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The $1 Million Question: How to Win an Essay Contest
Writing a winning essay isn't hard--just follow these tips.
By Kay Peterson, Ph.D.
With more than $1 million in essay scholarships in the FastWeb database, suddenly learning to put your thoughts on paper is more important than ever.
The personal essay may be the hardest part of your scholarship application. But if done well, it will give you the edge over your competition. It’s where the “real you” can shine through.
If you find it difficult to write, try talking into a tape recorder. After you’re done, you can transcribe the recording and edit the result. This can be the genesis of a good essay. Most people speak at a rate of 200 words per minute, but write or type at a rate of only 30 words per minute. So the act of writing can get in the way of your creativity, interrupting the flow of thought. You will also be more expressive when you talk, yielding a more personal and interesting essay.
Make your essay a hit with these tips from scholarship providers:
- Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get going.
- Be original. The judges may be asked to review hundreds of essays. It’s your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. So be creative in your answers.
- Show, don’t tell. Use stories, examples and anecdotes to individualize your essay and demonstrate the point you want to make. By using specifics, you’ll avoid vagueness and generalities and make a stronger impression.
- Develop a theme. Don’t simply list all your achievements. Decide on a theme you want to convey that sums up the impression you want to make. Write about experiences that develop that theme.
- Know your audience. Personal essays are not “one size fits all.” Write a new essay for each application—one that fits the interests and requirements of that scholarship organization. You’re asking to be selected as the representative for that group. The essay is your chance to show how you are the ideal representative.
- Submit an essay that is neat and readable. Make sure your essay is neatly typed, and that there is a lot of white space on the page. Double-space the essay, and provide adequate margins (1"-1 1/2") on all sides.
- Make sure your essay is well written. Proofread carefully, check spelling and grammar and share your essay with friends or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss.


MarlenaH13
about 10 hours ago
I have read a lot of comments on this article and I am surprised. This is just an article that is meant to assist people in writing essays. It is not a competition or an essay contest for a million dollars. If it were actually a contest, not only would the reward be significantly less, but it would include basic information such as a deadline or specific question. People, I know how easy it is to get excited if you are only looking at the amount, but please turn on your brains.
This has been a public service announcement brought to you by one very disturbed student that has the ability to actually read.
Thank you for the tips!
MoreblessingsC
3 days ago
What is the dealine for applying for this scholarship?
Dee_ffa
5 days ago
Unfortunately the world revolves around paper. When I was born I was assigned a certificate of birth on paper, and a social security card. In elementary school they gave us grade cards, and I need a special paper to graduate high school. I need to write papers to make it into college, to be able to get a paper that allows me to have a larger number on my paper paycheck. I then cash that paycheck for paper money that will be spent and reciepts given.
Paper depresses me.
Back to my essays.
Dondebby
6 days ago
This is so helpful! thanks for the illustration!
monyetta_kelly
6 days ago
I THINK THIS IS VERY GOOD ADVICE TO GIVE US STUDENTS BECAUSE ITS SORDER LIKE YOU ALL ARE GIVING US A HINT OF WHAT EXACTY YOUR LOOKING FOR IN A GOOD WRITTER IN ORDER TO WIN. I TAKE ADVICE VERY SERIOUSLY WHEN ITS SOMETHING IM COMPETEING FOR. THANK YOU FASTWEB FOR YOUR ADVICE HOPEFULLY IT WORKS TO YOUR SATISFICATION.
luckylefty147
10 days ago
This is very sound advice that will hopefully be advantageous in the near future.
SoualioG
11 days ago
i want to apply for tnis scholarship,but i don t know how to apply
ClaudetteF5
11 days ago
how do i apply for this essay compeition??
nutz4cubbies
about 1 month ago
Are the rules different for institutes or trade schools? Where can I find scholarship information on those types of learning facilities?
VeerasamyN
3 months ago
Interesting and how do I go about applying for the essay competition?
Isus
3 months ago
Good Idea, always good to record.
Staci_Lyn_Nelson
4 months ago
Do all colleges require a personal essay? If not which ones do, I happen to enjoy typing essays and typing in general for I consider myself to be a tad bit of a writer.
mjfan89
4 months ago
It's actually not a bad idea. I happen to have a voice recorder at home and that's a lot of help since I use it quite often.
BrandyMarette
4 months ago
i love it
seniormendoza
5 months ago
i think that it will help you to improv you writing