<p>I'm looking at a local scholarship of (at max) 4,000 a year that my guidance counselor has been recommending me to apply for, but apparently it's aimed at "average, not brilliant students" [because they say "brilliant" students apparently will have a lot more chances to win merit or scholarships or something].</p>
<p>So I'm a bit at a loss how to write an application essay that would "describe [myself] and what the scholarship would mean to [me]" but at the same time not disqualify me. I don't know what cutoff they judge "average student" either -- I have a fairly decent GPA and class rank (18/213), and I'm not in the top 10, but that might not be enough. I should also post this in the essay forum, but I'm a bit puzzled at how to approach this and wonder whether others have done something like this. Are you supposed to showcase need more than say, your curiosity to study X and how experience Y shaped it? Etc.</p>
<p>It's hard to get those scholarships when your a good student. I went to a private school and they gave out scholarships to the average students, and not the top students. I see it as an economic thing; I'm going to an expensive school that is top-notch so I should be able to get a pretty good job, so the expense is worth it. If they are going to an expensive, yet mediocre school, they may not get the same opportunities so it makes sense that they should get some scholarship, especially if they are really hard working. Whether kids at top schools do get better jobs than kids at mediocre schools can be up to debate, but alot of people think like this.</p>
<p>I really think any scholarship essay that just lists your resume, unless really specifically told to do so, is a mistake. </p>
<p>In my experience this year, it's much better to try and connect with the prompt in a personal matter. For instance, in essays that ask me what a scholarship would mean to me, I talk about my personal story of being the child of a high school dropout, and knowing personally how important my education is for my life and happiness. </p>
<p>If you have a story like that, share it, by all means. If not... well, I'm honestly not so sure. I guess mostly just reflect on why you need these scholarships, and why you actually want to go to college in the first place. Why is it important?</p>
<p>That's the best advice I can give, and I'm by no means an expert at this. I guess in June on senior award night I'll see how much credence my advice deserves.</p>
<p>And to the poster above me, I find the situation to be quite opposite at my school. The very topmost students win most to all of the scholarships, in my school, and the ones who aren't top students who win the scholarships are typically pursuing an uncommon career, or ridiculously dedicated and involved in the community/school (probably why their GPAs may not be sparkling, in the latter case).</p>
<p>My D talked about who inspired her to go to school in her chosen major (music) and why she wanted to be able to go to college (to inspire young children to realize their musical potential, or create in them a love of music) . Really describe why you want to go to college, and that this scholarship will help you realize this dream. Don't worry about whether you will look "average" in their eyes - just go for it! Good luck!</p>
<p>Usually the essay is not going to change your category from "brilliant" to average or vice versa. Your grades and SAT scores are primary in that categorization. Kids with the very highest grades and test scores generally qualify for merit awards whereas going downwards, it gets tougher to get anything.</p>