Things student likes and reasons for that hobbies, favorite celebrities, preferred movies, etc. Do they read it to solve a problem?
This is the effect that your essay introduction should have on the reader. But seeing real-life examples is a better way to learn. My major is English Literature with the focus on the Victorian and Post-colonialism authors.
What text structure do you need to establish?
So, if you decide to use such a hook, find a rare yet relevant quote. Gratitude can go a long way.
Then, much like the scene setting above, you can go back and describe its relevance later in the essay. Stand out by building a relationship with someone on the scholarship committee. As well as quotes from famous people, they are easy to create and, therefore, overused too. Provide a definition or fact related to the topic or arguments you are going to discuss in your essay, and that will make people want to keep on reading and learn more.
Which example makes you feel like you want to know more about the writer?