that correspond with it. You'll have some tough competition when trying to prove yourself as a deserving candidate. So, make sure you are realistic about what types of goals and plans can realistically be achieved by going back to school or taking on another graduate program at one university.

This common scholarship essay question is a perfect way to share your thoughts about the importance of community service.

This prompt allows applicants to discuss what they have learned by doing this work and why more students should participate so that communities everywhere will improve.

Tips for Writing an Effective Scholarship Essay

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your scholarship essay:

Address the Prompt: One of the most important things you can do when writing your scholarship essay is to address the prompt directly. Make sure you understand what the prompt is asking you to write about, and focus your essay on that topic.
Be Concise: Scholarship essays often have strict word limits, so it's important to be concise and to the point. Make sure every sentence in your essay serves a purpose and contributes to your overall argument.
Focus on Personal Experiences: Scholarship committees want to get to know you as a person. Thats why it's important to share personal experiences and stories in your essay. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points for the scholarship.
Edit and Proofread: Once you've written your essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Look for typos, grammatical errors and make sure your essay flows smoothly and is easy to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a scholarship essay be.

Scholarship essays are usually about 500 words or one page long. If you can't find the information about the word or page limit for the essay, it's usually safe to stick to 500 words or one page.

Do scholarship essays need a title?

You can also include a title for your scholarship essay if you want, but this is usually unnecessary.

Is it okay to lie on a scholarship essay?

Scholarships are a great way to save money for college, but lying about your academic achievements could result in serious consequences.

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29 Great Scholarship Essay Topics & Popular Questions

Going through each scholarship application’s essay topics and questions can get cumbersome. However, it gets easier if you can access common essay topics and popular scholarship questions. Then, you can reuse them repeatedly as you apply for more scholarships.

This article will supply common scholarship essay questions that you can start with. You can prepare an essay already on any one of these prompts and use them across multiple scholarships.

Scholarship Application Questions

There are diverse questions a scholarship committee can ask applicants. It would help if you brainstormed several subject ideas; you might come across one you did not consider before.

Sometimes, a scholarship board gives you scholarship essay questions; how you answer those questions matters. You should know what answers they expect and what information they don’t need from you.

6 College Scholarship Essay Questions:

How do you believe this scholarship will help you achieve your goals?
Have you contributed anything to your community: How?
What are the innate or developed qualities that make you unique?
What field of study are you going into?
What are your career or academic goals?
Why should we award you this scholarship position?

5 Other Scholarship Questions Examples:

Have you ever had a moment of revelation where you’ve had your eyes opened to things you were otherwise blind to?
If your friends were to write an essay about you, how would they characterize you?
What dreams do you have; if you look back in 30 years, what do you hope to have achieved?
How did you develop the attribute, quality, or skill that distinguishes you from everybody else?
Do you typically have unwavering beliefs or philosophy: What are they?

Scholarship Essay Prompts

These are questions scholarship providers ask to decide whether an applicant deserves the scholarship or not. The way you answer scholarship essay prompts is important because you are selling yourself to the board. When answering scholarship essay prompts, you want to establish that you are high-achieving and well-deserving of the scholarship.

6 Scholarship Essay Prompt Examples:

Write a short autobiography of yourself telling us about your work experience, family, hobbies, and future plans.
Talk to us about a time you failed and the lessons you took from it.
Tell us ways sports have impacted your life, positively or negatively.
Tell us why we should award you this scholarship out of thousands of others.
Tell us about a time a belief or idea of yours was challenged, how you reacted, and the result.
Write a short essay telling us areas in your life, school, social, or family, where you demonstrated a leadership skill that helped you overcome an obstacle.

Scholarship Essay Topics

The scholarship application process also involves essay topics being given to the applicant. This is where an applicant gets to showcase his strength, personality, and abilities in a way that’ll compel the board. This part of the application process can be the most persuasive; therefore, you should put your all into it. Applicants are advised to have 5 to 7 pre-written essays, which can be used across different scholarship applications.

6 Popular Scholarship Essay Topics:

Traits That Will Enhance My Education and Future Employments
Innate/Developed Leadership Qualities That Make Me Unique
A Book That Inspired Me Greatly
10 Things I have Accomplished in Life
Why I Believe I Deserve This Scholarship Award
Awards and Honorable Titles I Have Received

Scholarship Essay Titles

Scholarship essay prompts may require that applicants come up with titles. However, applicants sometimes find it hard to come with scholarship essay titles. Below are some ideas on scholarship essay titles that you can use to land that scholarship award.

6 Scholarship Essay Titles:

The Person Who Challenged and Changed My Beliefs
Goals I Plan to Achieve in 10 Years
My Dreams and Aspirations
Issues I Have Resolved in My Family With My Innate Leadership Skills
What I Consider to Be My Biggest Success Yet
Things And People That Inspire Me

In conclusion, you shouldn’t wait until you land a scholarship award before writing a scholarship topic. There are many suggestions on scholarship essay questions online, including those listed here. You should choose at least five and write on them and have professionals vet and correct them for you. As such, when the scholarship opportunity arrives, you are ready – and your chance of getting it is high!

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Popular scholarship essay prompts (and how to stand out when you answer them).

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

The scholarship search is an essential process for many college students who need financial aid for college. As you may know, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) offers aid in the form of grants, federal student loans, and work-study . However, students can maximize their aid by applying for scholarships offered by a variety of sources, including nonprofits and companies.

Many scholarships require students to write an essay for the application, and while writing endless essays may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever done a scholarship search or even started applying, you might be aware that many of the essay prompts on the applications are similar. Knowing the most popular prompts and how to stand out will help you prepare for the scholarship application process.

What's a scholarship essay prompt?

Scholarship boards review many applications every year, and your essay is one way for them to get to know you. An essay prompt is a question on the application requiring a short answer determined by the organization awarding the scholarship. Your response gives the board or awarding committee insight into who you are and why you may be deserving of the award.

Not all scholarship applications have the same prompt. That being said, many are similar, and there are certainly popular prompts. Below are some common scholarship essay questions you might see as you’re applying.

Popular scholarship essay prompts

Knowing the common essay topics can help get you organized as you begin your scholarship search. Picking a few of these and creating outlines or rough drafts ahead of scholarship applications being released can help give you a head start.

1. Tell us about yourself

The “tell us about yourself” essay prompt is exactly what it sounds like — a way for the scholarship board to get insights into who you are, what you like to do, and why this scholarship will help you.

This is a common question on many applications. You’ll likely see this question pop up as you apply for jobs, further your education, or join organizations in the future, too.

How to make your answer stand out

Keep your answer relatively short and include essential information that might wow the board, such as:

Your academic accomplishments and achievements
Community service and passion projects
What you hope to accomplish by furthering your education
How this scholarship fits into your goals

It’s never easy to condense yourself into a few short paragraphs. So, stick to the information that's likely to make you stand out.

2. What are your academic and professional goals?

Thousands of scholarships are designed to help you achieve specific goals. For instance, if you’re going to school for computer programming to become a coder, there may be a specific scholarship for that career path, which is why this essay prompt comes up a lot.

Sit down and think about why you are choosing this career path and what you hope to accomplish throughout your career.

When you think about your ideal future, what does that look like? What do you hope to accomplish by the time you graduate college? And where do you see yourself as you start your career? Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Include the answer to these questions and go big! You want to stand out and show your drive and determination — so don’t be afraid to include your biggest goals.

3. How will this scholarship help you?

Scholarships are designed to help students accomplish their higher education goals. But beyond that, many scholarship boards want to understand why their specific scholarship is the right fit for you.

With this prompt, you want to try and get as specific as possible. Thousands of scholarships are available, but you chose to apply for this one. Why?

As you begin to answer, consider including the following:

What caught your attention about this scholarship?
Why do you believe you fit the awarding criteria for this scholarship?
How do you think this scholarship will help you accomplish your education and career goals?

By researching the scholarship and understanding how it applies to you, you can show the board your interest and dedication when it comes to furthering your education.

4. Why do you deserve this scholarship?

It’s no secret that many students apply for scholarships each year, which is why determining who will be awarded one is a big job. Sometimes, hearing a student’s words about why they believe they deserve the funds can make all the difference. That’s why you’ll see this prompt pop up from time to time.

Don’t be shy about being honest. If you’ve gone above and beyond throughout your high school education to reach your goals, share that information in your essay. What have you accomplished? Better yet, what have you overcome to achieve those accomplishments?

Share your journey in your essay and tell the reader why you believe that journey is deserving of the scholarship award.

5. Who's been your biggest influence or inspiration?

Many students are inspired to accomplish and achieve their goals because of someone who inspired them — whether that’s a teacher, parent, sibling, or mentor. Those who inspire you often say a lot about who you are and why you achieve the things you do.

People inspire us for all kinds of reasons, but scholarship committees want to understand why and what you’ve achieved due to that influence. Tell your story honestly, and don’t be afraid to showcase how this person inspired you to accomplish a goal you may not have otherwise.

Final thoughts

As we mentioned above, essay prompts can help decision-makers determine if you should receive a scholarship. While they may seem like something you can power through quickly, it’s important to spend time crafting answers that are compelling, honest, and insightful.

You want to double and triple-check your work, even allowing someone you trust to read through it and provide feedback. Keep in mind this is an opportunity to help you pay for your college degree, and you should put your best foot forward.

While essay prompts might seem overwhelming, with some preparation, time, and energy, you’ll find opportunities to help yourself stand out.

What are your chances of acceptance?

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How to Answer 30 Popular Scholarship Interview Questions

What’s covered:.

Getting To Know You Questions
Questions About the Opportunity

Closing Remarks

Enter the collegevine scholarships.

When applying for college scholarships, you may be invited to interview if you make it past the initial screening round. The interview may feel nerve-wracking, but being offered one is great news!

Not sure how to prepare? Here are 30 popular scholarship interview questions and example answers to help you to think about your responses. Use these examples as a stepping stone for brainstorming and drafting your own unique responses. You can apply this same formula to many other scholarship interview questions as well.

Getting to Know You Questions

1. tell us about yourself..

This is the most popular among all scholarship interview questions. It’s often used to “warm up” the interviewee. It’s also a very general question that can cause those unprepared to answer to ramble or waffle in their response.

A good answer is concise, provides a brief bio, and highlights why you’re the right person for the scholarship. Use your answer as an opportunity to spotlight the achievements, personality traits, skills, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the scholarship.

Example: I’m a sophomore at Carlsbad High School. I’ve been passionate about technology and its impact on human life since my early childhood days. Over the past few years, with the help of my parents and teachers, I managed to explore this passion by taking extra courses in programming languages such as C++, Android app development, and graphic design. My hobby is to help fellow students with their Android apps and program games for them.

See more examples in our guide about responding to “tell me about yourself” in college interviews .

2. Were you involved in any activities at school or in your community?

Interviewers use this question to better know an interviewee’s interests outside of their application and gain an understanding of their involvement at school and in the greater community.

This interview question is great for students with leadership roles, providing them an opportunity to talk about their experiences and involvement in clubs or sports. It’s also a chance to talk about how you contribute to your community or help people in need.

Example: I’m the editor of our school newspaper. As an editor, I manage other students who write articles for the paper and come up with topic ideas. Additionally, I’m a member of the swim team and volunteer at the historical society. I enjoy having a balance between physical, intellectual, and community activities because they keep me active in different ways.

3. Tell us about your greatest strength and greatest weakness.

Interviewers love this question, as it allows them to judge your self-awareness, honesty, and interest in personal growth. When talking about your strengths, prioritize quality over quantity and focus on two or three attributes that are relevant to the scholarship. Stories are more memorable than generalizations, so share examples of how you demonstrate your best characteristics.

It can help to reframe the second half of this question—instead of thinking of areas of weakness, they’re opportunities for improvement. No one is perfect, but you’re conscious of the areas in which you struggle and are taking steps to improve. It’s especially important to avoid cliches when responding to this question; you don’t want to be the 1,000th student to answer “I’m a perfectionist.”

Example: My greatest strength is that I can prioritize what needs to be done first today and which tasks can wait until tomorrow. Because of this, I’m efficient with my time management and able to succeed in both school and extracurricular activities. However, my greatest weakness is that I can become too focused on one task and forget about other assignments or projects which need attention. I’ve been working on this by setting reminders in my calendar throughout the day.

4. Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows.

This is another question designed to allow the interviewer to better get to know you and while it’s a personal question, it’s important to avoid sharing anything too personal or sensitive. Focus on something unique and interesting about yourself—such as an accomplishment, hobby, talent, interest, or experience—that makes you stand out from other applicants.

Example: I am proficient in sign language. This has always been a passion of mine and I wish to work with children in a clinical setting who are deaf or hard of hearing one day. I have studied sign language throughout high school and I plan to continue learning at university so that I can interact with these children without any language barrier.

5. How would you describe yourself?

This question allows interviewers to get to know you better as a person, understand how you perceive yourself, and gain further insight into your personality. Highlight the traits that are relevant to the scholarship and call attention to any relevant skills. This question is a great opportunity for students who might not have extracurricular activities related to the scholarship but have qualities that align with the scholarship.

Example: I believe my positive attitude and ability to work in a team environment contribute to my character. In my part-time job, I lead a team of baristas at my local café. The role is equal parts delegating tasks and ensuring customer satisfaction. My enthusiasm for coffee and my ability to operate in a collaborative environment left an impression of optimism on both my coworkers and customers. Regulars have even acknowledged that they visit my café specifically because of the happy atmosphere I create.

6. What are your biggest accomplishments?

This question allows interviewers to learn about your achievements while also gaining insight into your ability to set goals and achieve them. It’s a great chance for you to brag about yourself a little bit as well.

Bring up something that makes you stand out from other students, especially if it’s related to the scholarship you’re applying for! Whether it’s winning awards or competitions, being president of an organization, graduating at the top of your class, or anything else that enhances your application.

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Method provides a great structure for responding to this question: provide specific details about the situation, the task or challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.

Example: I noticed that my high school created a lot of food waste, so I helped implement a composting program that used students’ leftovers as fertilizer for the school garden. We faced a lot of pushback at first from the school board, as they weren’t familiar with the environmental benefits of composting. After speaking at three board meetings, I was given permission to start the program. Our cafeteria was recognized by the food services director who wanted to take this idea and implement it system-wide. My team and I were then given special permission to start a “Garden Club” where we could continue to grow fresh vegetables for our peers. Since then, five additional high schools have followed suit.

7. Describe your biggest mistake.

How you respond to this question informs interviewers about your ability to take responsibility for your actions and how you learn from your mistakes. Rather than trying to appear perfect, use this opportunity to show that you can own up to your errors, learn from them, and take steps to ensure you don’t repeat them. Here, again, the STAR Method provides an outline for composing a strong answer.

Example: In my sophomore year of high school, my brother and I switched schools. My brother has always been the outgoing one and never had trouble making friends, so I failed to recognize that he was actually going through a hard transition. I had gotten so busy with my new activities that I didn’t read too much into his increased moodiness and time spent alone in his room. It was only when we got into an argument that he revealed how lonely he’d been feeling. Now, I make it a point to be more sensitive to the feelings of my friends and family, and to try to check in more regularly. I actually now have a weekly scheduled hangout with my brother where we go on a random adventure and talk about life. Last week, we went geocaching!

8. Tell me about your leadership experience.

Interviewers use this question to gauge how you build and maintain relationships, how you work with others, and how you motivate them to get something done. Highlight a time when you had to lead a team or group and how you inspired them to achieve a goal. Remember stories are more memorable than statements, so paint a detailed picture and avoid generalizations.

Example: As one of the co-presidents for my high school’s Amnesty International club , I organized and supervised the organization of all meetings and events that we attend to raise awareness about social justice topics such as refugees or endangered species. When I first joined the group, it was relatively inactive and focused mostly on letter-writing campaigns. However, in the wake of George Floyd, I rallied the group to become more involved with the Black Lives Matter movement. We attended events and reached out to local politicians to call attention to racial inequality in our community. This experience has taught me how to effectively manage a team, rally a diverse group around an issue, and organize efforts to effect change.

Do you have enough leadership experience to get accepted to your top school? Calculate your chances for free now .

9. What is your favorite book and why?

This question is asking you to show your personality and interests. It aims to get a sense of who you are so they can determine if you would be a good fit for the scholarship. Share a book that you enjoy, are comfortable talking about, is substantive enough that you can explain its importance, and aligns with your interests and passions.

Avoid choosing a book that you think will impress your interviewer—it can come off as insincere.

Example: My favorite book is Finding You by Lydia Albano. The main character, Isla, is sold into slavery, and at first, she hopes that someone from her past will come to rescue her. She doesn’t think she can escape because she’s small and not very strong. But in the end, she actually winds up saving a bunch of other girls when she creates an escape plan for them. I like this book because I would also like to work to end human trafficking. Like Isla, sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything to help, but she gives me the courage to try.

10. What subject is your favorite in school?

This is another question where you want to show your personality more than just listing off random facts about yourself. You should choose a subject that relates to the scholarship and/or one you are passionate about. You can mention how this subject makes you excited, why it’s important for you to study it, etc. Your answer demonstrates your interest in learning and in taking your education further.

Example: My favorite subject is history because I find it interesting to study how people interacted with one another over time. It’s refreshing seeing different perspectives of different cultures and studying significant historical figures. I hope to one day become a lawyer, and I know that studying history will give me the perspective, research experience, and writing skills needed to succeed.

11. What is your dream job?

This question allows the interviewer to gain a better understanding of your goals and ambitions. The position doesn’t need to be overly specific but should reflect the skills and responsibilities you hope to use. It also should tie in with the scholarship.

Example: My dream job is to work in the media industry as a producer or editor. I am passionate about sharing people’s stories and would love to brainstorm ways that we could create more awareness through reporting. This career would allow me to use my creativity to positively influence others.

12. What is a meaningful experience or class you’ve had in school?

This is a more advanced version of the question asking you about your favorite subject. Its intent is to learn how coursework has shaped your interests and shown you new perspectives on certain topics.

Example: In my senior year of high school, I took a course on Media and Society. I specifically recall the final essay assignment where we had to compare two different media elements. Analyzing the portrayal of women in video game advertisements was my topic for this project. At first, I was really nervous about the topic; would I offend some friends within my gaming circle? I didn’t want to seem like an overly sensitive female gamer. But, doing the research provided me with a better understanding of how women are often objectified in advertising, and after talking to my friends, they ended up being really supportive of my project and we have since become more aware of the kinds of media we’re consuming.

13. Who do you look up to? Who is your role model?

The expectation of this question is to see which qualities you admire, what inspires you, and who has shaped your interests or helped you become who you are today. This could be a public figure, teacher, mentor, family member, friend—really anyone. Your answer should demonstrate your values and align with the values of the scholarship.

Example: I admire Amelia Earhart because she was a women’s rights activist and broke social barriers by being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She was able to pursue what she wanted despite harsh criticism, which helps me feel more empowered to follow my own dreams.

14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This is a question to learn about your future aspirations and goals. It’s also an opportunity to show the scholarship committee that you are ready for college and beyond. You want your answer to demonstrate that you have a plan moving forward; it doesn’t have to be super specific or set in stone, but you should have an idea of what you hope to achieve. You’ll also want to speak to how the scholarship fits into your future goals.

Example: In five years, I plan to have graduated college with a degree in economics and have landed a job in financial planning where I can put both my analytical and people skills to work. I’m passionate about helping people make informed financial decisions and meeting their personal goals and this scholarship will help me gain the education I need to pursue a career in the field.

15. How do you define failure?

This question is meant to see how you respond when faced with a challenge and gain insight into your problem-solving skills. It is important not to simply say that failure means giving up, as this will show that you lack initiative and drive. The best way to answer this question is by using personal experience, demonstrating what you learned from it and how you’ve used the lessons for self-improvement.

Example: I define failure as a missed opportunity. When I first began to play rugby during my freshman year of high school, I quickly realized that our team was not very strong. At times, it felt like we were bound to lose every game. But rather than letting this bring me down, I saw the season as a chance for me to try my hardest and become an impact player on the field. As the years went by, I continued to improve and our team grew closer together. Our losses began to transform into opportunities for growth, and by senior year, I was nominated captain. I had done everything in my power to make sure my teammates succeeded—even though it meant that on the scoreboard we would inevitably lose more than we won.

16. How do you manage stress?

This question seeks to determine how you deal with difficult situations. It’s common for students to respond that they like to focus on what is happening in the present moment, but this answer will show that you do not have a strategy for coping with stressors. A better way to answer would be by mentioning a specific skill or habit that you have developed over time. Make your answer memorable by citing a specific example of a stressful time and how you handled it.

Example: Last fall I was feeling particularly taxed—I was taking two AP courses, studying for the SAT, playing varsity soccer, and preparing to apply to college. I felt a lot of pressure to get everything done and it was overwhelming. I’m a very organized person, and when I have a lot of work to do, I break it down into manageable tasks. Seeing everything that needs to be done in one sitting can be exasperating for me, but if I give myself smaller goals to meet each day then it all becomes more manageable.

17. Tell me about a time you overcame adversity.

Interviewers ask this question for a variety of reasons, including learning about your problem-solving, creative thinking, and resourcefulness. It’s also a chance to gauge your resilience and determination. A strong answer highlights something that was difficult for you, the steps you took to meet the challenge, and how the experience would help you handle adversity you might face in the future. People remember details, so be specific.

Example: Many of my friends love playing sports and were busy much of the year with after-school practices. Unfortunately, I’m not particularly athletic. I tried out for the football team but failed to make it because I didn’t have enough experience. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to join the swim team and began training with one of the best swimmers in school. She allowed me to shadow her until she felt that my technique was on par with the rest of her team. By the end of my sophomore year, I qualified for state-level tournaments!

18. What motivates you?

This question is usually asked to see what motivates you to do your best, but more importantly, provides you with a chance to show off the positive aspects of your personality. Your answers should focus on something that aligns with the scholarship—was there something that jumped off the screen/page when you read about it? Equally important to what you say is how you say it; make sure your answer is positive and enthusiastic.

Example: Curiosity is my main motivator. I love learning new things, and I am constantly trying to figure out how things work—I attended a JAVA camp last summer just to learn more about how video games are designed. This scholarship will allow me to further explore coding and help satiate my natural curiosity.

19. Tell me about a time when you didn’t agree with an authority’s decision.

This question aims to gain insight into how you think through tough situations and is a test of your maturity. The interviewer wants to know if you are able to provide constructive feedback and what your approach would be when taking a stand against an unpopular decision.

Example: I was extremely disappointed when the school board decided not to purchase new science textbooks for our school library. While it made sense to save money, I decided that I needed to write a letter about my concerns. By explaining how this would impact the students’ discovery of new ideas and knowledge, I was able to convince my classmates to join me in signing an online petition. Luckily, they agreed with my perspective and the school board changed their decision.

20. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond on a task.

This question is meant to see your dedication, motivation, and work ethic. A good answer will highlight a specific attribute you want to call attention to and use an example of a time you went beyond what was required to convey that attribute. While it’s tempting to talk about a big accomplishment, it’s important the story also focuses on a time you did more than you needed to. As always, include a specific example!

Example: Over the past two years, I’ve worked in my hometown library. While I always make sure that each day’s work gets done in a timely manner, I also try to go the extra mile. If someone comes in looking for help with an assignment, if possible, I stay late with them until everything is complete. It’s super fulfilling. I even had one of the students I’ve helped come in to tell me she’d improved her math grade from a C to a B+!

21. How would you describe a good school environment?

This is a question that allows you to visualize your ideal environment, and what your priorities would be if you were in charge. It’s also a way for interviewers to learn about your personality and preferences. If an interviewer asks this question, it may mean that they are trying to figure out if you would fit into the scholarship’s culture.

Example: I think the most important thing about school is being able to personalize your learning. I’m looking for a place where I can learn the specifics of my field, but also have the freedom to pursue different ways of learning. For example, in my Spanish class, we were learning about language and identity, and we had to write a paper analyzing the specific works we studied at the end. I asked my teacher if I could instead write a personal paper about my experiences with language and identity while incorporating the works. This reflection was super meaningful to me as a Mexican-American student. I want to attend a school where this sort of academic freedom is the norm.

22. Tell me about a personal achievement that makes you proud.

This question is meant to see what makes you proud in life and how you define success. Answering this question provides an excellent opportunity to brag about a big accomplishment and spotlight scholarship-related qualities, like perseverance and problem-solving. Make sure to credit those who helped you along the way and share what you learned from the experience. Let the interviewer know that you’re setting the bar high, not just coasting along.

Example: During my senior year, I helped plan out our high school’s first mock trial event. The debate team had been around since my freshman year, but they never considered a mock trial until my graduating year. I wanted to make a good first impression on the debate team since I intended to become team captain. To show my commitment, I volunteered to be a co-lead coordinator for our team which meant I helped recruit participants, organized our plan of action, and was one of the main points of contact for our group before and during the mock trial. Thanks to the efforts of everyone, the competition turned out to be a huge success, and it helped our high school stand out as one of the top debate schools in the Midwest. After that, I was asked to become the captain of the debate team.

23. Describe your personality in three words.

The interviewer is looking for a glimpse of your personality, to understand how you view yourself, and to see if you’re a good fit for the scholarship. Make sure to concentrate on your unique talents and skills in your response and avoid jargon along with irrelevant and pretentious words.

Example: I would say that I am resourceful, creative, and proactive. I have a way of finding solutions to problems, even when the answer isn’t clear. I believe in tackling challenges head-on and am willing to think outside of the box for solutions.

24. How do you start a project?

This question is meant to determine your process for getting something done. The interviewer wants to know if you are organized or just jumping into things.

Example: I start by making a list of all the things that need to be done. Then, I research everything there is on this topic to make sure that the project is feasible. Once I am satisfied with my amount of knowledge, I make an outline for myself before I begin anything else.

25. How did you choose your major?

Interviewers use this question to learn about your passions and interests. When answering, try to align your major to the scholarship. Highlight the attributes of the major you’re excited about but steer clear of talking about money. For example, engineering might be a lucrative major, but talking about it isn’t likely to score you any points. As always, specific examples and stories are more compelling than generalizations.

Example: My father is a doctor and my mother is a nurse, but when they were young, they were both teachers. They taught me that education is the foundation for everything, so I’ve always taken school seriously, and I especially enjoyed my science classes. I initially didn’t want to go into healthcare because I didn’t want to just “follow in the footsteps” of my parents, but after shadowing a doctor for a day, I realized that the field was right for me since it combines education with helping others. I don’t want to be a doctor or nurse like my parents, but I hope to be a biomedical engineer to help build innovative technologies and be a lifelong learner.

Questions About The Opportunity

While scholarship interviews will largely be about you, it’s common for them to also ask about the opportunity itself. Take a proactive approach and prepare yourself to answer questions about the scholarship.

26. Why did you choose to apply for this scholarship?

This question is designed to gauge your interest in the scholarship and your fit with it. Share specifics of what excites you about the scholarship and how it aligns with your college and future goals. Keep your answer positive and focus on the best aspects of the scholarship.

Example: I chose to apply to the Davis-Putter Scholarship because I’ve always been passionate about political activism. Throughout high school, I was active in the fight for women’s rights, particularly reproductive rights. I organized an event at the state capital in support of women’s rights, coordinated a letter-writing campaign at my school to encourage our local elected officials, and created and distributed a list of candidates coming up for election and their stances on women’s rights issues. I’m excited to use this scholarship to learn more about the causes I’m passionate about, meet other organizers, and help make the world a fairer, more equitable place.

27. Why should you be the one to receive this scholarship?

It’s sometimes easier to reposition this question to what makes you unique. Scholarships can receive hundreds, even thousands, of applications—so what makes you stand out and more deserving than other applicants? This is your chance to make a case for yourself and show the interviewer why you’re the right person for the award; link it to your passions, tie it to your skills, and show the positive effect the funds will have.

Example: I am applying for this scholarship because I believe my work ethic and determination make me an excellent candidate. Last year, I helped organize the high school student council’s first blood drive in our county, which was a big success with a 100% participation rate and inspired me to do more community-focused work. This scholarship will help me acquire the education I need to pursue a career in public service.

28. How will you use the scholarship money?

This question is to make sure the scholarship will go to good use. The interviewer wants to know if you are serious about the scholarship application and will represent the scholarship sponsor in a positive light. Have a budget prepared and highlight how you’ll use the funds to further your education. If you don’t have a plan, it will be difficult for the scholarship to believe that this scholarship will be beneficial to either party.

Example: I would use this money toward my bachelor’s degree in sociology with a specialization in gerontology. Furthermore, I would use this opportunity to shadow a gerontologist and volunteer at a nursing home so that I could gain more insight into this field. Having this scholarship would allow me to worry less about finding a paid job to fund unpaid internships or shadowing opportunities and would allow me to focus more on my studies.

How you end an interview can have an enormous influence on your odds of winning an award. The goal is to leave your interviewer confident in your personality, skills, qualifications, and fit for the scholarship.

29. What questions do you have for me?

The interviewer is looking for you to display interest in the program by asking questions. Your response should be tailored to your particular interests and any concerns that you may have had throughout this interview. This is also a great chance to engage your interviewer with questions focused on their experience with the scholarship.

Examples: What was your favorite part of the scholarship program? What characteristics, goals, or accomplishments of the scholarship are you most proud of? What do students say is the best part of this program? What are the former scholarship recipients doing now, particularly those in the fields I’m interested in?

30. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It is crucial to show the interviewer that you are serious about this program. This question gives you an opportunity to make any additional points or highlight anything that you may have not covered in your response beforehand. If you have something relevant to share that didn’t come up naturally in the interview, this is the time to mention it.

Example: I believe that I am an ideal candidate for this program because my educational background, passions, and future plans align with what this program has to offer. I am excited to be a part of this program and I look forward to hearing from you.

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. To sign up, all you have to do is create a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

Awards are paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships .

What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?

Many scholarships require you to submit at least one essay–and maybe you’ve already got that covered . But now you’re wondering: how should your essay be formatted? Should it be double-spaced or single-spaced? Should you include a title? Should you include the prompt? What does a typical scholarship essay format look like?

Although you don’t have to worry about essay formatting at Going Merry ( we’ll structure and submit your application for you , with our pre-filled forms!), maybe you’re also applying to some other scholarships too. So we’re here to help you understand how to format your scholarship essay.

Where do I start?

Does a scholarship essay need a title , how should a scholarship essay be formatted what font should i use , how should a scholarship essay be structured can i get a template or outline, scholarship essay format at a glance, should scholarship essays be double-spaced , start writing.

You’ll need to dive into a personal experience or tell your story of an accomplishment, a hobby, an interest to the scholarship provider, showing them your experience with a structured and descriptive essay. Create an outline of your essay (this can be old school, with pen and paper!), write it out, and then ensure you’re formatting it professionally and properly. (Need more scholarship essay tips? Try these.)

This depends on the essay submission format.

If there is a text box entry, you can just copy and paste the body of your essay, without a title. This is the case, for example, when applying for scholarships through Going Merry .

If you’re attaching an essay as a Word or PDF document, you can optionally include a title, but this is usually unnecessary unless there are special scholarship essay format instructions to do so. (One popular reason you might need to do this is if the prompt is to write about any topic of your choice, or to choose your own prompt. In this case, to give the reader more context before you begin your essay, a title may be helpful.)

If you are required to create a title, we recommend doing one of two things:

Think of a title early on. Write down that title, write your essay, and then circle back to the title to tweak it as needed. -OR-
Write your essay and then come up with a title . Your creativity might be fresher once you’ve answered the prompt and included the meat and potatoes of the scholarship essay, which might help you come up with a suitable title at the end.

Also, don’t stress! While a clever title can improve your essay, it’s hardly a make-or-break. A very descriptive title that summarizes the prompt would work fine, as long as your essay is strong.

Relatedly, you don’t need to include the essay question or prompt at the top of your essay. The scholarship committee will know what the topic or prompt is!

(Want inspiration from winners? Check out these winning scholarship essays .)

If you’re writing your essay in a document to upload to your Going Merry profile , or to submit to a scholarship application on a provider’s website , and the scholarship provider doesn’t have explicit guidelines, it’s best to just follow a standard professional style and format. That means using 1-inch page margins, 12-point font size double-spaced (or 1.5 spaced), and a “standard” font like Times New Roman in classic (default) black. Don’t get creative with fonts or colors here. You want the content of your essay to be what stands out, rather than your unorthodox formatting.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how to best structure a good scholarship essay. In fact, you can see how wide-ranging these winning essays are. In fact, how to best answer and structure your essay depends partially on the essay and partially on your personal writing style.

However, one pretty common way of structuring your scholarship essay is how Going Merry winner John Flowers Jr did it . Here’s the template/outline:

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs) : Draw the audience in with an attention-grabbing opening sentence related to the prompt. Introduce your main points that you’ll be sharing later in your essay.
Example of an opening sentence from a Going Merry scholarship winner: “My parents were never given a shot at having an education beyond high school.” This tells us about the student’s parents and how it might have influenced the student’s decision to apply to college, setting the tone for the essay.
Introductory paragraph: “My parents were never given a shot at having an education beyond high school. They were never given a shot to show their full potential and make a difference in the world. They had to start life at an early age. I want to succeed in college for them and for me. I want them to be proud of me for doing a task that they weren’t able to do.” – This expresses John’s understanding of what his parents had to do, and that they did not get a chance to attend college. John also expresses his determination, and his drive to attend college to do something for his parents.
Body (1-3 paragraphs) – Expand on your main points. Back up your information with evidence, examples, and facts. This is where you’re encouraged to share details of how you got to where you are today, what inspired your hobbies, interests, or drive to attend college, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and/or personal goals. Remember to use specifics rather than make general statements!
Conclusion (1 paragraph): Explain how winning this scholarship would help support your goals (and maybe also have wider community impact)
An excerpt from John’s conclusion: “Winning this scholarship will make a difference to me because it will allow me to cover college financial issues that may hold me back from reaching my career. Being less stressed about worrying about college fees will allow me to focus more of my attention in class to earn the credits, and not worry about how I’m going to pay for the class.” – John explains how valuable this scholarship is for him, not just monetarily, but also how it will help him achieve his goals.

Student formatting his scholarship essay

Read the scholarship essay format guidelines carefully, to check if the scholarship includes instructions
If you’re submitting your scholarship essay outside of the Going Merry platform, set up your document with a 1-inch margin
Aim for a 12-point font
The best font to use is Times New Roman. Other good options include Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, and Verdana
Always get a second opinion on the scholarship essay format for grammar, punctuation, spelling, structure, etc.
Online form
Going Merry scholarship platform (apply to thousands of scholarships and upload your scholarship essay)

You’re probably used to double-spacing your high school papers and essays. Since adding line spacing can make essays more readable, using 1.5-spacing or double-spacing is a good idea if you’re attaching an essay as a Word doc or PDF. But again, unless the scholarship provider has specified this information, it’s not mandatory.

More important is to not leave your essay as one block of text. Instead, we recommend separating paragraphs when you’re starting a new thought or idea.

For scholarship essays on Going Merry, you won’t have to worry about formatting because we will do this for you whenever you submit applications through our platform.

We know you’re going to rock your essay with these scholarship essay format guidelines, so get to it! It’s best to start writing your essay as early as possible to give yourself time to review the essay, ask someone (like a parent, guidance counselor, or friend) to proofread your essay, and then make sure to submit it on time. (On Going Merry , we’ll send you deadline reminders on your favorited scholarships and draft applications, so you won’t miss them!)

When you’re ready to apply for scholarships, sign up for Going Merry ! You’ll create a free student profile, enter your information once, and then we’ll match you with thousands of scholarships that you can apply to with just the click of a button. Don’t worry about entering your information twice – we’ll pre-fill this for you!

If you need additional resources to accompany this scholarship essay format guide, check out these related blog posts for more writing tips:

How to answer “Why do you deserve this scholarship?”
How to Write the Best Personal Statement
10 Tips for Writing An Essay About Yourself
How to Write a Career Goals Essay
6 Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays About Academic Goals
College Essay Guy: How to write a scholarship essay
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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., popular college application essay topics (and how to answer them).

Get help writing your college application essays. Find this year's Common App writing prompts and popular essay questions used by individual colleges.

The college essay is your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are apart from your grades and test scores (and to distinguish yourself from the rest of a very talented applicant pool).

brainstorming college application essay topics

2023–24 Common App Essays

Nearly 700 colleges accept the The Common Application , which makes it easy to apply to multiple schools with just one form. If you are using the Common App to apply for college admissions, you will have 250–650 words to respond to ONE of the following prompts:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Tackling the Common App Essay Prompts

Prompt #1: share your story..

Answer this prompt by reflecting on a hobby, facet of your personality, or experience that is genuinely meaningful and unique to you. Admissions officers want to feel connected to you and an honest, personal statement about who you are draws them in. Your love of superheroes, baking chops, or family history are all fair game if you can tie it back to who you are or what you believe in. Avoid a rehash of the accomplishments on your high school résumé and choose something that the admissions committee will not discover when reading the rest of your application.

Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.

You're trying to show colleges your best self, so it might seem counterintuitive to willingly acknowledge a time you struggled. But overcoming challenges demonstrates courage, grit, and perseverance! That’s why the last piece of this prompt is essential. The obstacle you write about can be large or small, but you must show the admissions committee how your perspective changed as a result.

Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.

Your answer to this question could focus on a time you stood up to others or an experience when your own preconceived view was challenged. Choose this prompt if you have a relevant—and specific!—experience to recount (and reflect on). A vague essay about a hot button issue doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything useful about YOU.

Prompt #4: Reflecting on gratitude.

Colleges are looking for students with unique experiences that can enhance their future campus community, and this is your chance to share that by recognizing what someone else has done for you. Even though this prompt requires you to reflect on the action of another person, make sure that the focus remains on how the act of kindness impacted you and the way you live your life. This essay should make you and the reader smile.

Prompt #5: Personal growth.

Just like Prompt #2, the accomplishment or event you write about can be anything from a major milestone to a smaller "aha" moment. Describe the event or accomplishment that shaped you but take care to also show what you learned or how you changed. Colleges are looking for a sense of maturity and introspection—pinpoint the transformation and demonstrate your personal growth.

Prompt #6: What captivates you?

This prompt is an invitation to write about something you care about. (So avoid the pitfall of writing about what you think will impress the admission office versus what truly matters to you). Colleges are looking for curious students, who are thoughtful about the world around them. The "what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more” bit isn't an afterthought—it's a key piece of the prompt. Make sure you explain how you pursue your interest, as well.

Read More: QUIZ: Test Your College Knowledge!

Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.

This question might be for you if you have a dynamo personal essay from English class to share or were really inspired by a question from another college’s application. You can even write your own question! Whatever topic you land on, the essentials of a standout college essay still stand: 1.) Show the admissions committee who you are beyond grades and test scores and 2.) Dig into your topic by asking yourself how and why. There isn’t a prompt to guide you, so you must ask yourself the questions that will get at the heart of the story you want to tell.

Describe a person you admire.

Avoid the urge to pen an ode to a beloved figure like Gandhi or Abraham Lincoln. The admissions committee doesn't need to be convinced they are influential people. Focus on yourself: Choose someone who has actually caused you to change your behavior or your worldview, and write about how this person influenced you .

Why do you want to attend this school?

Be honest and specific when you respond to this question. Avoid generalities like "to get a good liberal arts education” or “to develop career skills," and use details that show your interests: "I'm an aspiring doctor and your science department has a terrific reputation." Colleges are more likely to admit students who can articulate specific reasons why the school is a good fit for them beyond its reputation or ranking on any list. Use the college's website and literature to do your research about programs, professors, and other opportunities that appeal to you.

Read More: 5 Ways College Application Essays and High School Essays Are Different

What is a book you love?

Your answer should not be a book report. Don't just summarize the plot; detail why you enjoyed this particular text and what it meant to you. What does your favorite book reveal about you? How do you identify with it, and how has it become personal to you?

Again, be honest in answering this question—don't choose a classic from your literature class or a piece of philosophy just because you think it will make you seem smarter. Writing fluently and passionately about a book close to you is always better than writing shakily or generally about a book that doesn't inspire you.

What is an extracurricular activity that has been meaningful to you?

Avoid slipping into clichés or generalities. Take this opportunity to really examine an experience that taught you something you didn't previously know about yourself, got you out of your comfort zone, or forced you to grow. Sometimes it's better to write about something that was hard for you because you learned something than it is to write about something that was easy for you because you think it sounds admirable. As with all essay questions, the most important thing is to tell a great story: how you discovered this activity, what drew you to it, and what it's shown you about yourself.

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10 Common Scholarship Essay Questions and How to Answer Them
Using Common Scholarship Essay Questions to Prepare. Simply knowing what the common scholarship essay questions are usually isn't enough. Instead, students should take extra steps to prepare to write their essays. First, it's wise to spend a little time brainstorming about the topics.
Top 10 Scholarship Essay Prompts: How to Answer + Infographic
4. Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it. Scholarship providers understand that no student is perfect, and they want to know how you learned from a failure - this can be an academic, professional, or personal failure. Break down how you failed, why you failed, and how it made you better.
The 16 Most Popular Scholarship Essay and Application Questions
Scholarship Essay Theme: Character. As Defined by Merriam-Webster, "Character is the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves .". Essentially, it's what makes you who you are. Common Scholarship Questions: Describe a time in your life that has shaped who you are as a person. This is what I believe in….
Overview of Common Scholarship Essay Prompts
In your essay, you should apply your educational goals towards some specific career and personal goals. This question will help persuade the scholarship committee that you will go on to be a success story for their organization. You can also use this prompt to showcase your understanding of the path to achieve your goals.
Crush These Common Scholarship Essay Questions
These are common scholarship essay questions because they give a glimpse into you past. While most people will say a parent, grandparent, or instructor, you could choose someone that is slightly less expected. This doesn't take away from the value of a good parent, but think about how many scholarship applicants respond with those answers.
How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)
Put the reader in your shoes. Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable.
Common Scholarship Essay Prompts and How to Answer Them
Ooh, let's start out with a tough one right off the bat. It's one of the more common college scholarship prompts. You're going to have to look deep for a good answer to this prompt: "why do you deserve this scholarship?". Don't just say "Because I'm a hard worker" or "Because it will help fund my college education.". Think ...
How to Write a Scholarship Essay: Complete Guide + Examples
Approach #1: Use the resources above to write a great essay that spells out your big dreams, then end with 1-3 sentences describing specifically how you'll use the scholarship money. (We'll call this the "I have big dreams and you can help" approach.) Approach #2: Explain your financial situation in detail, then end with 1-3 sentences ...
How to Write a Scholarship Essay
Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count, and demonstrates the organization's values. If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships.
Common Scholarship Essay Prompts and How to Make them Unique
Let's explore these common scholarship essay prompts below: 1. Describe Your Academic and/or Career Goals. These kinds of prompts are an opportunity to weave your story into your response. Start by explaining what field of study you chose and what inspired you to pursue it. For example, you could tell the story about:
Brainstorm Common Scholarship Essay Questions
T he essay: It's the most important part of your scholarship application, and it can be the hardest. But, the essay shouldn't keep you from applying. Take a look at some commonly asked essay questions and use them to prepare for your scholarship applications. Brainstorm ideas, do some research or create your own "stock" of scholarship essays.
100+ Scholarship Essay Prompts & Questions and How to Answer
Top 16 Scholarship Essay Themes. Scholarship essays are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and secure financial aid for your education. While there are countless scholarships available, certain essay themes tend to be common. Here are the top 16 scholarship essay themes and how you can answer them: Overcoming Adversity
10 Common Scholarship Essay Questions and How to Answer Them
By learning concerning common scholarship essay questions and how to answer her, our student can subsist prepared for most of the topics they'll need to address. Brainstorm scholarship article ideas with these thought-provoking questions. When it's true that different scholarships may use unique faq, many of them feel on that equal notions.
Latest Scholarship Essay Prompts 2024 & How to Answer Them
Discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service, and future goals. 3. Challenges. Discuss a personal or academic challenge you have overcome and how it has shaped you. When addressing this prompt, be honest and open about a challenge you have faced and how you have overcome it.
All Questions About Scholarship Essay Prompts Answered
With our scholarship essay writing help, you can get winning and high-quality essays at affordable prices. Choose a writer, talk to them about what you want to achieve with your essay, and receive it in record time. Our writing and customer care teams work 24/7 to ensure all our clients get outstanding essays day and night.
29 Great Scholarship Essay Topics & Popular Questions
6 Scholarship Essay Prompt Examples: Write a short autobiography of yourself telling us about your work experience, family, hobbies, and future plans. Talk to us about a time you failed and the lessons you took from it. Tell us ways sports have impacted your life, positively or negatively. Tell us why we should award you this scholarship out of ...
What should I write in a scholarship essay?
A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt's specific question. ... The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this ...
Popular Scholarship Essay Prompts (And How To Stand Out When You Answer
1. Tell us about yourself. The "tell us about yourself" essay prompt is exactly what it sounds like — a way for the scholarship board to get insights into who you are, what you like to do, and why this scholarship will help you. This is a common question on many applications.
How to Answer 30 Popular Scholarship Interview Questions
8. Tell me about your leadership experience. Interviewers use this question to gauge how you build and maintain relationships, how you work with others, and how you motivate them to get something done. Highlight a time when you had to lead a team or group and how you inspired them to achieve a goal.
Common Scholarship Interview Questions and Examples
Most Common Scholarship Questions (With Examples) 1. Tell us about yourself. This open-ended scholarship interview question allows you to direct the conversation. Because it is so broad, your first instinct might be to also answer broadly. Don't. Plan out what you might want to say as if it were a college prompt.
Scholarship Essay Format: Guidelines, Structure and Examples
Scholarship essay format at a glance. Read the scholarship essay format guidelines carefully, to check if the scholarship includes instructions. If you're submitting your scholarship essay outside of the Going Merry platform, set up your document with a 1-inch margin. Aim for a 12-point font. The best font to use is Times New Roman.
Popular Application Essay Topics
2023-24 Common App Essays. Nearly 700 colleges accept the The Common Application , which makes it easy to apply to multiple schools with just one form. If you are using the Common App to apply for college admissions, you will have 250-650 words to respond to ONE of the following prompts: Some students have a background, identity, interest ...
How to Write Scholarship Essay to Study in USA
Before we get into how to write a scholarship essay, here's what it should look like. The format of a scholarship essay, unless stated otherwise by your university, is given below: Font Size: 12 Font Style: Times New Roman Margin: Top, bottom and side margins, one inch each Line spacing: Double spaced. It follows the typical essay structure:
How To Answer 20 Common Scholarship Interview Questions
Stay relaxed. Answering scholarship interview questions is typically easier when you are calm. Practice relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, before going into the interview. Smile, shake the interviewer's hand firmly and be yourself. Act confident and deserving of the scholarship.

10 Common Scholarship Essay Questions and How to Answer Them

1. Tell Us About Yourself

2. How Will This Scholarship Make a Difference for You?

3. Can You Tell Us About a Time You Failed? What Did You Learn from That Experience?

4. Tell Us About a Contribution You’ve Made to Your Community

5. What Are Your Academic (or Professional) Goals?

6. Tell Us About a Time Where You Stepped Up as a Leader

7. Who Has Been Your Biggest Influence (or Inspiration)?

8. Why Do You Want to Go to College?

9. How Are You Planning on Financing Your College Education?

10. Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship?

Using Common Scholarship Essay Questions to Prepare

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The 16 Most Popular Scholarship Essay and Application Questions

The Top 16 Scholarship Essay Themes

Common Scholarship Questions and Essay Prompts

Scholarship Essay Theme: Catch-All

Scholarship Essay Theme: Challenges

Scholarship Essay Theme: Champion

Scholarship Essay Theme: Change

Scholarship Essay Theme: Character

Scholarship Essay Theme: Classroom

Scholarship Essay Theme: College

Scholarship Essay Theme: Committee Composition

Scholarship Essay Theme: Community

Scholarship Essay Theme: Competition

Scholarship Essay Theme: Contribution

Scholarship Essay Theme: Control

Scholarship Essay Theme: Creative

Scholarship Essay Theme: Credentials

Scholarship Essay Theme: Culture

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Scholarship essay introduction example

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

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