Money Smarts Blog

Every year, our scholarship review committee at IHMVCU reads a lot of essays. Like… a lot.

We read them carefully, thoughtfully, and with genuine excitement. We want to see who you are, what motivates you, and how this scholarship could help you take your next step.

So let me share a little behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes an essay stand out, what tends to fall flat, and how AI fits into the process.

What We Love to See in a Scholarship Essay

Your real voice: We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for authenticity. Essays that sound human and honest stand out immediately.

A clear answer to the question: When an essay directly responds to the prompt, it shows effort and attention to detail. That matters.

Specific moments and details: Tell us a short story. A challenge you faced. A lesson you learned. Specific beats generic every time.

Care and effort: We notice when an essay has been proofread and thoughtfully put together. It tells us you took the opportunity seriously.

What Makes Us Pause (or Move On)

Essays that sound like they could belong to anyone: If we could swap the name at the top and nothing would change, it’s hard to connect.

Overly polished language that doesn’t match the story: Big words aren’t bad, but they shouldn’t feel forced. We want your words.

Ignoring the basics: Word limits, instructions, and deadlines exist for a reason. Following them helps your application.

Let’s Talk About AI

Yes, we know students use AI. And yes, it can be helpful.

Used correctly, AI can support your writing process. Used incorrectly, it can hurt your chances.

Ways AI can help:

• Brainstorming ideas
• Organizing thoughts into an outline
• Improving clarity or fixing grammar
• Getting feedback on flow

Ways AI can hurt:

• Writing the entire essay for you
• Producing generic responses with no personal detail
• Creating a voice that doesn’t sound like you

When an essay doesn’t feel personal or authentic, it shows.

Can We Tell If AI Was Used?

Sometimes.

Some organizations use tools to flag AI-generated content. Others rely on experienced reviewers who recognize patterns that don’t feel student-written. Red flags can include:

• Vague or overly polished language
• Inconsistent tone
• A lack of personal detail
• Writing that doesn’t align with the applicant’s experience

Here’s the simplest guideline we can offer:
If you wouldn’t feel comfortable explaining how you wrote your essay, rethink it.

Our Honest Advice

Use AI like a helper, not a substitute.

We don’t expect perfect essays. We expect honest ones. The applications that stand out are the ones that show effort, reflection, and a real person behind the words.

When you apply for the IHMVCU Cash for Class Scholarship, we want to hear your story. That’s what makes the decision meaningful and the scholarship impactful.

Good luck. We can’t wait to read your essay!