Common Mistakes To Avoid In A Scholarship Essay

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 03, 2025 05:19 PM IST

Studying abroad is an enriching experience that paves the way for better career prospects. However, studying in the top universities in the world also comes with great challenges for international students. Several students find it difficult to manage their expenses when studying abroad.

This is where scholarships come into play and ease the financial burden off their shoulders. There are different types of study abroad scholarships , however, winning one is not too easy! Students are often required to write a 500-word essay for scholarship. It is important to know what not to write in a scholarship essay to enhance the chances of acing a scholarship essay.

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Scholarship Essay Format
How To Start A Scholarship Essay?
What not to Write in a Scholarship Essay?

Common Mistakes To Avoid In A Scholarship Essay

While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for these kinds of essays, certain things can definitely reduce the chances of getting a scholarship. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes to avoid in a scholarship essay.

Scholarship Essay Format

How to write a scholarship essay? You just need to follow the standard essay format that consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of the paragraphs in the scholarship essay must have a clear thesis statement, backed up with relevant evidence, and a strong and convincing closing statement. In addition to this, the scholarship essay that you write must also adhere to some specific guidelines, if provided.

Read more about: How to write a great GRE argument essay?

How To Start A Scholarship Essay?

Starting the scholarship essay is crucial as it sets the tone of your essay and grabs the attention of the reader. Here’s how you can start with a strong introduction for scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship:

Begin with a hook

Just like a good book or movie holds the attention of the audience from the very beginning, a good scholarship essay requires an interesting hook to pull the reader in. These are some of the powerful hooks that you can use for this scholarship essay example:

A powerful quote: There are so many quotes for a scholarship essay that can do wonders for your essay. It is a great idea to incorporate quotes by famous personalities that are align with the theme of the essay. For example: “Education is the most powerful weapon which can change the world”-Nelson Mandela.
An astonishing fact or statistic: Something that readers don’t know always attracts them. For example- “X scholarship has reduced the tuition fee by 70% for international students”.
A vivid personal anecdote: For example- “I still remember how my grandpa always encouraged me to study in Y college”.
A thought provoking question: For example-”How would you feel if you were academically brilliant but couldn’t get admission in a Z college due to low funds?”

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What not to Write in a Scholarship Essay?

Here are some of the most common mistakes that you must avoid when writing a scholarship essay:

Mistake	Why is it a mistake?	How to avoid it?
Ignoring the prompt	Scholarship committees provide prompts for a reason—they want to evaluate specific qualities, experiences, or ideas. Failing to address the prompt directly can make your essay seem irrelevant or careless.	Read the prompt carefully and underline keywords. Make sure each paragraph ties back to the main theme or question. Revisit the prompt after writing your draft to ensure your essay remains focused.
Lack of structure	A scholarship essay that is unorganized often fails to make a great impression. The reader might struggle to understand your thoughts if they are scattered.	Stick to a fixed structure: introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Every paragraph must contain a main idea that supports your thesis. Use of transitions is a good way to move from one idea to another.
Being too generic	Clichés or vague statements make your essay easily forgettable.	Be specific and include personal stories, unique real-life experiences. Include your passions, values, and goals that distinguish you from others. Let your experiences demonstrate your qualities.
Overusing quotes	Excessive usage of other people’s work can overshadow your unique voice.	Using your own words is better to convince the readers. The quote that you use must be brief and relevant. Emphasis on your own reflection and understanding.
Overlooking grammar and spellings	Spelling mistakes and poor grammar can signal a lack of effort or attention to detail. They also make your essay harder to read and less professional.	Proofread and edit your essay before submission. Use grammar-checking tools or ask a friend or mentor to review your essay. Read your essay loud to get hold of grammatical errors.
Exaggerating the experiences	Being dishonest about your experiences can go against you, if detected and damage your credibility.	Be honest Focus on real strengths, and demonstrate how you have grown as an individual. Be authentic when describing events or experiences.
Sending non-tailored scholarship essay	The admission committees want to see how your essay aligns with the specific instructions. Sending a generic essay won’t do any good to your admission.	Customize each essay to the specific scholarship and organization. Mention how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Research the sponsor's values and incorporate them naturally into your essay.

Writing a winning scholarship essay is a skill that takes practice and thoughtful reflection. By avoiding these common mistakes, you give yourself a better chance of standing out and making a meaningful impression on the scholarship committee. Remember, the best essays are not just well-written—they’re authentic, passionate, and deeply personal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What to avoid when writing a scholarship essay?

Avoid making your scholarship essay look like a newspaper editorial. It is fine to put forth your opinions and viewpoints in the essay, but don’t overdo it.

2. How to write good essays for scholarships?

Follow these points to write a good essay for scholarship:

Plan ahead and never procrastinate
Highlight what you have accomplished clearly
State your financial need and give relevant examples and proofs to back up your argument
Keep it easy to read and to-the point
Follow a fixed essay structure

3. How to start a 500 word scholarship essay?

Ensure to stick to the standard essay structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. All of these paragraphs should have a main thesis statement, the evidence and strong conclusion.

4. How to end a scholarship essay?

The conclusion of the essay should be of 1-2 lines only that can demonstrate the role of education in your life, and wrap it up with how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.