College of Technology

When a scholarship requires an essay or “personal statement,” look upon the essay as an opportunity to tell the scholarship selection committee why you should receive the award. Check the guidelines for the essay; oftentimes, the selection committee is trying to get a feel for who you are, your family circumstance, your future plans and goals.

Start with an outline similar to the one below, and then begin to write about each point. Think back to GSW 1120! Try not to repeat information that is required elsewhere on the application. It's also a good idea to come up with some familiar saying or quote that guides you and can become a theme for your essay.

I. Who are you?
    1. Personal Characteristics
         1. Strengths
         2. Weaknesses
         3. Obstacles Overcome or Currently Confronting
    2. Important Involvement/Activities
         1. What Are They
         2. Why Are They Important
         3. How Are You Involved
    3. Leadership
         1. Where do you show your leadership?
         2. Why is it important for you to be a leader?
    4. Goals
         1. What are they?
         2. Short term and long term

II. Why should you be awarded this scholarship?
    1. What do you have to offer the donor? Will you be a good “investment” for the donor’s money?
    How do your personal goals relate to the purpose for the scholarship?
    2. How will you use the scholarship? All applicants need the money or they wouldn’t be applying.
    Explain in your essay how you will use the money. "With this scholarship I will be able to work
    fewer hours during the semester and participate more in the Student Construction Management
    Association, where I can develop my leadership skills.” Or, “With this scholarship I will be able
    to accept a co-op in Chicago rather than having to stay in Bowling Green or my hometown."

Scholarship Essay Tips

• Do not start with your name, date, and place of birth and the names of your parents.
• Do seek the help of the BGSU Writer’s Lab if you have trouble writing essays.
• Do not have a parent or friend write your essay. This is a type of academic dishonesty and could cost you the scholarship if you are “caught.”
• Do talk about what is important to you, including failures as well as successes, and what you have learned about yourself as you have pursued your goals. You may also want to mention relationships that have guided you in your development (parent, grandparent, coach, teacher).

Sample Scholarship Essays

• Finding a Place to Stand

  Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough and I will move the world – Archimedes. I hold the above quote with deep regard as a template for my life. As a student at BGSU, I have strived to learn and grow in order to understand more about the world and myself. It is my greatest desire to use the knowledge that I have gained as a tool for the greater good and thus I realize, I will be a student and teacher for life.
  
  In order for you to ascertain the desire I have to be considered a valid candidate for the XX scholarship: I would like to tell you some about myself.
  
  Who am I?
  I am a person who firmly believes that nothing is out of reach if you are willing to work for it. I was raised on a farm in a rural community and spent summers working on my grandparents’ produce farm. The time I spent working on these farms forged in me at an early age a strong work ethic that has benefited me throughout my life. I was provided with a well rounded upbringing filled with music study, sports participation and appreciation for work. The culmination of these experiences has instilled in me a love of learning and a pro-active spirit. I am witness to how rich a life can be when diversity and a willingness to try new things play a vital role.
  
  Throughout my academic career I have devoted time to core studies focused in business, architecture and construction management. In order to complement what I have learned in the classroom, I have been active in various extracurricular activities. Many of these experiences have allowed me to sharpen skills that I would not have acquired in a classroom setting-- skills ranging from leadership to public speaking. My college years have been years of tremendous growth.
  
  My Goals
  I aspire to be a leader of tomorrow. This scholarship will enable me to concentrate next year on better developing my leadership skills through enhanced participation in student organizations. It will also enable me to save money that I can apply to graduate studies, which I intend to pursue immediately following my graduation. There will be many others applying for this scholarship, but I think you will not find anyone with my same commitment to moving the world. My goals in life match your goals for the XX Scholarship. With your help I can further develop myself into a lever that I think will move the world. With your help, I will find my place to stand.

• Leading through Life

  Whether in the classroom or in extracurricular activities, I have consistently exhibited leadership skills throughout my undergraduate career at Bowling Green State University. Getting involved on campus is something I am passionate about, and I have demonstrated t his passion since my freshman year. My academic leadership was recognized when I was named a University Professor’s Scholar and a Tampa Alumni Scholar here at BGSU. I have also consistently maintained Dean’s List status and was honored at the end of my freshman year with induction into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Most recently I have been awarded an Undergraduate Research Award for my work with Professor X on recruiting women to technology majors. Among my goals is to recruit more women into collegiate technology programs by increasing awareness among youth of the opportunities in the field.
  
  My leadership experience, however, does not stop with the classroom. I have been involved in numerous activities on campus, as listed on my attached resume. Additionally, I have attended numerous leadership training sessions, including LeaderShape 2006 leadership institute and BGSU’s Student Leadership Retreat.
  
  All of this leadership experience has helped me learn about myself and has given me direction for my future career. I have found that I enjoy being a leader, and by combining my two passions, leadership and aviation, I know I will go far in life because I enjoy what I am learning and what I plan to do.
  
  Five to 10 years from now I see myself working somewhere in the aviation industry in a management position. I love working with people, so my dream job would be to work in the realm of customer service. I take great pride in meeting the needs of others, and I know that I would stop at nothing to ensure that those around me are happy.
  
  Regardless of what I decide to do, I know that my leadership experience and the lessons I have learned through my experiences will take me far. They have not always been easy, but I have undoubtedly grown as a person. I have found that the rewards of my education and of leadership are immense, and I can honestly say that I see myself as a leader for life.