When it comes to applying for a scholarship, the scholarship application plays a significant role.
Your academic excellence may make you apt for the scholarship. But, a well-written application makes you stand out among the other applicants. Also, it can convince the authority to grant you the scholarship.
You may encounter problems and confusion on how to write a scholarship application. But trust me, you don’t need to worry about it anymore. I’m here to help you out with a step-by-step guide.
So, without making any delay, let’s start.
- Self-introduction
- Explain your field of study
- Mention the scholarship that you’re applying for
- Explain your future goals
- Emphasize why you need the scholarship
The 3 Steps to Write a Scholarship Application
Generally, a scholarship application contains 3 or 4 paragraphs. Each paragraph has a different job to perform.
Let’s look into the following table that shows a glimpse of what you should write in which section.
| Paragraph No. | Contents |
| 1st Paragraph | 1. Self-introduction 2. Explain your field of study 3. Mention the scholarship that you’re applying for 4. Explain your future goals 5. Emphasize why you need the scholarship |
| 2nd Paragraph | 1. Talk about yourself 2. Mention your interests, hobbies, and achievements |
| 3rd Paragraph | 1. Summarize the information 2. Explain the benefit that you’ll get from the scholarship 3. Mention other information or documents (if the authority asked for) 4. Call to Action 5. Thank the reader |
I know the table seems like everything, right? But trust me, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dig deep into it.
Step 1 of 3: Provide Your Self Introduction
The first part of your application is the most crucial as it creates your first impression. From the very beginning, make the reader feel like you’re worthy of the scholarship.
This part should contain a brief introduction about yourself. Also, it includes what you’ve studied, the scholarship you’re applying for, why the scholarship is essential for you.
However, you can split this paragraph into two sections. In the first paragraph, you’ll write about yourself and your field of study. After that, you’ll talk about your future goals, career objectives and explain why you need the scholarship.
Try to create a rapport with the reader in this section. Otherwise, he might not feel interested in reading the entire application, and you might see your name on the rejection list.
Step 2 of 3: Talk about Yourself
In this part, you can help the reader to know more about you. Provide your personal information, including:
- Hobbies
- Interests
- Achievements
- Your contribution to the society
- Exciting and memorable experiences
Moreover, you can talk about your strengths, family, and financial condition. But keep in mind, don’t provide any unnecessary information.
Step 3 of 3: Summarize the Information
The last paragraph is almost equally important as the first one. Here, you’ll provide a summary of your application. Convincingly tell the authority how the scholarship will bring benefit for you.
You can provide a call to action hint like looking forward to your reply or asking for a skype session. Also, if the authority asks for any information, don’t forget to mention them.
Lastly, thank the reader as he’ll spend his time going through your application.
So, these are all 3 steps you can apply to write a scholarship application. But you know what?
There are some dos and don’ts that you need to follow while writing the application. Let’s get into them.
What Should You Follow While Writing a Scholarship Application?
You already know how you can write the application and what information you’ll put on it. But there are few things you need to implement before submitting the application.
- Provide Contact Information
Suppose you just write a top-notch application but forget to add the contact info at the right place. What will happen then?
Well, we already assume the result. That’s why don’t forget to provide the correct contact information.
- Use Formal Tone
When you write an application, try to express your words in a polite and formal tone. As you’re writing a professional application, an informal tone may disturb the reader, and the reader might not like it at all. Also, you need to be very careful while choosing your words.
- Apply a Clear Structure
You should maintain a clear structure while writing. From line spacing to choosing the font, everything is important. An excellent structure complements your application’s appearance.
Moreover, Don’t make your application too long. Concisely provide all the necessary information within 3 or 4 paragraphs.
Here’re a few pieces of advice:
- The space between the lines should be 1 or 1.5
- The preferable fonts are Arial and Times New Roman
- Use space properly between the paragraphs
- Follow the Guideline
You’ll find the scholarship-related guideline on the respective website. Your job is to follow it strictly. Look for the documents the authority has asked for, and don’t forget to attach them.
- Proofread
After finishing the writing, all you have to do is revise it several times. In fact, you can go to a competent person to proofread your application.
Remember, your final application should be free from any grammatical and spelling errors.
What Should You Avoid While Writing a Scholarship Application?
It happens pretty often that while writing something, we make terrible mistakes subconsciously. And when it comes to writing a formal application, you need to be more careful to avoid such issues.
However, here’re the things that you should avoid in your application.
- Don’t Mention Your Weakness
Every scholarship brings an opportunity to harness your true potential, your strengths. You don’t need to mention your weakness in your application unless it’s necessary.
- Don’t Write Unnecessary Information
When you provide the reader with unnecessary information, he might not feel interested. The application will appear dull and unpleasant to him. Yes, you can add exciting personal details like you love to do rafting.
- Don’t Act Desperate for the Scholarship
When you apply, the authority already knows that you need the scholarship. You don’t need to show your craving for it. Your approach should be humble as well as persuasive.
The Final Thoughts
I know how hectic it is to get a scholarship. Throughout this post, I just tried to ease the students’ pain in this journey. I hope this post will help the students to make their scholarship applications stand out among the other applicants.
I’m eagerly waiting to hear your success story. For now, I’m signing off.
Best of luck!