| In any college scholarship essay, the details will be up | | | | each, and make a short list of the group's purposes. |
| to you. But you can improve your choices in writing | | | | Finding successful applications can help a great deal, |
| by knowing to whom you write and what their | | | | but be careful. Never attempt to apply with a |
| purposes are for the scholarship. Use the ideas below | | | | duplicate or slightly modified application from a |
| to get to know the scholarship committee and to | | | | previous year. These organizations are typically small, |
| write a more applicable essay. | | | | and of course, they read every essay a few years |
| The Scholarship's Purpose | | | | ago and will remember the one you copy - count on |
| Where does the award come from and who gives it? | | | | it. Go with originality. Just use a sample for inspiration |
| Use these four questions to decide what to write | | | | and style. |
| about and how to present your experiences to | | | | You can find dozens of scholarships to apply to if |
| improve your chances: | | | | you look. Many have multiple awards. Keep looking |
| - Can you find a mission statement for the | | | | and apply to as many as you qualify for. Spend time |
| scholarship award? | | | | perfecting your application. Nothing would be worse |
| - Does the organization have goals or a purpose? | | | | than to send in an application with a stunning |
| - People will sometimes found a scholarship for a | | | | scholarship essay for college tuition, only to by set |
| specific reason. Do you know the history of the | | | | aside because you misspelled a couple of words, or |
| award? | | | | sent the application to the right address but labeled |
| - Can you find sample successful applications from | | | | with the wrong scholarship. Have someone you trust |
| past years? | | | | proofread it at least a couple of times. |
| Once you have a feel for the organization, you can | | | | Keep looking - you can find money for college and |
| write down the governing principles or goals of the | | | | finish that degree! |
| organization. Keep them brief, just a few words | | | | |