There are a few key things you should avoid when writing a scholarship essay. First, do not write an autobiography of your life. You should also avoid using your scholarship essay as a platform to discuss a trending topic. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and strengths. For instance, do not write about your college plans or how you’ll be spending your summers. Instead, use examples to demonstrate your credibility. Remember that “show, don’t tell” techniques have been practiced throughout schooling, and it applies here as well.
Don’t write a complete autobiography of your life
An autobiography essay is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your accomplishments and achievements. In most cases, it revolves around a memorable event or time in your life. It includes detailed background information and evidence to support the writer’s perspective. It’s important to outline your autobiography essay with a clear outline and include specific details of various aspects of your life.
It’s perfectly fine to share a story about yourself if it’s relevant to your chosen field of study. However, don’t go overboard with the details of your personal life. While we all have some kind of tragedy in our lives, it shouldn’t be the central focus of your essay. Rather, focus on how you overcame the challenges and learned from them.
Avoid either-or perspectives
Scholarship essays should avoid either-or perspectives. You need to make your essay relevant to the scholarship organization’s mission and not the other way around. You should state your main goal and give a backup plan in case your primary one fails. If you have more than one goal, try to make the essay as long as possible. This way, the scholarship organization will know what your focus is and how it can help you achieve it.
Regardless of the type of scholarship, you should avoid stating your goals in either-or perspectives. Scholarship organizations are looking for a personal touch and don’t want to read a generalized essay. Instead, share personal experiences related to your chosen topic. For example, you may have lost a parent due to illness or started a writing club. Your experiences form your identity and can help you stand out from other scholarship applicants.
Don’t treat your scholarship essay like a platform to tackle a trending topic
Depending on the prompt, you may have free rein in choosing your central focus and topic, but it’s better to stick with something that has meaning to you. If possible, write about something that was significant to you as a child, an event, or a value you hold dear. If you truly care about the topic, you’ll do better work. This is especially true if you’re writing for a scholarship.
You should avoid using trending topics in your scholarship essay. While they might make you stand out from other applicants, they can also alienate readers. Avoid using trending topics in your scholarship essay and use authentic details. Using real-life examples, real-life events, and experiences will make your scholarship essay more compelling to readers. Also, keep in mind that most scholarship essays have character and word limits. Staying on topic and avoiding unnecessary detours can make the essay appear stronger and more memorable.