How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018

What sets the winner apart from the runner-up?
Judges’ Roundtable: inside the selection process

One of the most frequent observations from scholarship judges is that there are many more students qualified to win than there are scholarships available. This means that they must look for that little something extra to separate the winners from the almost winners. Here is some guidance to help you understand what can set you apart from the other applicants.

Shirley Kennedy Keller

American Association of School Administrators “It’s about what the students have accomplished in more than just one area of their lives. We believe that success in life is more than a GPA. It’s also what you can accomplish in your personal life, in your community. We’re looking for the best all-around applicants. We’re looking for students who are going to be successful in their lives.”

Corisa Moreno

The Music Center Spotlight Awards

“They really have to enjoy what they’re doing. That comes off quite a bit in their performances. You can see when they have a deep love for their art form.”

Brent Drage

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program “Students who have a little more concrete plan tend to edge out others who don’t. We understand that at that age you need to be flexible about your future, but we also want to see that you have some grasp on where you’re headed.”