Scholarship applications for UM-Flint are coming up fast! The application process opens December 9th, 2013 and remains open until February 14th, 2014. Also, check out the Financial Aid website for other great scholarship opportunities.
The scholarship essay is a critical part of the application process, and at the Marian E. Wright Writing Center, we can help you get started and go over drafts of your essay. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing your essay:
1. Be sure to cover everything the scholarship prompt ask for, and follow the directions exactly. There are many reasons why scholarship committees ask for things the way they do. So, don’t give them a reason to throw yours out.
2. Be specific. Avoid writing something that 500 other applicants might also say. For instance, if you want to be a teacher, don’t just rely on “I want to teach because I like children.” That won’t help you stand out. However, showing a moment when you worked with a child and made an impact on that child’s life, and in turn how that moment made an impact on yours, shows not only your commitment, passion, and qualities as a teacher, but it also serves as the “proof” so to speak of your dedication to children and teaching.
3. Think about the important markers on your path, and how your life experiences have shaped you, challenged you, and helped you make decisions about future goals. Don’t forget those great classroom moments, and mentoring moments with professors!
Lastly, once you have a draft of your essay, have someone else look at it, and give you feedback. Sometimes what we write and what we meant to write are a little different. You won’t be there to explain your essay, so make sure it says and means what you intended.
The Writing Center can be a great second pair of eye and ears. Come in and see us soon!