why we need scholarship essay

• Applying For Scholarships

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples 2023

Jennifer Finetti Aug 3, 2022

Get our best scholarship practices, insights & tips delivered to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

One of the most popular scholarship essay questions is “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” Answering such a question can be difficult because you don’t want to sound too needy or greedy. Your essay must stand out from the competition while still being humble and appreciative. Check out these essay writing tips, along with a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship.

Tips for writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay

Your essay will be unique to your experiences, but there are some general guidelines you should follow. Here are tips for writing a “why I’m deserving scholarship” essay:

• Explain how the scholarship money would contribute to your long-term goals. You’re asking the scholarship committee to invest in your future. They want to ensure their investment goes to a worthy cause. Explain how your education will play a role in your career and overall goals after graduation.
• Focus on the purpose of the scholarship. While writing your essay, keep in mind what the scholarship is for and where it comes from. Tailor your response to the scholarship so it resonates with the review committee.
• Don’t be afraid to promote yourself. This may be your only chance to tell the committee about your achievements. Showing your past success will instill confidence about your future success.
• Use a thesis statement, just like you would with any other essay. You should refer back to the thesis throughout the essay and tie it into the conclusion. If you have trouble creating the thesis at the beginning, write the rest of the essay first. Read through, see what stands out the most, and then write an intro with a cohesive thesis.
• When explaining obstacles in your life, focus on how you overcame them. Show that you’re a problem solver, able to persevere through any situation. You can mention difficulties from your past, but turn the attention to what you did as a result of them.
• Avoid generalizations. Generic statements like “I deserve this because I am a hard worker” aren’t enough. Every applicant is a hard worker, has ‘good grades,’ etc. What makes you different, special and memorable? That should be the topic of your scholarship essay.
• Support your statements with examples. Instead of saying, “I’m a hard worker,” say, “I upheld two jobs while I was in high school to support my family, and I still maintained a 3.75 GPA.” This is no longer a generalization. It is an achievement specific to your life and upbringing.
• Use positive language. Phrases like ‘well-prepared,’ ‘qualified candidate’ and ‘specialized training’ showcase achievements in a positive light. Even in a negative situation, show the positive way you got through it.
• Avoid words like ‘very’ and ‘really.’ You can typically find a one-word substitute that sounds more professional. Very hard turns into difficult. Very good becomes exceptional. Here is an excellent guide for modifiers that replace very .
• Take a one-day break before you edit. Once you have a solid draft written, do not jump straight into editing. Wait a day before looking over your essay. This will let you read the essay with fresh eyes so you can catch inconsistencies, grammar mistakes, and more.

Example 1: Why I deserve this scholarship essay (100 words)

With a 100 word scholarship essay, you need to jump into the thesis as quickly as possible. There is not enough space for a lengthy introduction. Use concise language, and showcase your biggest achievements/goals. You should have enough sentences to break into two small paragraphs, though one may only be two to three sentences.

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

I believe I deserve this scholarship because I am an innovative problem solver. As the student council president, I helped re-organize my school library to better accommodate students’ needs. I worked with staff to categorize books to better reflect current school subjects.  I will use the same leadership mindset to obtain my business degree with a focus on project management. My goal is to work in construction management to increase efficiency in low-income housing development. With this scholarship and the need-based grants I will receive, I can complete my education and continue to solve problems within my community.

Word Count: 98

Example 2: Why I deserve this scholarship essay (250 words)

A 250-word scholarship essay usually consists of 4-5 paragraphs. The introduction can have a short lead-in, but it should arrive at the thesis quickly. The body paragraphs should support the assertion made in the first paragraph (the reason you deserve the scholarship). The conclusion should summarize the essay collectively, and it may include a statement of appreciation.

One of the most debated topics in America is how to provide affordable healthcare to the masses. I believe the answer lies in accessible healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners often go unappreciated and unrecognized for their versatility and value in the medical profession. With this scholarship, I could continue my training to become a nurse practitioner and provide attainable medical services to underserved communities. Growing up in a small Montana farming town, the closest hospital was 45 minutes away. The only local family doctor charged whatever he wanted because he was the sole provider. My parents relied on home remedies to treat any ailment my brother and I developed. This is when my passion for medicine first took form. Minimal medical care was not a concern until my father went to the hospital for severe stomach problems. These were the result of Crohn’s disease, a condition that can be managed with treatment. Because my father had not been to the doctor in years, the flare up was highly aggressive. It took months to get it under control and get him on preventative medication. I decided to go to college to help people like my father. As a nurse practitioner I can practice medicine without charging a fortune for my services. I plan to serve in rural communities where hospitals and doctors are limited or non-existent. I am grateful to be considered for this scholarship opportunity, and should I be selected, I will use it to advance my medical education.

Word Count: 248

Example 3: Why I deserve this scholarship essay (500 words)

With a 500-word scholarship essay, you have room to tell your story and create an experience for the reader. Use several introductory sentences to lead into your thesis and set the tone for the essay. The body paragraph should flow in a logical manner, most often chronologically. Then the conclusion should re-emphasize the thesis and leave the scholarship committee with something to remember.

Winston Churchill once said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” And while I never define my obstacles as ‘failures,’ I mark my success by my repeated perseverance through adversity. I have faced several challenges over the years, from dyslexia to homelessness; yet I continued to earn exemplary grades and graduate at the top of my class. I deserve this scholarship because I have the strength and determination to achieve my goals, no matter what hurdles I have to overcome. I was not born a gifted student. Testing and assignments were always difficult for me, whether I studied or not. In second grade, my parents had me tested for learning disabilities. The psychologist said that I had a hyperactivity disorder and prescribed medication to suppress my energy. After two years abiding by that treatment, I was re-evaluated and diagnosed with dyslexia. This helped me get the treatment I needed, and I finally made progress in school. Shortly after I learned how to study with dyslexia, my father lost his job. He was the sole breadwinner for the household, and I was soon on the street with my mother and two younger siblings. I got a job in newspaper delivery, one of the few fields that will hire a 12-year-old. My father found odd jobs to bring money to the family, and together we were eventually able to pay for a two-bedroom apartment to live in. I was valedictorian that school year, and I maintained a perfect attendance record. Like my father, I knew I had to do whatever was necessary to succeed and thrive. In high school, I developed an interest for psychology. I noticed patterns in behaviors, both in myself and in the people around me. I asked my child therapist, the one who officially diagnosed me with dyslexia, if I could work at his clinic over the summers. He allowed me to intern at his counseling center my junior and senior year, and I gained valuable insight into the business side of psychology. I am now entering the second year of my psychology degree. I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree and earn a Doctorate of Neuropsychology in the years that follow. My focus is on psychological testing, specifically for children with autism or learning disabilities. I spent years struggling in school because of a preventable misdiagnosis.  I want to ensure that other children do not face the same struggles in their future. Why do I deserve this scholarship? Because I have the passion and determination to become a trusted member of the psychological community. With my education, I can help children get the treatment they need at an early age, giving the best chance at finding their own success. You’re not just helping me get through college. You’re improving the quality of life for countless families to come. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship with your organization.

Word Count: 492

You Should Also Read…

How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Why Are You Applying to This Scholarship Essay (with Example)

How to Write a Scholarship Essay Introduction (With Example)

How to End a Scholarship Essay

How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay

How to Write a Great 500 Word Essay

5 People Who Should Review Your Scholarship Essays

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

Related Stories View All

LIFE Scholarship

How to Write a Bursary Application Letter

Common Scholarship Interview Questions and Answers

Get started with scholarshipowl.

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships

Feb 2, 2023

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay | Outlines and Examples

Are you applying to a scholarship program at your dream university? Here are some scholarship essay outlines and examples to help you stand out from the rest!

Crafting a compelling essay for your scholarship application is more than just a task; it's an opportunity to showcase your dedication, aspirations, and unique perspective. The weight of this essay cannot be understated – from its formatting to its grammar and content, every detail could sway the decision between acceptance and rejection. It's crucial to express both your academic achievements and your future career plans with clarity and confidence. For many, distilling their aspirations and achievements into a concise and persuasive essay can be daunting. If you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, consider turning to resources that can assist, such as online writing tools known to help streamline the process. They can be invaluable in guiding you, organizing your thoughts, and ensuring that your essay stands out in a sea of applications.

General tips on how to write a proper scholarship essay:

A scholarship essay should be clear and concise, it should also be unique to your own experiences to emphasize your unique qualities as a candidate for the scholarship. Here are some of our tips:

Emphasize your individual skills and promote your personal strengths by highlighting your achievements and projects. This will show the scholarship committee that you are worth investing in.

Be yourself and talk about your long-term goals and how you believe you can achieve them. You can also talk about your hobbies, goals, and interests outside of school, as this will further highlight your personality and give them an idea of who you are as a person.

Talk about the life experiences that have influenced you and why you want to study at this particular university/field of study. Make sure to relate your experiences to the scholarship you are applying for and how they will help you achieve your dreams.

Avoid using general statements like “I want to achieve my academic goals” or “I am passionate about this field.” General statements like this are overused and will not stand out to the scholarship committee. Make sure to state your specific goals and ambitions and use the essay to demonstrate why you should be awarded the scholarship.

Explain your personal characteristics that make you a deserving candidate for the scholarship. What makes you different from your other fellow students? What unique skills and talents do you have?

Write a short and concise overall summary of what you want to say in your essay of around 4-5 paragraphs. Make sure not to write too much content as this will only confuse the scholarship committee and make sure to write in a professional tone.

Make sure to give sufficient supporting details about your experiences by providing examples to support your ideas. Talk about your life past experiences like accomplishments, grades, and extracurricular activities that have helped shape who you are today.

Proofread and make proper adjustments. Make sure that you are taking breaks when creating your essay scholarship draft throughout the writing process to avoid burnout and ensure a high-quality final product. You can also ask a friend or a teacher to read your essay and scan through errors that you might have overlooked during the writing process.

Make sure to submit the scholarship essay before the deadline! After properly proofreading, make sure that the essay is submitted in a punctual manner to prevent disqualification due to late submissions.

Scholarship Essay Examples

Now that you are fully equipped with the guidelines and the tips mentioned above, we can now show you a couple of examples of how to write a scholarship essay for your dream university or field of interest.

Scholarship Essay Example #1

"Dear Scholarship Committee,

Two years ago, I learned that over 100,000 ocean animals die every year from plastic. Two years ago, I became committed to reducing the amount of plastic I use. Two years ago I became a minimalist.

I am the kind of person that once exposed to a fact, I am unable to turn a blind eye to it. When I understood the crux of consumerism and the impact that it was having on our earth, I knew that I had to do something about it.

I started small. I bought a stainless steel water bottle and started using reusable grocery bags. I stopped purchasing food items wrapped in plastic. I started making my own soap and deodorant. I started shopping in second-hand stores.

But, I knew that my initiatives weren’t enough. Sure, they were something. But I knew that I had to involve more people in my undertaking. So, naturally, I took to social media.

I began to share my zero-waste project with family and friends. I started to see a lot of support coming in. People were interested. How was I making my dish soap, they wanted to know. Where were the best second-hand shops? There was a response.

So, I started a Facebook page called “Clean Your Act” and began to share environmental problems that were happening around the world. I also shared my tips on reducing your waste.

I decided to start an environmental awareness group at my high school, during my junior year. I recruited an environmental science teacher to help me. Every week, I share with participants how-tos like starting a compost. We also have discussions on environmental issues plaguing our planet.

Next year, I will be starting my bachelor’s degree at the environmental science school of the University of Virginia. With the rising costs of college, it will be difficult for me to pay for the expenses on my own.

For this reason, I am applying to the Environmental Studies Scholarship Program. I have dreams of pursuing this field and by obtaining a degree in it, I know that I will get the necessary tools to grow my passion into something big.

I am going to work very hard in the program and learn all that I can. I am hoping to bring my “Clean Your Act” group to campus and get other students involved in the movement.

I am committed to saving our environment, one animal and tree at a time. I may not be able to save all 100,000 animals, but I can definitely save some of them. I don’t need to move mountains to save the world. But, if I can make others appreciate the mountains and our world, then they’ll want to learn how to treat it better."

This scholarship application works well because the writer is talking about relevant things related to the field he/she is applying for. The writer also talks about themselves and the learnings they have obtained through their experience thus far and how they plan on using their skills and their future education to help the world.

Another great thing about this scholarship essay is that the writer talks about their achievements and projects, which would make them stand out to the scholarship committee.

Scholarship Essay Example #2

"To Whom It May Concern:

My name is [Name] and I am a third-year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree. My plan is to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

In high school, I worked extensively with my local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low-income families. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant. They served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.

My education has been focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major. My goal is to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr X and Dr Y). This helped speed up my research and education.

My goal is to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. Living in a college town, I have seen countless rental properties available. Yet there are few homes for sale that are affordable enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout America, especially areas with a low standard of living. I want to create neighbourhoods that include affordable starter homes. This would enable low and middle-class families to build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.

This summer, I will intern with LMNOP Architects. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to continue there as I further develop my skills. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing. I also would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general labourer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” I appreciate your consideration. With your help, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need.

[Name]"

This is another scholarship essay that clearly and concisely states the purposes of the program sought by the applicant. Additionally, they state details about the goals they want to attain in the near future if they get accepted by their desired school of choice. Again, clear aims are established as to why they desire to continue their education and how they plan to use the knowledge they gain through this new program.

Scholarship Essay Example #3

"Winston Churchill once said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” And while I never define my obstacles as ‘failures,’ I mark my success by my repeated perseverance through adversity. I have faced several challenges over the years, from dyslexia to homelessness; yet I continued to earn exemplary grades and graduate at the top of my class. I deserve this scholarship because I have the strength and determination to achieve my goals, no matter what hurdles I have to overcome.

I was not born a gifted student. Testing and assignments were always difficult for me, whether I studied or not. In second grade, my parents had me tested for learning disabilities. The psychologist said that I had a hyperactivity disorder and prescribed medication to suppress my energy. After two years of abiding by that treatment, I was re-evaluated and diagnosed with dyslexia. This helped me get the treatment I needed, and I finally made progress in school.

Shortly after I learned how to study with dyslexia, my father lost his job. He was the sole breadwinner for the household, and I was soon on the street with my mother and two younger siblings. I got a job in newspaper delivery, one of the few fields that will hire a 12-year-old. My father found odd jobs to bring money to the family, and together we were eventually able to pay for a two-bedroom apartment to live in. I was valedictorian that school year, and I maintained a perfect attendance record. Like my father, I knew I had to do whatever was necessary to succeed and thrive.

In high school, I developed an interest in psychology. I noticed patterns in behaviours, both in myself and in the people around me. I asked my child therapist, the one who officially diagnosed me with dyslexia if I could work at his clinic over the summers. He allowed me to intern at his counselling centre during my junior and senior years, and I gained valuable insight into the business side of psychology.

I am now entering the second year of my psychology degree. I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree and earn a Doctorate in Neuropsychology in the years that follow. My focus is on psychological testing, specifically for children with autism or learning disabilities. I spent years struggling in school because of a preventable misdiagnosis. I want to ensure that other children do not face the same struggles in the future.

Why do I deserve this scholarship? Because I have the passion and determination to become a trusted member of the psychological community. With my education, I can help children get the treatment they need at an early age, giving them the best chance at finding their own success. You’re not just helping me get through college. You’re improving the quality of life for countless families to come. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship with your organization."

This is yet another fantastic essay because the writer used a quote, a personal story, and the experiences that made them want to become a psychologist to help others overcome their struggles and live a better life. The quote they used was powerful and shows why the writer deserves the scholarship because they are determined to make their dreams come true despite the obstacles they face and want to do what others cannot in order to help others have a bright future. 

To sum it all up:

Writing a scholarship essay letter on why you deserve the scholarship is quite daunting and you really have to stand out from the rest in order to get accepted. So you need to really think about what makes you special and stand out from everyone else and give a clear reason as to why you should be getting the scholarship that you are asking for.

Jenni.ai is an AI writing assistant that can help you create a flawless scholarship college essay prompt that will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream university. So what are you waiting for? Get the help you need by signing up here today !

Try Jenni for free today

Create your first piece of content with Jenni today and never look back

Have a language expert improve your writing

Check your paper for plagiarism in 10 minutes, generate your apa citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• College essay
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example

Published on October 11, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A good scholarship essay demonstrates the scholarship organization’s values while directly addressing the prompt. If you plan ahead , you can save time by writing one essay for multiple prompts with similar questions.

Table of contents

Apply for a wide variety of scholarships, make a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, tailor your essay to the organization and the prompt, write a focused and relevant personal story, scholarship essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Scholarships are a type of student financial aid that don’t require repayment. They are awarded based on various factors, including academic merit, financial need, intended major, personal background, or activities and interests.

Like college applications, scholarship applications often require students to submit their grades, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

A scholarship essay shares your values and qualities in the context of a specific question, such as “How does technology affect your daily life?” or “Who has had the greatest impact on your life?”

Be wary of scholarship scams

While some applications may not require an essay, be wary of scholarship scams that do the following:

• Guarantee you scholarship money for a fee
• Claim scholarship information is exclusive to their company
• Ask for your bank or credit card information to hold the scholarship

Some legitimate companies do charge for releasing comprehensive scholarship lists or creating a tailored list of scholarship opportunities based on your profile.

However, you can always discover scholarship opportunities for free through your school counselor, community network, or an online search.

Many students focus on well-known, large scholarship opportunities, which are usually very competitive. To maximize your chance of success, invest time in applying for a wide variety of scholarships: national and local, as well as big and small award amounts. There are also scholarships for international students .

In addition to charitable foundation and corporate scholarships, you should consider applying for institutional scholarships at your prospective universities, which can award money based on your application’s strength, your financial situation, and your demonstrated interest in the school.

Check with your guidance counselor, local organizations, community network, or prospective schools’ financial aid offices for scholarship opportunities. It’s a good idea to start applying as early as your junior year and continue throughout your senior year.

Choose the right scholarships for you

Choose scholarships with missions and essay topics that match your background, experiences, and interests. If the scholarship topic is meaningful to you, it will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay.

Don’t shy away from applying for local scholarships with small dollar amounts. Even a few hundred dollars can help you pay for books.

Local scholarships may be more tailored to your community, background, and activities, so they’re likely more relevant to you. Fewer students apply for these scholarships, so you have less competition and a higher chance of success.

Some places to look for local scholarships include

• Civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc.
• Your church, mosque, synagogue, or place of worship
• Community groups, such as the YMCA
• Ethnicity-based organizations
• Your local library or local small businesses
• Organizations related to your intended major
• Your city or town
• Your school district
• Unions, such as SEIU, the Teamsters, CWA, etc.
• Your employer or your parents’ employers
• Banks, credit unions, and local financial institutions

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

While researching scholarship opportunities, create a scholarship tracker spreadsheet to keep track of the following:

• Scholarship amounts
• Required application materials

You can use our free Google Sheets template to track your scholarship applications.

Scholarship application tracker template

You can also include scholarship essay prompts in your college essay tracker sheet . By grouping or color-code overlapping essay prompts, you can plan to write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can also reuse or adapt your main college essay .

Even if you’re adapting another essay, it’s important to make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, stays within the word count limit , and demonstrates the organization’s values. The scholarship committee will be able to tell if you reuse an essay that doesn’t quite respond to the prompt, so be sure to tailor it to the questions asked.

Research each organization

Before writing, research the scholarship organization’s mission and reason for awarding the scholarship. Learning more about the organization can help you select an appropriate topic and relevant story.

While you should tailor your essay to the organization’s values, maintain your authentic voice. Never use false or exaggerated stories. If the organization’s values don’t align with yours or you can’t brainstorm a relevant story for the scholarship, continue searching for other scholarship opportunities to find a more appropriate one for you.

After researching the organization, identify a specific personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies why you will be a successful student.

Choose a story with the following criteria:

• Responds to the prompt
• Demonstrates the organization’s values
• Includes an authentic story
• Focuses on you and your experience, not someone else’s

A good scholarship essay is not

• A resume of your achievements
• A lengthy opinion piece about the essay topic
• An essay featuring a negative tone that puts down others

If appropriate, you can briefly address how the scholarship money will help you achieve your educational goals. You should also end with a brief thank-you.

Take a look at the full essay example below. Hover over the underlined parts to read explanations of why they work.

Prompt: Describe how working for Chelsea’s Chicken restaurant has developed leadership skills that will help you succeed in college. Give specific examples of leadership characteristics that you have exhibited during your employment with us.

As a nervous 16-year-old, I walked into Chelsea’s Chicken for my first day of work determined to make enough money to put gas in my car and buy pizza on the weekends. My only previous job was mowing my neighbors’ lawns when they were on vacation, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a bit intimidated by my new responsibilities, especially handling money and helping disgruntled customers.

However, it didn’t take me long to learn my way around the cash register and successfully address customer complaints. One day, Roger, the store manager, asked me if I wanted to join Chelsea’s Chicken Leadership Training Initiative. He said he saw leadership potential in me because of my attitude with the customers and my enthusiasm for learning new job responsibilities. It surprised me because I had never thought of myself as a leader, but I quickly agreed, and Roger handed me a three-ring binder that was thicker than my math and science textbooks put together! He told me to take it home and read over it during the following week.

In that binder, I discovered that being a leader means taking the initiative, especially when the job is undesirable. One week later, I got to practice that idea when a little kid threw up in the bathroom and missed the toilet. It smelled terrible, but I stepped forward and told Roger that I would clean it up. My coworkers thought I was crazy, but I started to believe in my leadership potential.

That night as we closed the store, Roger pulled me aside in the parking lot and told me that he could tell that I had been studying the manual. He wanted to give me more responsibility, along with a dollar-per-hour pay raise. I was surprised because I had been working there for only a couple of months, but his encouragement helped me make a connection: good leadership helps other people, and it often is rewarded. I was determined to experience more of both.

Within a month, I was ready to take the Team Leader exam, which mattered because I would receive a promotion and a much bigger raise if I passed. But, when I got to work, two of the scheduled team members had called in sick. We were noticeably short-handed, and our customers weren’t happy about it.

I walked back to the lockers, put on my vest and hat, and took my place behind an open register. Customers immediately moved into my line to place their orders. Roger looked at me with surprise and asked, “Did you forget that you’re testing tonight?” I responded, “No, sir—but what’s the use of taking a leadership test if you aren’t going to lead in real life?” Roger smiled at me and nodded.

He stayed late that night after we closed so that I could leave early and still take the test. I noticed that Roger was always staying late, helping employees learn new skills. His example taught me that leaders take the initiative to develop other leaders. He gave me a clear picture of what shared leadership looks like, making room for others to grow and excel. When I asked him where he learned to do that, he said, “From the same leadership manual I gave you!”

Chelsea’s Chicken has offered me so much more than a paycheck. Because of Roger’s example, I have learned to take the initiative to care for my family and friends, such as being the first to do the dishes without my mom asking or volunteering to pick up my friend for our SAT prep course. Now, as I prepare to enter college, I have confidence in my leadership ability. I know I’m signing up for a challenging major—Biology, Pre-Med—yet I also know that Chelsea’s Chicken has helped me to develop the perseverance required to complete my studies successfully.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

A scholarship essay requires you to demonstrate your values and qualities while answering the prompt’s specific question.

After researching the scholarship organization, identify a personal experience that embodies its values and exemplifies how you will be a successful student.

Invest time in applying for various scholarships , especially local ones with small dollar amounts, which are likely easier to win and more reflective of your background and interests. It will be easier for you to write an authentic and compelling essay if the scholarship topic is meaningful to you.

You can find scholarships through your school counselor, community network, or an internet search.

You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year. Continue applying throughout your senior year.

Yes, but make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, respects the word count , and demonstrates the organization’s values.

If you plan ahead, you can save time by writing one scholarship essay for multiple prompts with similar questions. In a scholarship tracker spreadsheet, you can group or color-code overlapping essay prompts; then, write a single essay for multiple scholarships. Sometimes, you can even reuse or adapt your main college essay .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Courault, K. (2023, May 31). How to Write a Scholarship Essay | Template & Example. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/scholarship-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Kirsten Courault

Other students also liked, how to apply for college | timeline, templates & checklist, how to research and write a "why this college" essay, us college essay tips for international students, unlimited academic ai-proofreading.

✔ Document error-free in 5minutes ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Scholarship Essay Examples

With college tuition costs rising each year, many students apply for merit scholarships to help make college more affordable. However, merit scholarships can be competitive—and that’s where our scholarship essay examples come in. By reading our scholarship essay examples, you can learn what it takes to write an award-winning essay. 

Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for students to lessen their college tuition costs. Most merit scholarships require a brief application, usually including one or more essays. Below, we’ve rounded up our best scholarship essay examples.

Reading winning scholarship essay examples, especially scholarship essay examples about yourself, can help you begin the scholarship essay process. By reviewing essay examples, you can learn how to craft a strong essay. You’ll also get a better sense of what scholarship committees look for when they review applications.

In this guide to Scholarship Essay Examples, you’ll find tips on how to write the best scholarship essay, as well as:

• Various scholarship essay examples about yourself
• A strong scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship
• Scholarship essay examples about financial need, and more!

We’ve included scholarship essay examples specific to schools, including UC Berkeley, as well as specific programs, like the SHPE scholarship. We’ll also discuss the different types of scholarships you’ll find on your scholarship search. 

Now, before we jump into our essay examples, let’s learn more about getting scholarship money for college.

What is a scholarship essay?

A scholarship essay is an essay you’ll include in your merit scholarship applications. In many ways, your scholarship essays might resemble your college essays. So, the scholarship essay format should seem familiar. 

The best scholarship essays will highlight who you are and why you deserve money for college. Scholarship essay prompts will ask you to include various information, from details about your background to explanations of why you deserve a scholarship.

Crafting a compelling, well-written essay can help you win substantial financial awards to help cover your college tuition costs. However, not all scholarship essays are the same. Later on, we’ll review different winning scholarship essay examples to show you what kind of essays you’ll write in your application process.

Types of Scholarships

There are many different types of scholarships available to students. You can find a variety of scholarship opportunities on scholarships websites. The earlier you start your scholarship search, the more scholarships you’ll find. 

While some scholarship applications accept applicants of all backgrounds and abilities, some have very specific eligibility guidelines. So, you may not be eligible for every scholarship. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re eligible, you can find eligibility information on most scholarships websites. 

Here are a few different scholarship types you may come across in your scholarship search:

• Academic scholarships
• Merit scholarships
• Essay competitions
• Community service scholarships
• Military scholarships

Scholarship essay prompts will differ across programs. As you’ll see in our winning scholarship essay examples, the prompts can vary in word count and complexity. We’ll provide you with descriptive essay examples to help you get an idea of what to expect.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Most scholarships we’ll highlight in this article are merit-based scholarships . A merit-based scholarship is money awarded by a college or community organization based on your academic achievements. 

In contrast, a need-based scholarship is awarded based on a student’s financial need. If you are applying for financial aid, be sure to check out our scholarship essay examples about financial need. You’ll find both merit- and need-based scholarships on your scholarship search.     

To qualify for a merit-based scholarship, you generally must meet specific criteria. Scholarship committees look at your grades, academic achievements, extracurriculars, and even test scores. Need-based scholarships can have similar requirements, but they’re primarily concerned with your family’s financial status.

There are many merit-based scholarships available to help students afford college, including:

• National merit scholarships
• Gates Scholarship
• Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
• Robertson Scholarship

Check out our guides on these popular merit-based scholarships for more details. There, you’ll find tips on how to write a winning essay. Our descriptive essay examples can also help prepare you to apply to these programs After all, while prompts vary, the scholarship essay format remains fairly standard. 

Finding scholarships

In this guide, we’ll highlight some scholarships you may be eligible for. However, make sure to check out the rest of our resources to help you approach the scholarship search. 

Some scholarships we’ll discuss include:

• QuestBridge scholarship : helps low-income students attend elite colleges
• Park scholarships : for students attending NC State University
• SHPE scholarship : offers financial assistance for Hispanic students interested in STEM degrees. 

Scholarship essay examples about financial need will help you prepare for your scholarship applications. For instance, if you apply for the SHPE scholarship, you’ll include a lot of details about your background. 

You can also use scholarship search portals or scholarships websites to find other scholarships you may be eligible for. 

How do you write a scholarship essay?

While scholarship essay prompts may differ, you’ll usually stick to the same general scholarship essay format. 

One resource that can help you write the best scholarship essays and find money for college is Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae is a private lender offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional student loans. They also grant scholarships and provide aspiring college students with a scholarship search portal on their scholarships websites. Here’s what they have to say about having a winning scholarship essay format.

Organization

When writing a scholarship essay, it’s best to start with a scholarship essay format that organizes your thoughts. This will allow you to follow a plan that clearly and concisely gets your points across. You should begin your essay with a solid introduction. Then, introduce your supporting arguments and add an appropriate conclusion. 

A good scholarship essay clearly states why you deserve to win money for college with evidence to back up your argument. You’ll see how to do this in our scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. The best scholarship essays will be original and honest. It should be written in an inspirational and positive tone, highlighting your strengths and capabilities. 

When you feel like you have put your best foot forward, you should ask others for their feedback. This can be from a teacher, counselor, or one of our advisors here at CollegeAdvisor! Proofread your final essay and make sure you’ve caught any spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your application.

Up next, we’ll get into our descriptive essay examples and the different scholarship essay prompts they responded to. 

By looking at scholarship essay examples, you can learn what exactly makes a good essay. So, let’s look at some descriptive essay examples written by students looking to secure money for college. 

First, we will walk you through scholarship essay examples about yourself. Then, we’ll look at a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. Lastly, we will provide you with scholarship essay examples about financial need. Remember to keep these scholarship essay examples in mind when writing essays of your own!

Scholarship Essay Examples About Yourself

Let’s take a closer look at some scholarship essay examples about yourself.

Scholarship essay prompts vary quite a bit, so make sure you understand what the prompt really asks of you. That way, you can answer the question or address the prompt in its entirety.

Some scholarship essay prompts may ask how the scholarship will make a difference for you. They may also ask about any contributions you have made to your community. 

Ready to look at some winning scholarship essay examples? Check out these scholarship essay examples below.

The first of our scholarship essays is for Phi Sigma Rho. Here’s the prompt: 

How do you promote Phi Sigma Rho and STEM on your campus or in your community? (300 words Max)

Phi sigma rho scholarship essay.

In my campus and community, I strive to promote Phi Sigma Rho and STEM by promoting Phi Rho’s values and sharing my experiences and passion for Phi Rho.

My involvement in the Women in Engineering Program (WEP) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has allowed me the opportunity to promote Phi Rho and STEM. These activities have given me insight into how to successfully create a network that will support and encourage women in engineering to continue their careers. 

Within WEP, I served as a sophomore orientation leader (Envoy), mentoring first-year women and assisting with program logistics. As an envoy, I was able to promote Phi Rho ideals of friendship and encouragement. I was also able to informally recruit for Phi Rho by sharing my experiences and passion for the sorority.

Within SWE, I was the Internal Relations Chair my freshmen year and am the Director of Member Engagement this year. Both roles are related to member engagement, allowing me to promote friendship within engineering. Member engagement is important for creating a community among female engineers. Similar to my envoy position, my leadership within SWE has allowed me to share my love for Phi Rho.

Additionally, my volunteer experience with Engineering Ambassadors (EA), a STEM outreach group, has allowed me to promote STEM in the community. In EA, I give presentations on engineering, speak on panels, and lead hands-on activities for K-12 students. EA has taught me strategies to promote STEM to children and teenagers.

Because of Phi Sigma Rho, I have the confidence to inspire and encourage the next generation of female engineers. I hold the values of scholarship, friendship, and encouragement in the highest regard and strive to embody those in every leadership position and volunteer role. Through SWE, WEP, and EA, I have promoted Phi Sigma Rho, its values, and STEM as a whole in both my campus and community.

This is, in many ways, a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. The writer clearly highlights how they’ve engaged with Phi Sigma Rho and how their values align with those of the organization. The writer also provides specific examples of their leadership positions, skills, and accolades. 

The next two of our scholarship essay examples about yourself are for the SHPE scholarship. Here they are: 

SHPE Scholarship essay example #1

Essay prompt:.

Summarize your life experiences and any challenges that have impacted your path to higher education. (250 Words) 

Essay Example:

I vividly remember the first day of First Grade because I didn’t know the Pledge of Allegiance like the rest of my classmates. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I had never learned what the pledge was. This was the beginning of several years of disconnect. 

From receiving weird looks when I told classmates my family opened Christmas gifts at midnight, to my parents’ confusion when I didn’t want them to speak Spanish in public, both sides of my life never understood the other. As a result, I always felt out of place in school, like I was behind in some way because I didn’t share the same upbringing as my classmates. In contrast, academics felt like a level playing field, something we were all learning together in the same way.

While I couldn’t tell you who won the super bowl, I could do mathematics or read just as well, if not better, than my classmates. Socially, I always felt out of place, but academically I was always comfortable, and as a result, I tried to excel in that area of my life. That desire to succeed created the relentless work ethic I have today and the appreciation I have for education.

Despite the lack of emphasis from my parents on schoolwork, I developed this sense of responsibility and persistence to pursue an education. Although my family’s Hispanic culture made my life difficult when I was younger, it made me a more resilient person.

More scholarship essay examples

Shpe scholarship essay example #2.

Discuss your educational and career aspirations as well as your ability to complete and achieve these goals. (250 words)

Using a degree in engineering, I hope to work on improving sustainability and efficiency in the aerospace industry by creating cheaper, safer, and more environmentally-conscious options.

Recently, Pratt and Whitney designed an engine that is 16% more efficient and will release 3600 less metric tons per airplane per year. Excitingly, it also greatly reduces the noise footprint of an airplane. Innovations like these will allow the aerospace industry to evolve and improve while reducing negative environmental impact. I hope to work at the forefront of this innovation, pushing the boundaries of improved engine performance and efficiency. 

Last semester, I started working in the Experimental and Computational Convection Laboratory on campus to learn more about turbines. Some current projects in the lab involve new turbine cooling techniques and additive manufactured heat exchangers. Throughout the course of my undergraduate career, I hope to learn more about the barriers facing improved engine and turbine efficiency. Following undergraduate, I plan to attend graduate school to gain a deeper knowledge of these topics. Following graduate school, I may go into industry working on turbines and jet engines. Due to beginning research early, I believe graduate school is an attainable educational goal.

The potential ability to make a difference in the environmental impact of the aerospace industry is exciting. To accomplish this, I know studying Mechanical Engineering will give me the skills necessary to fulfill my career goals.

Both of these scholarship essay examples use specific details to highlight the writer’s strengths, experiences, and accolades. In reading these winning scholarship essay examples, we get a sense of who the writer is both as a person and as a student. 

Scholarship Essay Sample about “Why I deserve the scholarship”

Another scholarship essay prompt you may come across is “why I deserve this scholarship.” A good scholarship essay clearly highlights why you deserve to win the scholarship and provides evidence to support your argument. 

Below, you’ll find scholarship essay samples about why I deserve the scholarship. You can use these as a guide to help you tackle your own scholarship essays. 

Here’s the first of our scholarship essay examples, which was used for the Park Scholarship: 

The Park Scholarship is an investment in the potential of young people. It prepares scholars to make lifelong contributions to communities, states, nations, and the world. Tell us a story that illustrates your potential to make these lifelong contributions. (What have you done that should compel us to invest in you?) (Max. 3,990 characters including spaces.)

Park scholarship essay example.

Coming from a Venezuelan family, I have always been able to connect with total strangers through Spanish. Whether I’m eating at a restaurant or volunteering, I am constantly stumbling upon other Spanish speakers. The ability to converse in their language allows me to bond with them in a way I couldn’t in English, something I do not take for granted. 

Because of my experience, I believe that learning a foreign language is an incredibly important skill. Being able to speak in a second language allows a person to understand another community and reach out to people within that community. Additionally, speaking a second language assists in appreciating other cultures. This appreciation is important for fostering open-mindedness, something America as a whole struggles with today. 

In my school district, foreign language classes are not offered until late middle school. Once in high school, many students drop the class. In addition, those who stay in the class often find that the classes provide little more than a basic understanding of the language and then become discouraged in their learning. On a larger scale, this issue affects America as a whole. Second language programs often come second in terms of funding and planning and are not encouraged as rigorously as other academic courses. As a result, many Americans are ignorant to the benefits of bilingualism and are unable to understand the viewpoint of those who are multilingual.

After my freshman year of high school, my frustration with my community’s lack of priority for second language learning culminated in my desire to take some sort of action to promote foreign language education. In my sophomore year, a classmate and I created and ran an introductory Spanish program, Spanish in the Spring, at my local library for young children in the district. I spent hours at home creating lesson plans, activities, themes, and advertisements for the program. I placed heavy emphasis on cultural aspects and the importance of the Spanish language in America and the world as a whole.

My purpose for this program was to introduce children at a young age to learning a foreign language, so their desire to learn would continue throughout their life. Through the program, I was also able to share my belief of the importance of learning a second language with the children, as well as their parents. After the final day of the program, I was thrilled when one parent mentioned their desire to learn a foreign language program themself. I felt that if I made an impact on one person or family, the entire program was worthwhile. 

Unfortunately, this past spring I was unable to continue the Spanish in the Spring program due to library scheduling restraints. However, I hopefully plan to offer the program again this spring with some changes that will improve and expand the experience. One of these changes will include the immersion of parents into the experience to encourage foreign language education as a family activity.

While this program was only offered once, the impact was immeasurable, for the children, for the cause of foreign language education, and for me.

This is another scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. In it, the writer clearly and directly answers the prompt—that is, they highlight their potential to make a lifelong impact on members of their community. 

Ready for another scholarship essay example? Here’s the next one: 

How will a ScholarSHPE impact your life and education? (200 Words)

Shpe scholarship essay example.

Receiving a ScholarSHPE will give me the gift of time and opportunities. My parents are unable to support me financially throughout college due to large amounts of accrued debt. A ScholarSHPE will reduce my financial stress and allow me to improve my overall health as a result. It will also prevent the need to work several hours a week at a part-time job to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses, which will limit what I can do academically and outside of class. A ScholarSHPE will allow me to spend more time on research pursuits, engineering extracurriculars, volunteer work, and school work, instead of long hours at a part-time job. 

This essay sample is fairly straightforward. In it, the writer follows a clear scholarship essay format, explicitly answering the prompt. 

UC Berkeley Scholarships essay examples

Let’s look at some school-specific merit scholarship essay examples. 

At the University of California – Berkeley , students can apply for a variety of merit scholarships. These scholarships can help offset the cost of UC Berkeley tuition. 

Below, we’ve included various scholarship essay examples for the UC Berkeley scholarships. These UC Berkeley scholarships can help students cover their college tuition costs. This can make the UC Berkeley tuition less of a barrier for students hoping to attend. 

You’ll find a variety of UC Berkeley scholarships that can help you afford UC Berkeley tuition. Available UC Berkeley scholarships include: 

• Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship
• Fiat Lux Scholarship
• Middle Class Scholarship
• Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship

These are just a few ways to cover the cost of UC Berkeley tuition. UC Berkeley students also receive more than $10 million per year in outside scholarships to cover college tuition costs. If you are interested in exploring non-UC Berkeley scholarships, check out this list of outside scholarship resources . 

To help you get started, check out our winning UC Berkeley scholarship essay examples. The authors of these scholarship essay examples about financial need all won money to help cover their UC Berkeley tuition.

UC Berkeley scholarship essay examples

I am grateful to realize how fortunate I am today. All the loved ones around me and their acts of kindness have given me such a great life. I also realize the sacrifices that those around me have had to give up in order for me to succeed. It is because of this that I have realized what “paying it forward” truly means. I have been given the opportunity to make an impact in my community and I have fully taken advantage of this opportunity. I have been a volunteer for the Buddyball Sports Organization, which is a non-profit sports organization dedicated to providing the opportunity for children with developmental disabilities to play sports.

Growing up, watching and playing sports has been one of my greatest pleasures of life, so teaching these less fortunate kids has been something I have enjoyed doing every single weekend. On top of this, I am also both a volunteer at the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps and the Nyack Hospital. With the desire to pursue a career in the medical field, volunteering at these places has given me a great idea of what my career could look like in the near future. While all of these volunteer activities have had a significant impact on me, little did I know that this summer would truly make a lasting difference in my life. 

This past summer, my family decided to go on a vacation to India to visit my relatives. This was the first time in my life that I was going to India and this was only because my grandmother came down with Parkinson’s disease and was extremely sick. Little did I know at that time that my visit to India would be a life-changing experience. Never could have I imagined such a filthy village. Everywhere I looked, there was garbage and to make matters worse, no one seemed to do anything to try to ameliorate the repugnant image of my home country.

While I realized on my flight home that I was not going to be able to make a difference and help my community back in India, there was nothing stopping me from doing so right here in Rockland County, New York. When I was told that I would have the opportunity to help organize and direct “Make a Difference Rockland,” I joyfully accepted! Make a Difference Rockland is a free public meet and greet for all local non-profits and other government agencies in an attempt to promote different community service opportunities within the public. By gathering all the local non-profit organizations and giving them a chance to present themselves, people learn more about all of the local community service opportunities that are available to them. This way, the community will be able to recruit volunteers and will not have to suffer through calamitous conditions.

As one of the people in charge of organizing, it was my responsibility to adequately contact, invite and help prepare for hundreds of people. Once I gathered their contact information, I had to ask each one of these places if they would be interested in joining the fair. If interested, I had to also prepare a table for them to present themselves at the fair. The feeling of bringing all of these community service groups together brought me a feeling of happiness that I will never forget. 

The best scholarship essays will teach the reader about who the writer is, what they care about, and why they deserve a scholarship. The essay above does just that—it highlights the writer’s background and describes how they give back to their community. 

Next, let’s dig into a few more scholarship essay examples. 

If you’re interested in more descriptive essay examples, keep reading. 

Reading a ton of winning scholarship essay examples is a great way to pick up on what makes them winners. Over time, you’ll start to notice how the details, tone, and flow all work together to tell a story.

Below, you’ll find a few more scholarship essay examples. Our first one is from the NC Parks Scholarship. Here’s the prompt:

What do you do to serve your community? Why do you do the service that you do? What impact have you made? What challenges or insights have your service contributions given you? (Max. 3,990 characters including spaces.) 

Community-focused scholarship essay example #1.

“What are the boys like in high school?” “Is it easy to get a boyfriend?” Sighing, the other frustrated leaders and I look at each other as we read the questions posed by the younger girls. Every year at Girls’ Night Out (GNO), a program that introduces and prepares eighth-grade girls for high school, the girls question the leaders about relationships and dating ad nauseum, irritating other leaders to the point of ignoring the questions. 

Giving each question a careful and deliberate answer is often difficult, but instead of disregarding the issue, I try to offer my most sincere and honest advice. Originally, when I began as a group leader in the program I would give the same response, “You shouldn’t worry about boys. Instead, enjoy your friends, and do things you enjoy.” While that advice is true, it is often not the answer that will satisfy the girls. Through many years in the program, I have learned that advice is not “one size fits all”; it must be individualized to the person’s needs. Now, when faced with a question about dating, I respond with more questions before giving “words of wisdom”.

Many times I am able to understand the perspective of the middle school student, allowing me to give advice accordingly. Supplying proper advice about sensitive topics is one of the most impactful parts of GNO. As a role model and positive influence for the girls, I largely impact their ideas and perception of the environment when entering high school. In addition to teaching the students valuable lessons, volunteering at GNO has taught me that various perspectives may present themselves identically. To better understand those around me, it is important that I look beyond the surface for the other person’s viewpoint.

Beyond understanding other viewpoints from GNO, I have learned from other service that understanding a person’s situation is essential for providing exceptional assistance. Through Key Club, I volunteer many times a year at the local food pantry. As a volunteer, I help the recipients “shop” at the small grocery store using a point system. The process takes up a lot of time because shoppers do not always know what they want. Originally I  thought this was a poor design. I believed it would be much more efficient to just hand out the food rather than giving out points and shopping with the food pantry recipients.

Upon expressing my opinion to one of the adult food pantry staff, he explained to me that the grocery store aspect of the store taught the recipients life skills. Additionally, by giving them autonomy over what food they “bought”, they retained a sort of independence, an important skill to have if they find themselves above the income level required to use the food pantry.

The next time I volunteered I took note of the skills presented. Budgeting of points, deciding whether or not they needed something, determining the quality of the fruit, and decision-making of choosing extra food or toiletries, were all skills that those above the poverty line have ingrained. For those who have been using food pantries and other assistance for prolonged periods of time, these skills are not so natural. As a result, teaching the people means after they no longer need the services of the food pantry, they have valuable skills necessary for their independence.

From this experience, I learned an important lesson: helping people is not just giving them what they need at the moment, but understanding what they will need in the future and providing that as well. After realizing this, I emphasize the abilities that the food pantry teaches whenever I dedicate my time. By doing that, I am positively affecting the development of those skills. 

When reflecting on the various ways I have served my community, one thing stands out to me: I always understand another viewpoint or gain a new perspective afterwards. For me, the ability to look at something from different angles is an unparalleled talent, and one of the most important skills a person can have.

Describe your volunteer or community experience with SHPE or other organizations and any internships you have held.  (250 Words)

Community-focused scholarship essay example #2.

In SHPE, I have been involved in planning the Penn State College of Engineering STEP-UP (Student Transition Engineering Program at University Park) Program as a chair. The STEP-UP program helps students from Penn State branch campuses smoothly transition to the University Park campus through a 3-day program in the spring. The program introduces them to engineering resources, other engineering students, and provides professional development. Due to COVID-19, this year it was held virtually. 

Within the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Engineering Program, I have volunteered at different STEM events in the community for elementary school students. I am also currently serving as an Envoy (a mentorship and logistical position) for the Women in Engineering Program Orientation. Additionally, I participate in many of SWE’s service events, such as donating and collecting donations, cleaning up areas on and around campus, and visiting nursing homes.

On campus, I am also involved with Engineering Ambassadors (EA), a group that does STEM outreach around Pennsylvania from the elementary school to high school level. EA goes virtually or in person to schools, does engineering presentations and activities, and answers questions.

Prior to COVID-19, I had secured an internship with Pratt and Whitney, however, they had to cancel their internship program. As a result, I was fortunate enough to obtain a Process Quality Engineering internship at Brentwood Industries for summer 2020.

Both of these scholarship essay examples highlight how the writers have given back to their communities. These winning scholarship essay examples highlight the writers’ strengths. In doing so, they highlight why these writers deserve help with college tuition costs. 

Reflecting on scholarship essay format

As important as the content of your essay is, your scholarship essay format is equally important. As you write, be sure to adhere to the scholarship essay format guidelines provided to you. 

However, there are some things all of the best scholarship essays have in common. Here are some general tips, tricks, and outlines to help you in your own writing process.

Three scholarship essay writing tips:

• Word counts are hard to adhere to, but the other applicants must adhere to them, too. Make sure every word counts. 
• When you write a solid essay, you can repurpose some of your key points, including specific anecdotes and details, in other scholarship applications.
• Writing a good essay helps you solidify who you are and what you want. This sets you up for success in the scholarship application process and beyond. 

Three essential elements to include in your essay:

• State your goals. Scholarship committees are investing in your future and your potential. To take a chance on you, they need to know your plan and what you want to do with your award. 
• Establish an implicit or explicit link between your goals and the scholarship you are applying for. Describe to the committee how the specific scholarship will help you attain your goals. Give them a tangible reason as to why you deserve their investment. 
• Share your story. Use personal details about your experiences that highlight your identity and objectives. How have you pursued your goals and prepared for your future? How will the scholarship help you going forward? Get personal and be honest.

Storytelling in your essay

Some of the best scholarship essays utilize good storytelling strategies. You should share the details of your personal story in a narrative, using a logical order. Remember, telling personal details about yourself and your goals does not mean simply restating your resume!

By the end of the essay, the scholarship committee should have an in-depth sense of why you applied. You should reveal:

• When and how you arrived at your future goals
• Your motivations to accomplish these objectives
• What traits or skills you have developed along the way
• The meaningful experiences that drive you to your goals
• Any personal challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them
• What has shaped you and your worldview

These details humanize you and show your complexity as a person and an applicant. It’s helpful to use anecdotes and personal experiences to give life to facts and details about yourself. Sharing real-life experiences will help make your essay more interesting and more fun to read.

Creating your scholarship essay format

Once you have thought about what you want to say, start thinking about your scholarship essay format. You may start by making a list of what your reader may be interested in:

• How you spend your time
• Your accomplishments
• What your passions are, etc.

Start by brainstorming everything you may want to include in your essay. Then, think about whether the stories you include support your arguments. Ask yourself, “What did I learn?” or “How did this get me closer to my goals?”. These reflections help the reader connect to your purpose for writing. 

Make sure to organize your thoughts in a narrative order. However, there isn’t just one way to write an essay. So, don’t limit yourself to one version of your story. You may find yourself writing multiple drafts before you get to your final scholarship essay format.

Editing and proofreading your essay

When you think you have finished, be sure to proofread and edit to ensure it’s ready to be submitted. Check that you’ve adhered to all the scholarship essay format guidelines (like the word count). 

Reviewing also includes getting input from others! An outside reader’s opinion can help you confirm your essay effectively communicates your ideas.

Tips for scholarship essays

You may notice some similarities between the scholarship essay examples about yourself we’ve provided. That’s because the authors of the best scholarship essays all use similar strategies to make their essays great. 

Here are 5 tips from U.S. News to help you make all of your scholarship essays stand out:

Tips for writing stand-out scholarship essays

1. get personal and be specific.

The best scholarship essays will share an authentic story with impactful details. The key is to be yourself and not shy away from personal details. The more the committee gets to know about you, the more likely they are to invest in your future. You want your essay to offer a genuine, in-depth look into who you are as a person.

2. Tell a story

Your essay should be more than a collection of facts—it should tell a story. That means having a solid introduction that grabs the reader’s attention from the very start. Then, you should include a logical flow of experiences or details. By the end of your essay, you want your reader to have learned something valuable about you.  

3. Tailor the scholarship essay to the prompt

Some of your scholarship essay prompts may be similar across different scholarship applications. However, it’s important that your essay is specific to each prompt and answers the question entirely. While you can repurpose an essay you’ve already written as inspiration or a starting point, be extra attentive when doing so.

4. Don’t tailor yourself to the reader

Many students fall into the trap of telling a story they think scholarship foundation committees want to hear. Instead, stay true to yourself as you craft your scholarship application essays. Don’t tell your reader what you think they want to hear—just tell them who you are. 

5. Follow directions

This final tip may arguably be the most important. Above all else, students should follow instructions. This means adhering to the scholarship essay format guidelines and word count. It also means answering the essay prompt in its entirety. Application readers can be easily frustrated by a student’s failure to follow directions. This could reflect poorly on you and your essay in the long run. 

Use these tips to guide you as you approach the scholarship essay format. 

Scholarship Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

We hope our roundup of scholarship essay examples has shown you how to approach your scholarship applications. With rising college costs, scholarships should be a part of your college financial planning process. Take the time to do your own scholarship search based on your specific interests. You can find plenty of scholarships to apply to on scholarships websites and college financial aid pages. There are many different scholarships websites to help you with your search. 

Save this guide

Feel free to save this guide and review our scholarship essay examples about yourself and about financial need. You can always look back on our scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship when writing your own essay. 

Start with an outline that organizes your thoughts. Then, make sure your essay is clear and concise. Be original and honest, and include personal details and anecdotes when appropriate. State why you deserve to win the scholarship. Then, support your claim in a way that makes a scholarship committee invested in your future. 

We’re here to help

Don’t forget to proofread your essay and ask others for their feedback. When in doubt, reach out to our advisors at CollegeAdvisor. Our team is always here to help support you find and apply for scholarships!

This article was written by Bailey Bennet. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

​How to Write a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

• 6-minute read
• 22nd August 2022

Writing a scholarship essay can seem like a daunting task. For many students , higher education isn’t possible without financial aid, and scholarships are especially valuable because the money awarded doesn’t have to be paid back.

Even though the stakes are high, there are a few manageable steps you can take to ensure you write a great essay to submit with your scholarship applications. We have a few top tips to help you get started, along with writing examples to demonstrate some key points. Check out our guide below to learn more.

A scholarship essay is a great opportunity to present yourself and your accomplishments in an impactful way. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of each scholarship deadline so you can allow sufficient time for the writing process, which typically includes the following:

·   Read the essay prompt and brainstorm ideas.

·   Create an outline covering the key points you want to address.

·   Write a draft and seek feedback from trusted teachers, family, or friends.

·   Make any necessary revisions and proofread before submitting your final draft.

Scholarship review committees will be able to tell if you rushed through your essay, so give yourself the best chance of winning an award by staying organized and on schedule!

Who and What?

Researching the scholarship provider and diligently reviewing the essay prompts can help you write an essay that makes you stand out as a top candidate.

1. Who are you writing to?

Learn more about the organization offering the scholarship and why the scholarship fund was created.

For instance, a scholarship may honor its organization’s founder, and the founder’s qualities (e.g., integrity, good citizenship, and leadership) might be the same values guiding the scholarship program as a way to continue the founder’s legacy.

If you identify with any of the same qualities, you can incorporate those keywords into your essay to demonstrate your shared values. Remember to remain authentic, though!

2. What are you writing about?

You must read the essay prompt carefully to identify precisely what you need to accomplish with your essay.

Some prompts ask about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them or your achievements and the challenges you overcame to reach them.

You’ll write about common topics across multiple scholarship applications – some may even be similar to your college admission essay – so you can repurpose your essays as long as you’re diligent about tailoring each one to its prompt.

Your application will likely require other items such as transcripts and test scores, but the essay is your chance to offer something entirely unique. Write about key experiences that highlight who you are and what you’ve accomplished, or you could mention something you’re passionate about.

Remember to follow any specific instructions regarding length and formatting, and be sure to answer all questions listed in the prompt. It can hurt your chances if you’re unable to show the committee that you’re detail-oriented and can follow directions.

Structuring Your Essay

Your essay should follow a standard format that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end. Typically, you should:

·   Establish your main idea in the introduction.

·   Include a separate body paragraph for each key point that supports your main idea.

·   Draw it all together and revisit your main idea in the conclusion.

Scholarship committees read thousands of essays each year. And often, there are hundreds of applicants for an award that can only go to a select few candidates. Writing a powerful introduction and conclusion gives you a chance to make a lasting impression.

1. Introduction

Write an introduction that hooks the reader and encourages them to stay engaged till the end of your essay. Don’t be afraid to add personal, tangible details and an anecdote .

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

For example, if you’re writing about your career goals, demonstrate why you’ve chosen that career:

It was the biggest game of the season, and the stands were packed despite the bitter cold. My heart was beating louder than all of the cheers, and I was filled with the anticipation that one more run into the end zone would give us the championship. Everything went silent during that run when the tackle shattered both my leg and my dreams.

My world has always revolved around being an athlete – until one day it couldn’t. I spent many frustrating months rehabilitating, but I got through it because of my dedicated physical therapist, who helped me recover both physically and mentally after a devastating loss. And it was that profound experience that led me to pursue a career in the exercise sciences.

2. Conclusion

The conclusion is the last thing your reader will see, so it’s another opportunity for you to make your essay memorable.

Rather than summarizing with a general statement such as “this is why you should award me a scholarship,” perhaps explain what the financial assistance will help you achieve:

My parents never had the opportunity to go to college, and neither did their parents. I watched them work hard every day just to make ends meet, and I often questioned whether I could achieve anything more. Nevertheless, I spent four years working as hard as I saw my parents work, and I beat the odds by getting accepted to college. A scholarship could be invaluable for me, as it would allow me to attend and be successful without having to worry about finances.

Persuasive Writing

While you don’t want your scholarship essay to be overly informal, you’re certainly allowed to add some creativity and personal details to help persuade your readers.

One of the best ways to do so is by writing with the modes of persuasion ; that is, ethos, pathos, and logos.

Demonstrate your credibility. Use your real-life experiences and interesting details to establish, for example, how you’ve contributed to your community:

I saw how much bullying was impacting so many students at my school, so I founded my high school’s first anti-bullying club and organized campaigns to bring attention to the harm that people can cause one another.

Evoke an emotional response. The “show, don’t tell ” writing technique, which involves using descriptive words when discussing actions and emotions, can be especially useful here:

During one of our first awareness assemblies, the theater was completely silent as I read aloud anonymous stories from students about the scars bullying had left on their lives. Tears were stinging in my eyes as I described the struggles my classmates were facing, but I persevered to give a voice to those who didn’t have one.

Convey your point with reason and facts. Use statistics to demonstrate what you’ve accomplished:

In the first year alone, our club improved students’ feelings of safety and acceptance at our school by 53%.

Proofreading and Editing

Don’t forget the importance of proofreading your essay, as spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a bad impression on your reader. Our expert editors can help ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. Give yourself a better chance at impressing scholarship committees by submitting a free trial document today!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

3-minute read

What Is a Content Editor?

Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...

4-minute read

The Benefits of Using an Online Proofreading Service

Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...

2-minute read

6 Online AI Presentation Maker Tools

Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...

What Is Market Research?

No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...

8 Press Release Distribution Services for Your Business

In a world where you need to stand out, press releases are key to being...

How to Get a Patent

In the United States, the US Patent and Trademarks Office issues patents. In the United...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Apply to vetted scholarship programs in one click

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations.

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

As an admissions officer, I reviewed thousands of essays for students seeking admission and scholarships. The essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship application process–a strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. That’s why it’s important for you to start a scholarship essay off right!

There are some very simple things that you can do to ensure that your essay is engaging from the very first sentence. In fact, beginning your essay with an exciting opening is one of the most important things you can do, because it will immediately distinguish your essay from the others. 

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can nail the very first sentence and start your essay off right!

Engage the reader with the first sentence

No matter what type of essay you are writing, you will want to ensure that the very first line grabs the attention of the reader. One of the biggest mistakes that students make when starting their essay is simply restating the prompt. This is bland and boring. 

Now, you might be wondering, “how do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?”. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do. 

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Begin with dialogue

First, you could begin your essay with conversation. This can be an interesting and unexpected way to start your scholarship essay. Maybe someone asked you an unexpected question? Perhaps you were having an interesting conversation with a friend or family member? Either way, dialogue can be a powerful tool to start your essay.

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

“Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

Put the reader in your shoes.

Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable. 

Also recommended: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Scholarship essay introduction example

Next,  we’ll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Let’s say you are applying for the Questbridge scholarship program . One of the essays that you will be asked is:

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most influenced you. How are they shaping your future aspirations?

You might be tempted to rephrase the question and start your essay with something like:

“I have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic success…”

This is generic and will not engage your reader at all. 

Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:

“I look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.” 

Makes a big difference, right? As a reader, you are probably wondering: why does this person have chickens outside their bedroom window? Why did they name this particular chicken Henry?

See also: Here are our top writing & essay scholarships for students!

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

While crafting your opening, be open to ideas about how to close your essay. There is no need to stress about the ending now, but being mindful of effective ways to end an essay is always a good idea. Say you are opening your scholarship essay with Henry the chicken. Is there a way for Henry to make an impactful appearance at the end of the essay to close things out in a way that perfectly wraps everything up? The key is for the essay ending to be meaningful and memorable for the reader. 

Don’t miss: Our free scholarship search tool

If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

Sometimes, we know what we want to say, point by point, but we are not ready to be creative when it comes to opening an essay. In that case, keep writing! There is always the option of going back and crafting an engaging opening after your essay is written. Simply write your main idea where the first paragraph would be to guide you as you write. After, go back when your creative juices are flowing, and craft the amazing opening (and closing) that your scholarship essay deserves!

Final thoughts

As shown, there are many questions that we as readers will have after reading an engaging essay opening such as the one just shared; We want to learn more about the student who is writing this essay. After all, as a writer trying to stand out in a pile of essays, that is our main goal. 

We hope that you have a better understanding of how to start a scholarship essay so you can maximize your chances of winning scholarships!

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is the go-to for all things college admissions and scholarships! Wondering how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay ? Curious how to write an essay about yourself ? Wow, do we have the resources to help! Additionally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your college education. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors! 

Key Takeaways

• The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading 
• Engage the reader by appealing to the senses
• Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you
• Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning

Frequently asked questions about how to start a scholarship essay

What is an essay hook, how long should my scholarship essay be, scholarships360 recommended.

Top 62 No Essay Scholarships in April 2024

Top 246 Scholarships for High School Juniors in April 2024

$20k in Exclusive Scholarships from Scholarships360

Trending now.

Top 46 Easy Scholarships✅ to Apply For in April 2024

Top 1,279 Scholarships for High School Seniors in April 2024

Top Scholarships for Current College Students in April 2024

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

• Online Course

“Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship” Essay (+Examples)

Securing a scholarship is a game-changer, not just for students, but for their families too.

While landing a full-ride scholarship might seem like hitting the jackpot, numerous scholarships offer amounts between $1000 to $5000. With the right strategy, these can significantly reduce college debt and associated expenses. But here’s the catch: crafting the perfect scholarship essay is often a requirement. Surprisingly, many students overlook the immense impact of a compelling essay, even though it’s a cornerstone of college admissions. This essay is a canvas to paint who you are, your values, and your aspirations. And often, the pivotal question to address is: “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” For those seeking an edge, there are resources like scholarship essays for sale to help craft the perfect piece. But in this guide, we break down how to ace that pivotal question and increase your scholarship odds. Plus, stick around for a sample essay to spark your inspiration.

Twelve keys to a successful scholarship essay (summary):

• The right length – around 500 words.
• Proper formatting , grammar, and  vocabulary.
• Give strong reasons why you deserve it.
• Share powerful, memorable stories.
• Use language that will create an emotional impact.
• Give proof of your accomplishments.
• Grab their attention at the very beginning of the essay.
• Show your positive attitude.
• Paint a bright future for yourself.
• Politely ask for the money.
• Follow the essay instructions closely
• Cater to the scholarship provider’s mission and vision

Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship Essay: How to Write it Properly?

1. write at least 500 words.

This will show that you care and want the scholarship. But, the essay won’t be too long to bore the review committee.

2. Respect the grammar, vocabulary, and formatting rules

5 paragraphs (1 for the introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 for the conclusion). Make sure the essay is free of typos and grammatical errors. That’s the first step to writing a winning scholarship essay.

3. Give strong reasons for why you deserve the scholarship and what will you do with the money – be specific.

Powerful reasons drive human behavior. You can think about your essay as a persuasive letter that needs to evoke certain feelings and emotions. Brainstorm and come up with a few great reasons you deserve it. Adding the word “because” snowballs the chances of eliciting a positive response. A famous example from a persuasion study:

“I have 5 pages, Can I use the Xerox machine before you because I’m in a rush” got a 94% success rate vs. 60% when no “reason why” was given.

An example you could use in your scholarship essay:

“I deserve this scholarship because I graduated top of my class, even though I still had to help my little sister with her homework”. “I would be so grateful if I could receive this scholarship because my family is in a tough financial situation now, and my younger sister also dreams about going to college”.

4. Include a powerful, memorable story

There was one  essay that got a student into 14 colleges , including Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. Although a scholarship essay is different, you can use principles from an admissions essay to achieve the desired results. The secret ingredient in this one was a powerful personal story about bullying and reconciliation with a homeland.

Here’s an excerpt:

This memory has woven itself into my philosophy and my dreams. The very personal knowledge that millions live in a way such that electric toothbrushes are an unfathomable luxury (my cousin, Aina), has given me the following personal rules:

• Education is an opportunity, not a burden;
• You always have enough to share.
• While I may not be certain of my future, I know for certain that I want to serve.

If you can, include a beautifully written, personal story like this in the essay, you will be so much closer to getting the scholarship you deserve.

5. Use words with an emotional impact

Pushing the right emotional buttons is key to persuasion and showing that you’re a gifted student. Share stories of your hardships. If you’re in a tough financial situation, say it. If someone in your family is chronically ill and you need financial and emotional resources to help them, say it. But mostly, focus on positive emotions. Talk about your childhood dreams, and about the great things you are going to do in the future. In a great book called “Contagious” , emotional triggers are one of the five main elements that help things spread and make us take action. Use them. Example: “Since I was a little boy, I always wanted to be a great scientist. I used to hang posters of astronauts and planets on my bedroom walls and dreamed about making grand discoveries. This dream is still alive somewhere deep inside. But now I’m not sure how to nurture it. I would like to concentrate on my studies, but because of my hard financial situation, I have to take odd jobs instead of following my dreams”.

6. Give proof of why you deserve it

If you want to convince the committee that you truly deserve to receive a scholarship, you need to back up your claims with solid proof. It’s not enough to share powerful stories, and give strong “reasons why”. You also need to make the case more believable by proving that what you say is true. You need to be specific in this area. Do you have excellent grades in high school? Your GPA is off the charts? Did you take part in interesting extracurricular activities? Do you have high achievements in sports and athletics? Did you win an award for your accomplishments? An important person gave you a word of praise? Did you score north of 1400 on your SAT or notched a score of at least 24 on the ACT? You can use these things to make your claim more believable. Make it appear that you deserve the money because of your true accomplishments and hard work. Example: “In my senior year of High School, I received the MVP award for my accomplishments in football. My coach said he sees me in the big leagues if I work hard enough for it.”

7. Hook – get attention from the very beginning

The scholarship committee has to go through dozens and dozens of essays and applications every day. Most of them are quite bland and follow the same tired script. To stand out, you need to come up with an attention-grabbing paragraph  that will stop them in their tracks and get them focused. This is called a “hook”. There are a couple of ways in which you can do it.

You can start with:

• An anecdote
• An interesting number or a statistic
• A powerful quote
• Asking a question

“More than 70 percent of workers say they don’t feel satisfied with their career choices, and I believe we have a serious epidemic on our hands.”

8. Demonstrate the right attitude

Being humble yet ambitious is the attitude you need to present if you want to get financial aid for your studies. Do not be demanding, arrogant, or appear like a beggar. This will disqualify you immediately. Rather, be nice, positive, optimistic, future-oriented, respectful, and promising. This kind of attitude goes a long way.

9. Paint a bright picture of your future

Try to stir the imagination of the recipients of your essay. How this money is going to help you move ahead? What great things are you going to accomplish in the future? What do you want to do when you graduate? What are your goals for the next 5 years? How are you going to help people and contribute to society? By answering some of these questions, you will prove to the committee that you are worth investing in. You can bolster your claims by providing evidence of activities you take part in and the character traits you possess. This will help the committee gain valuable insight into your psychology and increase your chances of getting the scholarship money. Have you participated in community service activities, volunteered for a worthy cause from an early age, and achieved exemplary grades during the school year? Being a trusted member of your community matters a lot and shows that you’re destined for great things. Example: “Deep inside, I know that I’m going to succeed, and help many other people on the way. This is just a matter of time.”

10. Call to action (close the essay with a bang)

At the very end of the essay, try to sum up why you deserve the scholarship and then politely but firmly ask for the money. You need to state your intention – “Ask and ye shall receive, right?”

“I have great expectations for the future and this scholarship would help me move forward with my dreams. I will be eagerly waiting for your positive response.”

Additional tips for editing and managing the scholarship essay:

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are over 750,000 scholarships available to students. That’s over $122 billion distributed every year. In fact, around two-thirds of students receive financial aid during their time in college. So – someone is getting the money. And that’s why you need to apply and send the essays to as many scholarship and grant-giving organizations as possible. Treat it as a part-time job. Now, among these 750,000 organizations (whether federal, university-based, or private), the majority will ask in one way or another: “Why should you receive this scholarship”? Of course, you will not send a unique essay along with every single application. You need to learn how to recycle it and adapt it to the specific situation. For example, if you apply for a university scholarship, the focus should be on scholastic achievements and a future in science and technology. If it’s a military organization, talk more about self-discipline, organization, and willpower. Religious groups? Adjust the essay so it relates to faith-based communities. Businesses? Talk about the entrepreneurship of the student, and their ability to  get things done. You get the point. When writing the essay, put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think – “If I were this person, which reasons would convince me that this student deserves a scholarship?” Turn yourself and your child into scholarship copywriters and adapt the approach as you go. There’s nothing that will get the application rejected faster than receiving a “cookie-cutter” type of essay that goes to hundreds of organizations without any changes.

An example of a “Why do you deserve this scholarship” essay

• Note: See how the essay includes the rules and elements I described at the beginning of this article.
• Also: If you need more inspiration, here are  fourteen examples of scholarship essays  that won thousands of dollars.

Two-thirds of students who earned a four-year degree borrowed for college. The average student loan is $28,500. These numbers seem mild in comparison to what I and my family are facing. My older brother and sister are already in college because my mom always wanted us to be  well-educated and make a positive impact on society. But this has caused us to borrow, and now we’re over $60,000 in debt. Our father is never here to help us as he left us when we were still small children. But this hasn’t stopped me from dreaming and painting a brighter vision for my future. I know that to get out of this situation, I will have to work harder than anyone else around me. Even though I’m young, I have already worked part-time in a local cafeteria and earned a little bit of money  on the side as a blogger to help my family. My true vocation is architecture. Ever since I was a child, I used to flip through the pages of “The Most Beautiful Buildings in The World” book in the nearby library and think that one day, I too would be able to construct magnificent structures full of light and color. I’m drawing as much as I can, and I have already filled 12 notebooks with my projects. I also received straight “A’s” in mathematics and physics since the very beginning of my school time. I even got first place in my high school art competition and my teachers say I’m going to accomplish great things in the future. I am dedicated to succeeding no matter what, but nowadays it’s becoming harder and harder because I have to save every penny and worry about money almost all the time. I fear that instead of pursuing my dream, I will have to settle for a low-paying job simply to survive and help my mom. But I don’t want to postpone my studies and wait until my siblings pay off their debt. I don’t want to put everything on hold. If I received a bit of financial help, it would be so much easier for me to go through college and become somebody. I deserve this scholarship because of my hard work, dedication, fantastic grades, and my entrepreneurial spirit. I promise I will make this money go a long way and continue with my efforts to make the world  a better place. I’m eagerly waiting for your response.

As you can see, writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship” essay is easier than it seems. Once you have the final draft, you can use it as a template (with modifications), when applying for many scholarships. The important thing in scholarship essays is to push the right emotional buttons, share the exact reasons you deserve the money, and never give up until you get the scholarship. Don’t trust the companies that say they will find the scholarships for you and write  the best essay that will guarantee success. No one cares about your situation more than you, and it’s who needs to show up as a hard worker with strong leadership skills to make it happen.

Digital marketing course: Join my full AI Marketing course, with over 6h and 30 minutes of video lessons and 5 bonuses and learn the skills necessary to thrive as a marketer in the digital era.

Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

10 reasons why I deserve a scholarship [model answers]

Scholarships are an essential aid for many students, but what does it take to secure one? Answering “why do I deserve a scholarship” can feel challenging, yet it’s the key to opening many educational opportunities.

 In this article, we break down the top 10 reasons why you might be a deserving candidate, alongside advice on what scholarship committees are seeking.

From displaying academic excellence to overcoming adversity, we provide model answers to help you articulate your story convincingly.

We’ll also guide you on aligning your essay with the funders’ mission, offering tips on crafting a tailored, impactful application.

Read on to equip yourself with the insights and confidence to assert “why I deserve a scholarship”.

Why Do I Deserve A Scholarship? Here are some awesome reasons:

Why do scholarship organizers ask this question.

Scholarship organizers ask applicants to answer specific questions to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and aspirations.

By posing these questions, they are able to assess whether the candidates truly deserve the scholarship opportunity.

The scholarship committee wants to identify individuals who not only have financial need but also display a genuine passion for their field of study or have a compelling personal story.

Moreover, these questions serve as a way to distinguish applicants from one another. It allows the committee to recognize those who stand out and have the potential to make a significant impact in their chosen field.

Scholarship organizers often inquire about how the applicant plans to utilize the funds.

This helps ensure that the scholarship money is going towards a worthy cause and will be used in a productive and beneficial manner. 

Therefore, it is crucial for applicants to carefully consider their way to answer these questions, as a well-thought-out response can greatly increase their chances of receiving the scholarship and ultimately, achieving their educational goals. 

What’s the scholarship committee looking for?

The scholarship committee seeks applicants who align with their mission and priorities.

To impress them, adhere strictly to guidelines, including word counts.

Research the organization thoroughly, understanding its vision, goals, and objectives.

Reflect these in your essay to show shared values. If no formatting instructions are given, stick to a standard 12-point Times New Roman font with double spacing.

Think from the reviewer’s perspective and ensure your essay resonates with the funders’ priorities.

Tailor your content to the organization’s focus areas.

For example, if you’re a biology major interested in microbiology, emphasize this if it’s relevant to the scholarship. Make your application specific, personal, and focused on the scholarship provider’s interests.

The application isn’t just about you ; it’s about how well you fit with the scholarship’s purpose.

Tips for writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay

Writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay can be challenging.

Begin by sharing your story, focusing on your accomplishments, demonstrating how you’re a hard worker, your leadership or volunteer experiences make you a deserving candidate for the scholarship.

Here are some elements that you should consider including in your application. 

• Express Aspirations for Community Service : Make sure to express your desire to create a positive impact on the community through something like a scholarship fund, nonprofit, charity, or other forms of community service in your scholarship essay. This shows relatability to the scholarship committee.
• Personalize Your Application : Try to personalize your application by addressing the scholarship board directly, or including a heartfelt message in your thank you note.
• Elaborate on Your Financial Situation : If there are significant financial circumstances that weren’t covered in your FAFSA application, mention them. Highlight special circumstances like extensive medical bills, family situations, etc., that necessitate additional financial support.
• Narrate Your Growth Journey : Include a story of personal growth or overcoming a challenge in your essay. This can be a narrative of triumphing over hardships in a particular class or a life event.
• State Your Career Goals : Clearly state your major or career goals, and what inspired you to pursue them. Use simple, understandable language especially when applying for scholarships not directly related to your field of study.
• Mention Relevant Experiences : Include the activities, community service, clubs, associations, and coursework that relate to your major or career goals. Don’t just list them, narrate how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for your career.
• Demonstrate How the Scholarship Will Help : Without sounding entitled, explain how receiving the scholarship will aid in your academic journey. Try to be humble and indirect, stating your need without sounding too desperate.
• Detail Your Life Goals : Including your long-term life goals in your essay gives the scholarship committee a clear vision of your future plans.
• Show Your Community Involvement : Indicate any community involvement that relates to your career or life goals. This shows that you’re proactive and already engaged in activities aligned with your objectives.
• Highlight Leadership Positions : If you’ve held leadership roles, elaborate on the duties and responsibilities associated with those positions. This demonstrates initiative, management skills, and responsibility.
• Name Your Role Models : Mention who has motivated you or had a significant impact on your life. You could quote them if their words tie into the overall theme of your essay.

The scholarship committee is seeking a worthy cause, so illustrate how supporting your dreams aligns with their values. 

Proofread attentively, ensuring your scholarship essay is clear, persuasive, and free of errors.

By following these tips, your answer to “why you deserve this scholarship” may compel the committee to acknowledge you as a deserving scholarship recipient. 

Tips on Answering “Why Do I Deserve a Scholarship?”

It’s essential to frame your achievements on a scholarship application not as bragging, but showcasing your capability and motivation.

Acknowledge that your need, while genuine, isn’t to beg but to highlight how the scholarship helps you overcome your challenges.

Here are the best ways to do this!

1. Understanding the Scholarship Essay Question

Understanding the essay question, “Why do I deserve this scholarship?” is crucial for drafting a compelling response. Don’t see it as a mere requirement but as an opportunity to make your case convincingly and uniquely.

2. Focusing on the Future: How Scholarships Support Career Goals

Scholarships aren’t just about avoiding student debt, they’re stepping stones towards your future career. Discuss how this scholarship will facilitate your long-term educational goals and broader contributions to society.

3. Aligning Your Interests: Tailoring Your Answer to the Scholarship’s Purpose

Research the organization offering the scholarship. If it’s associated with a specific field or honors a certain individual, tailor your response to reflect alignment with the scholarship’s purpose or values.

4. Crafting a Story: The Importance of Using Specific Examples

Generalizations rarely make an impact. Instead, use specific examples from your life that highlight your attributes. Show the judges your qualities rather than just telling them.

5. Showcasing Kindness: Illustrating Personal Attributes with Real-Life Instances

Demonstrate your kindness, selflessness, or commitment to community service through real experiences. A story that shows your empathy and care can set you apart from the crowd.

6. Overcoming Challenges: The Art of Displaying Resilience in Scholarship Essays

Sharing how you’ve overcome obstacles shows your resilience and problem-solving skills, characteristics highly valued by scholarship committees. Highlight your ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

7. Striking a Balance: Sharing Past Struggles without Dwelling on Them

While it’s important to share past struggles, the focus should be on your resilience and how you’ve overcome these challenges. It’s not about evoking sympathy, but about demonstrating your strength and determination.

8. Ensuring Success: Proving Your Potential through Past Experiences

Showcase your potential for success by drawing on past experiences that demonstrate your commitment and determination. The more convincingly you can argue this, the more likely you are to secure the scholarship.

9. Utilizing the Word Count: Maximizing Your Space for Maximum Impact

Using the maximum word limit allows you to provide a detailed and compelling response. Don’t write less than the limit and don’t exceed it. Every word is an opportunity to persuade the committee.

10. Conclusion: Effectively Conveying Why You Deserve the Scholarship

Wrap up your essay by summarizing your key points. Reiterate your passion, commitment, and potential, leaving a lasting impression of why you indeed deserve the scholarship.

Wrapping up – applying for a scholarship

Applying for a scholarship involves more than just financial need or exceptional grades.

It’s about convincing the selection committee that you not only align with their mission and values but that you also bring unique qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

It’s about sharing your life’s journey, demonstrating your resilience, and illustrating how the scholarship will help you in furthering your education, achieving your career goals, and making a difference in your community.

Your scholarship essay should be a blend of your aspirations, achievements, personal struggles, and the difference you aspire to make. It should give a compelling answer to the question, “Why do I deserve this scholarship?”

Your response should showcase your commitment, determination, and the potential for success you’ve demonstrated through your academic or career experiences so far.

Applying for scholarships can seem daunting, but with a bit of time, effort, and using the tips provided in this blog, you can craft a winning scholarship essay that resonantly answers “Why I deserve this scholarship?”.

Always remember, it’s not just about whether you think you’re deserving but being able to effectively communicate this to the scholarship committee.

So, take the leap, believe you deserve to win, and put forth your best self in your application.

Best of luck with your journey!

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Examples

Winning Scholarship Essay Examples for Students: Tips Included

37 min read

Published on: Mar 14, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

People also read

Scholarship Essay - A Complete Writing Guide

Scholarship Essay Format - A Complete Guide

Most Popular Scholarship Essay Prompts & Questions

Share this article

Many students face financial barriers when it comes to pursuing higher education. The rising costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses can be overwhelming. 

This is why the scholarships offer a lifeline by providing financial aid to students, but the competition is fierce. 

That's where CollegeEssay.org comes in. 

In this blog post, we are providing scholarship essay examples that will inspire and guide you in creating your own exceptional essay. 

These examples serve as beacons of success, offering valuable insights into the art of scholarship essay writing. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

On This Page On This Page -->

Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

Why this scholarship essay worked.

This scholarship essay example effectively conveys the applicant's financial need and their determination to overcome the challenges associated with it. Here's why this essay worked:

• Personal Storytelling: The essay begins with a personal anecdote that establishes a connection between the applicant's background and financial constraints. This helps create empathy and demonstrates the genuine impact of financial challenges on their educational journey.
• Resilience and Resourcefulness: The applicant showcases their resilience and resourcefulness in navigating financial hardships. They highlight their proactive approach to seeking part-time employment and actively pursuing scholarships.
• Academic Commitment: Despite the financial strain, the applicant emphasizes their commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a high GPA. This showcases their dedication and ability to prioritize their studies amidst challenging circumstances.
• Community Involvement : The essay also highlights the applicant's involvement in community service. This demonstrates their desire to give back and make a positive impact.
• Connection to Scholarship: The applicant clearly articulates how receiving the scholarship would benefit them. This demonstrates a strong alignment between their goals and the purpose of the scholarship.

Want more examples, check out these winning scholarship essay examples.

Financial Aid Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Financial Need

Scholarship Essay Examples About Yourself

Why this essay worked.

This scholarship essay worked for several reasons, such as:

• It effectively showcases the applicant's passion for mathematics, community engagement, and resilience.
• It compellingly conveyed the applicant's dedication, ambition, and potential for making a positive impact. This makes them a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
• Clear connection to the scholarship's goals and how it would further the applicant's educational journey and impact.

Here are some scholarship essay examples about yourself; get an idea from them, and create a successful essay.

Scholarship Essay Example About Yourself

Scholarship Essay About Yourself

Scholarship Essay Examples for Nursing

Why this essay worked.

This essay worked due to its compelling portrayal of the applicant's genuine passion for nursing, coupled with their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in patient care.

The essay effectively demonstrates the applicant's well-rounded preparation for a nursing career and their clear alignment with the goals and mission of the scholarship, making them a strong candidate for consideration.

Below are some more examples of scholarship essays for nursing.

Nursing Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Nursing

Scholarship Essay Examples About Career Goals

This essay worked for the following reasons:

• Clear and Specific Career Goals: The essay effectively outlines the applicant's career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health support. The clarity and specificity of the goal demonstrate a well-defined path and a strong sense of purpose.
• Demonstrated Preparation and Commitment: The essay showcases the applicant's comprehensive preparation for their career goals. It also demonstrates their readiness and dedication to excel in the field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: The essay effectively highlights how the scholarship will contribute to the applicant's career aspirations. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.

If you find difficulty writing the scholarship essay about career goals, get help from the below-mentioned examples, and submit a well-written essay.

Scholarship Essay Examples About Leadership

Three reasons why this essay worked are:

• Demonstrated Leadership Experience : This essay effectively highlights the applicant's practical experience in leadership roles, showcasing their ability to lead teams, organize events, and coordinate volunteers.
• Commitment to Personal Growth : The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to leadership development by seeking formal training and participating in workshops focused on honing their skills. 
• Emphasis on Collaboration and Empowerment: The essay emphasizes the applicant's belief in collaborative leadership. It promotes inclusivity and empowers team members to contribute their unique perspectives. 

Here we gather some good scholarship essay examples about leadership that help in your writing.

Leadership Scholarship Essay Example

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Scholarship Essay Examples About Community Service

Here are the reasons:

• Genuine Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's genuine passion for community service, highlighting their long-standing involvement and the transformative impact it has had on their life. 
• Integration of Service with Education: The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to integrating their passion for community service with their educational pursuits.
• Aspiration for Social Change: The essay goes beyond personal experiences and highlights the applicant's aspirations for broader social change.

Here is an excellent community service scholarship essa y that can help you write for community college.

Scholarship Essay Example about Community Service

High School Scholarship Essay Examples

• Clear and Convincing Goals: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's strong desire to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.
• Demonstrated Leadership and Well-Roundedness: The essay showcases the applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities. It highlights their ability to balance academic responsibilities with active participation in clubs, sports teams, and community service initiatives.
• Emphasis on Giving Back and Community Engagement: The essay not only focuses on the applicant's personal aspirations but also highlights their commitment to giving back to their community.

The following are the best high school scholarship essay examples, use this for your help, and write an attention-grabbing essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for High School

Scholarship Essay for High School

Scholarship Essay Examples for University

Why this essay works.

Three reasons why this essay works are:

• Strong Personal Motivation: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's unwavering commitment and determination to pursue a university education.
• Articulation of Long-Term Goals and Social Impact: The essay goes beyond highlighting the applicant's academic achievements and financial needs. It emphasizes the applicant's desire to contribute to their community and make a positive impact on society.
• The connection between Scholarship and Applicant's Potential: The essay effectively illustrates how receiving the scholarship would directly address the financial burden. Plus, it will enable the applicant to fully embrace the university experience.

Here are some excellent scholarship essay examples for university students that help you in writing the essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for University Students

Scholarship Essay Examples for Engineering

This essay worked because of the following reasons:

• Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's deep passion for engineering. It also shows their genuine commitment to making a positive impact in this field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: It clearly establishes the connection between the scholarship and the applicant's goals in engineering.
• Future Impact and Growth: It also communicates the applicant's aspiration to contribute to the field of engineering and make a positive difference in the world.

The following is another scholarship essay example that can help you in creating the perfect essay on your own.

Scholarship Essay Examples for Masters

This essay worked for several reasons:

• Clear Purpose and Goal: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's clear purpose and goal of pursuing a master's degree. It highlights the transformative impact that a master's degree can have on personal and professional growth.
• Financial Need and Scholarship Alignment : The essay addresses the financial challenges associated with pursuing a master's degree. It demonstrates the direct alignment between the scholarship and the applicant's needs.
• Impact and Giving Back : The essay goes beyond personal aspirations and emphasizes the applicant's intention to make a broader impact on their community and society.

Here is an example that you can use as a guide and write a perfect scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Examples

Three brief reasons why this essay worked are:

• Clear and Convincing Arguments : The essay presents concise and compelling arguments to support the applicant's case for receiving the scholarship.
• Personal Connection : It demonstrates how receiving the scholarship would directly impact the applicant's academic journey
• Gratitude and Future Commitment : It expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity and emphasizes the applicant's commitment to making the most of the scholarship.

Here is an example, take help from them for your scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Example

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples

• Compelling Personal Story: The essay effectively presents the applicant's personal story and highlights their dedication and commitment to their education
• Addressing Academic Excellence and Financial Need : The essay successfully addresses both academic excellence and financial need, which are two crucial aspects considered by scholarship committees.
• Commitment to Making an Impact: The essay goes beyond the applicant's personal goals and emphasizes their dedication to making a positive impact in their community. 

Here’s another example for this scholarship essay below:

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Example

Tips for Writing the Effective Scholarship Essay

When it comes to writing an effective scholarship essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind. 

By following these guidelines, you can maximize your chances of standing out and impressing scholarship selection committees. 

Here are some essential tips to help you craft a compelling scholarship essay:

• Understand the Prompt

Take the time to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or topic provided by the scholarship provider. Pay attention to any specific instructions or guidelines given.

• Research the Scholarship

Familiarize yourself with the organization or institution offering the scholarship. Understand their values, mission, and objectives. This knowledge will help you align your essay with their goals and demonstrate your fit for the scholarship.

• Tell Your Unique Story

Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personal experiences, like obstacles you might encounter, achievements, and aspirations. Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. Be authentic and genuine in conveying your story, like overcoming personal failures.

• Start with a Compelling Introduction

Grab the reader's attention from the beginning with a strong and captivating introduction. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement.

• Structure Your Essay

Organize your essay into a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs that support your main points, and end with a concise and impactful conclusion.

• Be Concise and Specific

Scholarship essays often have a word or character limits, so make every word count. Be concise in your writing and avoid unnecessary fluff. Focus on providing specific examples and details that support your claims.

• Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight your academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvements, community service, leadership roles, or any other relevant achievements. Link them to the values and goals of the scholarship.

• Address the Selection Criteria

Ensure that your essay addresses the selection criteria specified by the scholarship provider. If they are looking for specific qualities or skills, tailor your essay to showcase how you possess those attributes.

In conclusion, writing an effective scholarship essay is a crucial step in securing the financial aid you need for your education. 

By following the tips outlined here, you can enhance your essay-writing skills and create a compelling narrative that captivates scholarship selection committees.

Be authentic, concise, and specific in your writing. Tailor your essay to align with the values and objectives of the scholarship provider. And above all, believe in yourself and your potential to make a difference through education.

If you're seeking further guidance and support in your scholarship essay writing journey, consider partnering with our AI essay writing tools !

We also have a team of experienced and professional essay writers who can provide personal essay writing service with valuable insights. 

Hire our college paper writing service  today and take the next step towards securing the financial aid you deserve.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!)

So you’re applying for a scholarship that asks you about your financial need. What do you say? How honest or specific should you be? What is TMI? In this article, we break down how to pen an awesome financial need scholarship essay or statement.

What to include in a financial need scholarship essay

Template to structure your financial need scholarship essay, introduction: your basic profile, body: your financial situation and hardships, conclusion: how you would benefit from this scholarship, was this financial need essay for a college financial aid application , now, reuse that same essay to apply for more scholarships, additional resources to help you write your financial need scholarship essay.

Many scholarships and college financial aid awards are “need-based,” given to students whose financial situation requires additional support. That’s why one of the most common college scholarship essays is a statement of financial need. This might be very explicit (“Explain your financial need”), somewhat explicit (“Describe your financial situation”), or quite open-ended (“Explain why you need this scholarship”).

In all cases, scholarship providers want to get a sense of your family’s financial picture: what your family income is, if you personally contribute to it (do you have a job?), and how much additional money you need to attend your target college (your “financial gap”).

If the essay prompt is a bit more open-ended (“Explain how this scholarship would help you”), your essay should probably be a combination of a financial need statement and a career goals / academic goals essay.  That’s because you want to show how the award will help you financially and in your academic or career goals.

Usually this statement of financial need is a pretty short scholarship essay (150-300 words), so unlike a college essay or personal statement where you have ample word count to tell anecdotes, you’ll likely need to get right to the point. 

Be sure to include: 

• If you are an underrepresented group at college, for instance, part of an ethnic minority or the first in your family to go to college
• Any relevant family circumstances, like if your parents are immigrants or refugees, as well as your parents’ occupation and how many children/family members they support financially
• How you are currently paying for college, including what you personally are doing to contribute financially (like working student jobs)
• What financial challenges/difficulties your family is facing, for instance, if a parent recently lost their job
• How you would benefit from the scholarship–including your academic and career goals (if word count allows)

Also remember to write in an optimistic tone. Writing about your financial situation or hardships might not be the most positive thing to share. But you can turn it around with an optimistic tone by writing about how these challenges have taught you resiliency and grit.

Give a short introduction to who you are, highlighting any family characteristics that might make you part of an underrepresented group at college. 

“I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. My family moved from El Salvador to New York when I was seven years old, to escape the violence there.”

Example 2: 

“I am from a working-class family in Minnesota. My family never had a lot, but we pooled our efforts together to make ends meet. My parents both worked full-time (my father as a mechanic, my mother as a receptionist at the local gym), while my siblings and I all worked weekend jobs to contribute to the family income.”

Dive into the details. How are you currently planning to pay for college? The idea here is to show that you and your family have made a good-faith effort to earn enough money to pay your tuition, but that it has simply not been enough. 

Make sure you describe your parents’ occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans. 

Example 

As immigrants with limited English, my parents have had to accept low-paying jobs. My father is an Uber driver, and my mother is a housekeeper. They earn just enough to pay our rent and put food on the table, so I’ve always known they could not help me pay for college.  So I’ve been proactive about earning and saving my own money. Since age 11, I’ve worked odd jobs (like mowing my neighbors’ lawns). At age 16, I started working at the mall after school and on weekends. Through all these jobs, I’ve saved about $3000. But even with my financial aid grants, I need to pay $8000 more per year to go to college. 

Bring it home by wrapping up your story.  Explain how you plan to use the financial aid if you’re awarded this scholarship. How will you benefit from this award? What will you put the money toward, and how will it help you achieve your academic and/or career goals?

Scholarship review boards want to know that their money will be put to good use, supporting a student who has clear plans for the future, and the motivation and determination to make those plans a reality. This is like a shortened, one-paragraph version of the “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay . 

Winning $5000 would help me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study social work and eventually work in a role to support my community. However, since these jobs are not well paid, repaying significant student loans would be difficult. Your scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually support my community, without incurring debt I can’t afford.

My plan is to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I have been admitted, and eventually pursue a career as a Nurse-Practitioner. I know that being pre-med will be a real academic challenge, and this scholarship would help me focus on those tough classes, rather than worrying about how to pay for them. The $2000 award would be equivalent to about 150 hours of working at a student job. That’s 150 hours I can instead focus on studying, graduating, and achieving my goals. 

Sometimes this financial need statement isn’t for an external scholarship. Instead, it’s for your college financial aid office.

In that case, you’re usually writing this statement for one of two reasons:

• You’re writing an appeal letter , to request additional financial aid, after your original financial aid offer wasn’t enough. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you’re being extra specific about your finances.
• You’re applying for a specific endowed scholarship that considers financial need. In this case, your financial need essay can be quite similar to what we’ve outlined above.

Now that you’ve written a killer financial need scholarship essay, you have one of the most common scholarship essays ready on hand, to submit to other scholarships too.

You can sign up for a free Going Merry account today to get a personalized list of hundreds of scholarships matched to your profile. You can even save essays (like this one!) to reuse in more than one application.  

You might also be interested in these other blog posts related to essay writing:

• What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?
• How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals
• How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
• Recent Posts

• Scholarships for Students in Pennsylvania for 2021 - November 11, 2020
• Counselor Starter Guide: How to Use Going Merry’s Scholarship Platform - September 9, 2020
• How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!) - August 13, 2020

Ready to find scholarships that are a match for you?

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

10 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples From Real Students

Make your application shine.

Writing a scholarship essay can be intimidating. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high, so students are bound to feel the pressure. It may be helpful, therefore, to look at essays that were successful. What did those students do to impress the committee? These scholarship essay examples will give you a better idea of how to make an application shine! 

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

We’ve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you haven’t read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started. 

Carefully read the rules

The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didn’t do the right thing. 

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process. 

Get to know the provider

Think of the scholarship provider as your target audience. You want to tailor your essay to impress them, so do your research. What kinds of candidates are they looking for? What causes do they support? Dig deep for the information you need!

Think about who you are, what you want to say, and how to appeal to the scholarship committee. Write everything down and then choose the best ideas. 

The scholarship committee will be reviewing many applications. How can you make yours unforgettable? Highlight your strongest assets, share hard lessons if they showcase your growth as a person and/or student, and be honest. Never lie in a scholarship essay!

Be professional

Consider this the most important academic paper you’ve ever written. Don’t use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay that’s been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.

One last tip

Don’t reuse scholarship essays! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but students need to put the same effort into every application. Use the same process and it will get faster and easier every time!

Scholarship Essay Examples

Afc visionary scholarship essay by nicole kuznetsov.

Award Amount: $5,000

Essay prompt: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

Why it was successful: The  beauty of this essay is that it’s well-organized and simple. Nicole Kuznetsov chose to outline her story by using chronology and provided a clean, concise story following a linear path.

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Essay by Christine Fung

Award Amount: $1,000

Why it was successful: Christine Fung masterfully shared how her upbringing instilled strong values, a love for education, and a passion for medicine .

The Bill Browning Scholarship Essay by Gabby DeMott

Award Amount: $10,000

Essay prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Why it was successful: Gabby DeMott shared her experiences with personal growth and overcoming fears in Germany. She also appealed to the very human feeling of wanting to belong in a way that was inspiring. 

Life Happens Scholarship Essay by Emily Trader

Award Amount: $15,000

Essay prompt: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.

Why it was successful: Emily Trader fully addressed the prompt in honest, beautiful detail. She knew her audience and tailored her essay to appeal to them while telling her compelling story. 

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Essay prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

Why it was successful: Isabella Mendez-Figueroa shared an empowering story about her parents overcoming financial adversity so that she and her sister could be the first in their family to go to college. 

Giva Scholarship Essay by Joseph Lee

Essay prompt: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

Why it was successful: Joseph Lee offered a captivating , personal story that was essentially a list of things that make someone a good doctor without it feeling boring or calculated. 

New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana

Award amount: $39,500 

Essay prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

Why it was successful: Ana discussed how early experiences w ith learning difficult things has contributed to her passion for teaching and supporting students. 

The Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship Essay  by Steven Fisher

Award amount: $7,500

Essay prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

Why it was successful: Steven Fisher’s powerful essay   connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world. 

Women’s World Banking Founder’s Scholarship Essay by Rosaisha Ozoria

Essay prompt: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.

Why it was successful: Rosaisha Ozoria   focused on a very specific topic , financial literacy for Hispanic women, and emphasized its importance and relevance to her own life. 

The Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship Essay by Famyrah Lafortune

Award amount: $3,500

Essay prompt: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

Why it was successful: Famyrah Lafortune starts with a strong statement about ending racial inequality and then details the steps she’ll take to make it happen. 

Do you have any great scholarship essay examples? Share them below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more suggestions be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

You Might Also Like

60+ College Essay Prompts From Actual 2023-2024 Applications

Ideas to inspire every college applicant. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Scholarship — Scholarship Sample: 10 Reasons Why I Deserve a Scholarship

Scholarship Sample: 10 Reasons Why I Deserve a Scholarship

• Categories: Academic Achievements Scholarship

About this sample

Words: 657 |

Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 657 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

• I have the experience and perseverance to achieve my goals, regardless of the obstacles that stand in front of me.
• I don't define my obstacles as "failures" because I credit all my successes to my continued optimism and perseverance through life's challenges and storms.
• I have faced several challenges over the years, from poverty to lack of access to infrastructure; but I continued to get exemplary grades, graduated at the top of my class, and made a scientific discovery.
• I have the courage, perseverance, and determination to achieve my goals, no matter what obstacles I have to overcome.
• Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was self-financed. My parents couldn't sponsor my university studies due to their meager income, but that didn't stop me from pursuing my goals. In the summer, I took high school students for private lessons from 8am to 10pm six days a week so that I would have enough money to pay for tuition. In addition, I sold shoe polish and helped sophomores
•  I worked on enhancing oil and gas recovery from BP’s Magnus field while at Halliburton with a focus on better understanding the geology,
• Part of the team that developed and explored Valiant Petroleum’s Dons field. I worked on this project as a consultant from Schlumberger. This helped in delivering production towards 6,500-7,500 barrels of oil per day (bopd).
• Maintaining and updating the reservoir model of Forties oilfield, the largest oil field in the North Sea owned by Apache.
• Project managing the acquisition of seismic over Isabella oil Field in the North Sea using the Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN) technology for the joint venture of Valiant Petroleum and ConocoPhillips.
• I deserve this award because I am a trusted member of the UK engineering industry.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Education

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 895 words

2 pages / 1114 words

1 pages / 575 words

2 pages / 816 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Scholarship

Wake Forest University's Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and rewards academic excellence and leadership potential. In this essay, we will analyze the significance of the Presidential Scholarship, [...]

I am applying for the master’s programme and the VUFP Scholarship at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to advance my career path and to develop skills that others need. My goal in life is to be useful to others, for me that is [...]

The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These four pillars are the foundation [...]

The pursuit of personal goals is often a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a deep-rooted desire for self-improvement. Scholarships, in this context, play a pivotal role in enabling ambitious individuals to [...]

In today’s comprehensive world, it is my duty to become active in changing the world for the better. Signing up and joining many extra-curricular activities has enhanced my skill to engage in an active role in improving the [...]

Dear Sir/Madam, I am very glad to apply for Master in Electrical Engineering for Hungarian Scholarship. I have completed my undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering from University of Engineering & Technology, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

📕 Studying HQ

Why i deserve a nursing scholarship essay example | outline, bob cardens.

• August 24, 2022

What You'll Learn

Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example | Outline

Outline of the nursing scholarship essay, introduction, my background and why i am a good candidate for a nursing scholarship, why i want to be a nurse and how it would benefit my patients, my goals for becoming a nurse and how the nursing profession can help me meet them, how the nursing profession can help me develop as an individual and meet my future goals, why i deserve a nursing scholarship essay example.

I am writing this essay in order to prove that I deserve a nursing scholarship . Nursing has always been my passion, and I have dedicated my entire life to becoming a nurse . I believe that I have what it takes to be a great nurse and contribute to society in a positive way .

I have worked extremely hard to achieve the successes that I have, and I am confident that I can continue to do so as a nurse . My achievements include receiving scholarships for academic excellence and community service, being named a “rising star” by my hospital, and being part of the National Honor Society.

Nursing is an extremely challenging field , but I am determined to become the best nurse possible. My ultimate goal is to provide quality care for my patients and make a positive impact on their lives.

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help write your nursing scholarship essay. All you need to do is  place an order  with us.

Not a nursing student here’s How To Write An Appealing Scholarship Essay [+ Examples & Outline]

Scholarship Essay Writing Services

My name is ____________ and I am a senior at ___________. I have been involved in extracurricular activities such as nursing and volunteering my time to different organizations since I was a child. My involvement in these activities has shaped me into the person I am today, and I believe that my skills and experiences make me the perfect candidate for a nursing scholarship .

First and foremost, I am a dedicated nurse. Throughout my years of involvement in this field, I have developed an innate understanding of how important it is to provide quality care to my patients . My experience has also taught me how to be organized and how to work efficiently under pressure. These skills are essential for a nurse , as they constantly face deadlines and stressful situations.

In addition to my dedication to the nursing field, I also possess strong leadership skills . Throughout my years of volunteering and working within various organizations, I have been responsible for directing others on multiple occasions. My ability to lead teams successfully is something that will be invaluable when working in a clinical setting as a nurse. Finally, I am deeply passionate about helping others and feel that nursing is the perfect profession for me to dedicate my career to. All of these qualities make me the perfect candidate for a nursing scholarship. I believe that my skills and experiences will be a valuable addition to any hospital or clinic , and I am eager to begin my career in this field.

I am a hard-working and motivated student who has always strived to accomplish the best I can. I have excelled in all areas of my academic career, including during my nursing studies . I have completed many challenging courses and have obtained numerous awards, scholarships, and accolades throughout my schooling. In addition to this, I have also contributed volunteer time and services to various organizations and communities . My goal has always been to make a positive impact on the people around me, and I believe that being a nurse is the perfect way to do that.

I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can become a successful nurse and contribute greatly to the health of those in need . I believe that the Nursing Scholarship offered by my chosen nursing school is an excellent investment – one that will pay off both financially and emotionally for years to come.

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help write your nursing scholarship essay. All you need to do is  place an order  with us. The above Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example provides guidance on how to write a nursing scholarship essay.

I want to be a nurse because it would benefit my patients immensely. I have always been drawn to helping others, and being a nurse would allow me to do just that on a daily basis. Nurses are some of the most important people in the healthcare system , because they are responsible for keeping patients safe and healthy. They provide relief and comfort to those who are facing difficult times, and their work has a huge impact on the quality of life of those who rely on them. I know firsthand how important nurses are, and I am committed to giving the best care possible to my patients .

As a student, I know that I want to pursue a career in nursing. I have come to understand that the nursing profession can help me meet my goals and achieve success . Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and advancement, as well as an array of benefits that are important to me.

Nursing allows me to work with people who are in need and provide them with care and support. In addition, the nursing profession provides stability and security, which are important factors in my life. The environment at a nursing home or hospital is challenging, but I am confident that I can meet the challenges posed by this profession.

The nursing profession is growing rapidly and there are numerous opportunities available for those who are willing to pursue them. The field of nursing is changing rapidly, so today’s nurse has the opportunity to create her own path and be her own boss. I am excited about the prospects that the nursing profession offers me and I believe that it can help me achieve my goals.

Nursing is a profession that can help me develop as an individual and meet my future goals . It provides me with the opportunity to work with people, learn new things, and help others. It is also a fast-paced field that offers variety and challenges. I believe that nursing can help me grow as a person and make a positive impact in the world.

Nursing is an incredibly demanding and challenging profession, which is why so many students want to pursue a career in nursing . In order to be successful in this field, you need to demonstrate that you have the qualities that make a good nurse . One of the most important qualities is empathy — being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their situation. This essay was designed to show how well I meet the requirements for a nursing scholarship , and I hope that it has convinced you that I am deserving of this opportunity.

The above Why I deserve a nursing scholarship essay Example provides guidance on how to write a nursing scholarship essay.

Read more on Access Inclusion Participation Disability Sport Health And Social Care Essay

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Have a subject expert write for you now, have a subject expert finish your paper for you, edit my paper for me, have an expert write your dissertation's chapter, popular topics.

Business StudyingHq Essay Topics and Ideas How to Guides Samples

• Nursing Solutions
• Study Guides
• Free Study Database for Essays
• Privacy Policy
• Writing Service 
• Discounts / Offers 

Study Hub: 

• Studying Blog
• Topic Ideas 
• How to Guides
• Business Studying 
• Nursing Studying 
• Literature and English Studying

Writing Tools  

• Citation Generator
• Topic Generator
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Conclusion Maker
• Research Title Generator
• Thesis Statement Generator
• Summarizing Tool
• Terms and Conditions
• Confidentiality Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Refund and Revision Policy

Our samples and other types of content are meant for research and reference purposes only. We are strongly against plagiarism and academic dishonesty. 

Contact Us:

📧 [email protected]

📞 +15512677917

2012-2024 © studyinghq.com. All rights reserved

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to answer 'why this scholarship' essays.

I'm applying for a few scholarships and I keep coming across the 'Why are you applying for this scholarship' essay question. What's the best way to approach this question and clearly express my need and motivation? Thanks in advance, y'all!

When answering the "Why this scholarship" question in your essay, it's essential to tailor your response to demonstrate specific reasons why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship. Here are some steps to keep in mind as you write your response:

1. Do thorough research: Understand the organization/committee offering the scholarship and learn if they focus on a particular value, goal, or mission. Incorporating this information in your essay will show that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the scholarship.

2. Connect your goals and values: Make the connection between the scholarship's mission/purpose and your own goals, values, or aspirations. Showcase how this scholarship aligns with your academic interests, career plans, and personal or professional values.

3. Demonstrate your need: Clearly outline the financial circumstances that make the scholarship necessary for you. This can include details about your current financial situation, family background, or how the scholarship would alleviate specific burdens like tuition and textbook costs.

4. Emphasize your achievements: Highlight your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and any exceptional experiences. Show the scholarship committee that you are a high-performing and dedicated individual who will use the scholarship funds effectively.

5. Explain how the scholarship will benefit you: Describe the concrete impact the scholarship will have on your life, such as opening new educational opportunities, removing financial barriers to pursue your dreams, or allowing you to focus more on your studies rather than working multiple jobs.

6. Personalize your essay: Finally, add your personal touch to the essay. Explain your unique story that sets you apart from other applicants, and demonstrate your passion and determination for achieving your goals.

As an example, if you're applying for a scholarship from an organization dedicated to supporting women in STEM, you could mention your passion for pursuing a career in engineering, provide examples of mentorship or outreach work you have done to encourage young women to get involved in STEM, and explain how the scholarship will help you contribute to the diversification of the field.

Remember to maintain a genuine and passionate tone throughout your essay, and proofread your response to ensure it is polished and engaging. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

• Toggle Search
• Quick Facts
• Mission, Convictions and Heritage
• Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Our Campuses
• Rankings and Recognition
• University Leadership
• 2025 Strategic Plan
• Undergraduate Majors & Minors
• Graduate Programs
• Schools & Colleges
• Study Abroad
• Continuing & Professional Education
• Online Learning
• Centers & Institutes
• Academic Calendar
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Financial Aid
• Dougherty Family College
• Graduate Admissions & Aid
• Living on Campus
• Get Involved
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Support & Well-Being
• Campus Ministry
• Career Development
• Tommie Sports
• Intramurals
• Club Sports
• Maps & Directions
• Parking & Transportation
• Conference & Event Services
• Public Safety
• Media Relations
• Business Office
• Technology Resources
• Accreditation & Assessment
• Policies & Compliance
• University-Sponsored Travel
• OneStThomas
• Current Students
• Scholarships
• STEM Scholarships

Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas is intended for high-achieving students planning to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering beginning in fall 2024.

The university will offer two full-tuition scholarships* and three $10,000 scholarships to the top candidates. 

Application Deadline: Dec. 15, 2023

Part of the application process is completing three short tests (one in mathematics and two in sciences of the applicant's choosing) at the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship Day on February 3, 2024.

*Full-tuition scholarships are awarded competitively and will result in the cancellation of other merit scholarships initially offered. Other financial aid will be adjusted, if required. Aid from all sources may not exceed the annual cost of attendance.

Scholarship Details

Who is a science scholar, eligibility, requirements, application process, important dates, frequently asked questions.

The Science Scholar is an ambassador for the science, mathematics and engineering programs at the University of St. Thomas. Our Science Scholars represent the science, mathematics and engineering programs at various functions during their studies at the university, and by their leadership. Consequently, we are looking for well-rounded, high-achieving candidates with a love and contagious excitement for science, mathematics and engineering.

Applicants must be:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• High school seniors during the 2023-2024 school year
• High school GPA of 3.70 or greater (at your time of your application)

Scholarship recipients must major in one of 12 undergraduate academic areas:

• Actuarial Science
• Biochemistry
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Data Analytics
• Engineering – Civil , Computer , Electrical , or Mechanical
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Science
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience

Recipients must maintain a 3.70 institutional GPA to renew their scholarships. Scholarships may be renewed for three years.

Interested students who meet the scholarship eligibility requirements will be asked to complete the information below when applying for the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship.

• A list of all of the science and mathematics courses, not listed on your current transcript, that you will complete before you graduate from high school.
• List and briefly describe up to three leadership experiences you have had in the past four years.
• Briefly describe why you are interested in the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Programs at St. Thomas.
• The name, email address and discipline of a teacher who would provide a letter of recommendation for you if selected as a finalist.

An invitation will be sent to qualified applicants to attend the 2024 Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship Day, held on February 3, 2024, where scholarship applicants will sign up to take tests in different STEM fields. Finalists are selected in part based upon testing results.

If selected as a finalist, we will contact the teacher you listed on your application for a letter of reference. In addition, you will be asked to provide an essay discussing your plans in science, mathematics, or engineering, and explaining how an education at St Thomas will contribute to them. Interviews of finalists will take place on March 2, 2024.

• Apply for the Scholarship

December 15, 2023 Deadline to submit an application for the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

January 26, 2024 Deadline for invited candidates to register to attend Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship Day

February 3, 2024 Deadline for invited finalists to submit supporting transcripts to the Admissions Office

February 3, 2024 Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship Day

Mid February, 2024 Finalists will be selected and asked to interview with the scholarship committee. The scholarship recipients will be chosen from these finalists.

March 2, 2024 Finalists will be interviewed by the committee

Late March, 2024 Announcement of two full-tuition and three $10,000 scholarships

How many students typically apply for the scholarship? While numbers vary from year to year, the average number of applicants is around 200.

What is the format of the scholarship tests? Each test will be administered at St. Thomas on a computer and will be multiple choice. Students will be given between 15-20 minutes to complete each exam (depending on subject area).

What material is covered on each test? Click here to view the test description.

Can I use a graphing calculator for the test? To complete the scholarship tests, you will need a scientific calculator. A graphing calculator is permitted but will not give you an advantage over students without one.

Scholars Making an Impact

Former Science Scholar Milad Audi '19 helped design a device that captures energy from a beating heart and uses it to power a pacemaker.

Contact Information

Dr. kerri carlson.

Clinical Professor - Biology (651) 962-5222 [email protected]

Dr. Lisa Prevette

Associate Professor - Chemistry (651) 962-5672 [email protected]

• Nursing Scholarships and Awards
• Department Directory

Zvart Onanian School of Nursing

• For Current Nursing Students

Scholarship Eligibility

Students enrolled as nursing majors in the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing are eligible to apply for a number of annual scholarships. For scholarships requiring demonstrated financial need, a FAFSA must have been submitted. 

Please Note: The deadline for all scholarship application submissions for the 2023–24 academic year was May 25, 2023. 

Available Scholarships

Scholarship application instructions.

• All applications and supporting documents must be emailed as PDFs to [email protected] . 
• Use "Nursing Scholarships" as the subject line in your application submission email. 
• Include your last name in the title of the saved applications and in the file names for the submitted supporting documents. 

Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions in late August 2023. Awards will be credited to the recipients’ accounts at the College. For any questions, please email: [email protected] .

Application for all Nursing 2023–24 Scholarships

Each semester, three nursing awards are given to graduating seniors for excellence in nursing theory and practice. These awards recognize both basic baccalaureate students and R.N. to B.S.N. students. Award decisions are based on scholarship, excellence in clinical practice, leadership within the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing and service to the college and community. 

Award Types

The awards are designated for: Academic Excellence (basic baccalaureate student), Academic Excellence (R.N. to B.S.N. student) and Service Excellence (basic baccalaureate student).

From the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Rhode Island College Zvart Onanian School of Nursing educates and prepares graduates for the challenges of today’s complex health care settings.

• phone 401-456-8013
• place Fogarty Life Science
• Request Information

April 3, 2024

Winnipeg 2° C , Clear

Full Forecast

• Send a Letter to the Editor
• Staff biographies
• Submit a News Tip
• Subscribe to Newsletters
• Compact View

Free Press Community Review: East

• Free Press Community Review: West
• Community Correspondents
• Biographies

© 2024 Our Communities

Notification Settings

This browser doesn't support push notifications at the moment. Check browsers features, update your browser or try to use one from the list of recommended to manage your notifications settings:

• Firefox (27+)
• Google Chrome (30+)
• Safari ( MacOS 13+ with browser 16.1+ and iOS 16.4+ ) / Note make sure Push API support enabled under Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features
• Microsoft Edge

If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings for this site. Just click button below and allow notifications for this site

Note Safari 16.4+ working on iOS devices also need this site app to be installed at device's Home Screen for Push Notifications to work

Notifications are blocked for this site. If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings. Usually you'd need to click on site options icon to the left of address bar and change notifications preferences/permissions from there

Advertisement

Learn more about Free Press Advertising solutions

Local students win French essay contest scholarships

Advertise with us

Dakota Crossing St. Vital

Sometimes, having a way with words can pay off.

Two local high school students recently won $1,500 scholarships in a national essay contest sponsored by French for the Future, an organization which aims to promote “self-confidence, leadership, and a passion for French and francophone cultures.” Nearly 450 students submitted essays based on the idea of convincing the 2024 Olympic committee to include a new discipline for games, which would be the student’s own “incredible talent.”

“With the nature of the theme, we were anticipating imaginative proposals,” said Geneviève Gobeil, program manager at French for the Future in a statement. “Even with that expectation, we were surprised by the creativity of the submissions! With each new essay we received, we wondered: what will the discipline proposed be this time?”

Supplied photo

Paige Fontaine, a Grade 12 student at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, won a $1,500 scholarship in French for the Future’s national essay competition, in the French as a second language category.

Hélène Marcoux, a Grade 12 student at Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard, won a $1,500 scholarship in the French as a first language category for her essay on why ballet should be in the Olympics.

“I kept seeing, as a child, there were so many disciplines in the Olympics. I was like, ‘Wow, dancers are athletes, too,’” explained Marcoux, a lifelong ballet dancer. “Break dancing was added, and I was like, ‘We should discuss this.’”

Marcoux entered the contest after seeing a post about it on social media.

“I really just wanted to see what would happen,” she said. “Now I feel like, maybe writing is a talent I might have too that I didn’t know I had. I found out I was pretty good at coming up with arguments and explaining myself.”

The scholarship will help with her tuition next year, as Marcoux plans to take University 1 courses at Université de Saint-Boniface.

Meanwhile, Paige Fontaine, a Grade 12 student at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, won a $1,500 scholarship in the French as a second language category. Fontaine heard about the opportunity while researching scholarships.

“Since I am a French immersion student … considering university in French, I decided that this scholarship would be a perfect opportunity to put my French skills to the test,” said Fontaine, who wrote her essay about woodcarving.

Hélène Marcoux, a Grade 12 student at Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard, won a $1,500 scholarship in French for the Future’s national essay competition, in the French as a first language category.

“A few years ago, my grandpa taught me how to wood-carve and I thought that that would be the perfect subject of my essay since, not only is it something that I enjoy doing, it is also very unique,” Fontaine said. “Woodcarving isn’t a skill for everyone, therefore it makes the talent more interesting — the many benefits that woodcarving has, and how the final piece itself is something that you don’t want to miss.”

The scholarship not only provided Fontaine with funds for post-secondary education, but also a confidence boost.

“This (shows) that I can perform well in my second language … and has given me more confidence in my French abilities,” she said. “Due to this, I feel more confident that I want to pursue my studies in a French environment so that I can continue being fluent in both French and English.”

Sheldon Birnie Community Journalist

Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at [email protected] Call him at 204-697-7112

   Read full biography

Advertisement Advertise With Us