What keeps you up at night? An essay discussing one or two main thoughts, concerns or even worries can be a refreshing and cutting-edge spin on life's challenges. It is also one that nearly everyone can relate to, since we all deal with challenges that sometimes steal away our dream time. Discussing how you plan to overcome these challenges and situations will relay to the essay reader that you are a fighter, innovative and determined, qualities most schools would want in their students.
Although it may sound a bit morbid, writing your own obituary shows reflection, introspection and a keen eye for your goals and aspirations. Your obituary, written as though at the end of a long and full life, shows what your life goals are, how you plan to succeed in your education and what you intend to do with your degree. For example: "John Smith, who lived to the age of 92, accomplished many things after graduating from Yale University." Instead of simply listing what you would like to do or plan to do, write as though you have already completed your goals, which will be an entertaining change of pace for the reader.
Place yourself into a chapter or scene from a favorite play or book. This could be anything from Harry Potter to Shakespeare. Write the segment from the point of view of that era or environment, working in your own personal plights, challenges and battles. This not only allows you to relay to the reader your favorite or most inspiring book, a popular and traditional essay question, but also gives you the opportunity to creatively work in your strengths and attributes. Your good qualities are the merits on which you want to win the scholarship, and this essay is an ideal way to describe them.
If the scholarship organization accepts video submissions, use this to show attributes that complement the organization's mission. If the organization is an Italian heritage group and you are Italian, for instance, show how your life successes will honor your roots. A video essay will let you use many visuals to convey your message. A clip of your big Italian family enjoying a meal together will relay the importance of family and cultural values in your life, helping you to stand out as a scholarship candidate.