Read the scholarship essay instructions thoroughly before you start writing. Review committees are sticklers when it comes to formatting, presentation, word count and an applicant's ability to frame his responses cohesively and coherently. Seek clarification from a teacher, counselor or parent if you're unsure how to interpret the application.
Create a working outline and jot down notes of anything you think is relevant to the question(s) set forth.
Identify your short-term goals and long-range ambitions. This is one of the most common questions posed in scholarship application essays. Elaborate on how the academic path you want to follow will enable you to reach those goals as well as enhance your existing body of knowledge about your chosen field. Demonstrate the research you've done on the college you want to attend by citing specific programs and instructors, and commenting on the school's reputation.
Explain how your academic background, workforce experiences and extracurricular activities have prepared you for admission to university study. Reviewers are looking for your ability to take initiative, identify and resolve problems, assume leadership roles, manage your time effectively and communicate well with others.
Discuss any experience you have as a volunteer. This question is usually couched in terms of what you have done to give back to your community or make a difference in the lives of others. It also generally asks you to give examples of these experiences and explain how they transformed you. Stay mindful of the word count in these sections and try to keep each of your examples roughly the same length.
Emphasize your accomplishments. Scholarship essays---and the personal interviews that follow---almost always ask what you're the most proud of. This is often one of the hardest questions for people to answer. In the competitive arena of scholarships, taking pride in yourself and the strides you've made to become a better person is a show of confidence and readiness.
Recruit friends to read your essay prior to submission. Don't just trust your own eyes or rely on your computer's spell-checking function. Good proofreading is essential to making a favorable impression.