How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018
Academic accomplishments
30 winning scholarship essays
Jonathan bloom, national merit scholarship winner When applying for the National Merit Scholarship, Jonathan chose to write about the subject for which he has the most passion—mathematics. While still a student at West Bloomfield High School in Michigan, he took college level math courses and conducted research through an internship with General Motors. He advises other students applying for awards to write about their interests. He says, “They have many students to choose from so you can’t be too modest or you won’t stand out. Be excited, tell them your passions and write with a goal in mind.”
Jonathan is studying mathematics at Harvard University and plans to pursue a career in the field. In addition to math, he enjoys tae kwon do, volunteering at a student-run homeless shelter and juggling knives, torches and balls.
Cryptography & Encryption
I would like to pursue an academic life in the field of mathematics. This interest in mathematics developed not only through my coursework but more importantly through my independent research. After successfully completing AP Calculus BC and AP Physics as a sophomore, I felt the need for a greater challenge than that derived from “spoon-fed” instruction.
Therefore, the following summer, I attended the Ross Young Scholars Program at Ohio State University. While fully immersed in number theory for eight weeks, I developed a burning hunger for the in-depth study of mathematics. I learned how to think scientifically and perform research independently. The founder of the program honored me with an invitation to return as a junior counselor.
During my junior year, I used a graduate text to guide my research in one of the most active fields of applied number theory, cryptography.
My investigation into both public and private key cryptosystems led to an award-winning science project through the development of software, which demonstrated RSA and other encryption algorithms. I completed my directed study in the area of cryptography for 500-level credit at Wayne State University.
Last summer, instead of returning to Ohio State, I completed an internship in the Operations Research Department of the General Motors Truck Group. I conducted a study that identified the most efficient method for accurately approximating the vehicle weight distribution for their product lines. Ten weeks later, I had completed the project, documented the results and given five presentations to increasing levels of management. General Motors is now looking at ways to quickly implement my findings, which will result in the company saving millions of dollars. The vice president has requested that I return next summer.
Currently, in addition to taking 400- and 500-level math courses, I am conducting an independent study at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am constructing the first small-scale prototype of “The Weizmann Institute Key Locating Engine” (TWINKLE). As described by Adi Shamir in 1998, this device utilizes optoelectronics to factor large integers presently considered not factorable, effectively threatening the security of 512-bit RSA encryption. The project requires extensive knowledge in mathematics, computer science and electrical engineering. My research has the full support of my faculty advisor, a Ph.D. in mathematics and professor in the CIS department. Professors at three universities have expressed an interest in my progress. Even if I don’t reach my goal of a working model for the science fair this spring, I will still have amassed a tremendous amount of knowledge.
As chairman of our school’s Science Research Committee and president of the National Honor Society, I have the opportunity to personally encourage classmates to do independent research and to facilitate their entry into the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit. I hope that I am able to instill into some of my classmates even a fraction of the enthusiasm and motivation that I gained from the Ross Young Scholars Program. With the desire in place, the opportunities are endless.
Note: Jonathan makes one clarification about his essay. He was able to construct only part of the TWINKLE device. However he says, it wasn’t “such a disappointment. It’s just that my original goal was a little too ambitious.”
svati singla, discover card Tribute award scholarship winner
11-Year-Old Scientist
As an active and innovative student, I am always seeking unique opportunities that will broaden my realm of experience. At a very early age, I became involved in the field of scientific research as a very unique endeavor.
Though I was only 11 years old, I was determined not to let my age hinder my extreme ambition and interest in higher level research. Thus, I independently contacted the head of the Nuclear Cardiology Department at the local university and requested the opportunity to conduct research in his laboratory. Recognizing my genuine interest and scientific aptitude, he immediately introduced me to the lab methods and I began a detailed study, which demanded many hours of my time.
Since I was extremely young, I found the research concepts to be very difficult in the beginning; however, with determination and a positive mental outlook, I was able to comprehend all the research methods. The findings of my research were very significant and were published in the American Journal of Hypertension.
After the conclusion of this study, I continued my interest in research by initiating another experimental study in the Department of Biochemistry. This study dealt with drug abuse during pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome.
The research was presented at local science competitions and was awarded top honors by the U.S. Army and Navy.
Another challenging activity, which I initiated, was to coach a young Odyssey of the Mind team. Odyssey of the Mind is a program that encourages creative thinking, problem solving, and teamwork; I have been involved in this program for over six years and have found it to be a rewarding experience. Thus, when a group of interested first and second graders needed a coach for their team, I readily stepped up and volunteered to accept this massive responsibility. It is very rare for students to coach Odyssey of the Mind teams. Thus, this was a very creative and unique endeavor, which I initiated for the benefit of the young team. Though it was a strenuous time commitment, I obtained a priceless feeling of satisfaction knowing that this had been a positive experience for everyone who was involved.
Both of these unique endeavors have taught me that age should never be a hindrance in the way of learning or sharing knowledge with others.