Key Takeaways
- Outlining your scholarship essay makes writing easier and keeps your ideas organized.
- A clear scholarship application essay template helps you focus on the most important details.
- Choose topics that are personal, meaningful, and connect to the scholarship’s goals.
- Proofreading and editing your essay ensures it’s polished and professional.
Flickr user Benjamin Solah
Writing a scholarship essay can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! The best way to make it easier? Start with a clear outline. An outline helps you organize your thoughts, stay on track, and build a strong essay that shows the scholarship committee who you are.
Think of it as a roadmap, it guides you from start to finish so you don’t get lost along the way.
Let’s explore how a simple scholarship application essay outline can make writing easier and help you stand out.
Why Does an Outline Matter?
Once you’ve picked your essay topic, your next step should always be outlining. Before you write full sentences or paragraphs, grab a piece of paper or open a new document on your laptop. Then, start putting together your ideas.
Your outline helps you:
- Pick out the most important details to share
- Keep your writing focused and organized
- Save time when you start your draft
Before outlining, read the scholarship instructions carefully to make sure you answer the prompt fully. Be sure to follow any formatting or word count requirements. Planning can help you create a stronger essay.
How Do I Format My Scholarship Application Essay?
Proper formatting makes your essay easier to read and gives a polished impression to the scholarship committee. Follow any formatting guidelines you are given. Otherwise, here are some tips:
- Font and Size: Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, typically in 12-point.
- Spacing: Double-space your essay unless instructions say otherwise.
- Margins: Stick to standard 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Paragraphs: Start each paragraph with an indent or leave a line between paragraphs.
- Titles and Headings: Include a title if requested, but don’t overdo headings unless the prompt allows.
- Word Count: Pay close attention to the word limit. Going over may disqualify your application.
Tip: Always review the scholarship instructions first. They take precedence over any formatting advice.
Scholarship Application Essay Template Outline
Here’s an easy scholarship essay outline template you can use:
1. Introduction (Your Hook)
Start strong! Open with a hook that grabs your reader’s attention. You can use a story, a question, or an interesting fact. Then, include your thesis statement, which sums up the main idea of your essay in one sentence.
Example: “Training for the state championship was tough but breaking my ankle and missing the race was even tougher.”
2. Body Paragraphs
This is where you tell your story. Use details to show what happened, what you learned, and how it connects with your goals.
- Include examples or experiences that relate to the scholarship’s mission.
- Focus on challenges you’ve overcome or lessons you’ve learned.
- Don’t just list the facts. Make it personal and meaningful.
- Highlight your unique experiences, passion, and dedication. Show how you stand out.
Example: Explain your training routine, describe how the injury happened, and share how you recovered both physically and mentally.
3. Conclusion
Wrap up by revisiting your main message. End with a strong closing thought or reflection that ties everything together and reminds the reader why you’re a great fit for the scholarship.
Example: “Unexpected challenges may slow you down, but determination helps you rise above them, on and off the track.”
Scholarship Application Essay Outline Example
Here’s a sample outline based on the student-athlete story above:
Introduction
- Hook: I broke my ankle while training for the state competition.
- Thesis: “Training for state was tough breaking my ankle and missing out was tougher.”
Body
- Training routine for state: schedule and goals
- The injury: how it happened and the recovery process
- Challenges: disappointment, motivation, and new goals
- Growth: learned resilience and continued to chase dreams
Conclusion
- Lesson learned: “Setbacks can shape your strength and determination.”
How Can I Make Each Word Count?
Most scholarship essays have word limits. Sometimes they’re 250 to 500 words, which is why each sentence should serve a purpose.
- Start by outlining your main ideas before writing.
- Avoid repeating ideas or adding filler to reach the word count.
- Stick to the points that best highlight your strengths, goals, or personal growth.
A focused outline can help organize your ideas and present them clearly.
How Do I Choose an Essay Topic?
The best scholarship essay topics are personal and meaningful. Think about the moments that shaped who you are. You can write about challenges you’ve overcome, goals you’ve worked toward, or experiences that have inspired you.
Choose a topic that connects to the scholarship’s mission or values. This helps show why you’re a great fit and makes your story more memorable.
If the scholarship asks about your career goals or financial needs, be sure to incorporate these points naturally into your essay.
Don’t Forget To Proofread
Before you hit “submit,” proofread your essay. Even the best stories can lose impact if they’re full of typos or unclear sentences. Read your essay out loud to catch mistakes or awkward phrasing. It’s an easy way to hear what needs fixing.
Here are a few quick tips to help you polish your work:
- Take a Break: Step away for a few hours, then come back with fresh eyes.
- Use Free Tools: Try built-in spell checkers. Free editing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can help spot grammar issues and long sentences.
- Ask for Feedback: A teacher, friend, or parent can catch things you may have missed.
Strong proofreading shows you care about quality and attention to detail. These are two things scholarship committees love to see.
Scholarship Essay Checklist
Not sure if your essay is ready? Use this checklist:
- Did I include a strong hook in the introduction?
- Did I answer the essay prompt fully?
- Does my essay connect to the scholarship’s mission or values?
- Does my essay follow the required formatting?
- Are my body paragraphs clear, organized, and filled with specific details?
- Have I highlighted my unique experiences, strengths, and dedication?
- Does my conclusion tie everything together and reflect my qualifications?
- Did I proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity?
- Did I remove unnecessary words?
If you can check off every item, you can feel more confident about sending your essay. This is your chance to show the scholarship committee why you deserve to be chosen.
Every Great Essay Starts With One Word
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t overthink it. Just start writing! Jot or type anything that comes to mind. It can be words, phrases, or short memories. Once you get going, your ideas can start to flow. Think about experiences that shaped you, lessons you learned, and moments that show your determination. A great essay can help you earn a scholarship that helps make college more affordable.
Now that you have an outline template, are you ready to search for scholarships? Try College Raptor’s FREE Scholarship Search tool. You can find awards that fit your background, goals, and interests, all in one place.
