Your scholarship application letter has one job — to convince the reader that you’re a good fit for the scholarship and deserve the money. But how do you write a compelling letter if your introduction is weak? A weak essay introduction hurts your chances of landing a scholarship.
For one, scholarship reviewers have tens of thousands of essays to review. They probably don’t have all the time in the world to read through each letter line by line. Therefore, you must strive to grab their attention within the shortest possible time.
This article will discuss ways to write attention-grabbing introductions for scholarship application letters. Ultimately, you’ll be able to hook the scholarship reviewers and convince them you’re a good fit for the scholarship.
Let’s start by answering the question…
Why a Strong Introduction Is Important in a Scholarship Application Letter
A strong introduction leaves a memorable impression on the reviewer and increases your chances of landing the scholarship. As they say, “first impression matters.” Your introduction is the chance to make a great-memorable first impression on the scholarship reviewers. If your introduction engages the reviewer, they must read through to learn more about you and your achievements.
What Should Be in Your Introduction?
- Salutation
- A brief intro about yourself
- The purpose of your letter
A compelling essay intro starts with the salutation. The most common is Dear [Scholarship Committee], followed by a brief intro about yourself. It’s important to keep it simple, short, and sweet. Next is to write the purpose of your letter briefly. When writing the purpose of your letter, start with a personal story, a relevant stat, or a thought-provoking question. Let’s take a look at how:
How to Use a Compelling Anecdote or Personal Story to Write Yourƒspot Introduction
Do you have a personal story that ties into the scholarship criteria and showcases your academic strengths? Share it. Use it to start your intro and show the readers why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship.
For example, you could start your intro by saying:
As a former head of the student association in my high school, I struggled with leading other students. I was shy, less knowledgeable, and unfit for the position. But while I wasn’t the most qualified, I took it upon myself to learn.
During weekends I would spend my mornings in the library studying personal development and leadership books. I figured out leadership was about service, so I dedicated my school hours to helping others solve their schoolwork. I would organize them into groups and have everyone discuss difficult subjects and topics.
This exercise not only left me with lessons but molded me into a better leader. With this scholarship offer, I see myself pursuing my leadership aspirations and contributing to the development of society through impactful contributions.
You can see from the sample above that the story sounds authentic and convincing. Avoid sounding unreal. Only focus on sharing true events and how they impacted your academic journey.
See Also: How to Write a Convincing Scholarship Application Letter
How to Start Your Intro With a Thought-Provoking Question
Questions pique curiosity. They help capture the reader’s attention in minutes. With a relevant question related to the scholarship theme, you can influence the reader to think about their own experiences and beliefs. Pay attention, though, to ask only questions in line with what you’d discuss in the letter. If you’d be sharing a story, make sure the question aligns with your story.
Here’s an example:
Have you ever experienced a challenge that launched you into your greatness? This was my case in 2020 when I was diagnosed with a chronic sickness that kept me at the hospital for weeks. [Your story goes here] [Make sure to talk about how this sickness made you miss classes but didn’t stop you from passing your exams and getting good grades].
How to Use Relevant Statistics or Quotes to Grab Attention
Statistics and quotes are also great ways to grab the reader’s attention. Statistics add credibility to your essay, while quotes make it engaging. A simple stat like “A recent study shows that more than 70% of youths drop out of school due to financial constraints” can make all the difference in your essay. It’s a compelling way to engage the reader.
If you’re starting your intro with quotes, strive to quote credible personalities like the famous Albert Einstein or Nelson Mandela. Here’s an example:
Securing this scholarship will help me positively impact my community and beyond. The great Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” these words inspire me to want to do more through education.
See Also: Understanding Educational Grants In Nigeria: A Practical Guide
Things Not to Include in Your Introduction
Including certain elements in your intro can reduce your chances of success. You don’t want to do that. Here are some elements and information to exclude from your essay introduction:
- Avoid adding irrelevant personal information in your intro. Provided they are not related to your academic qualifications or shine the light on your academic strengths, exclude them.
- Avoid using stories, quotes, or statements that do not align with the theme of the scholarship.
- Avoid using slang. You can sound casual but maintain a professional tone.
- Steer clear of cliches. They’re overused and have no meaning.
- Avoid bogus words and claims. The goal is to sound genuine and authentic.
- Avoids errors and typos. You can use grammar tools to proofread and fix your writing.
- Don’t be overly stiff and formal, or else you might come off as insincere. Strive to maintain a balance between authenticity and professionalism.
An attention-grabbing intro must sound genuine and personal. Before you begin your writing, do your due diligence. Research the scholarship criteria, the sponsors’ beliefs, values, vision, and mission. This information will help you craft an intro that meets their expectation.
See Also: 20 Unique Business Ideas For Students In Nigeria With Low Budget
How to Structure Your Introduction
A. Keep It Concise and to the Point
Your salutation and introduction of yourself must be short. Same as stating the purpose of your letter. Avoid overexplaining yourself. Just get into the details immediately and keep it going.
B. Use Clear and Impactful Language
Your words must be clear and your language impactful. Focus on conveying the key message about your qualifications, achievements, and motivations.
C. Transition Smoothly to the Body of Your Application
Once you’ve introduced yourself, smoothly transition to the body of the application. Maintain short sentences across paragraphs. Don’t forget — each paragraph must discuss only one idea. This enables you to infuse clarity and coherency in your letter.
Avoid these common mistakes, and you’re well on your way to impressing the scholarship reviewers. Ultimately, you’ll be able to secure a scholarship for your education.
Conclusion
Your introduction is an opportunity to make a lasting positive impression on the sponsors. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention, showcase your enthusiasm, and set the stage for the rest of your letter. You don’t want to mess it up. Use the tips and instructions in this article to write a compelling intro for your essay. Remember, an attention-grabbing intro must engage, wow, and convince the reader that you’re the best candidate for the scholarship. Good luck!
Common Questions on Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction for Your Scholarship Application Letter.
Q1. How to Introduce Yourself in a Scholarship Application Letter
To introduce yourself in a scholarship application letter, begin by greeting the scholarship committee, such as [Dear Scholarship Committee]. Then, introduce yourself, and state the purpose of your letter.
Q2. Do Scholarship Essays Need an Introduction?
Yes, scholarship essays need an introduction to set the tone for the rest of the letter. It serves to introduce the applicant, why they need the scholarship, and the motivations behind their application.
