Fact number 1: A large percentage of scholarship applicants today fail in writing one of the most important stage in application: writing a good scholarship essay.

Fact number 2: You could be one of them.

But from these 2 facts, we can still arrive to a third one: there is still hope.

Yes, you can still write a scholarship essay that creates result.

Whether you are a writing guru or a high school slob, you can always write a good scholarship essay if you follow one basic writing secret (which of course is not a secret at all, it is just that few people follow this): simplicity.

Here are the tips in writing simple yet effective scholarship essay:

· Write as you speak.

“Thesaurusizing” your scholarship essay would have two effects: one, wrong use of terms will detract the purpose of the essay, and two, you probably will not pass. The thing is: keep it simple, clear and precise. Use words that are easy to understand like the words you use when you converse.

· Write interestingly.

Make sure you don’t bore your readers. Keeping up a lively essay would let your reader to finish your essay but make sure you still focus on the purpose.

· Tell about yourself

Since you are writing to ask a sort of “favor”, your reader would like to know more about yourself. Usually, most scholarship application would require you to pass an essay together with your resume. Write things about yourself that are not included on the resume.

· Keep it short

Write a short scholarship essay but it does not mean you omit important sentences that needs be addressed. Never be wordy on your essay. If you can pack your thoughts in the shortest possible terms, do so. It is better to read a 5-liner paragraph than a 10-liner that says the same thing.

· Do variations

If your first sentence starts with an “I”, the second sentence should be different. Be creative in writing your essay.

· Use active voice

Using active voice (sentences without the use of the word “be”) keeps reading continuous and interesting. Using passive voice on the other hand keeps the essay uninteresting and flat.

· Seek for opinion

If you have finished writing your essay, let others read it so that you get feedbacks. In this way, you can improve your articles more.

· Edit, re-edit and edit some more

Make improvements. Read your essay over and over again until you are confident that it is error-free.

For there are several college students that need some help in order to continue their studies, there are college scholarship grants given to those who are in need or with special talent on a certain field.

There are 3 common types of scholarships grants awarded to college students and soon-to-be college students: athletic scholarship grant, academic scholarship grant, and departmental awards. Each has its criteria to consider before awarding the grant. Each also has a particular group of student to target.

Academic Scholarship Grant

This type of scholarship grant is awarded to students who achieve a qualified GPA or has achieved an exceptional academic performance before entering college. This grant is usually awarded to students who have received honors. It is sometimes awarded automatically upon entering college or university but most schools require application for academic scholarship grants.

Basically, the primary focus of schools giving academic scholarship is of course the academic aspect; however, some colleges and universities base the grant on either merit or need, or both.

Upon passing an academic scholarship grant, the student is required to maintain a ceiling grade. If not achieved after the end of the term, colleges and universities usually put the student on probationary status until the grades reached the prescribed level. If not achieved however, the academic scholarship grand may be terminated.

Athletic Scholarship Grant

If you are on the competitive edge, you get an athletic scholarship grant. However, this is highly sought after type of scholarship and there are many students applying for this.

An athlete of course wants to go through college for free using this type of scholarship. Some even dream to finish college as an athlete. And this dream is not far from the realizing. With good personal marketing and exceptional skill in any sport, you will be able to apply and be granted with this type of scholarship.

Departmental Awards

This type of scholarship grant aims to provide the student with the option to stay or take up his or her studies on a particular department. Usually, it is offered to exceptional students with desire to take other fields. The departmental awards are given so as not to keep the students in the department. Or, it is given to attract interested students to take study at a particular department.

You can inquire about this type of scholarship directly on the department of the school.

There are other college scholarship grants that are given to students but basically, these three are the ones given by the schools themselves.