Begin with a comment that specifically relates to your personality and/or educational interests. Use the opening sentence as an opportunity to catch the reader slightly off guard and capture her attention. Remember that scholarship application reviewers often read hundreds of essays, and it is important to make yours stand out. For example, open with an inspiring fact such as, "It was only 66 years after the Wright brothers invented the airplane that man landed on the moon." Or, make the opening statement more personal: "Rumor has it that my first word was 'moon.' I was 9 months old and my curiosity about space had already taken off."
Word your opening statement and introductory paragraph so they are fast-paced, fluid and intriguing. Vary your sentence lengths to make the paragraph flow. Read the introduction aloud to yourself to determine if the rhythm of the wording conveys strength and enthusiasm.
Choose only the best and most appropriate words to convey your point. Avoid using generic adjectives such as "good" or "happy." Use descriptive language so the reader can truly visualize what you are writing about. For example, saying "As the space shuttle blasted off..." paints a more vivid picture than saying "As the space shuttle launched..."
Use active voice whenever possible. This helps push your article forward with a sense of purpose and positive urgency. For example, rather than writing, " I am inspired by astronauts," write "Astronauts inspire me." Avoid passive introductory phrasing such as, "It can be argued that..." or "It has been observed that..."
Focus on why you want a college education, rather than on your financial hardships or need for scholarship funding. Remember that your passions and goals are what sets you apart from other applicants. Inspire the application reviewer with your eagerness to learn and to use your education to make a difference. Later on in the essay, you can discuss why the scholarship funding is vital for you to attend the college. However, the article should primarily focus on your intelligence and your enthusiasm about the future.