[header] How to write a personal statement for a scholarship [title] Read the prompt. [step] Many scholarships require applicants to submit an essay on a certain prompt or topic. Carefully read your prompt to understand what your essay's subject should be before you start writing. 
[substeps] Prompts may also give you guidelines regarding things like essay length or word count. Check carefully to see if your prompt specifies things like, " write 500 words on the topic, " or, " write two to three pages.