Follow essay guidelines. Before you begin, review any length or formatting requirements. Be sure to follow these guidelines strictly. Often, these guidelines are put in place to allow the scholarship selection committee to see how well you can follow specific directions. If you compose an 800 word essay when you were given a 300 word limit, the scholarship committee will not be impressed by your extra effort, but instead dismayed at your inability to stick to provided guidelines.
Answer all posed questions. Look over the essay prompt, and consider what you are being asked. As you compose your essay, take special care to answer all questions. Often, these prompts contain multiple questions. Do not miss one or more of these inquires by composing your essay in haste.
Speak highly on behalf of yourself. This essay should recommend you as the scholarship recipient. Use the essay as a forum through which to explain the qualities that you possess that set you apart from others. Do not fail to mention your special talents and skills.
Discuss any leadership experience. Self discipline and leadership are important skills for nurses, who often work independently. If it fits into the prompt, mention what you have done to demonstrate your ability to lead.
Get a friend or family member's opinion. After composing a draft, ask a trusted adviser to look it over and offer suggestions. Provide this volunteer with a copy of your prompt and your essay, and allow them to read through your work and note any areas where you could improve.
Edit carefully. Do not submit an essay with grammatical or spelling errors. These errors make you seem like a careless person, even if, in actuality, you are quite focused. Go over your essay carefully, and correct any errors prior to submission.