The personal essay is critical to winning a scholarship because it lets the selection committee get to know your child beyond the grades, test scores, and activities on the application. It is also the best opportunity to make a strong and lasting impression.

Scholarship essays should captivate readers and encourage them to care about the writer. Writing a good essay is not always easy. It takes time to put words on paper and finesse each sentence to convey the correct meaning.

While there is no right or wrong way to write one, a good scholarship essay …

• … is original.
• … states clearly why the writer deserves to win.
• … has a main point.
• … avoids meaningless information.
• … is more than just a sob story.
• … is honest.

When completed, review your child's essay.

• Look for grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Point out any unclear passages.
• Above all, ask yourself if the essay convinces you that your child deserves to win the scholarship.