Making Yourself a Strong Scholarship Candidate
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Get (and stay) involved in on-campus extracurricular activities and student organizations
- Explore Engineering options and gain experience through research, internships, co-ops, or one of the student Engineering teams on campus
Writing a Good Scholarship Essay
Remember, your essay is the best means you have to distinguish yourself from everyone else applying for a scholarship! Consider the following tips as you craft your scholarship essay or personal statement:
- Avoid writing a purely pragmatic essay that lists your GPA, activities, and accomplishments. Find a way to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
- Reflect on what makes you unique! How can you present your uniqueness in a compelling story? What about your background, plans, and dreams
will engage the reader? - Think about essay structure. The first paragraph should include a compelling narrative that keeps the reader interested!
- Explain what drove you to participate in certain activities or groups, what you have learned from your involvement, and why you continue to take part in them.
- Consider the organization sponsoring the scholarship and the criteria they selected. What do you think they are looking for? Demonstrate that you share their passion, values, or goals.