When it comes to paying for college, scholarships can be a huge help. Many students turn to scholarships to lessen the burden of tuition fees, and applying for them can make a big difference in how much you have to pay out of pocket. While there are plenty of scholarships available, getting noticed among the hundreds or even thousands of applicants requires more than just filling out an application. One key piece of advice that often comes up during scholarship research is to “tailor your essays” or “personalize your application.” But what does this actually mean, and how can you go about tailoring your scholarship essay to increase your chances of success?
If you’re applying for scholarships to fund your online business degree or any other program, you’ll want to make your application stand out. Personalizing your application isn’t just about tweaking the details—it’s about showing the scholarship committee who you are and why you deserve the award. Let’s break down what tailoring your application means and how you can effectively do it.
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Understand the Scholarship’s Purpose and Requirements
Before you begin tailoring your scholarship application, it’s important to fully understand the scholarship itself. Each scholarship is unique, and scholarship committees have different criteria. Some may be focused on academic achievement, while others are designed to support students from specific backgrounds, career interests, or financial needs.
Start by carefully reading through the scholarship description and requirements. What is the scholarship for? What values or skills are they looking for in a candidate? If the scholarship is for students pursuing an online business degree, it might prioritize applicants who are passionate about entrepreneurship, business innovation, or leadership. Make sure you understand the main goals and expectations of the scholarship, so you can adjust your application accordingly.
Key Steps:
- Read the eligibility requirements and guidelines thoroughly.
- Identify the specific traits or skills the scholarship committee values.
- Note the scholarship’s deadline and any other important details.
Focus on Your Unique Story
One of the best ways to tailor your scholarship application is to focus on your unique story and experiences. Scholarship committees review hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. To stand out, you need to show why your background, challenges, and aspirations make you a perfect fit for the scholarship.
When writing your essay or personal statement, share your story in a way that connects to the scholarship’s mission. For instance, if the scholarship values community involvement, highlight your volunteer work and explain why giving back is important to you. If the scholarship is focused on academic achievement, share your passion for learning and how an online business degree fits into your long-term career goals.
Don’t be afraid to get personal—scholarship committees want to know who you are beyond just your grades and resume. Sharing the experiences that have shaped your educational journey, personal growth, or future ambitions will make your application more relatable and memorable.
Key Steps:
- Identify key moments in your life that relate to the scholarship’s focus.
- Explain why these experiences are important to your educational or career goals.
- Connect your story to how the scholarship can help you achieve your dreams.
Align Your Goals with the Scholarship’s Mission
Tailoring your scholarship application also means aligning your personal goals with the goals of the scholarship. If you’re applying for a scholarship related to leadership, explain how you have demonstrated leadership in school, work, or your community. If the scholarship is intended for students pursuing a business degree, show how an online business degree will help you achieve your goals and why it’s an essential step in your career path.
The committee wants to know that the scholarship will help you grow and succeed. They want to see that your educational and career aspirations align with the scholarship’s mission. For example, if the scholarship is focused on supporting students who will use their education to impact their communities, explain how your business degree will enable you to make a difference.
Be specific about how the scholarship will contribute to your future plans. For instance, do you plan to start a small business, work in nonprofit management, or become a leader in a specific industry? Clearly showing how the scholarship aligns with your career path will make you stand out as a motivated and thoughtful candidate.
Key Steps:
- Be specific about how the scholarship supports your career or educational goals.
- Show how your ambitions align with the scholarship’s mission.
- Use examples of your past actions to demonstrate your commitment to your goals.
Showcase Your Achievements and Strengths
Tailoring your scholarship application is also about showcasing your strengths and achievements. Rather than just listing your accomplishments, focus on how they tie into the scholarship’s values. For example, if the scholarship is based on academic merit, highlight your academic successes, but also explain how you’ve overcome obstacles or gone above and beyond in your studies.
If you’ve demonstrated leadership skills, been involved in extracurricular activities, or have a strong work ethic, make sure to highlight those strengths. However, it’s important to show how these achievements will help you succeed in the future. Being able to explain not just what you’ve done, but also how it connects to your goals and how it will help you make the most of the scholarship opportunity, will make your application stronger.
Key Steps:
- Focus on how your strengths and achievements will help you succeed.
- Use concrete examples to back up your claims.
- Don’t just list achievements—explain why they matter.
Pay Attention to Your Tone and Writing Style
While tailoring your application to meet the scholarship’s criteria is important, so is the way you present your ideas. The tone and writing style you use can say a lot about you as a candidate. When writing your scholarship essay or application, make sure your writing is clear, concise, and well-organized. Avoid using jargon or over-complicated language—aim for a tone that is sincere and professional.
Your essay should convey your passion and enthusiasm for the scholarship, but also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Scholarship committees are not just looking for applicants who fit the criteria—they also want to see that you can express yourself clearly and make a compelling case for why you deserve the award.
Key Steps:
- Write clearly and concisely.
- Use a professional tone but let your personality come through.
- Proofread your application to ensure it’s free of errors.
Conclusion: Put Your Best Foot Forward
Tailoring your scholarship application takes time and effort, but the payoff can be worth it. By understanding the scholarship’s purpose, focusing on your unique story, aligning your goals with the scholarship’s mission, and showcasing your achievements, you can create a compelling application that stands out to scholarship committees.
When you personalize your application and connect your background, goals, and aspirations with the scholarship’s values, you’re not just showing that you’re a good fit—you’re showing that you’re the best fit. So take the time to craft a thoughtful, tailored application that reflects who you are and why you deserve the scholarship. Your hard work will pay off in the end.