Scholarship applications are now open. College is expensive and scholarships are an important part of most students’ college experience. Central Oregon Community College’s own Foundation Scholarship awards nearly 400 students each year, up to $4,800 each. But with 520 applicants each cycle, a strong essay can make your application stand out from the rest. The deadline for the current scholarship application cycle is May 1, 2023.
One reliable resource for help with writing scholarship essays is the COCC Writing Center, located in the Barber Library on the Bend campus. Assistants there offer help not only with classwork but also with writing essays for scholarship applications. If you are struggling to start your essay, visiting the Writing Center can be a way to get inspiration, advice and a new set of eyes.
Here are some easy tips from COCC’s Writing Center employee Sam Lowry:
- To start the essay, think of why you deserve the scholarship. Consider focusing on something that happened in your school career, a volunteer experience or someone like a coach or a mentor who made an impact on your life.
- Write about your career goals and how you’re going to achieve them. If a career or school event doesn’t have the personal touch you’re looking for, try writing about a life event that impacted your life.
- Mentioning hobbies and interests will make the reader view your life beyond school. Include examples such as babysitting, volunteering, hiking/outdoor activities, etc.
- Be vulnerable in your writing. Going through a serious medical condition or an accident, for example, could demonstrate how you overcame adversity. Your essay should show emotions..
Bonus tip: If you do earn a scholarship, send a thank you letter to the organization or person you received it from.
Alexis Breshears
Reporter
