Applications / 139-^ Use quality paper, preferably 20-pound weight. Good paper makes your
response stand out.
-^ Follow in detail any formatting instructions given in the application.
-^ Use a businesslike font, like Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana. Refrain
from using italic or other “cute” style fonts.
-^ Use black ink; avoid color.
-^ Unless instructed otherwise in the application, use 12-point font for the text
and 14-point font for the heading.
-^ Avoid pale print resulting from low toner or ink cartridges.
-^ Watch for smudges. Reprint if necessary.
-^ Unless instructed otherwise, use an envelope large enough to mail your
application and essay flat. Do not fold them.
SAMPLE SCHoLARSHIP APPLICATIoN ESSAY
The scholarship essay is very much like that of the College Admission Application
Essay, so compare the sample and analysis in that section (above) with the following
sample and analysis.
Graduating from high school with a 3.8 grade point average has been an uphill challenge.
Because my father is a National Guardsman and has been deployed overseas for three tours
of duty, my mother and I have by necessity carried out nearly all household responsibilities.
As the oldest of four siblings, I found myself assuming more adult roles than most of my class-
mates, making minor household repairs, maintaining the yard, washing and taking the car for
routine maintenance, cleaning the garage and basement on a monthly basis, cleaning gutters,
and washing windows inside and out. At the same time, however, in order to pay for school
supplies, I also worked 18 hours a week at a computer repair shop debugging and defragging
customers’ hard drives and installing new software. These dual responsibilities left little time for
volunteer work; but every weekend, I assisted with a Sunday School class for preschoolers.
Because of our family’s reduced income during my father’s deployment, scholarships and
loans will be the only means by which I can currently further my education. Thus, I am applying
for the Liberty Scholarship. My academic experiences have included a full college-preparatory
curriculum plus Advanced Placement classes in the social sciences and mathematics. With
plans to major in international relations and pursue a career in civil service as a negotiator
or diplomat, I have also successfully completed three years’ study of German and Spanish,
achieving conversational fluency in both.
Thus, I respectfully request that the committee consider my application for the Liberty Scholar-
ship, and my family and I appreciate the opportunity to apply.