I almost didn’t include this tip, but it’s one that every applicant needs to hear. Unless the scholarship you’re applying for is sponsored by an explicitly political or religious organization, you have almost no chance of winning if you write an essay “taking a side” on controversial issues like abortion, affirmative action, the Iraq war or any other polarizing issues. Why not, you ask? Surely it takes guts and conviction to write such an essay, no?
Feel free to rant about politics and religion all you like -- in a soundproof room, by yourself.
Yes, it does. And let me be the first to say that I’ve got a ton of admiration for people, students and otherwise, who stick to their convictions and lay their neck out on the line with an unpopular opinion, regardless of who it might offend.
However, I didn’t write my book or start this website to tell you how to speak your mind. I wrote it to show you how to win money from a group of people who will sit in judgment of you and thousands of your peers (hey, we’re called judges for a reason). And I submit to you that essays about contentious issues usually don’t win.
More practically, consider this very basic truth: the more contentious the issue you choose to write about, the more likely it is that one or more committee members will completely disagree with you. Divisive issues divide, and in all likelihood, you’ve got no idea who’s even judging your scholarship application, let alone the personal and political beliefs of those people. But if a judge happens to hold beliefs that run counter to the ones in your essay, should that affect their judgment?
In a perfect world, absolutely not. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and if you happen to find one, email me and I’ll meet you there for margaritas for the rest of eternity. Remember that committee members are people just like you and me. They try to keep their emotions and personal beliefs out of their decisions, but it doesn’t always work.
Offend them with the content of your essay and you probably won’t win the scholarship. Again – I’m not saying it’s right, but that’s just how it is. It’s real life, it’s unfair, and that’s how it goes. Rather than pretending otherwise, I’m advising you to acknowledge this reality and go the safe route with safe topics when you have a choice.
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Honestly speaking I really do not what this passage is asking me to do. Anyway my comment to this passage is I totally agree with what it is say. This is because I will start my doctoral study this fall and I have read some books and arcticle talking about to attend the examination for the research. The examiners could ask some hard questions that one may not be able to handle easily.However there can be some people to support and one has to well prepare and do some research before going into that exemination and do wish that my topic for research “Online learning for Maintenance Workers” will be appoved without any objection from the board.
Agreed. Sure. However, I am with the above commenter. I am not sure what this article wants us seekers to do about our opinions. I believe that the author wants us to buy the book in order to be a successful writer, but i am unsure. It is quite discouraging to hear from a judge how bias the panel is and will be. Unfortunately, I have submitted many and no response due to my strong opinion. Is this article suggesting that I do away with my real opinion and cater my decision to a straight middle path leaving the judge in awe and with the ability to complete their own interpretation with a good taste about (me) as the writer, in their mouths. What money will make you do? Interesting concept!
Actually I don’t know where and what to start. Politics and Religion are both delicate issues to deal with, though however, these two are factors to be considered why people are at conflict- war. Indeed, in my home town (part of Mindanao, Philippines) Religion has something to say about the blood shed by the victims of “doctrine-ideology”; and Politics in the other hand has something to offer to unfold the agenda of each sides who would like to control and manipulate the issue. And the rest of “us” are victims of our own tasteful ignorance of what is really the “truth” behind because we only put our confidence to where we are affiliated according to our interest.
However, its not all about religion or politics alone, its all about how to fill in the it seems gab between the two elements of human existence. Religion as much as Politics is like a mother who could give birth to a child- the “one” that whether we like it or not is designed to be a potential for both unity and revision. The reality that “man” cannot scape otherwise he cannot be part of the journey towards “the exile of humanity” in-order to reach the desire/ thirst of belonging to his own humanness. The question about neither religion nor politics is yet another illusion of man’s hope in attaining oneness; both are just tool to realize what is attainable only to accept and respect the differences and uniqueness of these two realities working to form and shape “man” into the fullest, human attempt to fill in the gap between Religion and Politics using what is good and healthy of both.
So basically, the article says “BE SAFE. CHOOSE SAFE. GET THE MONEY, NEVER MIND YOUR BELIEFS. YOUR BELIEFS WILL DESTROY YOU. AND NO ONE WILL PICK YOU.”
Unfortunately this teaches the students to be paranoid of the outside world. The author is right that it IS an unfair world. That is the stark reality. We must not shun away from it. Another reality is writing what is in the hearts and minds of every human being, that no matter how ‘contentious’ the issue is, there is a commonality that binds all of us, which outweighs our cultural and social differences.
Ranting on impulse with personal insults will indeed do a lot more harm than good. Like the commentator above me, Shiu Kong Ng says, deep and extensive examination and research of both (or many) sides of the issue should accompany every word written on the essay. This will show your commitment on the matters on hand. Neutrality AND RESPECT should be the tone, and are to be achieved, yet not forsaking the very purpose on why you choose to write so.
You do not write for yourself. You write for the many. Money may be what you need now, but if you sacrifice your principles for silence and popularity, then you are no better than a paid mercenary.
That is the problem with society today. You haggle for the few, for the accolades that pass swiftly after a time. As long as you get the money, all is good. Perhaps this recession is a blessing….
Remember that what you put down on paper should be FOR A CAUSE FOR ALL HUMANITY, which is priceless than any award prize a board panel will mete out.
If you manage to win them by not losing yourself, then that is good. Let no one dictate you.
Peace. Salaam. Shalom. Respect.
you can write in such a way as not to be untrue to your own beliefs, but MUST validate and uphold them
not everyone can do this well…to take the opposing of differing view is to also be certain you have the
right reasons/validations for such beliefs
Hey Judge Josh,
Thanks for the tip.I’ll keep it in mind, it’ll go a long way.
it is all wrong to behave the prejudiced about any thing , also to have a wrong ideas about most cominities whitout knowing well about it.So I agree about eveything you wrote me on your article.
Shiu, the passage is telling you not to write about your religious and political views in scholarships because you might write about something that one or more of the judges may disagree with, which would affect how they judge your essay.
I have written countless essays and I receive A’s on them academically, but I never am the winner of these scholarships. I do hope these tips will assist me in alleviating debt to my university.
great tips, are you a doctor of scholarship applications, did you major in “Scholarshipology”? i have gotten many generous scholarships this year, just by writing essays and listing my numerous high school accomplishments, the way i felt most comfortable with. there is no right or wrong answer as to writing a scholarship application, so long as someone can make it appealing, and market themselves as a good candidate. god is the only one who can give opportunities to people, and if He wants, he’ll give the gates millenium scholarship to the most illiterate, unprofessional student you can imagine. stop giving yourself so much credit, after all your NOT the person donating thousands of dollars to unfortunate students willing to further their education!!!!
Good advice!
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the great advice. However, I have a question? Would it be so wrong or offensive to state how a political or religious figure inspires you? Would it be wrong to mention prayer at all? I know that some people pray and some don’t, but I wouldn’t necessarily be “thrusting” my religion upon a judge (or in my case college admissions officer) by mentioning how prayer has helped me throughout the years, or saying that Obama has inspired me to set my goals higher.
Also, I’m not sure if the advice you give regarding scholarship applications/essays applies to college essays as well. Currently, I’m trying to get into college as well as win scholarships, so if you could help with both processes, it would be extremely appreciated. If not, that’s okay. You still give marvelous scholarship advice.
I agree with Shiu Kong Ng as well because I’m confused of what this tip is telling me to do. I understand the simple rule, but I don’t recall writing an essay which takes a side on controversial issues of any sort. So why I received this as an email, I am very uncertain.
i am highly thankfull to you if you approve me as one of your students
I believe that the written statement is an opening to the world around us. No matter what field one is getting into there are always people that oppose your point of view, but if one sticke to the facts, not beliefs, it is virtually impossible to be proven wrong. In my opinion, that is what has hurt this world, choosing sides! If every one could learn to be open minded we can live in a lot more peaceful world. Being an engineering student that doesn’t agree with all the laws of physics, creates contraversy where ever I mention it even though I have cold hard facts that support me. so as I must grin and bear it as those powers that be of any caliber should also. Albert Einstein appeared in the New York Times Magazine on November 9, 1930 pp 1-4 Science and religion. that is a must read for anyone that is trying to progress in thier field.
Wow, thanks so much for all the comments, everyone. They’re rolling in relatively fast, but let me try to at least briefly respond to as many as I can. First though: Of course, if an essay question asks you directly what you think about a political or religious issue — sure, answer it honestly. In this tip, I mostly refer to open-ended essay questions that allow you to write about whatever you want. I’ve no doubt that so many of you have strong and perhaps eloquently worded opinions on political and religious topics, especially the polarizing ones. I also know with certainty, however, that judges have heard every argument for and against every hot-button issue of the day, and essays like that will not stand out in a competitive situation. Application requirements differ, of course, but if I had to give generic advice in this regard: writing about unique personal challenges you’ve faced is often a great choice, because those are stories unique to you, and will thus stand out more easily among judges.
I think that covers Shiu and Brittani.
Nino: I’m not *exactly* sure what you mean, but remember (everyone!) that the title of the tip is not to thrust your politics and religion upon others. Obviously there are times, especially when you’re asked specifically, when you’ll touch on religion and politics. The tip above refers more to an essay that hops onto one side of a controversial issue and just argues a hard pro or con.
Kristin: While I think your summary is bit sweeping and grandiose, you’re right that my basic principle is, yes, do what you can to get your scholarship money now. If your personal cost-benefit analysis drives you to basically write whatever truth you’re feeling at this stage of your life at the expense of losing scholarship money, that’s certainly a valid personal choice — but I think most students probably disagree. They’d probably agree to change topics for a better shot at the money (that’s what I think, but others will certainly chime in here with their opinions).
Edna: Well-said, and good points.
Anonymous: I did not major in Scholarshipology, although if there *were* such a thing as a doctor of scholarship applications, I would probably be one (as it stands now, I am a merely a wet nurse of scholarship applications). I’m definitely happy you got your scholarships by listing activities, and that’s great for you — as a rule, however, for the many other students on this site, it’s not a course of action that’s going to lead them to much scholarship money. Can’t argue with you about God, of course, but a correction for you: I am, in fact, the person who donates thousands of dollars to unfortunate students looking to further their education. I started the 15 different scholarship programs at StraightForward Media, and have given over $100,000 of my own money to students all over the world since 2003.
Jackie: I think what you suggest is fine. You understood the tip correctly where some others commenters have not — it’s the “thrusting your beliefs” part that I meant to emphasize.
Thanks for the comments everyone! Keep them coming. I try to answer as fast as I can.
Thank you for this input, but I am a follower of Christ.. It plays into everything I do. You asked a question and my faith was a part of, and should have been in the response. If that disqualifies me, then ok. I do not apologize, nor think it is right for you to ask a question and then tell me that my response is wrong because of something that I included, a relevant something at that.
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice. I’m quite happy to save the contentious issues for university papers, since they won’t get my anywhere in the scholarship world – and there’s no point in writing something that’s gonna be tossed aside. It at all possible, I’d rather not let OSAP own my soul by the end of undergrad studies.
Also, somewhat off topic, but I can’t help myself.
“But we don’t live in a perfect world, and if you happen to find one, email me and I’ll meet you there for margaritas for the rest of eternity.”
That is a perfectly awesome line, and I will be using it often in my own life. <3
Thanks a bunch!
true,that is what have been in my mind for long time.i have tried many time in many scholarship site for free scholarship.but i am still helpless to continue my masters program.any ways God says let it be.
Thanks so much for the advice. I comprehend how writing about a controversial issue is a big mistake on scholarships, but I also understand how some of us turn to such a topic. It’s especially difficult to make an astounding essay when all the scholarship tells you to do is write a 500 word essay on the topic of your choice! Could you please give us some tips on choosing a good topic?
I don’t mean to kiss butt… but if any of you have taken a sociology or psychology class you would have to agree with Josh. This world if full of “what side are you on?”, “i don’t agree with you (because that viewpoint isn’t currently the most popular)”, etc.
Here’s another thing to think about… When writing an essay (although being extremely careful not to offend your reader), be safe and write it as if you were on both sides. Professors (and others) don’t like hearing “I think”, “In my opinion”, “I was raised”, etc. Truth of the matter, who cares! If you were to write an essay or report about something that is deemed controvercial (or even taboo) make statements in order to keep your reader wondering and guessing exactly which side you stand on.
Im not sure what i should do, should i come clean about my beliefs? or just ignore them and dont say them??
Liz, Hailu & Candace: Thanks!
Melanie: Well, most topics are decided for you by the question, of course. But I believe that, when you have an open-ended essay question that gives you a choice of what to write about, the best essays come from unique personal stories that describe challenges the writer has overcome. Anything showing a concrete plan to use their skills to better the world in some specific way is also nice. Click around the site and you’ll see a bunch of different entries on what makes a good essay.
Nesma, Meka, et al: Again, remember what I said specifically — I just said that if you have an open-ended essay question, choosing a polarizing/controversial religious or political topic is probably not a great way to win. Not only might they offend a judge with different views, but they’re also unoriginal topics. It’s fine to be whatever religion you are, and I understand that your religion dictates every part of your life. No problem with that at all.
I, Thank you for the heads up and the advisement. I guess, I am a little razzled, due to I was not asked to give any comments about Your or Mine Religion and or any Politicial Issue. I was asked more or less, “What makes you a Good College Student”. I understand we are all ” One big Melting Pot, or a Mixed Salad” as they say. Our society today is consist’s of all kinds of wonderful and diversified people. So, I do agree, those are 2 area’s of Topics, where I wouldn’t want to answer. For the simple reason, my major is Anthropology-Sociology with emphasize on Socio-Cultural studies. So, I keep a broad-minded, and unbiased thought process, while I study our world, and all the people that are a part of it. =)
Upon reading further comments, I agree with you, when you mentioned ” People like to hear your own stories”. I have applied for many Scholarships, and Grants, to further my education.( and I have been award several ) I will say, ” When you are asked to explain what makes you stand out from your peers”, Be honest, and be true to yourself. Research Scholarships that benefit you also. **
I do agree with the author, Judges are looking for people who are full of inspiration, and who truly have a desire to further their education !
Thanks for the TIP !
Wow, I never really thought about it; I guess I just expect writing to be taken a face value, by judges at least; I never knew how some writing will affect people differently, and the best part of all it actrully makes allot of sense as well cause I know how some writings affect me why wouldn’t it affect a judge the same way? Thankyou for the tipe it was very helpfull and will give me something to think about with my next scholorship entry.
Scholarship essays are like friendly conversation…it usually doesn’t involve politics, religion, or sex unless both parties agree to it
First, thank you for giving these tips to people.. many people need to understand that GPA isn’t everything. But there are also people who don’t want to hear it from people like you, especially since they know what not to do when applying for college/scholarships. They should’ve known about these tips at one point in their four years of high school. Second, we don’t need you to make a whole story about our hard-earned GPA’s. A simple sentence will do. Finally..GPA may not always mean everything but in today’s world, it still matters. We still need that GPA to graduate, to get into elite schools, and to receive scholarships within elite schools. And of course, the GPA you earn depends on the school you come from. Someone’s F in one school may be an A in another school. So for you to say my GPA doesnt matter…. yeah… it does matter because for me, its a matter of passing or failing and participating in school activities. So why not make my parents proud instead, right?
Also, many judges select winners based on what people have done, but only on those who have something that stands out. That is completely biased because the people who won may have studied with scientists or did research and such with some prestigious people, but not everyone can have those opportunities. Someone can say they studied with a scientist, but so what? Did they learn anything? Community service is something that should be looked at more than at the fact that someone studied with a scientist. To finish up, if you really want to judge a person for a scholarship, don’t ask stupid questions like what is your GPA and what activities have you done. Ask questions that makes a person reflect and write about his/her life in the most interesting ways.
I think it is important this advice and everyone has to confirm it.
that’s a very good advice
I’d like to say something, I’m an ESL student, but I have one advantage that I’m a US Citizen, so I’m able to apply for a scholarship, but I won’t gain those scholarships because I always make grammar mistakes or I don’t know how to explain my ideas clearly, so how can I gain a scholarship If I don’t know how to write, and how can I attend to college If I don’t gain a scholarship.
I DID NOT UNDRESTAND WHT THE AUTHOR IS GOING TO SAY?
HELP ME FOR GAINING SCHOLARSHIP.
I WANT TO STUDY MARKETING IN EUROPE BUT NO BODY ANSWER MY QUETIONS.
I appreciate the truth no matter how harsh. I have read several of these “don’ts” from judge Josh. I have learned alot from them. I still haven’t won an award, but I have learned something. No doubt it is a bummer that things work the way they do sometimes, so unfairly. But when those judges have the power to chose out of so many who all want the money and feel they all deserve it, how do you set yourself apart as an individual without sharing some of your opinions or beliefs? From what I can tell you have to be starving in some third world country to diserve the money. Maybe the judges need to feel good about what they do with their power to award one out of many. I think it is kind of great, even if I don’t win.
Totally agree. Just think, every war is about religion and politics.He’s not telling you not to believe in something, just that if you want something from somebody ” Don’t talk about Religion or Politics”.
I am an Ethiopian and lecturer at Wollo University, which is governmental University, in the faculty of Agriculture and veterinary Medicine, in the department of veterinary Medicine. I am qualified with the Degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, from Addis Ababa University, Faculity of Veterinary medicine as August 2007.
Now I wish to get MASTERS schoolarship in Pharmacology or Veterinary Microbiology or Animal Medicine.
I hope you will help me to acheive MSc degree in either Pharmacology or Veterinary Microbiology or Animal Medicine in the coming year.
Thank you!!!
I think the article is great becuase it teached us a lot of things especially about how to become perfect writers. Althought the article has some misunderstanding parts and the author should be more specific and explain more.I am not asking for a long and detailed explation, just a brief explanation. Well, But I guess it will help me to improve my writing skill and will make become in a good writter. Well, I’d like to think that the article is right but its not at all. Just want to thank you the author and encourage you to keep giving us helpful advices. Thanks a lot!!
i mean its true the road is not allways fair, but to be fair and honest its also not so bad to be fair i guess.
Sir Josh is absolutely right. Religious and political beliefs should’nt be included in writing the essay since in the first place the scholarship is for everybody that means it is open for all the human race. C’mon, how are we suppose to have world peace if there’s no respect for everyones beliefs. The scholarship was not created to cause division but rather to unite us people that we are open minded enough to understand and give due respect to everybodys affairs particularly in such crucial issue as religion and politics.
Thank you for the advice. It has been greatly appreciated. I believe in sticking to my guns because if others determine your diction or personal expression, then why live in a democracy? However, you must not bite the hand that feeds you, so good tip !
hi, thank you for your concern and bright advice.
Good I think we need to live with each other regardless all differances
thank you very much
I’m puzzled. I didn’t write an essay based on politics or religion and I’m getting an email like this one. It baffles me, but I’ll attempt to keep an open mind and listen to what you have to say in the future. After all, you are a judge.
Thank you for your concern and advice. I love politics because polics is not game but the exist to resulve the problem of the lager society, and want to drink of it.
i didnt even write about politics or religion wtf so why would they send me the email
What if you approach a controversial issue from a “middle-road” perspective? In my county, the new school board majority wants to discontinue the diversity policy and in my essay I am writing about it. However, after reading your emails, I decided to take a “middle-road” approach, explaining both sides of the issue and bringing up an anecdote about how I have been on both sides of the spectrum. Would this still limit my chances of winning scholarships? Please respond, its due January 4
Hi, KiKi. Sure, I think that’s fine. Even though you say it’s controversial in your area, with the above tip I really refer more to universally controversial issues — ones that won’t be over and done with a year or so from now, I mean. In addition, I think your interest in a hot local issue may show reveal in you a connection to your community that’s deeper than that of many of your peers, which would also work in your favor. So, I say go for it, and good luck!
Josh
Ok. Thanks for the tips!