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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!Â
Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay
Weâve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you havenât read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started.Â
Carefully read the rules
The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didnât do the right thing.Â
Start early
Donât wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process.Â
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.Â
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 youâve ever written. Donât use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay thatâs been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.
One last tip
Donât reuse scholarship essays! Yes, itâs 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 itâs 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.Â
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 familyâs 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana
Award amount: $39,500Â
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.Â
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 Fisherâs powerful essay  connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world.Â
Womenâs World Banking Founderâs 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.Â
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.â âNelson 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 sheâll take to make it happen.Â
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 ..
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FREE TRAINING: How I Secured 6-Figures in Scholarships & Graduated Debt-Free
The Scholarship System
Paying for college begins here
Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Money
Scholarships & Financial Aid Student Success
Updated on December 22nd, 2023
Scholarship application essays often carry a TON of weight when deciding who will receive the most scholarship money, but it’s not always easy to stand out in the crowd of applications. Even if your student fits the scholarship criteria exactly , they’re still likely to be one of a number of applicants with similar grades, accomplishments, community involvements, and aspirations.
That’s where an excellent scholarship application and scholarship essay format becomes a necessity and the key to winning the money. The scholarship essay provides the scholarship committee an opportunity to learn more about the individual behind the application and gives them a much more detailed look at your student’s school and home life. Additionally, the essay is your child’s greatest chance to shine and make their case for why they should be awarded the scholarship.
So, what do you need in order to write a great essay and maximize your chances of winning?! Check out these scholarship essay examples from scholarship winners that won money!
If you and your student are working on the scholarship process, make sure you donât miss our free scholarship training. I cover exactly where you can find more scholarships your student is actually eligible for and are legitimate . Grab your spot here: 6 Steps to Quickly Securing Scholarships for College .
- 1.1 Learn About Different Essay Prompts
- 1.2 Understand Whatâs Considered Unique and Compelling
- 1.3 Explore Different Styles to Find Your Voice
- 1.4 See What Resonated with the Scholarship Committee
- 2.1 Winner #1: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
- 2.2 Winner #2: Plan beyond college essay
- 2.3 Winner #3: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
- 2.4 Winner #4: Plan beyond college essay
- 2.5 Winner #5: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
- 2.6 Winner #6: Plan beyond college essay
- 3.1 Example 1:
- 3.2 Example 2:
- 4 How to Use Scholarship Essay Examples to Win Scholarships
Why Reviewing Scholarship Essay Examples Is Time Well Spent
Many students may wonder whether reviewing scholarship examples that won money is worth doing. After all, scholarship essays should tell a personal story, so anything covered by another student might not relate to your student at all.
However, there are several benefits to checking out scholarship essay examples. Hereâs a look at why reading them is time well spent.
Learn About Different Essay Prompts
Every winning scholarship essay is based on a specific essay prompt. While many organizations use similar prompts, a scholarship provider can ask students unique questions, too.
When students explore example scholarship essays, they usually learn about the prompt that inspired them. That can help your college or high school student find out more about what a scholarship committee may present as a prompt before they begin their scholarship journey. Then, they can consider how theyâd respond to each of the given questions, leaving them better prepared for the road that lies ahead.
Essentially, checking out the essays and prompts encourages them to reflect on their lives to identify moments that can become the basis for their essays. It could even inspire them to write practice essays based on the prompts they discover, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the scholarship essay format and writing process.
Plus, practice essays are opportunities to get feedback from parents, teachers, or friends before they begin the process of pursuing this type of financial aid. As a bonus, if a particular practice essay is incredibly strong, they can always save it for future use in case a scholarship provider presents that prompt, allowing them to have a functional head start.
Understand Whatâs Considered Unique and Compelling
The most widely given advice to students who are preparing to write scholarship essays is to make sure what theyâre sharing is unique and compelling. But what exactly does that entail? In many cases, the guidance feels very ambiguous or vague, particularly to students who may not know whether various aspects of their lives may stand out.
When reviewing examples of scholarship essays that won money, students see precisely what a scholarship committee deemed unique and compelling enough to win the award. That may help students determine whether a particular community service experience, personal statement, education abroad experience, or other aspect of their lives is intriguing enough to separate them from the pack.
It also gives students insights into their competition. By seeing what a scholarship provider selected as a winning essay, students can understand what other students may present to the scholarship committee. Then, they can figure out how to ensure what they write goes above and beyond what most students submit, increasing their odds of landing scholarships that will help them achieve their educational and career goals.
Explore Different Styles to Find Your Voice
While scholarship essays typically use a particular format, students need to use the right voice when telling their stories. Since many students donât spend much time writing about their lives, figuring out how to share information in a way that aligns with their personality (but also meets scholarship committee expectations) isnât always easy.
Fortunately, reviewing scholarship essay examples that won money can make the process easier. Itâs a chance to explore how other students express themselves in writing, and that often leads to powerful insights.
Additionally, checking out several essays shows that a wide variety of approaches are effective. In many cases, that can make the process of finding their voice less intimidating to students, as it demonstrates that students have far more flexibility in how they present themselves than they may expect.
See What Resonated with the Scholarship Committee
Often, a scholarship provider has specific values and perspectives that guide the actions and decisions of the scholarship committee. As a result, what resonates with one may not connect as well with another.
While students can learn a bit about an organizationâs values and perspective by doing some research, that may not give them a comprehensive picture of what the scholarship committee is hoping to see. But if students can find scholarship essay examples that won money from a specific scholarship provider, they can learn how to connect with that particular scholarship committee.
When reviewing the essays, theyâll see what types of stories, formats, and tones caught the eyes of committee members, and they can use that to shape how they approach writing their own essays. In some cases, that could allow students to increase their odds of landing the award, making the time spent reviewing the submissions worthwhile.
The Scholarship System Winning Scholarship Essay Examples
Prompts for our scholarship essay:
- Discuss a special attribute, experience or accomplishment that sets you apart. How do you think that will help you succeed in college? (500 – 750 words) (Hint: we ask for ONE attribute, experience or accomplishment so please choose only ONE to talk about.)
- Discuss your plan beyond college. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Please include what you majoring in and how you plan on using that in your career. (250 words maximum)
Winner #1: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
“Two and a half years ago if I had been asked if I wanted to be a part of the HOSA organization I honestly would not have had a clue what that meant or where to begin! I did know that I wanted to pursue a career in the health field and was guided to Tolles Career & Technical Center where I was accepted into the Pre-Vet two year program. At the start of my Junior year I was introduced to HOSA, an organization for Future Health Professionals. The mission of HOSA is âto empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experienceâ. I became a member immediately and participated locally in many of the community events and service projects. I also competed in the Ohio HOSA competition for medical innovation and advanced to the local, regional and state level.
I then decided to run for one of the seven Distinguished Representative positions for all of Ohio. This was an intense process! I was required to first take a test over HOSA rules, regulations, and guidelines. I was then asked to set goals for the organization and give a speech regarding my goal ideas in front of several hundred people, the current state delegates and officer team. The final step was a vote by the current state delegates and officer team. I was successfully elected as Historian and my HOSA experience was in full swing.
My first HOSA conference as the Historian was the International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida in June 2017. Over 2,500 students came together to learn from five outstanding healthcare professionals. Topics included exploring healthcare careers, changes in healthcare, and medical innovations needed in the industry. I had the opportunity to have an active role in facilitating and participating in workshops and meetings for HOSA members. The goal of these workshops and meetings was to develop practical leadership skills, effective communication skills with people of all ages, and to understand the importance of encouraging individual and group achievements. Exceptional qualities that I plan on using in my career.
In September 2017 I participated in the HOSA Washington Leadership Conference where 400 officers from all the states learned strategies to improve our leadership skills. These interactive workshops included topics on self-motivation, problem-solving skills, managing others, and professionalism. I collaborated with representatives from many different states in preparation for our meeting with our political leaders both from the House of Representatives and the Senate to discuss with them the value of Career & Technical Education. We explored and presented evidence regarding the importance of funding for these types of educational opportunities. Upon completion of this conference I reported back to the local Board of Education sharing my experiences and the success of our meetings. Both of these conferences taught me what it takes to be successful in healthcare.
As my tenure was coming to a close, I organized meetings with the local students who were planning to run for local and state officer positions. I met with them in groups and individually to help prepare them for the interview process, and to emphasize the importance of maintaining the high standard of leadership in the global health community, if elected. In May 2018 the Ohio HOSA State Leadership Conference was held in Columbus, Ohio. I had an integral role in interviewing, selecting, and presenting the new Ohio State Officers to over 1500 students and advisors from around the state.
In conclusion, my HOSA experience helped provide me with improvements in leadership, communication, and team work skills. As I move onto college each of these skills will help me in defining my goals, establishing lasting friendships and relationships, and working with others for common goals for the betterment of our local, state, and national health communities. I am confident that all of these qualities that I have learned and practiced through HOSA will contribute to my success in every aspect of my future!”
Winner #2: Plan beyond college essay
“The day was May 28, 2014. My doctor told my parents that I would need Spinal Fusion Surgery with rods and screws, and it had to happen quickly. Before surgery, the doctor suggested strength training for the muscles in my back so that Iâd recover faster. I immediately went to the local gym and began working with a personal trainer, Justin. I learned so much from him including how the body works and how surgery takes time to heal. After surgery, I knew that I wanted to use my experience to help others, just like Justin helped me. My ultimate goal is to own my own gym to help others, just like Justin helped me. I will also include a nutritional supplement line to make sure clients are fit inside and out. I know I will successfully reach my goals!
I will be pursuing a Bachelorâs Degree in Exercise Science with a Minor in Business. These areas of study will give me the knowledge and background to achieve my ultimate goal. In association with this area of study, I will also be taking an entrepreneurial class and participating in entrepreneurial study group. This will help me in understanding the energy, perseverance, financial commitment, and planning needed to open my own business.
Upon graduation in 4 years, I plan on getting a job in a field associated with my goals, continuing to learn about the field, investing and saving to achieve my dream of having my own gym.”
If you and your student are working on the scholarship process, make sure you donât miss our free scholarship training. Itâs about 45 to 60 minutes long and I cover exactly where you can find more scholarships your student is actually eligible for and are legitimate. Grab your spot here: 6 Steps to Quickly Securing Scholarships for College.
Winner #3: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
“I wake up to the sounds of chickadees singing outside my bedroom window and the delicious smell of breakfast cooking downstairs. A feeling of contentment washes over me as I slip out of bed and into my slippers. I saunter downstairs and sit at the kitchen bar as I rub the sleepy dirt from my eyes and wait to taste my momâs delicious cooking. I love my laid back mornings. No alarms are jolting me out of a deep sleep followed by a mad rush to get ready and catch a bus like the other children in the neighborhood.
From the time I entered kindergarten until my eighth-grade year, I had the privilege of being homeschooled. It was during these formative years that I developed a love of reading and learning. My siblings and I used a literature-based curriculum which made history and other subjects come alive. My favorite part of the school day was our read-aloud books. My mom would sit on the couch, and the four of us would gather around her to see the pictures and hear the stories and then discuss the adventures we just went on. It was so enjoyable that it hardly seemed like school and we would beg for more. The schooled kids I would talk with were all jealous and wished they could be taught at home, too.
I was a late reader and had difficulties with spelling, but I didnât realize that as my mom let me progress at my own pace and never compared me to others. I had plenty of opportunities to be a child and learn through play during the early years and to explore and follow my interests, which often centered around horses and animals. The freedom to pursue my interests is how my passion for architectural design also began as I got a little older. In the early years, my mom would dictate for me and allow me to answer questions orally while my written expression and spelling developed. My mom was a firm believer in âbetter late than never,â when it came to reading and learning. This method worked well for me. I learned much later that I had dyslexia, and I believe if I had started off in public school I would have been frustrated and realized I was struggling more than the other children. My love for learning very well may have been hampered.
The joy of reading and learning is just the tip of the iceberg of how I benefited from being taught at home. I got to grow up surrounded by my family, interacting with them, working as a team, and calling my siblings my best friends. I developed valuable life skills as a result of doing life together. I learned to cook, do laundry, watch younger siblings, plant a garden, clean, and I learned a lot about good health. I learned responsibility, time management, and how to work independently. I became self-motivated and took an interest in my learning.
Homeschooling laid a firm foundation; my values are firmly rooted. My work ethics are strong. I can stand on my own two feet and function independently. I have the skills to manage both my education and my personal life outside of my home. I have the skills necessary to be a successful college student and to pursue a higher level of learning. I give much of this credit to the experience I received as a homeschooled student early on in my formative years.”
Winner #4: Plan beyond college essay
“In five years I will have a four-year degree in Industrial & Innovative Design and a year of work experience under my belt with a design firm. My degree will provide me with the skills, tools, and technology necessary to digitally design. Communication and interpersonal skills will also be part of my educational foundation as interaction with clients will be an essential part of my job. There are several avenues I could pursue with my degree, but my passion lies in residential architectural design. I will be working in a position where I will be talking to clients, drawing out their dreams in a house, designing it, watching it come to life before my eyes, and seeing them move in, making that space their own. As I gain knowledge and expertise, I envision myself volunteering for an organization like Habitats for Humanity which provide housing for those in need of a place to call home.”
Winner #5: Special Attribute or Accomplishment Essay
“I never felt so out of place before.
The battlefield was a scrap-littered felt carpet, white fold-up chairs graffitied by permanent marker and frozen yogurt bowls full of worn-down pencils. Ahead, lied the lone boysâ art class at my church. I was the lone volunteer, deploying only two open ears as a weapon, and had to coax their participation in the annual Christmas craft bonanza that they dreaded for weeks. My first and most impactful lesson in teaching had begun.
The class quickly degenerated into anarchy. I spent the first twenty minutes watching as elbows sent pencils overboard and handmade tattoos crawled up arms. With chaos mounting, I was paralyzed by the inability to speak. I forced myself to listen, as their conversations progressed to artistic ideas: Spiderman ornaments, Batman Christmas cards, ninja star origami. I expected a stir of artistic energy as their art took shape, but all I heard was the crinkling of paper and scattering of markers as ideas never became reality.
Then, it clicked. I could fulfill my duty as a teacher by cultivating the artistic visions I heard. I didnât need to employ bubbly enthusiasm or commanding words. Rather, I could listen, and use my observation to empower their artistic expression. Slowly, I worked to tailor to each fantasy-infused idea, with Pinterest, bubble cuts, and mounds of tape to aid me. As class ended with an assortment of festive superhero projects, I saw a glimpse of the impact that I could make by responding to my observations.
Now, I cherish the chance to act based on what I hear. Through teaching at Kumon and church and leading volunteer organizations, Iâve worked to develop and implement my style of listening to benefit others. Listening is a skill that I feel is often under appreciated in leadership. People usually flock to the figure in the center of the room, not the person on the side listening. But from my experience, itâs clear that I can guide others by harnessing my observations to benefit the inspirations and passions of those around me. My college plans are only avenues to further explore this ideology, as Iâll have the unique perspectives of thousands of other students, and professors to listen to.
While in college, I hope to impact my own learning experience and that of the student body around me by taking an active listening approach. Rather than sink back to my high school mindset that purely focused on soaking in knowledge and regurgitating it for grades, I plan to adopt a posture of employing my listening abilities to curate and act upon a stronger understanding of the lives and perspectives of my campus. Whether it be reciprocating the advice I receive in my summer transition program to my future roommates or finding campus opportunities best fit for my classmates while in conversation with upperclassmen, I believe that I will be able to positively impact both my own individual growth and the intellectual development of others by harnessing my observations and parlaying them into new opportunities, connections, and insights for others.
At a large school, I will be able to work alongside a student body with a swath of complex and fresh career plans, and it is through my observations and subsequent response that I hope to help others move further along their path to reaching their ideals while pursuing my own career in medicine. In doing so, I am confident that I will be able to forge the deep, lasting bonds that I consider critical for personal development all while building up skills in observation and interaction- traits that I consider integral to a successful medicinal career.
Whether itâs in a lecture hall or while stepping foot into my first Christian club meeting, Iâll be surrounded by a myriad of unique voices, experiences, and insights. I can hear it now, and I canât wait to listen.”
Winner #6: Plan beyond college essay
“Having worked in childrenâs education for years, Iâm enthralled by child psychology. From shaping my Kumon studentsâ work ethic through positive reinforcement to employing associative learning to help my church students anchor their understanding of scripture, I have become experienced in using my knowledge of psychological concepts to help children manifest their cognitive and social abilities. Based on my experience working and bonding with youth, I want to be able to integrate psychological concepts into my future work as a pediatrician to develop supportive and insightful relationships with my patients.
As a psychobiology major, I hope to continue building a strong, fundamental understanding of the mental aspects of human well-being to complement with a growing knowledge of the physical aspects involved in bodily development. While learning, I plan to integrate and enhance an expanding grasp of psychological concepts within my volunteer and extracurricular activities, as I find new organizations and clubs that allow me to teach children and gain further insight into how psychological ideas can impact the health of a child.
Following this experience, I plan to attend medical school, where I will be able to harness my undergraduate education to explore medical concepts in depth while also receiving more hands-on experience shadowing and observing the work of current and future physicians.
Ultimately, I plan to discover a career path that fits both my strong interest in the underlying mental and physical factors that shape child development and translate my knowledge into becoming a dependable and caring pediatrician.”
Additional Winning Scholarship Essay Examples That Won:
Essay Prompt: Submit an essay (750-1,000 words) on the following topic:
- Tell us about that time you did something extraordinary with money.
- What did you accomplish and why?
- How did that experience shape you as a person?
- What did you learn?
- What can you share with others so they can also learn from your story?
Standing outside in the rain shuffling through the wet mail is about as riveting as it sounds. I was going through a handful of car dealership coupons and bills when I saw an envelope at the bottom of the stack addressed to meâsomething that doesn’t happen often when you’re twelve. Inside was an $800 check for a radio show I worked on called âAdventures in Odyssey.â That day was my first taste of money, and I felt like a millionaire. Then I asked my mom how much our house cost because I was curious, and the numbers that came out of her mouth were more than middle school me could have imagined. Suddenly $800 didn’t seem like so much. My mind immediately went to the fact that one day I would have to pay my own rent, electricity bill, and buy my own groceries, not to mention pay for college, which I had already heard about from my friends’ parents and older siblings. I knew I had to think up a way to start earning and saving money as soon as possible, and the idea of starting my own business was one that stuck.
I’ve been drawing and painting since I was three or four, and the most popular request I got when I took my sketchbook out in school was, âCould you draw me?â It occurred to me that it was the perfect way to start my own business selling my art, and since I was my own boss, I could work whenever I had the time from the comfort of my own home. Eventually, word got out at my middle school that I was selling drawings and people I didn’t even know began to reach out to me to buy them. I ended up making well over a hundred dollars in my first two weeks.
At one point, people started asking me if I could sell a piece to a friend of theirs who didn’t go to our school. The drawings and money changing hands made it difficult because both had to go through someone else to reach me, and the person who ordered the art. I started to think about how I could start selling my art to people outside my school in an easier way, and the perfect platform dropped into the palm of my hand when I discovered Tumblr. It was a social media platform like Facebook or Twitter, but it was dominated by people who were around my age at the time. I found dozens of art blogs that said that they sold their art through online commissions, and everything seemed to click. I created a blog and set up a Paypal account so I could sell my art to people from all around the world, and that was the birth of Kohana Illustrations, a company I still run to this day.
The experience of starting my own company completely changed my point of view about money. Being a family of artists, our income was inconsistent, so we learned to be smart with our money. But actually earning money for myself for the first time made me even more financially conscious and taught me how to handle, track, and save money. I remember using some of the money I made to go to the store after school to buy a little black notebook, which I decided would be my âmoney logâ to keep track of my income and expenses. My parents told me when they got a paycheck, they would put aside 10% of their earnings for charity and another 10% to put towards investments (another term I learned that day). I decided to do the same thing whenever I got paid. I drew a four-column chart in my notebook and kept track of my total earnings, investment savings, charity donations, and expenses. This is a system that has stuck with me to this day. It has taught me to not only retain money but also the value of giving back. I’ve donated to several charities including Nourish the Children, a charity that feeds malnourished children, and the ACF, which works to bring love back to children affected by the trauma of child abuse and family violence. In terms of investments, as I earned more money, I decided to open a Roth IRA account when I was fourteen. I’ve been contributing to it for the past four years and I’m proud to see a 34% gain to date!
Kohana Illustrations has taught me nearly everything I know about money so far through experience. If I had never created it, I wouldn’t have the money to give back to charity or start my retirement fund at such a young age. Working for my own money taught me its value and how to best utilize it so I can retain it over time. This scholarship would be a huge step towards my graduating with as little debt as possible, and I hope that people can learn from my experience and my story. If I can share anything with others, it would be that you’re never too young to start saving and investing in your own future.
Essay Prompt: unknown
Ever since the birth of modern America, community and school-driven sports have brought families and friends closer for decades. Competition is the fuel behind this fire and has sparked both rivalries and college careers. I have played sports since a very young age and it has taught me many life lessons through the years and I believe it has prepared me in a positive way to pursue not only my college education, but my life goals as well.
I started playing sports when I was 5 years old. Ironically it was soccer, which is a sport I havenât pursued as a player, but one that I referee now. Also I was coached by none other than Bruce Elvington. His son, Logan, was on the team as well and we have maintained a steady friendship through the years. I have lived in Howe all my life so it was only natural that I started playing pee-wee football when I was 6 years old because that is what my friends did in Howe. Playing with my buddies has always been the biggest thing I enjoy about sports and a lesson I learned early on which started in pee-wee football. It helped me to connect with my friends outside of school with a sport that arguably does the best job of bringing guys closer together and forming an almost unbreakable bond.
I started playing baseball about the same time I started playing football which, as anyone with kids can imagine, was a nightmare in terms of scheduling. I played every year until kid-pitch and I managed to break my arm which forced me to miss a whole season of baseball. This was my first lesson of injury in a sports season which was something I had never before experienced. Missing that first season of kid pitch was rough because I felt I was a year behind and after that I had to work long hours to improve my skills to achieve the same level of the other guys. However, this turned out to be a positive situation of sorts because it was a small step in preparing me for high school sports and the real-world. How? It forced me to work harder.
I continued to play sports throughout middle school including football, basketball, track in school and baseball with Howe Youth Sports Association. Upon entering high school I continued these 4 sports and did my part as a freshman, working hard to help the program and fill spaces. My sophomore year I didnât play football because it was difficult to manage my Type 1 Diabetes in the heat, and the risk of concussions, so I tried powerlifting and quickly realized I had the technique and strength to truly be good at it. I placed 8th in the Region in the 165 weight class and was looking forward to the next year. I played baseball that spring as well and just focused on my mechanics. I knew I did not want to play sports at the collegiate level. I simply enjoyed playing for the sake of competition, physical conditioning, discipline and being part of a brotherhood.
My junior year, which was last year, was probably the most interesting year yet. I decided again to not play football, I focused on my offseason workouts and getting ready for powerlifting. That is what I thought about every day until football was over. The very first meet we went to, the S&S powerlifting meet, I was on my final squat lift of 440 pounds. I went down and as I pushed to come up, I felt a sharp pain in my lower back and knew something was wrong. They walked me to the training room and was told that I strained my lower back quite severely. I was devastated. I had been working so hard all offseason and my third lift of the season I get hurt? It sucked and it was a huge lesson and mental struggle to get over those facts. The biggest lesson I took from that ordeal is that sometimes you work extremely hard for something and it can be taken away in a split second. It just showed me even more that life really is not fair. On the bright side, I made a decently quick recovery and was able to compete in the Howe meet and I managed to qualify for Regionals. I was sitting in 6th place after my bench lift during the Regional powerlifting meet in Chico, Texas. I had one more chance to qualify for state or at least qualify for state alternate. The odds were not looking good until the very last lift of two guys in front of me. They decided to go for a crazy weight and both ended up dropping the bar which automatically disqualifies them. I did well enough to place 3 rd and was able to go with my friends to the state powerlifting meet as the first alternate in the 165 weight class.
This year, I decided to play football to be with my buddies for my senior year and because I believe in what Coach J is bringing to our program. Our season was rough and there were many different struggles we all shared as a football family. Through all we went through, all the hurts and pains and discomforts, I would do it all again for my brothers. Football showed me what it can be to have a strong bond with the guy next to you. Itâs almost like a less intense version of serving in the military. Iâm blessed I did not have to be called to serve. Coach J did that for us.
Throughout my high school career of sports, I have learned my different lessons, big and small that have helped me grow as a young man and be prepared for the world today. I have been accepted to Southwestern Assemblies of God University and plan to get my degree in something pertaining to the ministry. Playing sports in high school has shown me the enormous amount of discipline it takes to keep up with school, sports, and extracurricular activities so I will be better prepared for college schedules and be much less overwhelmed. I am so thankful for the lessons I have learned playing these sports and the many memories and laughs I have had with all my friends. It is something I will always remember and treasure for many years. I want to give a big thank you to every coach and parent that has contributed to this journey because without them, none of it would have been possible. My parents deserve a heap of praise as well for supporting me and carting me to every practice and every game. Playing sports has had an enormously positive impact on my life, my future and has taught me countless life lessons both big and small and for that I will be forever grateful.
How to Use Scholarship Essay Examples to Win Scholarships
As students review scholarship essay examples, they may wonder how they can leverage them to increase their odds of winning scholarships or other financial aid that requires essays. First, students need to remember that plagiarizing another studentâs essay is never a smart move. Many scholarship committees will use a variety of tools to see if any content is copied from another source. Additionally, theyâll likely recall any of the winning essays sent to their organization.
Ultimately, students need to treat the examples of winning scholarship essays as learning opportunities and sources of inspiration. Students can see which scholarship essay format typically works best, how to approach story-telling, what type of tone connects with committee members, and much more. That information can turn them into better essay writers, ensuring their responses to scholarship essay prompts meet or exceed expectations.
Additionally, scholarship essay examples help students figure out what moments in their lives are unique and compelling. Essentially, it gives them a point of comparison, allowing them to determine whether the topic or event they were going to discuss is likely to catch the attention of scholarship committee members.
By keeping all of that in mind, students can hone their essay-writing skills before they start applying for scholarships. Then, when itâs time to submit their scholarship essays, theyâll be in the strongest possible position with the knowledge and tools they need to stand out from the pack.
If youâre looking for additional helpful information regarding writing scholarship essays? Here are some additional articles to explore:
How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays
- Make Scholarship Essays Stand Out by Avoiding These 4 Clichés
- Pinterest 499
December 4, 2020 at 3:01 pm
These essays are so impressive and enjoyable to read, they really are the best scholarship essays I have come across. Thanks very much for posting they are very educative.
April 7, 2021 at 7:42 am
I like how personal they were. Each essay has got it’s own uniqueness and I have learned a lot from reading them. Thank you @thescholarshipsysytem.
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6 Awesome Scholarship Essays That Worked
When it comes to paying for college, scholarships are the best form of financial aid, since they offer students free money that never needs to be repaid. But letâs face it: completing scholarship applications, especially the essays, can feel overwhelming. The scholarship essay is arguably the most important part of the application and should be well-thought-out. In this article, weâll walk through five scholarship essay examples and explain why they worked, so that you can write your own winning scholarship essays .
Here are 6 winning scholarship essay examples that worked:
Why this scholarship essay example worked:, how could this essay have been better , want more resources on writing your scholarship essay, get started with your scholarship essay.
The essay is your chance to let your personality and life experiences shine through, giving you the opportunity to stand out from other applicants.
The best way to get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for is to look over scholarship essay examples from past winners. Take some time to analyze the writing style, think about the strong points, and consider how you can improve. Below, weâll show you just how you might dissect a scholarship essay.
1. Going Merry Scholarship Success Story by Gabby DeMott
Whatâs a winning scholarship essay look like? Check out this Going Merry success story with Gabby DeMott.
ESSAY PROMPT: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
âThere were only a few minutes to go and our eyes were glued to the screen. On the edge of our seats, clutching whoever happened to be next to us, we watched as the referee blew his whistle and the German players took their free kick. The ball was hit with precision and skill; it flew up over the Swedish players, past their goalie, and was caught safely in the back of the opposing teamâs net. We all jumped up and screamed, a mixture of German and English, of excitement and relief, of pride and anticipation.
We stood, enraptured, for the last several minutes of the game as Germany kept its 2-1 lead over Sweden. The horde of us, Germans and Americans alike, hugged and cheered and made our way out onto the balcony, where we chanted âDeutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!â for the whole village, the whole country, the whole world to hear. Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn’t even mine, so part of something I didn’t really belong to.
My German friends didn’t care that we were from different countries; they didn’t care that we would only be staying for three weeks. They accepted us into their homes and their daily lives, their traditions and their celebrations. In watching that World Cup game, it didn’t matter that we were from different places; we were all cheering for the same team. The acceptance I felt in Germany extended beyond that living room. I came to the country on a three week exchange with ten other students from my school.
We each stayed with host families and attended the Wildermuth Gymnasium, which was surprisingly accommodating to a gaggle of loud American teenagers. The teachers were friendly and welcoming, the students treated us like ordinary peers, and even the people I interacted with in public were understanding.
Before coming to Germany I feared judgment based on my level of the language (which is nowhere near as good as the German studentsâ English) and American politics. It was intimidating to be in a country with limited knowledge of the language and the customs, even though everyone was welcoming. People did ask myself and the other students about the USâs political climate, but no one blamed us for it. They recognized that we were outsiders, that the place we came from had flaws, and they accepted us anyway.
Since that trip, Iâve found myself trying to provide that acceptance to people in my own country. For example, I work at a canoe livery and we receive a lot of visitors with limited English. Some of my coworkers will avoid such customers because they donât want to take the time to explain things, to exercise patience with someone who may not understand them. If people had done this to me in Germany, my time there would have been much less enjoyable; in fact, I would have been offended.
So now when someone walks up to me at the livery and asks a question in English that isnât perfect, I smile and welcome them. I take my time to make sure they understand, that they can have a good time, and that they feel accepted. Itâs a small action, but I know firsthand that it can make a big impact, at my place of work and in the world. “
- It shares a personal story of realization. Gabby’s essay throws us right in the middle of the action in her story, from her perspective. She paints a clear picture of where she is, how she feels, and what her goals were in that moment. She then goes on to explain the unity of the German and American students to introduce other people in the essay. LESSON TO TAKE : When including additional people in an essay, introduce them early on so you can continue telling your story in an organic way.
- She reflects on her previous fears and explains how she’s moved past those to grow. In the fifth paragraph, Gabby shares how she feared judgment due to her level of the German language and American politics. As Gabby became more familiar with the host families and her German friends, she realizes they accepted her, and she relaxes. LESSON TO TAKE: Sharing a story in sequential order can help illustrate personal growth and how your character changed for the better.
- She answers the prompt and demonstrates how she’ll put her newfound knowledge in action. Once Gabby realized her German friends and host family accepted her, regardless of her fears, that sparked a realization for her when she returned home to America. Gabby concludes her essay by explaining how she’s providing that same acceptance she received in another country to acquaintances and people in her country, to be patient, help them enjoy themselves, and to welcome them. LESSON TO TAKE : Consider concluding your essay with a wrap-up of what you learned, and how you plan to apply that lesson in your life.
2. Who is a âGoodâ Doctor? by Joseph Lee
Below is a winning essay from Joseph Lee, Rush Medical College for the Giva Scholarship.
ESSAY PROMPT: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?
âHad you asked me the same question one year ago, my answer would have been vastly different to the one I will give today. In the summer of 2012, with my first year of medical school completed, I embarked upon my last official summer vacation with two things in mind: a basketball tournament in Dallas and one in Atlanta. My closest friends and I had been playing in tournaments for the past 10 summers, and it was a sacred bond forged together in the name of competition. However, two weeks before our first tournament, I became instantly and overwhelmingly short of breath. Having been born to Korean immigrant parents, I was raised to utilize the hospital in emergency cases only, and I knew this was such a case. A few scans later, doctors discovered numerous pulmonary emboli (PE), caused by a subclavian deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and just like that, I was lying in a bed of a major hospital for a life threatening condition.
Fast forward a few months, and I am lying in a similar bed to treat the underlying cause of the subclavian DVT: a first rib removal. There is little that can adequately prepare someone physically, emotionally or spiritually to undergo surgery; and my thoughts continued to race in the days following. In addition to the expected physical pain, isolation, fear and frustration were a few of the emotions I experienced in the four day ordeal. The procedure went according to plan thanks to a skilled surgeon and his team, but the attributes that made the doctor âgoodâ went far beyond his ability to operate.
“Wow. I’m glad you are feeling better” and “I can’t believe you went through that” are common reactions people have when they see the scars on my upper chest. Quite frankly, the past nine months have been difficult, literally full of blood, sweat and tears. But through it all, I have been able to maintain my positivity and gratitude knowing that I have gained the invaluable experience of being a patient and discovering the vulnerability and trust that patients give their doctors. Patients indulge information to doctors that they may have never told anyone in their life and in doing so, place a great deal of trust and responsibility in the hands of a doctor. Many patients will not understand the mechanism of disease behind their condition and anticipate that the doctor will explain to them and their family why it is that they are feeling the way they are and ultimately heal them. And that is precisely what my surgeon understood: the privilege of being able to care for patients and the intimacy of the doctor-patient relationship. And as I awoke to the care of my worried parents, the first thing they wanted to discuss was the details of the procedure that was methodically and patiently explained to them by my “good” doctor.
In study after study, patients have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care, not because of lack of knowledge or health outcome, but because their doctors did not show enough warmth in the encounter or listen to the patient’s questions and concerns. There are few times where a patient and their loved ones are more vulnerable and in need of compassion than when dealing with a hospitalization. And for some doctors, a patient may be another item on a checklist, but that patient is someone’s mother or father, son or daughter, sister or brother. My “good” doctor understood this and would often say “If you were my son…” when discussing treatment options, reflecting on the type of care he would want for his family and treating me similarly. Such ideals are rooted in love and compassion for patients, not as clients in the health care system, but as fellow human beings striving to make something of themselves and the world around them (I).
Unfortunately, the ordeal of living with a chronic illness or undergoing a major operation extends beyond the confines of the hospital. Whether it is creditors harassing patients for medical bills, prescriptions that need to be refilled, or lifestyle modifications that need to be made, the health care experience doesn’t end when a patient walks out of the hospital doors. It often takes merely a minute, as in the case of the “good” doctor who told me that as a student I could apply to get the procedure financially covered by the hospital. Such foresight in anticipating financial concerns and directing me on the next steps to be taken provided relief in the surmounting stress.
Lastly, the “good” doctor understands that as our patients are human, so are we. This means we will make mistakes, some of which can result in life-threatening consequences. With that said, the “good” doctor practices humility and honesty, apologizing and sharing as much information with patients as possible. Although no one strives to make mistakes, they will happen, and how one reacts to them is a distinguishing feature of the “good” doctor (II).
Of all the qualities I tried to explain in what makes a “good” doctor, there was no emphasis on skill and knowledge. And while being able to fulfill the duties of making the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans is expected, the intangibles of love, compassion, foresight and honesty is what makes a doctor, “good”. I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a “good” doctor.â
- It tells a captivating story. This essay immediately pulls the reader in, immersing the audience right in the story. . We want to know how Josephâs definition of a good doctor changed and why it did so. Hooking your reader from the first sentence of your essay or even the first paragraph is a surefire way to keep your reader engaged in the story youâre telling. The story itself is also told really well, with good pacing and just enough detail to elicit empathy without causing boredom. (He could have easily given too much scientific/medical detail!) LESSON TO TAKE : When telling an anecdote, consider how much detail is the right amount, to make it engaging.
- Itâs a list, without you realizing itâs a list. After the first 2 paragraphs (which are mostly story-telling), the rest of the essay is effectively a list of ways that doctors are âgoodâ: they recognize the intimacy and trust involved in the doctor-patient relationship (paragraphs 3-4), they anticipate future sources of patient stress (paragraph 5), and they exercise humility (paragraph 6). Joseph could have easily structured the essay simply by saying âThere are 3 main things that make a doctor goodâ and then explaining each idea. However, that would have been much more boring! Instead, he expertly hides the list format, by couching it in an engaging story. LESSON TO TAKE: Not all list-type essays need to feel like lists.
- Itâs personal and believable. Joseph takes a negative personal experience, shows what he learned from it and how it caused him to grow as a person. Sometimes essays about singular, defining moments or experiences can seem blown out of proportion and thus not credible. This one feels right: a big ordeal in his life that has therefore shifted his perspective. LESSON TO TAKE : Consider which personal stories to tell, and make sure the âsizeâ of the story feels right.
3. Life Happens Scholarship by Emily Trader
Here is an example of a moving scholarship essay on the topic of family loss by Emily Trader for the Life Happens award.
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 familyâs financial situation.
âWhen I was seventeen years old, my father lost his battle with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. As long as I shall live, I do not believe that I will ever forget the first moment I saw my fatherâs once vibrant face in that cold and unforgiving casket. I wonât forget his lifeless and defeated hands, or how his pale lips would never utter another joke or speak to his grandchildren. Even though the day of his funeral was undoubtedly the worst day of my life, I wish I could relive it just to be with him one more time. Since that moment, I have felt as if all of my grief and longing resides underneath my skin with nothing to relieve the pressure. On September 8th, 2016, I lost my voice of reason, my confidant, my cheerleader, and my best friend.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had lost so much more. Upon my fatherâs passing, he left us with funeral and medical expenses that his insurance would not cover. Because he did not have any form of life insurance, the financial burden of his death was now the responsibility of my mother and me. Even though my mother works night shifts as a neonatal nurse and her commute is nearly two hours, she was forced to pick up extra shifts to support my family. Though I already had a job and I worked about ten hours a week, I now work anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five hours a week, and I am also a full-time high honor student. Even though the death of my father forced me to realize the importance of cherishing time with my family, I do not see them very often because of our busy schedules. I also sacrificed my social life and the joy that every senior in high school should experience. Instead of football games and homecoming, I had to deal with mourning and the possibility that I would not attend college because of my familyâs financial troubles.
If my father had a life insurance policy, we would not have to work ourselves to the bone and sacrifice our physical and emotional well-being to keep up with expenses. I would not have to worry so intensely about the future of my education on top of the crippling grief that I have felt over the last five months. If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable. I will not soon forget the stress and despair that I have experienced, and I now realize that to have a life insurance policy is to throw your surviving family members a crucial lifeline. Though no one can ever prepare you for the trauma of losing a parent, life insurance allows you to grieve without the constant stress of financial burden, and for that reason, it is an absolutely essential precaution.
I love and miss you so much, Dad. Thank God I will see you again.â
- She answers the prompt . It would be easy to write an essay that just spoke to her grief, or to what her father was like and how much he meant to her. But the essay prompt asks applicants to reflect on how the loss has affected the student emotionally and financially. Emily does a great job of this, by connecting the financial parts (she and her mother needing to pick up extra hours of work), with the emotional (due to the work schedule, the family not being able to spend as much time together). She also addresses how this might affect her college plans. LESSON TO TAKE :
- She provides (beautiful) detail. The first paragraph immediately pulls the reader in because of the detailed description she provides (â his lifeless and defeated handsâ, âpale lipsâ ). Similarly, the specificity of how her family is shouldering the financial burden (e.g. her working 25-to-35-hour weeks) make it feel more real rather than generic. LESSON TO TAKE : Use details and descriptions to make something feel more emotional and tangible.
- She knows her audience . This scholarship is funded by Life Happens, an organization formed by seven leading insurance providers, in order to educate the public about important insurance planning topics. Clearly Emily researched the provider and understood that an essay that spoke to the importance of insurance planning would be well-received by the essay readers. LESSON TO TAKE : Research the scholarship provider and adjust your content to fit the organizationâs or companyâs mission statement (or business model).
4. Going Merry Scholarship Success Story by Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez
JesĂșs Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez wrote a winning scholarship essay (and video!) that he submitted on Going Merry . He earned an outstanding $40,000 through the Golden Door Scholarship.
ESSAY PROMPT: What differentiates you from the hundreds of DACA students who apply to our scholarship? Use one of those opportunities to tell us something else we cannot see just by looking at your grades, test scores, and transcripts.
“I always knew I was different than my friends in some way. Growing up, I struggled to speak English while everyone else had little to no problems. I needed extra help in school while my friends coasted by with ease. My friends would hop on planes and travel all around the world while I had to stay at home. At the age of 13 all of my friends started driving while I still couldnât.
I built up the courage and asked my mother why I did not have access to the simple liberties everyone else did. My name Is Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez, and I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life.
Looking back there is not a single thing that I would change. Knowing that I had to work harder than everyone else lead me to be the person that I am today. I took that fire inside of me, pushed myself, graduated first in my class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA, became a Kansas Scholar, and graduated High School with a semesterâs worth of college credit. In November of 2016, everything began to look up for me. I received a work permit and a social security card all thanks to the DACA program. I was finally able to get my license, get a job, and most importantly attend college.
I plan to continue my success in the classroom and do everything to the best of my ability as I know that under my current circumstances it can all be ripped away from me at any moment. Growing up with my situation has taught me to not take advantage of a single opportunity. There has been continued support around me past and current and I know there are people out there rooting for my success. I will strive to be the first generation in my family to graduate from an American University and I will set a stepping stone for my future family so they will not have to struggle as I did. My citizenship is not a setback, it is a mere obstacle that I will always learn to work around if it means giving my future children a better life, just like my mother did for me.”
- He shares how hardships made him who he is today. Right off the bat, Jesus sets the tone for his essay by sharing how he struggled to speak English and that he was not given the same opportunities as his peers. He shares his mother’s explanation on why he lived a different life, along with his honesty in the challenges of growing up with a different citizenship situation than the teens around him. LESSON TO TAKE : Share personal details (as you feel comfortable), and consider including a defining memory or conversation hat contributes to your story. This can help paint a picture of your beginnings or your inspirations.
- He includes emotional details. Although Jesus grew up with hardships, he persevered and mentions he wouldn’t change anything. It may have taken a little longer than his peers to get his license, but he also excelled in school, pushed himself to graduate first in class, and take college courses on top of all that. LESSON TO TAKE : Tell your story with details, feelings, thoughts and emotions to explain where you came from and where you are now.
- He plans for the future . Jesus shared his personal story with us, and then explains how he plans to continue his success without letting anything get in the way of his path. He goes on to say his citizenship is not a setback, and that he works to provide a better life for himself and for his future children. LESSON TO TAKE : Include your plan at the end of the essay. Consider how you’ve grown and how you will bring these lessons learned with you to help your future.
5. Why College Is Important to Me by Nicole Kuznetsov
Here’s an example of a simple yet creative and heartfelt essay on the popular prompt, Why is college important to you?
ESSAY PROMPT: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?
âAs a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom. I found comfort in the fact that my future had an easy-to-follow template: elementary, middle, and high school, college, job, family retirement, âhappily ever afterâ ending. When I graduated from elementary school I was told I completed 25% of my education. During my middle school graduation, I was told I was halfway there and I know Iâll be told Iâm 75% done when I throw my cap in the air this June. College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary.
Going to college makes sense. From helping my parents land stable jobs after coming to America to giving my brother the chance to gain work experience at some of the top financial firms, college educations have shown their worth in my family. Yet I didnât think about what actually goes on inside the magical universities until I entered high school. Applying to the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering was the first time I had actively made a decision in my education. With the encouragement of my parents and favorite science teacher who recognized that I would excel in the challenging environment of like-minded students, I applied. Four years later, I can confidently say they were right.
My class of twenty-six has shown me the benefits of a collaborative rather than a competitive environment, especially the impact that camaraderie with my peers has on our collective learning experience. Each student has an inspiring level of passion and motivation that made me excited to learn, work on projects, and participate in discussions both in and out of the classroom. I used my education to gain skills and open doors for myself such as an internship at my local hospital. I gained confidence in my abilities to communicate with individuals from strangers my age to practicing professionals. I was thinking longer and harder than I ever had before to solve individual problems and large-scale challenges. In all honesty, I was having fun.
Looking back on my years at the Academy I realize how big of an impact the school made on how I view education. I wasnât coming to school to mark another day off my calendar and inch closer to finishing the next 25%. I came to school to learn and question and push myself. Now, as a senior, Iâm excited. Iâm thankful for the sample that my high school gave me of what learning is supposed to be like and thankful that it left me wanting more. Iâm entering college in August with a new understanding of its importance. It is important because it is what I want for my future.â
- It finds structure through chronology . This essay is basically structured like a chronological timeline: As a child, I believed this. Then I applied to this high school (my first active academic decision). Then the high school changed me. Now Iâm a senior and I believe this. Not all stories are best told in time order, but the simplest stories often are. And simple stories provide structure, which scholarship committees love. LESSON TO TAKE: Consider structuring your essay like a timeline, emphasizing the milestones along the way that have led you to where you are today.
- It is simply told . While the essay is descriptive, it doesnât try to get fancy with overly flowery language or unnecessarily long SAT words. And thatâs the strength of it. For instance, this passage [â College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessaryâ ] explains her childâs logic in a really clear and well-written way.
- Itâs got (mostly) great topic sentences . We here at Going Merry love a good topic sentence– that is, a sentence at the beginning (or end) of a paragraph that summarizes the rest of the paragraph. It helps âsignpostâ the most important parts of your essay. Here, three of the four paragraphs (1, 2, and 4) have strong and concise topic sentences. âAs a child, my life had structureâ sets up the rest of the paragraph to explain what these structures and unquestioned rules were. âGoing to college makes senseâ sets up why college made sense to her parents.
6. Financial Literacy for Hispanic Women by Rosaisha Ozoria
The inaugural Founderâs Scholarship supported by the New York Womenâs Bond Club in honor of Michaela Walsh goes to two New York City public high school students who won an essay competition writing about their hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide . Winners of this scholarship won a trip to accompany Womenâs World Banking to Amman, Jordan for their biennial gathering of WWB network members.
PROMPT: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.
WINNING ESSAY:
âTwice a week I head down to volunteer at the Los Sures Social Services office, situated next to the local senior citizen home, to help at the food pantry. We distribute food to people in my neighborhood. Many are familiar faces. Many are middle-aged Hispanic women with children dangling from their hips like grass skirts. These women are there as a result of their culture and lack of financial knowledge. In our Spanish culture, patriarchy prevents women from preparing for themselves as much as they should. This leads to Hispanic women having little or no money management skills. Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighborhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial education.
While I was volunteering I met a woman who happened to live in the same building as my aunt. Unemployed with two young children, and a husband earning minimum wage at a fast food restaurant, she struggled to get by every day. I thought to myself â many in my community are just like her. Then I realized I could do something to help. How? I can start a financial literacy program, which teaches Hispanic women to earn and manage money. Once a woman becomes financially literate, she is capable of making good personal and professional decisions, empowering her to improve her familyâs financial well-being. Moreover, such a program will help Hispanic women become competitive employees, even in a slow recovering economy such as the one we are experiencing now.
Participating in the 2013 Womenâs World Banking Global Meeting in Amman, Jordan gives me access to invaluable resources that will help me achieve this goal. I hope to find mentors from a roomful of inspiring, experienced leaders who will offer me their guidance. Also, meeting accomplished women from other countries means access to new ideas and unique perspectives. And if I am lucky, I may even come across individuals who can provide financial support to jumpstart my financial literacy program for Hispanic women. Lastly, I will tell my idea to everyone I meet in Jordan, a baby step to help Hispanic women rise from poverty.
The world continues to change rapidly, especially with globalization. It is about time that Hispanic women strive for gender equality. Thus, it is essential that Hispanic women increase their roles and knowledge in finance. The women in my neighborhood shall no longer be left out. I will task myself to help these women become better, stronger and most importantly, take control of their lives. I want to be involved so that they can save themselves from any unforeseen financial crisis. This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference â in my neighborhood and for my Spanish community.â
- There is clear structure . Right off the bat, the introduction summarizes what the reader can expect to find in the body of the essay. In particular, the closing line of the first paragraph (â Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighborhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial educationâ) works as an effective topic sentence, tying together the anecdote and the reason sheâs interested in networking with the scholarship provider, Womenâs World Banking. The last 2 paragraphs also serve clear, independent purposes: the penultimate one establishes what she would do with the scholarship (the trip to Amman), and the final paragraph explains why her particular interest is important for the larger Hispanic community. LESSON TO TAKE: Clear structure helps the reader follow your point better (especially if theyâre skimming, which scholarship essay readers almost definitely are!) So include a summarizing topic sentence at the beginning or end of your first paragraph, and make sure each subsequent paragraph serves a purpose that moves forward your argument or story.
- The authorâs passion shines. Rosaisha, the scholarship winner, is clearly passionate about serving her Hispanic community of women. And rather than simply saying that, she shows us how she cares by using personal examples from her volunteer work. LESSON TO TAKE : Show, donât tell. Use specific personal examples, and donât be afraid to show your emotions.
- She stays positive. Even though Rosaisha discusses what might be considered a difficult and personal topic, she keeps the tone light and inspirational. She expresses hope and her desire to make a change in the world, answering the essay in a positive tone. Itâs important to make sure your essay is not too depressing to read. (Essays about personal trauma are a bad idea.) This is a scholarship provider, not a therapist!
While this was a winning essay, we note that it did have two points of weakness:
- The second paragraph lacks a bit of structure. Her point ends up feeling a bit generic, and itâs unclear what she is thinking versus planning or actually doing . For instance, she realized she could start a financial literacy program. Did she then do so? Itâs unclear.
- The last paragraph is again a bit general. Often scholarship committees want to see what concrete steps will be taken, using the scholarship award. Here she speaks in lofty terms about what goals she hopes to accomplish, without explaining ways she might accomplish this goal.
For more information on writing a killer scholarship essay, check out our list of helpful tips .
Also check out these related blog posts:
- 6 tips for writing scholarship essays about academic goals
- How to write the best personal statement, with examples
- How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
You can start writing your winning scholarship essay today and submit it to thousands of scholarship applications, all in one place. Sign up for Going Merry today to put your pro scholarship essay writing skills to practice. Going Merry is your one-stop scholarship shop to search and apply for scholarships to get you on the right foot for funding your future.
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- 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 organizationâs 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 donât 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 âHow does technology affect your daily life?â or âWho has had the greatest impact on your life?â
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 applicationâs strength, your financial situation, and your demonstrated interest in the school.
Check with your guidance counselor, local organizations, community network, or prospective schoolsâ financial aid offices for scholarship opportunities. Itâs 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.
Donât 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 theyâre 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 parentsâ 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 youâre adapting another essay, itâs important to make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt, stays within the word count limit , and demonstrates the organizationâs 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 organizationâs 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 organizationâs values, maintain your authentic voice. Never use false or exaggerated stories. If the organizationâs values donât align with yours or you canât 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 organizationâs values
- Includes an authentic story
- Focuses on you and your experience, not someone elseâs
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 Chelseaâs 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 Chelseaâs 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 neighborsâ 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 didnât 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 Chelseaâs 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 werenât 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, âDid you forget that youâre testing tonight?â I responded, âNo, sirâbut whatâs the use of taking a leadership test if you arenât going to lead in real life?â 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, âFrom the same leadership manual I gave you!â
Chelseaâs Chicken has offered me so much more than a paycheck. Because of Rogerâs 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 Iâm signing up for a challenging majorâBiology, Pre-Medâyet I also know that Chelseaâs 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 promptâs 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 organizationâs 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 .
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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 competitiveâand thatâs 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, weâve 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. Youâll also get a better sense of what scholarship committees look for when they review applications.
In this guide to Scholarship Essay Examples, youâll 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!
Weâve included scholarship essay examples specific to schools, including UC Berkeley, as well as specific programs, like the SHPE scholarship. Weâll also discuss the different types of scholarships youâll find on your scholarship search.
Now, before we jump into our essay examples, letâs learn more about getting scholarship money for college.
What is a scholarship essay?
A scholarship essay is an essay youâll 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, weâll review different winning scholarship essay examples to show you what kind of essays youâll 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 youâll 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 youâre not sure whether or not youâre 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 youâll see in our winning scholarship essay examples, the prompts can vary in word count and complexity. Weâll provide you with descriptive essay examples to help you get an idea of what to expect.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Most scholarships weâll 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 studentâs financial need. If you are applying for financial aid, be sure to check out our scholarship essay examples about financial need. Youâll 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 theyâre primarily concerned with your familyâs 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, youâll 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, weâll 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, youâll 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, youâll 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. Hereâs what they have to say about having a winning scholarship essay format.
Organization
When writing a scholarship essay, itâs 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. Youâll 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 youâve caught any spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your application.
Up next, weâll 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, letâs 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, weâll 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
Letâs 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. Hereâs 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 Rhoâs 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 theyâve 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 didnât 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 parentsâ confusion when I didnât 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 didnât 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 couldnât 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 familyâs 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 writerâs 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 âWhy I deserve the scholarshipâ
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, youâll 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.
Hereâs 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 Iâm 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 couldnât 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 communityâs 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 promptâthat is, they highlight their potential to make a lifelong impact on members of their community.
Ready for another scholarship essay example? Hereâs 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
Letâs 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, weâve 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.
Youâll 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
- Regentsâ and Chancellorâs 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 âpaying it forwardâ 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 Parkinsonâs 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 âMake a Difference Rockland,â 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 thatâit highlights the writerâs background and describes how they give back to their community.
Next, letâs dig into a few more scholarship essay examples.
If youâre 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, youâll start to notice how the details, tone, and flow all work together to tell a story.
Below, youâll find a few more scholarship essay examples. Our first one is from the NC Parks Scholarship. Hereâs 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.
âWhat are the boys like in high school?â âIs it easy to get a boyfriend?â Sighing, the other frustrated leaders and I look at each other as we read the questions posed by the younger girls. Every year at Girlsâ 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, âYou shouldnât worry about boys. Instead, enjoy your friends, and do things you enjoy.â 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 âone size fits allâ; it must be individualized to the personâs needs. Now, when faced with a question about dating, I respond with more questions before giving âwords of wisdomâ.
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 personâs viewpoint.
Beyond understanding other viewpoints from GNO, I have learned from other service that understanding a personâs 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 âshopâ 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 âboughtâ, 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 SWEâs 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 writersâ 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. Itâs 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, âWhat did I learn?â or âHow did this get me closer to my goals?â. These reflections help the reader connect to your purpose for writing.
Make sure to organize your thoughts in a narrative order. However, there isnât just one way to write an essay. So, donât 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 itâs ready to be submitted. Check that youâve adhered to all the scholarship essay format guidelines (like the word count).
Reviewing also includes getting input from others! An outside readerâs 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 weâve provided. Thatâs 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 factsâit should tell a story. That means having a solid introduction that grabs the readerâs 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, itâs important that your essay is specific to each prompt and answers the question entirely. While you can repurpose an essay youâve already written as inspiration or a starting point, be extra attentive when doing so.
4. Donât 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. Donât tell your reader what you think they want to hearâjust 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 studentâs 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 â 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
Donât 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. Weâll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
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- Writing Tips
âHow 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 isnât possible without financial aid, and scholarships are especially valuable because the money awarded doesnât 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 organizationâs founder, and the founderâs qualities (e.g., integrity, good citizenship, and leadership) might be the same values guiding the scholarship program as a way to continue the founderâs 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.
Youâll write about common topics across multiple scholarship applications â some may even be similar to your college admission essay â so you can repurpose your essays as long as youâre 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 youâve accomplished, or you could mention something youâre 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 youâre unable to show the committee that youâre 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. Donât be afraid to add personal, tangible details and an anecdote .
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For example, if youâre writing about your career goals, demonstrate why youâve 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 â until one day it couldnât. 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 itâs another opportunity for you to make your essay memorable.
Rather than summarizing with a general statement such as âthis is why you should award me a scholarship,â 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 donât want your scholarship essay to be overly informal, youâre 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 youâve contributed to your community:
I saw how much bullying was impacting so many students at my school, so I founded my high schoolâs first anti-bullying club and organized campaigns to bring attention to the harm that people can cause one another.
Evoke an emotional response. The âshow, donât tell â 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 didnât have one.
Convey your point with reason and facts. Use statistics to demonstrate what youâve accomplished:
In the first year alone, our club improved studentsâ feelings of safety and acceptance at our school by 53%.
Proofreading and Editing
Donât 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!
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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: Jul 23, 2024
People also read
Scholarship Essay - A Complete Writing Guide
Scholarship Essay Format - A Complete Guide
Most Popular Scholarship Essay Prompts & Questions
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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, letâs get started.
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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need
As I embark on the path to higher education, I am acutely aware of the financial hurdles that stand in the way of achieving my dreams. Growing up in a single-parent household with limited resources, I have learned to navigate the complexities of financial hardship while remaining steadfast in my commitment to education. This scholarship essay serves as a testament to my resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination to overcome financial barriers and pursue my educational goals. Being raised by a single parent who struggled to make ends meet, I have experienced firsthand the financial strain that can accompany the pursuit of higher education. The prospect of exorbitant tuition fees, textbook expenses, and the rising cost of living has been a constant concern for my family. However, rather than succumbing to these challenges, I have chosen to view them as opportunities for personal growth and motivation. One of the greatest financial challenges I face is the absence of a college savings fund. The reality of limited financial resources has forced me to adopt a proactive approach to financing my education. I have sought out part-time employment, often working long hours outside of my academic responsibilities, to contribute towards tuition fees and alleviate the burden on my family. While this has undoubtedly been a balancing act, I have learned invaluable lessons in time management, perseverance, and the importance of financial responsibility. In addition to my part-time job, I have dedicated countless hours to researching and applying for scholarships and grants. Recognizing the critical role that financial assistance plays in realizing my educational aspirations, I have diligently scoured scholarship databases, meticulously tailored my applications, and honed my essay-writing skills. Each scholarship application represents an opportunity to secure the funding necessary to unlock doors to higher education and create a brighter future for me. Despite the financial hurdles I face, my passion for learning and my unwavering determination remain undeterred. I have demonstrated my commitment to academic excellence, consistently maintaining a high GPA despite the challenges that financial strain brings. Moreover, I have sought opportunities to give back to my community, volunteering my time and skills to organizations that align with my values. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education not only has the power to transform my own life but also to uplift communities and effect positive change. By awarding me this scholarship, you would not only provide critical financial support but also invest in a motivated and determined individual who is eager to make a difference. With the burden of financial constraints lifted, I would be able to devote more time and energy to my studies, extracurricular activities, and community engagement. The scholarship would enable me to fully immerse myself in the educational experience, pursue internships and research opportunities, and further develop the skills necessary to excel in my chosen field. In conclusion, my journey as a student with financial needs has shaped me into a resilient and resourceful individual. I firmly believe that my determination, academic potential, and commitment to making a positive impact on society make me a deserving candidate for this scholarship. With your support, I can overcome the financial obstacles that stand in the way of my educational aspirations and pave the way for a brighter future not only for myself but for the communities I aim to serve |
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
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my character and fueled my ambition. This scholarship essay serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication I bring to achieving my goals. By delving into my personal story, passions, and commitment to making a difference, I aim to showcase why I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of mathematics and its ability to solve complex problems. This passion has driven my academic pursuits and inspired me to pursue a career in the field of data science. Through rigorous coursework, independent research projects, and participation in maths competitions, I have honed my analytical and problem-solving skills, solidifying my commitment to making a meaningful impact through the application of mathematics. While my academic pursuits have been a significant part of my journey, my commitment extends beyond the classroom. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, I have actively sought opportunities to give back. Volunteering at local organizations, mentoring fellow students, and initiating fundraising campaigns have allowed me to make a positive impact on those around me. These experiences have instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and a deep desire to contribute to the betterment of society. Throughout my academic career, I have encountered challenges that have tested my resilience and determination. From juggling multiple responsibilities to overcoming setbacks, I have learned to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth. Rather than letting failures discourage me, I have used them as stepping stones toward success. It is through perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence that I have been able to achieve academic milestones and personal growth. In addition to my passion for mathematics, I am also deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the STEM field. As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of representation and the barriers faced by underrepresented groups. Through involvement in diversity initiatives, organizing workshops, and serving as a mentor, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in STEM. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous honor and would provide the financial support necessary to continue my educational journey. With the burden of financial constraints lifted, I would be able to fully devote myself to my studies, research projects, and community involvement. This scholarship would not only contribute to my personal growth and academic achievements but also allow me to further my impact by creating opportunities for others. In conclusion, this scholarship essay about myself highlights my passion for mathematics, commitment to community engagement, resilience in the face of challenges, and dedication to fostering diversity in STEM. By sharing my story and aspirations, I hope to convey the depth of my determination and the impact this scholarship would have on my educational journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered as a deserving recipient, and I look forward to utilizing my skills, knowledge, and passion to make a positive difference in the world. |
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
As a dedicated and compassionate individual, my passion for nursing has been the driving force behind my educational pursuits and career aspirations. This scholarship essay offers a glimpse into my journey as a nursing student, highlighting my unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, advocating for health equity, and making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. From a young age, I have been drawn to the healthcare field, recognizing the profound impact nurses have on patients' lives. Inspired by their compassion and ability to provide comfort during times of vulnerability, I embarked on my nursing journey with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of others. This passion, coupled with my innate ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, has fueled my desire to pursue a career in nursing. Throughout my academic journey, I have embraced opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills in nursing. My coursework and clinical experiences have provided me with a solid foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, I have actively sought extracurricular activities such as volunteering at local hospitals and participating in healthcare outreach programs, further developing my clinical skills and reinforcing my commitment to the nursing profession. One crucial aspect of nursing that resonates deeply with me is the importance of advocating for health equity. I firmly believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background. To address this disparity, I have been actively involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting health education, providing healthcare services to underserved populations, and advocating for policy changes that promote equitable healthcare delivery. Nursing, to me, is more than just a profession; it is a calling to serve and care for others selflessly. I find immense satisfaction in building trusting relationships with patients, providing emotional support, and being a source of comfort during their most vulnerable moments. The ability to make a positive impact in patients' lives motivates me to continuously strive for excellence in my nursing practice. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous honor and a significant stepping stone in my nursing journey. It would alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing my education and provide me with the resources necessary to further enhance my skills and knowledge. With this scholarship, I will be able to focus more on my studies, engage in additional professional development opportunities, and actively contribute to research initiatives that advance the field of nursing. In conclusion, this scholarship essay about nursing encapsulates my unwavering passion, dedication to patient care, commitment to advocating for health equity, and pursuit of excellence. By sharing my journey, aspirations, and the alignment between my goals and the scholarship's mission, I hope to convey my worthiness as a scholarship recipient. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered and look forward to utilizing my skills, knowledge, and compassion to positively impact the nursing profession and the lives of those I serve. |
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
As I embark on my educational journey, I am filled with enthusiasm and determination to pursue my career goals with unwavering focus and dedication. This scholarship essay offers a glimpse into my aspirations, detailing the path I have chosen, the milestones I aim to achieve, and how this scholarship will play a pivotal role in realizing my dreams. My career goal is to become a skilled and compassionate clinical psychologist, specializing in providing mental health support to individuals facing diverse challenges. This desire stems from my deep empathy for others and a burning passion to help those in need. By pursuing this career, I hope to contribute to the well-being and resilience of individuals, fostering positive change and promoting mental health awareness. To achieve my career goal, I am committed to obtaining a comprehensive education in psychology. My academic journey has equipped me with a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, I have sought opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, volunteering at counseling centers, and participating in research projects. These experiences have nurtured my clinical skills, honed my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and strengthened my resolve to make a meaningful difference in their lives. A crucial aspect of my career goal is continuous professional development. I recognize that the field of psychology is dynamic and ever-evolving, and staying abreast of the latest research, therapies, and ethical practices is essential to providing the highest standard of care. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of advancements in the field and can offer the best possible support to my future clients. In addition to clinical practice, I aspire to engage in research and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in psychology. By conducting research studies and publishing findings, I aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, advocating evidence-based interventions and enhancing the understanding of mental health issues. I believe that research and clinical practice are mutually beneficial, and both play a vital role in improving mental health outcomes. Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative opportunity for me to pursue my career goals with unwavering focus and determination. It would alleviate the financial burden associated with my education, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and professional development. This scholarship would not only enable me to achieve academic milestones but also empower me to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. In conclusion, this scholarship essay encapsulates my career goals, aspirations, and the dedication I bring to realizing them. By pursuing a career in clinical psychology, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. With the support of this scholarship, I will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to contribute to the field and advocate for the well-being of others. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered as a deserving recipient and eagerly look forward to the journey ahead. |
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
Leadership, for me, is not merely a title or a position but a mindset and a responsibility to inspire and empower others toward a common goal. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively sought opportunities to cultivate and exhibit leadership skills, both within the classroom and in extracurricular activities. This experience has ignited my passion for leadership and instilled in me the belief that effective leadership is not about commanding but about empowering others to reach their full potential. To further develop my leadership abilities, I have sought out formal training and workshops focused on leadership development. These experiences have equipped me with essential skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Moreover, I have actively sought leadership roles in student organizations, where I have been entrusted with responsibilities such as organizing events, coordinating volunteers, and managing budgets. As I reflect on my leadership journey, I am keenly aware of the impact I can have in various spheres of my life. My goal is not only to excel as an individual leader but also to inspire others to discover and develop their own leadership potential. I firmly believe that leadership is not confined to a specific position or setting, but rather it can be demonstrated in everyday actions and interactions. Whether it's mentoring peers, initiating positive change in my community, or advocating for causes I am passionate about, I strive to lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference. In conclusion, leadership is a deeply ingrained value that drives me to inspire, motivate, and empower others. Through my experiences in various leadership roles, formal training, and a strong belief in the potential of individuals, I am committed to honing my leadership skills and making a positive impact in my community and beyond. This scholarship would provide me with the necessary resources to develop further as a leader, enabling me to continue fostering collaboration, driving change, and uplifting those around me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship and look forward to utilizing my leadership abilities to contribute to a better future. |
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.Â
- 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.Â
Here we gather some good scholarship essay examples about leadership that help in your writing.
Leadership Scholarship Essay Example
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Scholarship Essay Examples About Community Service
Community service has always been a core value in my life, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and a means to create positive change in society. This scholarship essay provides insight into my deep commitment to community service, highlighting the transformative impact it has had on my life and how I aspire to continue making a difference through service-oriented initiatives. From a young age, I have been actively engaged in community service, recognizing its power to uplift individuals and strengthen the fabric of our society. Through volunteering at local shelters, organizing donation drives, and participating in community clean-up projects, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of service on both individuals and the community as a whole. These experiences have ignited my passion for making a lasting impact and have instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility toward serving others. My commitment to community service extends beyond sporadic acts of kindness; it is a deeply rooted value that has guided my actions and decisions. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively sought out opportunities to merge my passion for service with my educational pursuits. By engaging in service-oriented clubs and organizations, I have been able to leverage my skills and knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by underserved communities. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and adaptability in addressing community needs. Looking forward, I am determined to further expand my impact and contribute to the betterment of society through service. With this scholarship, I will have the resources and support necessary to pursue service-oriented projects and initiatives that align with my passion for social change. I aim to engage in projects that promote education, empower marginalized groups, and address pressing social issues. Through these efforts, I aspire to inspire others to join in creating a more just and equitable world, one community at a time. In conclusion, community service has shaped my character, values, and aspirations. It has taught me the importance of empathy, collaboration, and servant leadership. With this scholarship, I will be able to further immerse myself in service-oriented initiatives, amplifying my impact and contributing to the well-being of communities. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, and I eagerly anticipate the chance to continue my journey of empowering and serving others, ultimately making a lasting difference in our world. |
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.Â
- 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
As a high school student, I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives and open doors of opportunity. However, I have also witnessed the financial constraints that many students and their families face when pursuing higher education. This scholarship essay serves as a testament to my unwavering determination to overcome these obstacles and achieve my academic goals. By awarding me this scholarship, you would not only be investing in my future but also in the potential for positive change that education can bring to individuals and communities. Throughout my high school journey, I have consistently strived for academic excellence while actively engaging in extracurricular activities. Balancing rigorous coursework and participation in clubs, sports teams, and community service initiatives has instilled in me invaluable time management, leadership, and teamwork skills. I have embraced challenges, pushed my boundaries, and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to continue pursuing my education and nurturing my personal and leadership development, enabling me to make a meaningful impact on my future endeavors. Beyond my personal aspirations, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. Volunteering at local organizations and participating in service projects has given me a sense of fulfillment and a profound understanding of the importance of community engagement. I firmly believe that education is a catalyst for positive change, and with this scholarship, I will be better equipped to give back by utilizing my knowledge and skills to serve others. Whether it's tutoring fellow students, organizing educational workshops, or contributing to community initiatives, I am dedicated to being an agent of change and making a difference in the lives of those around me. In conclusion, as a high school student driven by a passion for education and community impact, I am honored to be considered for this scholarship. I am committed to leveraging this opportunity to further my education, develop as a leader, and give back to my community. By investing in my future, you will not only support my personal growth but also contribute to the betterment of society. I am grateful for your consideration and eagerly look forward to the chance to pursue my dreams and make a lasting impact. |
- 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
As I embark on my journey into higher education, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. However, I am also acutely aware of the financial challenges that lie ahead. This scholarship essay serves as a testament to my unwavering commitment to pursuing a university education and the transformative power it holds. By awarding me this scholarship, you would not only be investing in my future but also in the potential for positive change that higher education can bring to individuals and society as a whole. Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a steadfast dedication to learning and personal growth. I have consistently sought out challenging coursework and actively engaged in extracurricular activities that align with my passions and academic interests. As a result, I have developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that will enable me to thrive in a university setting. However, the financial burden associated with tuition, textbooks, and living expenses presents a significant obstacle that threatens to impede my ability to fully embrace the educational opportunities that await me. Beyond the classroom, I have actively sought out opportunities to contribute to my community and make a positive impact. Through volunteering, internships, and leadership roles in various organizations, I have developed a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to effect change. I am deeply committed to addressing social issues and believe that higher education will equip me with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a meaningful difference. However, the financial constraints I face pose a significant barrier to pursuing my aspirations of becoming an agent of positive change. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden but also provide me with the resources and support necessary to fully immerse myself in the university experience. It would enable me to focus on my studies, engage in research opportunities, and actively participate in campus activities that foster personal and intellectual growth. Furthermore, it would empower me to explore my passions, contribute to my field of study, and develop the skills needed to create a better future. I am committed to maximizing this opportunity and paying it forward by using my education and experiences to uplift others and create positive change in my community and beyond. In conclusion, as I embark on my university journey, I am humbled and honored to be considered for this scholarship. The financial support it provides would not only unlock my potential but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to society. With this scholarship, I will be able to pursue my dreams, immerse myself in the transformative power of higher education, and work towards making a positive impact in the world. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and eagerly look forward to the chance to fulfill my academic and personal aspirations. |
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
As an aspiring engineer, I am driven by a deep passion for innovation, problem-solving, and creating solutions that can transform our world. This scholarship essay is a testament to my unwavering commitment to pursuing a career in engineering and the impact it can have on society. By awarding me this scholarship, you would invest not only in my education but also in the potential for technological advancements and positive change that engineering brings to the world. From a young age, I have been captivated by the wonders of science and mathematics. The ability to unravel complex challenges and apply scientific principles to practical solutions has always intrigued me. Throughout my academic journey, I have excelled in physics, mathematics, and computer science, consistently seeking out opportunities to delve deeper into these subjects. I have also participated in engineering-related extracurricular activities, such as robotics competitions and STEM clubs, which have solidified my passion for engineering. However, pursuing a degree in engineering comes with financial hurdles that can hinder my ability to fully immerse myself in this field. This scholarship would provide me with the necessary support to pursue my dreams and make a lasting impact through engineering. Engineering is not just a career path for me; it is a calling to make a positive difference in the world. I believe that engineers have the power to shape our future by developing sustainable technologies, improving infrastructure, and addressing pressing global challenges. I am particularly interested in sustainable energy solutions and environmental engineering, as I am deeply committed to mitigating the environmental impact of human activities. Through internships and research projects, I have gained hands-on experience in designing and implementing innovative solutions to promote sustainability. However, financial constraints pose a significant obstacle to fully realizing my potential as an engineer and making meaningful contributions to the field. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden but also empower me to seize every opportunity for growth and development in the field of engineering. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to pursue advanced coursework, engage in research projects, and participate in engineering organizations that foster collaboration and innovation. Additionally, it will enable me to attend conferences and workshops where I can network with professionals and learn about the latest advancements in engineering. By investing in my education, you would be investing in a future engineer dedicated to improving lives, solving complex problems, and making a positive impact on our society and the world at large. In conclusion, as an aspiring engineer with a strong passion for innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact, I am honored to be considered for this scholarship. The financial support it provides would not only alleviate the financial burden but also enable me to fully immerse myself in the world of engineering. I am eager to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the field, with a focus on sustainability and improving lives. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to realizing my dreams of engineering a better future. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in the next generation of engineers who are poised to shape our world for the better. |
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
Embarking on a master's degree journey is an opportunity that fills me with excitement and a deep sense of purpose. This scholarship essay serves as a testament to my unwavering commitment to pursuing a master's degree and the transformative impact it can have on both my personal and professional growth. By awarding me this scholarship, you would not only be investing in my education but also in the potential for positive change that I can bring to my field and society as a whole. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have constantly sought opportunities for growth and development. However, pursuing a master's degree presents significant financial challenges that threaten to hinder my ability to fully embrace this transformative experience. This scholarship would provide the much-needed financial support that would enable me to focus on my studies, engage in research, and immerse myself in the rich learning environment that a master's degree offers. I firmly believe that a master's degree is a stepping stone toward empowering change and making a lasting impact. Through my academic and professional experiences, I have witnessed the pressing challenges that exist in my field. By pursuing a master's degree, I aim to acquire advanced knowledge, research skills, and a deeper understanding of the complex issues at hand. I am particularly passionate about [specific area of interest], and I aspire to contribute to innovative solutions that address societal needs. Receiving this scholarship would not only benefit me as an individual but also have a broader impact on my community and society. Armed with the knowledge and skills gained from a master's degree, I envision myself playing an active role in bridging gaps, championing inclusivity, and fostering positive change. I am committed to giving back to my community by sharing my expertise, mentoring aspiring professionals, and actively participating in initiatives that promote social and economic development. In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. Pursuing a master's degree is a critical milestone in my educational and professional journey, and this scholarship would make that journey more accessible. By investing in my education, you would be investing in my potential to create positive change and contribute to my field. I am committed to utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained through a master's degree to make a lasting impact, not only in my own life but also in the lives of others. |
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
Receiving this scholarship would not only be an honor but a tremendous opportunity for me to further my education and achieve my goals. In this essay, I will outline the reasons why I believe I am deserving of this scholarship and how it will significantly impact my academic journey and future prospects. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and using it to make a positive difference in my life and the lives of others.
Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence. I have maintained a high GPA, received recognition for academic achievements, and am actively engaged in challenging coursework. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to continue pursuing my studies with the same level of dedication and focus. It would enable me to invest more time and energy into my coursework, research, and extracurricular activities, ultimately enhancing my academic performance and contributing to my long-term success.
As a student, I face various financial challenges that can impact my ability to fully immerse myself in my studies. Balancing the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses can be a significant burden. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial strain, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my education without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would provide me with the freedom to explore additional learning opportunities, invest in resources and materials, and engage in experiences that enhance my learning journey. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to focus on my academic pursuits and maximize my potential for growth and success.
I firmly believe in the power of service and leadership in creating positive change in society. Throughout my academic career, I have actively participated in various community service initiatives and taken on leadership roles in student organizations. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to further cultivate my passion for service and leadership. It would provide me with the resources to expand my community involvement, engage in impactful projects, and extend my reach to make a difference in the lives of others. By investing in my education and leadership potential, this scholarship would empower me to continue contributing to my community and inspiring others to do the same. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden but also fuel my determination to succeed academically and make a positive impact in society. I am committed to utilizing this opportunity to its fullest potential, leveraging my academic excellence, financial need, and dedication to service and leadership. By investing in my education and supporting my aspirations, this scholarship would contribute to the realization of my goals and provide me with the tools and resources necessary to create a brighter future for myself and others. I am immensely grateful for your consideration and sincerely hope to be granted this scholarship. |
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
I am writing this essay to express why I strongly believe that I deserve to be awarded this scholarship. The financial assistance provided by this scholarship would have a profound impact on my educational journey and help me achieve my goals. Through this essay, I aim to showcase my dedication, achievements, and the ways in which I plan to utilize this scholarship to make a positive impact.
Throughout my academic career, I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence. I have maintained a high GPA and have actively sought out opportunities to challenge myself academically. This scholarship would recognize and support my academic achievements, providing me with the necessary resources to continue pursuing my education with the same level of dedication. With the scholarship's assistance, I will be able to focus more on my studies, engage in research projects, and explore additional learning opportunities, which will ultimately contribute to my personal growth and success.
As a student, I face various financial challenges that can hinder my educational progress. The financial burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses often weighs heavily on my shoulders. This scholarship would alleviate a significant portion of the financial strain, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would provide me with the peace of mind and stability needed to excel academically, focus on my personal growth, and actively participate in extracurricular activities that enhance my overall learning experience.
I strongly believe in the power of education to bring about positive change in society. With this scholarship, I would be able to further invest in my passion for community service and make a tangible impact. By dedicating my time and energy to service initiatives, I aim to contribute to the betterment of my community and those in need. The scholarship would not only support my academic pursuits but also enable me to actively engage in volunteering activities, mentorship programs, and initiatives that promote social welfare. This scholarship would serve as a catalyst for me to create a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same. In conclusion, I firmly believe that I deserve to receive this scholarship based on my academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to making a positive impact. With this scholarship, I would have the opportunity to focus on my studies, actively contribute to my community, and develop the skills necessary to become a future leader and change-maker. I am sincerely grateful for the consideration and support of the scholarship committee. If awarded this scholarship, I am determined to utilize it to the fullest extent and seize every opportunity to achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the world. |
- 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.Â
HereĂąÂÂs 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.Â
By following these guidelines, you can maximize your chances of standing out and impressing scholarship selection committees.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Hire our college paper writing service  today and take the next step towards securing the financial aid you deserve.
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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.
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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 masterâs in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.
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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, Mariaâs 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 processâa strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. Thatâs why itâs 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.Â
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.Â
Now, you might be wondering, âhow do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?â. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do.Â
Related:Â 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.
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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.Â
Also recommended: Whatâs the best scholarship essay format?
Scholarship essay introduction example
Next, weâll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Letâs 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:
âI have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic successâŠâ
This is generic and will not engage your reader at all.Â
Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:
âI look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.âÂ
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.Â
Don’t miss: Our free scholarship search tool
If you canât think of a âwowâ 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.Â
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!Â
Key Takeaways
- The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue readingÂ
- 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, 3 reasons to join scholarships360.
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Luckyday Scholars Program
The Luckyday Scholars Program strives to incorporate scholarship, community, service, and leadership as its core values.
Scholarship
Program Overview
Frank Rogers Day, a native of Aberdeen and former chairman of the board and CEO of Trustmark National Bank, founded the Luckyday Foundation to assist young Mississippians in pursuing their goals of higher education. In addition to helping students afford college expenses, Luckyday encourages students to graduate in four years while maintaining academic standards and community involvement. Through specific programming with the Luckyday Scholars Program, the selected scholars have opportunities to develop as servant leaders striving to give back to their peers, university, and communities. Candidates for the Luckyday scholarship will be first-time entering freshmen from Mississippi who have earned a minimum 3.5 cumulative high school grade-point average and an ACT score of 20+ (or SAT equivalent) and have completed the general scholarship application found in the MyState portal. Priority will be given to students demonstrating leadership skills in school and community involvement. In this highly competitive process, the selection committee highly values students involved as leaders in organizations, demonstrate long-term service with community organizations, display humility, and show follow-through in the endeavors they choose. The students will live in designated Luckyday housing the first year, take a program course, and provide ongoing service in their continued pursuits of servant leadership.
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Luckyday Scholarship
The Luckyday Scholarship: A Gateway to Academic and Personal Growth
The Luckyday Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to deserving students at various educational institutions, providing financial assistance, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and academic development. Established with the goal of promoting student success and leadership, the Luckyday Scholarship program has become a valuable resource for students seeking to excel in their academic pursuits and make a positive impact in their communities.
One of the key benefits of the Luckyday Scholarship is the financial support it provides to recipients. By covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, the scholarship alleviates the financial burden on students and their families, allowing them to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities. This financial assistance not only opens doors to higher education for deserving students but also empowers them to pursue their passions and aspirations without the constraints of financial hardship.
Moreover, the Luckyday Scholarship offers more than just financial aid; it also provides a supportive community and network of mentors dedicated to helping students succeed. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and events, scholarship recipients have access to valuable guidance, resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Mentors serve as role models and advisors, offering insights, encouragement, and support to help students navigate the challenges of college life and achieve their goals.
In addition to financial support and mentorship, the Luckyday Scholarship fosters a culture of service and leadership among its recipients. Through service projects, volunteer opportunities, and leadership development initiatives, students are encouraged to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world around them. By engaging in service-oriented activities and honing their leadership skills, scholarship recipients become empowered to effect meaningful change and become agents of positive social transformation.
In conclusion, the Luckyday Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a catalyst for academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and opportunities for service and leadership, the scholarship program equips students with the resources and support they need to succeed in college and beyond. As a result, Luckyday Scholarship recipients are not only able to achieve their academic and professional goals but also make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
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Crucible Grant Scholarships: A Case Study
The Crucible Grant Scholarships have been instrumental in providing financial support and opportunities for students pursuing higher education. This case study delves into the impact and success of the Crucible Grant Scholarships, highlighting the stories of the beneficiaries and the transformative effect it has had on their lives. Paragraph 1: One of the key aspects that sets the Crucible Grant Scholarships apart is their commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds. By removing financial barriers, this scholarship program ensures that talented individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have an equal chance to pursue their educational dreams. Through a rigorous selection process, the Crucible Grant Scholarships identify students with exceptional potential and provide them with the financial resources they need to thrive academically. Paragraph 2: The impact of the Crucible Grant Scholarships can be seen through the stories of its recipients. Take, for example, Michelle Lin, a first-generation college student who grew up in a low-income neighborhood. Without the Crucible Grant Scholarship, Michelle would have faced immense financial strain, potentially deterring her from pursuing a college education. However, with the scholarship's support, Michelle was able to attend her dream university and graduate with honors. The scholarship not only eased her financial burden but also provided her with a sense of validation and motivation to excel in her studies. Paragraph 3: In addition to financial support, the Crucible Grant Scholarships also offer mentorship programs and networking opportunities. These initiatives help students develop essential skills and connect with professionals in their chosen fields. This holistic approach ensures that the beneficiaries not only receive monetary assistance but also gain access to a support system that guides them throughout their academic and professional journeys. As a result, Crucible Grant Scholars often go on to achieve remarkable success in their chosen careers, becoming leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. Conclusion: The Crucible Grant Scholarships have proven to be a catalyst for change, empowering students to overcome financial obstacles and pursue their educational aspirations. By investing in the potential of young individuals, this scholarship program has not only transformed the lives of its beneficiaries but has also contributed to the betterment of society as a whole. The success stories of Crucible Grant Scholars serve as a testament to the power of education and the immense impact that scholarships can have on shaping the future of our world. (Word count: 312 words)...
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Video Game Scholarships: Article Analysis
Video Game Scholarships Article Analysis In recent years, the popularity of video games has skyrocketed, with millions of people around the world spending hours immersed in virtual worlds. With this surge in interest, the gaming industry has grown exponentially, leading to new opportunities for gamers to turn their passion into a potential career. One such opportunity is the rise of video game scholarships, which provide financial assistance to students who excel in gaming. One article that delves into this topic is "The Rise of Video Game Scholarships" by Sarah Johnson. In this piece, Johnson explores how video game scholarships have become a viable option for students looking to fund their education. She highlights the increasing number of colleges and universities that are offering scholarships to gamers, recognizing the skills and dedication required to succeed in the gaming world. Johnson also discusses the impact of video game scholarships on the gaming community as a whole. By providing financial support to talented gamers, these scholarships not only help individuals pursue their education but also elevate the status of gaming as a legitimate and respected field of study. This shift in perception is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and showcasing the diverse talents and skills that gamers possess. Overall, the article sheds light on the growing trend of video game scholarships and the positive impact they have on both students and the gaming industry. As more institutions recognize the value of gaming as a skill set, we can expect to see even more opportunities for gamers to pursue their passion while furthering their education. With the continued support of scholarships and programs dedicated to gaming, the future looks bright for aspiring gamers seeking to turn their love for video games into a rewarding and fulfilling career....
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Seabee Scholarship Essay
The Seabee Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes the hard work and dedication of students pursuing a career in engineering or construction-related fields. As a student who is passionate about making a difference in the world through innovative design and construction, I am excited to apply for this scholarship to further my education and achieve my goals. One of the main reasons I am applying for the Seabee Scholarship is because of my deep-rooted interest in engineering and construction. From a young age, I have always been fascinated by how buildings are constructed and the intricate design process that goes into creating structures that stand the test of time. I believe that receiving this scholarship will not only help me financially but also provide me with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain valuable experience in the field. In addition to my passion for engineering and construction, I have also demonstrated strong academic performance throughout my high school career. I have consistently excelled in math and science courses, which are essential skills for a career in engineering. I have also participated in extracurricular activities such as robotics club and math competitions, which have further developed my problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I believe that my academic achievements and involvement in these activities make me a strong candidate for the Seabee Scholarship. Furthermore, I am committed to giving back to my community and using my skills to make a positive impact on the world. With the help of the Seabee Scholarship, I hope to pursue a degree in civil engineering and eventually work on projects that improve infrastructure and create sustainable solutions for future generations. I am confident that with the support of this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my academic and career goals and make a difference in the field of engineering. In conclusion, the Seabee Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students like me who are passionate about engineering and construction. I am excited about the possibility of receiving this scholarship and am confident that it will help me achieve my dreams of becoming a successful engineer. Thank you for considering my application....
Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship: Case Study
Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Case Study The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity for students seeking to pursue higher education. Established in honor of the late Ike Barber, a philanthropist with a deep commitment to education, this scholarship has transformed the lives of countless individuals across Canada. In this case study, we delve into the impact of the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship on the academic journey of a fictional student named Emily. Emily, a diligent and ambitious student, found herself at a crossroads after completing her studies at a local community college. While she excelled academically, financial constraints threatened to derail her aspirations of earning a bachelor's degree. It was at this pivotal moment that Emily discovered the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship. With its generous financial support and emphasis on academic achievement, the scholarship offered Emily the opportunity she desperately needed to continue her education. Upon receiving the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship, Emily experienced a profound sense of relief and gratitude. The financial burden that once loomed large over her future was suddenly lifted, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her studies without the constant worry of how to finance her education. This newfound peace of mind empowered Emily to excel academically and pursue her passion for learning with renewed vigor. Beyond the financial assistance it provides, the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship also offers valuable mentorship and support services to its recipients. Emily benefited greatly from the guidance of mentors who helped her navigate the complexities of transferring to a four-year university, selecting courses, and planning her academic and career goals. This personalized support network played a crucial role in Emily's success, providing her with the tools and resources she needed to thrive in her new academic environment. In conclusion, the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship serves as a lifeline for students like Emily, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational dreams. Through its combination of financial assistance and personalized support, the scholarship empowers students to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. As we continue to invest in initiatives like the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship, we not only uplift individual students but also create a brighter and more equitable future for all....
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Mirabeau Scholarship Case Study
The Mirabeau Scholarship stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring students with exceptional academic potential but limited financial means. Established in 2005 by the renowned philanthropist, Jacqueline Mirabeau, this scholarship program has transformed the lives of countless individuals, opening doors to higher education and unlocking opportunities that were once deemed unattainable. Through a comprehensive analysis of the Mirabeau Scholarship, its impact, and the stories of its recipients, a profound understanding of its significance emerges, illuminating the transformative power of education and philanthropy. At its core, the Mirabeau Scholarship embodies the noble ideals of meritocracy and equal opportunity. By providing financial assistance to students based on their academic achievements rather than their socio-economic background, it levels the playing field and ensures that talent and dedication are rewarded irrespective of circumstances. This merit-based approach not only fosters a sense of fairness but also cultivates a culture of excellence, motivating students to strive for academic excellence and reach their fullest potential. One of the most compelling aspects of the Mirabeau Scholarship is its ripple effect on individuals, families, and communities. For many recipients, it serves as a catalyst for upward social mobility, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for a brighter future. Beyond the immediate beneficiaries, the scholarship creates a multiplier effect, inspiring others to pursue higher education and invest in their intellectual growth. In this way, it serves as a catalyst for societal change, driving progress and innovation through education. The impact of the Mirabeau Scholarship extends far beyond financial assistance; it fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among recipients. By being recognized for their academic achievements and potential, students gain confidence in their abilities and develop a strong sense of self-worth. This, in turn, fuels their ambition and drive, empowering them to pursue their goals with determination and resilience. Moreover, the sense of community fostered by the scholarship creates a support network that extends beyond graduation, providing recipients with invaluable resources and mentorship opportunities to navigate the challenges of academic and professional life. In conclusion, the Mirabeau Scholarship stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and philanthropy. Through its merit-based approach, it not only provides financial assistance but also instills a sense of purpose and empowerment among recipients. As we reflect on its impact and the stories of those it has touched, it becomes evident that the Mirabeau Scholarship is not merely a scholarship but a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter future for generations to come....
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Juvenile Arthritis Scholarship Essay
Juvenile arthritis is a complex and challenging condition that affects children and adolescents, impacting their daily lives and educational pursuits. As a high school senior diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of ten, I have faced numerous obstacles, but I have also discovered resilience, determination, and the importance of advocacy. This scholarship opportunity is not just a financial aid for my college education; it represents the recognition of my journey and the validation of my commitment to overcoming adversity. Living with juvenile arthritis has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. Simple tasks that many take for granted, such as writing notes or walking between classes, can be arduous for someone with arthritis. However, instead of allowing the condition to limit my ambitions, I have learned to embrace challenges and find innovative solutions. Whether it's using assistive technology to aid in note-taking or practicing mindfulness techniques to manage pain, I have developed a toolkit of strategies to navigate the academic and social demands of high school. Beyond the physical challenges, juvenile arthritis has also shaped my perspective on empathy and advocacy. I have witnessed firsthand the misconceptions and lack of awareness surrounding arthritis in young people. Through volunteering with local arthritis organizations and sharing my story in community events, I have become an advocate for juvenile arthritis awareness and support. This scholarship essay is not only an opportunity for me to pursue higher education; it is a platform for me to amplify the voices of those living with juvenile arthritis and advocate for greater understanding and resources. In conclusion, juvenile arthritis has undoubtedly presented its share of obstacles, but it has also instilled in me a sense of resilience, empathy, and advocacy. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes recognition of my journey and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others affected by juvenile arthritis. With this scholarship, I will continue to pursue my academic and personal goals, while also striving to raise awareness and support for those living with chronic conditions like juvenile arthritis....
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Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Study
The Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Study offers a transformative opportunity for aspiring students to pursue higher education. Established by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and his mother, Gloria Carter, the scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with college tuition and provide access to educational opportunities for underserved communities. One of the key objectives of the Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Study is to empower students from low-income backgrounds to achieve their academic goals. By offering financial assistance, the scholarship enables recipients to focus on their studies without the stress of overwhelming student debt. This support is particularly crucial for students who may otherwise be deterred from pursuing higher education due to financial constraints. Furthermore, the scholarship study emphasizes the importance of academic excellence and community involvement. Applicants are not only evaluated based on their academic achievements but also on their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This holistic approach to evaluating candidates ensures that recipients not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership qualities and a dedication to service. Moreover, the Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Study serves as a catalyst for social mobility and economic empowerment. By investing in the education of talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, the scholarship helps break the cycle of poverty and opens doors to new opportunities. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers and contribute meaningfully to society. In conclusion, the Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Study is a beacon of hope for students aspiring to higher education but facing financial barriers. Through its support of academic achievement, community engagement, and socioeconomic empowerment, the scholarship study embodies the values of access, equity, and opportunity. By investing in the potential of underserved students, the scholarship not only changes individual lives but also fosters positive change in communities and society at large....
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Why I Should Be Awarded This Scholarship
Securing this scholarship would be a pivotal moment in my academic journey, one that aligns with both my aspirations and achievements. Throughout my educational pursuit, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, a passion for learning, and a drive to make a positive impact in my community. These qualities, coupled with the financial support this scholarship would provide, make me a deserving candidate. Firstly, I believe in the power of education as a transformative force. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact education can have on individuals and communities. With this scholarship, I would be able to further my studies without the burden of financial constraints, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic and extracurricular pursuits. By investing in my education, this scholarship would not only benefit me but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Moreover, I have a track record of academic excellence and leadership. Throughout my academic career, I have consistently maintained a high GPA while engaging in various leadership roles within my school and community. Whether serving as captain of the debate team or organizing community service projects, I have demonstrated the ability to excel academically while also making meaningful contributions outside the classroom. This scholarship would enable me to continue pursuing my academic and leadership endeavors with even greater vigor and dedication. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and creating positive change. As a recipient of this scholarship, I would not only be receiving financial assistance but also a vote of confidence in my potential to make a difference. I am eager to leverage the resources and opportunities provided by this scholarship to further engage in community service initiatives, mentorship programs, and other endeavors aimed at uplifting those around me. In conclusion, I believe that I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship due to my unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service. With the financial support and recognition provided by this scholarship, I am confident that I will continue to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact in both my academic and personal endeavors. Thank you for considering my application....
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Luckyday Scholars
Current Scholar Information
Page content.
The Luckyday Scholars Program provides opportunities for leadership, service, and professional development through a variety of programming options.
Luckyday Freshmen
First-year scholars are required to live in Luckyday Citizenship Hall and take the Luckyday seminar course IDS 110 focusing on servant leadership. They are introduced to service and the Hattiesburg community with their seminar class in the fall semester and then begin serving independently in the spring.
Luckyday Upperclassmen
Scholars attend semester meetings throughout their time in the program. Freshmen and sophomores are expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, while juniors and seniors are expected to maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher. We know that students take on leadership roles all over campus and we encourage involvement in organizations. Scholars have options for leadership roles within the Luckyday Program as well. Students may also apply for a scholarship to study abroad.
Scholars volunteer at least 10 hours each semester in the community.
Scholars have the option of applying for a scholarship to study abroad in a program that begins after their first year at Southern Miss. It is a $2,000-$4,000 competitive scholarship opportunity, with scholarship amounts dependent on the length/course credit of the program. The application for the following calendar year usually opens in September in the GO Application system on the USM Foundation website.
Applicants are chosen based on their GPA, involvement, leadership, essay responses, recommendations, and overall compelling reasons as to why they want to study abroad.
More information on the Study Abroad Scholarship
The Luckyday Scholars Program has events throughout the year planned by various committees.
Scholars may participate on leadership teams such as our Advisory Board, Mentors, and event committees.
Luckyday Scholars Program Office Back of Vann Hall, first floor
Email luckydayFREEMississippi
Phone 601.266.5981
Luckyday Scholars Program-USM
About the scholarship.
The Luckyday Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors in Mississippi who demonstrate merit through leadership, academic achievement, and community service. Students who have been accepted to The University of Southern Mississippi are welcome to apply.
- Essay Required : Yes
- Need-Based : No
- Merit-Based : Yes
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- Minimum ACT composite score of 20
- High school senior attending school in Mississippi
- Seeking a bachelor's degree
- Fulltime student
- Accepted to The University of Southern Mississippi
- Participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or leadership
- Country : US
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Learn how to write a scholarship essay for many topics at once by picking topics that have overlapping subject matter and writing an essay or two that fit lots of these essays at once. See 14 examples of winning scholarship essays and tips on how to save time, be vulnerable, and demonstrate your values, strengths, and interests.
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay with these 10 examples from successful applicants. See how they answered different prompts, showcased their strengths, and impressed the committee.
Learn how to find scholarships, write a super essay that works for multiple prompts, and answer the top 10 most common scholarship essay questions. Get tips, tricks, and examples from a former scholarship winner and college essay expert.
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay by reading examples from real winners. See different essay prompts, styles, and tips for each type of essay.
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay by reading six real examples from past winners. See how they answered the prompts, shared their stories, and demonstrated their personality and goals.
The Luckyday Scholarship is awarded competitively to 80 first-time freshmen in the amount of $24,000 ($6,000 per year for four years). Applicants must: Be a Mississippi resident; Have a minimum overall high school GPA of 3.5; Maintain good standing with the program by meeting all scholarship requirements (details below)
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay with tips on structure, formatting, hook, and storytelling. See examples of effective essays and find more scholarships to apply for.
Learn how to write a scholarship essay that demonstrates your values and qualities for different prompts and organizations. Find tips, examples, and a free Google Sheets template to track your applications.
Learn how to write a winning scholarship essay with examples from CollegeAdvisor.com. Find tips, prompts, and samples for different types of scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and essay competitions.
Learn how to plan, structure, and persuade with your scholarship essay by following these steps and seeing writing examples. Find out how to research the scholarship provider, tailor your essay to the prompt, and use ethos, pathos, and logos to impress the committee.
Sample scholarship essay #2. By Alison G. ESSAY PROMPT: Submit an essay of 350-500 words to tell us ONE thing you are, or were, most concerned about regarding preparing for college, and what you've done, or are doing, to overcome the challenge. After living independently since I was fifteen, my biggest worry was not only paying for college, but learning how.
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. As an aspiring engineer, I am driven by a deep passion for innovation, problem-solving, and creating solutions that can transform our world ...
The Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship Program is grounded in student engagement through a robust living/learning community, community service and leadership development. Who can apply for a Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship?Mississippi residents who have been accepted into The University of Southern Mississippi as freshmen may apply for th
Luckyday Scholars Program Page Content. The Luckyday Foundation, founded by the late Frank R. Day of Jackson, Mississippi, funds scholarships for Mississippi high school seniors who demonstrate leadership skills, who are exemplary students, who are involved in their communities, and need financial assistance to pursue a higher education at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Learn how to write an engaging opening for your scholarship essay with tips and examples. Find out how to use dialogue, sensory details, and curiosity to capture the reader's attention and stand out from the competition.
Important note: The examples below were written for past versions of the QuestBridge prompts, so there are differences, but they nicely illustrate the approach you'll want to go for with your writing. QuestBridge Essay 1: Biographical Essay. 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.
The Luckyday Scholars Program is a scholarship program founded by Frank Rogers Day, a former CEO of Trustmark National Bank. It supports students who have high academic potential and leadership skills to pursue their higher education goals at Mississippi State University.
Ole Miss - University of Mississippi
What are the requirements to apply for the Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship?Applicants must be residents of Mississipppi, admitted to The University of Southern Mississippi, incoming freshmen, and have a high school core GPA of 3.0 or higher. How do I apply for the Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship?Once you are admitted to The University of So
The Luckyday Scholarship: A Gateway to Academic and Personal Growth. The Luckyday Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to deserving students at various educational institutions, providing financial assistance, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and academic development.
Luckyday Scholars are engaged in four areas of success: scholarship, community, service, and leadership. Through robust programming and with support and encouragement from Luckyday program staff and student leaders, Luckyday Scholars enjoy a wealth of opportunities to engage and grow as servant leaders.
It is a $2,000-$4,000 competitive scholarship opportunity, with scholarship amounts dependent on the length/course credit of the program. The application for the following calendar year usually opens in September in the GO Application system on the USM Foundation website.
The Luckyday Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors in Mississippi who demonstrate merit through leadership, academic achievement, and community service. Students who have been accepted to The University of Southern Mississippi are welcome to apply.