Research the organization purpose or the person the scholarship is named after. It's important to understand how you are the ideal recipient of the scholarship or ideal student of a college. For example, when applying for a scholarship that deals with green technology it's in your benefit to highlight your accomplishments that deal with the subject.
Create an outline. An outline organizes the points you wish to make and reduces the likelihood of rambling in your essay. Separate the essay into the necessary number of sections stated in the essay requirements.
Carefully read the essay requirements to determine how many parts or questions the essay asks to ensure you thoroughly answer the essay. Unanswered questions may disqualify you from the scholarship, as it shows you did not carefully read the rules.
Speak in the present tense with an active voice. Subjects perform an action when you use an active voice, for example "I write for my school's newspaper" is active, whereas "The school's newspaper is written by me and several others" is considered passive. An active voice shows the organization you are a motivated individual and looks better than appearing timid or insecure.
State your goals in the essay. Talk about your personal strengths and how the scholarship or college acceptance will help you reach your goals. Confidence is key when writing, as you want to appear competent and deserving of the award or admission.