ESSAY HINTS FOR ABAC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Begin early so that you’ll have plenty of time for drafting and seeking assistance.

If you haven’t already started, you should start today.  Pay close attention to the three parts the form asks for in the essay: a) autobiography; b) why you chose to enroll here at ABAC; and c) why you are applying for a scholarship. Your readers will be looking for this information, and will notice if you leave something out.

Also, note that the application specifies that the essay should be a maximum of three (3) pages long. You want to share information with the reviewers, but you don’t want to go on for so long that they lose interest. Don’t feel like you have to use four-syllable words, or run-on sentences.

Careful editing and attention to both content and detail send a message.

While it is true that not all successful scholarship application essays are typed, the majority are.  Typing allows you flexibility in checking and revising the essay, especially if you’re using a word processing program like MS Word—and—it looks neater and is easier to read.  The time and effort you put into your essay will be apparent and make your readers more willing to put time and effort into granting your request for a scholarship.

    For reference: If you are already on campus, the Academic Assistance Center tutors, located on the bottom floor of the Carlton Center Library, will be glad to help you meet your audience’s needs for information, clarity, and correctness.

Because your readers have many essays and applications to read, make sure yours stands out!

Make your essay as specific and interesting as possible—from the very first sentence!  Write an intriguing and personable hook in your introduction.

An example: 

“As long as I can remember there have been two major topics of discussion at my family’s dinner table. The first, of course, always concerns the weather. ”

A bad example:

"My name is Joe Smith. I was born in Toccoa, Georgia, but I grew up in Athens, GA. I live with my momma and daddy and two sisters.”

You can put this type of information later in the essay, but please don’t start off with it.

       Also, be certain to provide concrete, specific information throughout the body of the essay.  You may find it helpful to use the Scholarship Application as a tool to jog your memory, however, don’t list everything that’s already on your application. Pick one club, or volunteer service, or a competition you’ve been involved with, and elaborate on a particular experience.