If you're applying to college, you already know that there are a lot of essays involved. And if you're applying to graduate school, even more so. But how do you write a personal statement that will set you apart from the pack?

One of my favorite professors in college once said, “If you come out of your 4 years in college the same person you were when you started, you need to get your money back”. Half of your success in college is the school (what they offer, how it aligns with your goals).

As a student applying for scholarships, it's tempting to think of them as free money that will get you through college. But that's not how it works. Scholarships are not free money; they're investments in your future that require hard work and dedication on your part. When I switched to this mindset, it changed everything for me.

If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for scholarships and already know the key to winning them is the essay. You probably have a pretty good idea of what makes a good essay, but that doesn't mean it's easy to actually write one. So I've put together some basic tips on how to write a great scholarship essay.