If you’re having trouble writing your scholarship essay, use these best practices to create a powerful essay that will increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

1.     Follow instructions

That’s all there is to it. Your chances of receiving a scholarship increase dramatically if you follow all the instructions in your scholarship application.

2.     Brainstorm

Begin brainstorming once you’ve determined the prompts for your essay. Set a timer for 15 minutes and jot down any ideas you have for your essay. There are no wrong answers; simply write down whatever comes to mind.

3.     Outline and write your essay

Make a good outline before you begin writing your essay. This will help you stay organized and will make your essay easier to read.

When you start writing the essay, don’t worry about writing it perfectly just yet. Let your creativity flow as you just write.

4.     Tell a story.

Everyone loves a good story, especially scholarship committees. Don’t be afraid to share your story with them.

5.     Use Grammarly

All writing software includes an auto-correction feature. Grammarly, on the other hand, is on another level entirely. Use it to write amazing and powerful scholarship essays.

6.     Revise, revise, revise.

After you’ve written without limits, begin cutting, replacing, editing, and polishing your essay. This is the most crucial step in any great piece of writing. Do not disregard it.

Better yet, after you finish writing your essay, give yourself one day before reviewing it.

7.     Be honest.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true or that doesn’t accurately represent you. Be truthful. People will take notice.

8.     Ask someone to read your essay.

It could be a friend or a professor. Your financial aid officer, too! Having another set of eyes look over your essay is extremely beneficial.

9.     Revise again.

This cannot be overstated. However, once you’ve completed it, submit it.