What is a scholarship essay?
Before we explore what to write in a scholarship essay, let’s specify the definition of this term. It is a written composition submitted by a student for a scholarship application, often called a scholarship application essay. Its primary purpose is to persuade the scholarship committee or provider that the applicant is the most deserving candidate for financial support based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and future aspirations.
How does it differ from other essay types?
A college application essay differs significantly from academic or personal narrative papers. Unlike other writing, it is highly focused on showcasing the applicant’s unique qualities and aligning them with the specific criteria and values. It often includes personal anecdotes, reflections, and a clear demonstration of how the scholarship will contribute to the graduate's educational and career goals. Additionally, detailing academic performance, such as grades and test scores, can help the applicant stand out among other candidates.
Scholarship essay format and structure
This text has a specified format and word limit. Adhering to this limit is crucial to conveying a compelling message concisely. Following a specified font and spacing requirements is essential. Essay scholarship papers are commonly expected to be written in a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, with standard spacing (e.g., double-spaced).
The document typically consists of three main sections: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section serves a distinct purpose in presenting the applicant’s qualifications and persuading the scholarship committee of their suitability for the award. Discover what should be disclosed in every section.
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Introduction:
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Hook: How to start a scholarship essay? Begin with a powerful essay hook that grabs the reader's attention. It could be a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a captivating anecdote.
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Introduction of the applicant: Introduce yourself and provide some background information. Mention your name, current educational status, and the grant you are applying for.
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Thesis or purpose statement: Clearly state the purpose of your essay and why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. It sets the tone for the rest of the text.
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Body paragraphs:
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Paragraph organization: Typically, there are three to four body paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your qualifications or experiences.
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Supporting details: Use specific examples, achievements, and experiences to support your claims ─ evidence of your skills, leadership qualities, community involvement, or academic achievements.
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Relevance to scholarship criteria: Connect each paragraph to the specific criteria outlined in the guidelines. When writing scholarship essays, explain how your experiences align with what the grant committee seeks.
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Conclusion:
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Summary: Summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Reinforce why you are the best candidate.
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Final impression: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the grant and express gratitude for the opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
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Call to action: If appropriate, include a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness for an interview or emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact with the scholarship.
Now, you know what to write in scholarship essay. Remember to maintain a clear and concise writing style throughout the document. Adhere to any specified word limits, and ensure that your text flows logically from one section to the next. If you lack the resources, struggle with this task, and need tutoring, you may contact our paper writing service and get effective recommendations about crafting academic papers.
How to write a scholarship application essay: a step-by-step guide
Completing an outstanding and compelling text necessitates a methodical and strategic approach and thoughtful consideration of your distinctive qualities. In the ensuing sections, you’ll find comprehensive tips for writing scholarship essays to assist you in the meticulous process of creating a text that meets the criteria and sets you apart as an exceptional candidate. College Essay Guy is also a valuable resource for strategies and tips on crafting impactful scholarship essays.
1. Reflect on your text’s essential points following the prompt.
Carefully read the essay prompt provided by the scholarship. Understand the key themes, criteria, and directions. If the prompt asks about overcoming challenges, ensure your writing focuses on personal experiences where you demonstrated resilience and determination.
2. Brainstorm and outline your advantages.
Identify key experiences, achievements, and goals you want to highlight. Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your writing effectively. Allocate paragraphs to each aspect for a well-organized document.
3. Develop a compelling introduction.
Start with a captivating hook that immediately captures the reader's attention. Introduce yourself and present a clear thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your text.
Example:
“Amidst the pages of textbooks and the boundless possibilities of the future, my journey as a student unfolds like a captivating narrative, each chapter revealing a unique blend of challenges, triumphs, and unyielding determination.”
4. Tell your story in the body.
Use the body paragraphs to provide specific examples, experiences, technology skills, and achievements that showcase your unique qualities. Scholarship committees are looking for positive narratives about personal growth, clarity in writing, and authentic stories that connect your experiences to your future goals. Relate each point to the grant criteria.
Example:
“One impactful experience that shaped my commitment to community service was volunteering at the local food bank. I helped distribute meals to families facing economic hardships. It was a humbling experience that opened my eyes to the struggles people in my community endure on a daily basis.”
5. Emphasize impact and growth.
When writing an essay for a scholarship, highlight the impact of your experiences and emphasize personal growth. Explain how these experiences have shaped your character and contributed to your aspirations.
Example:
“Participating in the science club not only improved my problem-solving skills but also fostered resilience and adaptability. Collaborative projects illuminated the potential for growth within challenges, empowering me with confidence to tackle academic and real-world obstacles.”
Connect with the scholarship committee's criteria.
Demonstrate how your experiences align with the grant criteria. It is crucial to understand the scholarship provider's overall mission and purpose. Address specific qualities or accomplishments sought by the scholarship provider.
Example:
“My academic achievements, combined with leadership roles in clubs and community service, exemplify my alignment with the core values upheld by this esteemed scholarship.”
7. Maintain clarity and conciseness.
Be concise and avoid unnecessary details. Ensure your writing is clear, focused, and directly addresses the prompt.
Example:
“My academic journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has shaped my desire for higher education and pursuit of this scholarship.”
8. Craft a powerful conclusion:
If you don’t know how to end a scholarship essay, the best solution is to summarize key points and restate your thesis. End with a memorable statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Example:
“In closing, this grant represents more than a financial investment in my education; it signifies a shared commitment to the transformative power of learning. I am eager to contribute my passion, perseverance, and skills to the academic community, and I sincerely thank you for considering my application.”
9. Revise and proofread.
Review your document for grammar, spelling, and coherence. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, and mentors, or ask for research proposal help online. EduBirdie writers can check your work for typos or grammatical errors that may distract the reader from your message.
10. Tailor each essay.
Customize your writing for each scholarship application. Adjust details to align with the specific directions of your grant.
By following these guidelines and incorporating specific examples relevant to your experiences, you can create a standout text that effectively communicates your qualifications and distinguishes you from other applicants.
Dos and don’ts
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Let’s explore key scholarship essay tips to help you navigate the intricacies of writing a powerful essay, ensuring your best qualities shine while avoiding common pitfalls that might undermine your chances.
Dos:
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Understand the prompt.
Carefully read and understand the scholarship essay prompts, ensuring that your response directly addresses the requirements.
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Showcase your unique qualities.
Highlight your individual strengths, experiences, and achievements that make you stand out from other applicants.
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Be genuine and authentic.
Write your scholarship essay template from the heart, providing sincere and authentic insights into your personality, values, and aspirations.
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Follow instructions.
Adhere to the specified guidelines regarding word count, format, and submission requirements.
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Customize your essay.
Tailor your paper to fit the specific grant you are applying for, emphasizing how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission.
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Provide concrete examples.
Support your statement with specific scholarship essay examples, accomplishments, and experiences to illustrate your points.
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Address challenges and overcome obstacles.
If relevant, discuss challenges you’ve faced and emphasize how you’ve overcome them, showcasing resilience, leadership, and determination.
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Proofread thoroughly.
Carefully proofread your text to ensure it is free from grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes.
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Conclude strongly.
End your writing with a powerful and memorable conclusion reinforcing your suitability for financial support.
Don’ts:
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Refrain from plagiarizing or using generic content.
Avoid copying from other sources or submitting generic content. Your text should be original and tailored to your experiences.
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Don’t exaggerate or fabricate.
Be truthful in presenting your achievements and experiences. Exaggeration or fabrication can harm your credibility.
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Avoid using clichés.
To create winning scholarship essays, steer clear of clichés and generic phrases. Instead, focus on expressing your ideas freshly and engagingly.
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Avoid focusing solely on academic achievements.
While academic accomplishments are important, highlight your extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal growth.
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Refrain from overusing jargon or complex language.
Ensure your text is accessible and easily understood. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex language that may obscure your message.
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Don’t disregard the word limit.
Clarify the answer to “How long should an essay be?” and stick to the specified word limit. Going significantly over or under the limit may reflect a lack of attention to instructions.
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Don’t rely solely on spell check.
While spell check is helpful, it may not catch all errors. Proofread your document carefully and, if possible, have someone else review it.
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Don’t wait until the last minute.
Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, and revise. Waiting until the last minute can result in a rushed and less effective paper.
You can create an authentic essay with excellence by adhering to these dos and don'ts. It will effectively communicate your unique qualities and enhance your chances of securing the scholarship.
Write Clear and Creative Application Essays With These Scholarship Essay Prompts
When you’re applying for a scholarship, writing the essay seems to be the most challenging part of the entire process. With so many complex questions that require elaborate answers, most students want to give up before even getting started. However, understanding common scholarship essay prompts can make the process more manageable.
But, the key is to get familiar with the topics discussed in these essays. Although you may think this is impossible, most application essays cover similar ideas. So, you can use the scholarship essay prompts from this article as your guide to preparing for the real deal. That way, you can carefully prepare all your answers. You can also learn how to write a college application essay that’ll perfectly accompany your scholarship essay too.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the typical college scholarship essay questions and how you should answer them.
Answering the Most Common Scholarship Essay Questions
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Each common scholarship essay question is unique, which is why applicants must think differently. There’s no universal approach that’ll provide all the answers to these questions, and individuals often need to think outside of the box if they want to win a scholarship for their higher education.
Here you’ll find the top 11 topics commonly found on scholarship essays.
Almost every scholarship essay asks its applicants to say something about themselves before moving on to any other questions. Although a relatively simple question at first glance, summing up your entire life into several paragraphs isn’t that easy.
Most applicants can’t seem to recall previous experiences worth mentioning, or they have trouble distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information under pressure. As a result, some undergraduates only mention the basic information about themselves that is unrelated to the scholarship program.
To avoid this, think about your key life events that led you to this point. Consider mentioning:
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Previous experiences that motivated you to choose your field of study;
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Relevant achievements and successful events;
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Values you hold that are supported and admired by the scholarship organization;
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Short-term and long-term goals;
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Discuss your academic and career goals and how they align with your motivations for attending college or receiving a scholarship;
How Will You Benefit from This Scholarship?
Of course, everyone’s seeking financial benefit from scholarship organizations. But, the decision largely depends on how you plan on spending the funds. People choosing the scholarship winner don’t only want to pick qualified and successful candidates, but also candidates that’ll benefit most from their financial help.
In that case, you’ll want to include all the potential benefits the scholarship can bring you, such as:
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Attend a more expensive college you otherwise couldn’t afford;
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Pay for an special internship that’ll broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills;
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Finance books, laptops, or any other necessary learning equipment;
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Pay for housing if you’re attending a college far away from your primary residence;
Share Some Cases When You Failed and What You Learned from It
Upon seeing this question, many students hold back from sharing their previous mistakes as they’re afraid they make them look bad. Little do they know sharing such life experiences can do the exact opposite since it allows students to reflect on their previous mistakes and learn from them.
If you want to answer this question appropriately, honesty is always the best policy. The most efficient method is to show the self-awareness and personal growth you gained from the event. You could:
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Briefly describe the situation and what led to you failing;
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Reflect on the errors and mistakes you made;
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Explain what you learned from that experience and how it helped you grow;
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Provide a better solution you would opt for now that you’ve progressed;
Describe a Situation Where You Stepped Up as a Leader
Leadership is one of the key traits a successful college student in 2021 has to own. That’s why this is one of the most common scholarship essay topics too.
Here, you can talk about any activity or event where you got a role as a leader, so you weren’t only a passive participant. Whether you were the head of a school project, a captain of the sports team, a coordinator of volunteer activities, or responsible for something else, this is your ticket to success.
Even if you had a minor role you believe it’s not worth mentioning, include it. Scholarship organizations aren’t interested in how important the role was but how the experience affected you. Because of that, make sure you mention:
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Choose work or school-related projects;
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Briefly explain your leadership position;
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Talk about what this experience equipped you with;
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Explain how you can use the acquired leadership skills during your education;
What Are Your Ambitions for the Next Five Years?
Scholarship organizations want to finance students who have clear academic and career goals and are willing to finish their higher education on time and launch their careers immediately after. In other words, they want to ensure the students they finance do succeed in the professional field.
That’s why these kinds of scholarship essay topics are used to determine the applicants’ ambitions and plans that extend college education. By providing a detailed description of your long-term goals, you’ll show dedication and ambition in turning your dreams into reality.
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Do proper research about your future possibilities;
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Talk about how you intend to achieve these plans;
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Show how the scholarship can help you in reaching your goals;
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Show the scholarship committee you’re serious about pursuing your degree;
Describe a Contribution You’ve Made to Your Community
Scholarship committees aren’t only interested in your academic success. Instead, they genuinely want to get to know you as a person before deciding whether you’re a good fit for their organization. Talking about community service and contributions is a handy way to find out more about the applicants.
How you helped your community, how you made it better, and what you gained from this experience isn’t the entire point of this essay topic. With the help of your answers, the organizations can forecast how you’ll use your previous experiences for future opportunities. Here’s what you should cover:
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Talk about the activity - volunteer, charity, or community work are the best choices;
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Reflect on the contributions you made to your community with the activity or project;
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Mention what you learned along the way;
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Explain how you’ll continue supporting your community;
What Are Your Academic and Professional Goals?
Although this is one of the most straightforward scholarship essay questions, that doesn’t mean there’s no room to get creative. An effective answer to this question will provide a clear list of your academic plans and goals for the future, which will showcase your ambition.
But, if you genuinely want to make an impression, you’ll need to get more creative. A unique approach is to tell more about what motivated you to choose a specific goal in the first place. For instance, you could mention your life-long passion that eventually led to your professional goal or an epiphany moment. Think about covering the following ideas:
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Talk about your professional goals and how you plan to achieve them;
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Reflect on the previous experiences that led you to these goals;
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Mention the values that could help you in achieving your goals;
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Circle back to how a scholarship can further assist you in the realization;
The Biggest Inspiration for You
Talking about yourself isn’t the only possible way to show who you are and what you stand for. Scholarship institutions often like to ask their applicants about their heroes and learn more about their applicants in this way as well.
While you may think this doesn’t paint an accurate picture of your passions and goals, you’ll indirectly mention many things about yourself throughout the application essay writing. How your biggest influence shaped your values, goals, priorities, and motivations are just some of them.
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Mention the key traits and events of your biggest influence;
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Focus on how your influence inspired or motivated you;
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Explain what you learned from your hero;
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Think about how this will assist your academic and professional life;
Things That Make You Unique
You can take various directions while answering these types of scholarship essay prompts. Whether you want to focus on your upbringing, education, traits, ways of thinking, skills, experience, hobbies, or something completely different, always remember being unique is highly appreciated and valued by scholarship institutions.
Some students decide to talk about their upbringing and how it shaped them into the person they’re today. In contrast, others choose to mention hobbies that taught them about teamwork, persistence, and determination. This only goes to show there’s no right or wrong approach to this essay prompt.
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Talk about what makes you unique;
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Explain how it shaped you into the person you are today;
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Describe how this helps you achieve your short-term and long-term goals;
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Mention the ways scholarship can help you nourish and develop your unique characteristics;
Reasons You Want to Study at a College?
Plenty of students struggle with his question. Since many of them only feel pressured to attend college or simply want to have a degree, it’s crucial to set them apart from students who share a genuine passion for what they’re learning.
This is where more complex scholarship essay questions come in handy as they can paint a closer picture of the applicants’ true intentions for attending college. When answering this essay question, talk about:
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Previous experiences that led you to this point;
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What motivates you to get a degree;
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How a scholarship can help you study what you’re passionate about;
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Your plans after obtaining a college degree;
Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship?
As one of the most challenging and most common scholarship essay topics, you must be ready to discuss why you deserve this scholarship. The key to successfully answering this essay question is making your application stand out without being arrogant.
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Prove why you’re a standout applicant through your exceptional knowledge and skills;
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Mention your previous achievements that backup your claims;
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Talk about what makes you unique and different from the rest;
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Stay respectful by recognizing the competitive nature of the contest;
Tips on How to Prepare for Writing a Scholarship Essay
Just because you know what the frequent and popular scholarship essay prompts are doesn’t mean you’re fully prepared to write the essay. A lot goes into what makes a perfect essay, so applicants need to take extra preparation steps. These tips are especially useful for undergraduate students who are preparing to write their scholarship essays.
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Brainstorm the ideas - it’s good to brainstorm several potential answers to come up with the winning approach.
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Read previous winning examples - by reading scholarship essays that won in the past, you’ll get a better idea of what the particular organization is looking for.
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Practice writing techniques - good writing requires a lot of practice, which is why you should take the necessary time to master your writing techniques.
Conclusion
Not all people are good writers capable of expressing their thoughts onto a paper or coming up with unique scholarship essay ideas. Does that mean these people don’t deserve a chance to win a scholarship?
With our scholarship essay writing help, you can get winning and high-quality essays at affordable prices. Choose a writer, talk to them about what you want to achieve with your essay, and receive it in record time. Our writing and customer care teams work 24/7 to ensure all our clients get outstanding essays day and night. Contact EduBirdie today and choose your scholarship-winning essay.
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