When applying to other sources of (non-FAFSA) funding, you will often have to write essays to demonstrate to funders that you qualify for their funding. This is true for scholarships you may apply to through the UH System Common Application, UH Mānoa College of Education Common Application, Pauahi Foundation, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, etc. Here are some key things to consider when you write your scholarship essays:
1. Seek out grants and scholarships first to maximize financial assistance
- Look for ECE focused scholarships and grants first!
- Look for scholarships relevant to various aspects of your demographic.
- Look for scholarships relevant to your interests or life goals.
- Use loans as a last option. If you do decide to get a loan, try to secure an unsubsidized loan so you are not having to pay back interest on top of the loan.
2. Seek recommendations from positive people
- Many funders will ask for letters of recommendations as part of your application. Here are examples of people you can ask that will look favorably on your application:
- past or present teachers/professors
- employers
- religious leaders
- caseworkers
- community leaders, and
- organization leaders
- Choose recommenders who are familiar with your work and can speak to the scholarship criteria. (E.g. if you are applying for a community service oriented scholarship, it is a good idea to seek out a recommendation from someone who organizes the volunteer events you participate in; it would make less sense to ask a professor who has never observed your volunteer work)
- Follow these general guidelines on how to ask for letters of recommendation.
- Visit this helpful blog on How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation by Coursera for more helpful tips.
3. Work on essays in a separate file & save your work!
- Many funding applications have time limits online, and will kick you out of the system after a while. Here are tips to save you from losing any work:
- Enter answers to prompts in a separate document saved in your personal files first. This step will take the longest time. See tips #4 and #5.
- Copy & paste your responses into the online application and click save.
- Be sure to click on the “save” option frequently so you don’t lose anything.
- Save and/or print a copy for yourself before you submit. You will want a copy for your records and you can use it as a template for other applications.
- You can modify your answers for other scholarship applications, or update your answers in following years, just be sure to address your answers to the correct funder.
4. Address the Criteria
- Application are reviewed by committee members
- Awards are based on meeting the criteria of the scholarship
- Be sure to read the descriptions and write to each of the criteria they ask for
- E.g., do not talk about your financial need if it is a merit-based scholarship, and do not spend time discussing all your achievements if it is a needs-based scholarship.
- “Merit-based” means they are looking for what you’ve achieved as a student. What kind of academic awards or service have you accomplished as a student recently? How have you excelled in your studies?
- “Need-based” means you have extenuating financial needs. What are your financial circumstances? What is the socioeconomic status of your family? How will having financial support from the scholarship help you focus on your studies so you can earn your degree? (Note: even if you have financial needs, if the scholarship is focused on “merit,” do not spend time talking about your financial needs.)
- Clear, correct, specific and on-time applications receive more funding
5. Appearance matters!
- Start early.
- Make every word count.
- Use good formatting.
- Provide examples (e.g., do not just state, “I studied hard.” Explain how you studied hard: “For the past semester, I spent most of my free time studying in the school library. On weekends, I have dedicated at least 4 hours every day to keep up with my coursework.”)
- Take a break, then look and review.
- Spelling and grammar make a difference–check for any mistakes before you submit!
- Ask someone to proofread your work–sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things you can’t see.
6. Complete fundersʻ requests for reports
- Answer what they ask.
- Do it on time.
- Say “thank you” and share how their funding has helped you–even if it is not a criteria on the scholarship application. If you are not sure how to do this, ask the administrators of the scholarship about how to properly thank the funder(s) for any scholarships you receive.
- Funders will remember your sincerity.
Tips for Specific Applications
Some applications are tricky to navigate! Follow the links below for tips on any applications you may be need to complete.