Rather than simply listing achievements, weave your experiences into a consistent theme that reflects who you are and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.

Begin with an engaging opening—sometimes called a "lede"—that establishes your theme and draws the reader in immediately.

A "solid" essay is evaluated based on four primary criteria:

Use clear, concise language and prefer active voice. While professional, your tone should be confident and conversational.

Follow a logical structure with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. State your thesis early to provide immediate focus.