Essay Writing Tip Sheet

1. Show who YOU are! 

Essays are your chance to show something unique about you that is not already represented on your application. 

Think about what you are passionate about and how to incorporate this passion into your essay. 

What do you want the scholarship organization to know about you?

2. Be Professional  

Scholarship essays are not long tweets or Facebook posts  

No lower case "i's", no OMGs • Google yourself before your scholarship organization does-- keep your social media clean 

Use a professional sounding email address

3. Review Your Essay   Does my essay… 

Address all parts of the essay question?  

Sound vague, or general?  Use specifics. Tell a story, with a beginning, middle and end. No fillers, avoid summarizing at the end. 

Meander all over the place?  Start with a strong statement. Connect what you have done to what you will do in the future.  

Sound familiar, like a cliché?  Tell the story only you can tell. Make it your own. Remember your audience.

More Helpful Hints

 Write up essay in word processing software such as Microsoft Word and then copy into the student profile.

Check for grammar and spelling.

Save the essay for future use in another application.

Auburn Dollars for Scholars does not  have any word or length requirements for the essay section.

Good Luck!