Flickr user Brad Flickinger
For many students, the worst part about applying for scholarships is writing the essay. In fact, it can be enough of a deterrent to turn students off from applying entirely. There are a number of ways to make writing an essay easier—outlining, using humor, picking an engaging topic, etc.—but here’s another one of those scholarship essay tips: record yourself speaking.
Why Record Instead of Write?
But why would you add an extra step? How is listening to your own voice going to help the writing process?
First: people talk faster than they can type. Speaking your answer aloud can let you get your thoughts out, without waiting for your typing fingers to catch up. Speaking is a direct pipeline from the brain to answer, meaning you’ll catch more honest answers and are less likely to lose any thoughts.
Talking through an answer can also lead to additional thoughts or perspectives. You might inspire yourself while speaking. Knowing that the recording is just a practice run, not the final product, can also help ease pressure and allow you to give a heartfelt answer. You can always edit things later, after all.
The Importance of Your Voice
Additionally, answering the question out loud in your own voice is less stressful. For a while, you don’t have to worry about the mechanics of writing or grammar or punctuation, you can just focus on the most important thing—the answer.
There is a preconceived notion that essays have to sound super professional or “grown-up” to be valid, but the whole point of an essay is to have the readers understand you, the person. Therefore, it’s important that the essay sounds like you. Talking about your answer as though in a conversation first, will ensure that your writing will sound more like you.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
5.00% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
