Whether you are writing your first or tenth scholarship application essay, the following tips can help you write a compelling and authentic essay.
General Tips:
- Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards – Offers general scholarship application tips, including how to structure essays and highlight your strengths.
- What is Lived Experience? – Understand how to articulate your personal background and identity with this helpful guide from the Office of Human Services Policy.
- Three-Minute Legal Talks: Race and Ethnicity in College Applications – Gain a quick legal overview of how race and ethnicity can be considered in your application process.
- GearUP Washington: Scholarship Resources – Explore scholarship opportunities and resources specifically for Washington state students, including mentorship and application support.
- Get Schooled – Offers free reviews of resumes and scholarship essays to help you stand out with clear, personalized feedback.
- The Dos and Don’ts of Using AI for Scholarship Applications – Learn how to use AI responsibly when writing or editing essays without crossing ethical lines.
Applying for Washington Space Grant Awards:
- NASA Space Grant’s objectives – Washington Space Grant is part of a national program funded by NASA. In your essay responses, highlight how your experience and goals align with Space Grant’s objective.
- Washington Space Grant programs include regular opportunities for professional development and community building. It’s designed for students who are interested in connecting with others in a supportive environment. Students who are open to connection and engagement tend to get much more out of the experience. If you enjoy a cohort environment and are looking to grow alongside others, this program is designed with you in mind.
- We place a strong emphasis on the driving force or motivation behind your academic pursuits. We are not expecting you to explain entirely new original research ideas.
- Your application will be evaluated on the following categories: Academic Goal and Motivation, Public Service, Lived Experiences, and Contribution to Cohort