How to Win Scholarships - 2.3 Show, Don't Tell
Show, Don’t Tell; Another mistake students often make is to tell the reader, rather than show the reader.
That is, they write that they care about something, but don’t use unique examples from their experience to show that they do. Don’t write something like:I feel strongly about the well being of my community.Any applicant could say this.Contrast this with:I volunteer every Saturday with the Great Start Program to ensure that youth are gaining new opportunities.
Follow this up by telling the reader about the Great Start Program and your volunteer role. You may want to include how long or how many hours you have been working with the organization. Here’s another example of telling versus showing.
You don’t want to write something like: I am passionate about swimming.
Instead, show the reader your passion with facts about your experience: I have been a competitive swimmer with the Blue Sea Aquatic program for ten years.
I currently contribute to the organization as a mentor to young athletes. Show the reader you are passionate about an activity by giving them specific details about your commitment and accomplishments.
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