Essay Assistance

The online scholarship application asks for an essay of not more than 500 words indicating reasons for your choice of college, chosen course of study, career goals and plans for financing your college education. Please also include information regarding your past activities that benefitted the community. Think carefully about this statement. This is a crucial part of the selection process.

Tips for Writing Your Goals and Aspirations Statement (Essay)

The personal essay may be the hardest part of your application to complete. But, it is also where you can stand out from the crowd.

The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include details you feel comfortable sharing about yourself so the reader can get to know who YOU are and what you stand for. Be truthful and honest.

Scholarship selection committees may have hundreds of essays to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention. Remember to:

• Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and create an outline to help you get going. Make sure to address specific questions clearly.
• Be original and be creative in your answers. Show, don’t tell. Use examples to individualize your essay. Demonstrate the point you want to make. Avoid vagueness to make a strong impression.
• Know your audience. Personal essays are not "one size fits all". Write an essay that fits the requirements of that particular scholarship.
• Proofread. This is very important! You do not want to have a typo on your essay. Check spelling and grammar. Share your essay with a friend, parents or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss!
• Create a portrait of a winner. By doing this on paper, you create a vivid portrait that will depict the person behind the grades, activities and awards. If a judge feels like he or she knows you, you have done your job and created a powerful emotional connection that elevates your application, and makes it stand out from others.

For additional guidance and to review sample essays, we recommend visiting College Board.

Questions? Contact Ruth Bishop at 616.454.1751, ext. 103 or click here to email Ruth or contact Jill Tiefenbach at 616.454.1751, ext. 112 or click here to email Jill.