IdyclemHow To Write A Scholarship Essay Why You Deserve? When you apply for a scholarship, you will be presented with a ton of different essay prompts. Two of the most common questions are “Why do I deserve this scholarship? ” or its variant “Why should I apply for this scholarship?” These questions may seem scary but don’t overthink them.
In the pursuit of higher education, scholarships stand as invaluable tools that not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. As you embark on the journey to secure a scholarship, one critical element takes centre stage—the scholarship essay. This piece serves as a personal canvas where you have the chance to paint a vivid picture of your aspirations, achievements, and the reasons why you are deserving of financial support for your academic endeavours.
In this guide, we will unravel the art of crafting a compelling scholarship essay, providing insights and strategies to help you effectively communicate why you deserve the scholarship you are vying for. Let’s delve into the key components that will transform your words into a powerful narrative, showcasing your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that make you a standout candidate.
How To Write A Scholarship Essay Why You Deserve
These are simple questions that are easy to answer.
Here’s how:
- What do scholarship committees look for?
- Thinking Tips “Why I Deserve It” Scholarship Essay Examples Variations: “Why Apply for This Scholarship
- Why do I need this scholarship?
- Are you ready to start answering?
- How to start an essay prompt like this?
What do scholarship committees want?
Scholarship providers want to award awards to the most deserving students. So if you include these prompts, you’re asking questions like: Why should it be you? What they specifically want to know is:
- What makes you unique?
- What are your special interests and motivations?
- How do your strengths and goals relate to this particular scholarship?
For example, are the reasons you deserve an athletic scholarship different from the reasons you deserve a financial scholarship? Scholarship donors want to know that their award is making a difference. Show them how this money will help you achieve your goals.
Tips to Consider
One of the first things to consider is expressing who you are in your writing.
Show the scholarship recipient why you are worthy of this scholarship by portraying who you are and what drives you. But don’t forget about the scholarship connection.
- If you are applying for a journalism fellowship, please explain how you became interested in journalism and what type of journalism you would like to pursue.
- If you are applying for a community service grant, please explain what type of community service you do and why you are passionate about it.
Sharing What You Plan To Do With Your Scholarship.
Past success isn’t the only reason you deserve it. It also concerns your plans and goals.
Scholarship providers want to fund students who will go on to achieve great things or give something back to their communities.
For example, in scholarship holder Michelle Marie Charles’ essay, she explains how the prize money will be used wisely: My wish is to be undocumented It’s about helping people find jobs abroad and fighting for them abroad.
The country will remain. […] Once I become a lawyer, I plan to explore new ways to expand support for immigrants.
I create programs specifically aimed at undocumented immigrants so they can find their voice and learn about the law. […] I know we have a long way to go and how difficult the process of transitioning from undocumented status to citizenship is, but I want to be there to let them know they still have options.
Why Am I Eligible for a Scholarship Essay Example
In general, three ways Going Mary students successfully approached this essay.
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Treat it like a paragraph resume:
Because you are asked to boast about your strengths, some essay responses simply describe the applicant’s various accomplishments (in chronological order, or academics, sports, research, student clubs, etc.) (grouped by interest/category).
This is an especially good strategy if your scholarship application doesn’t require a resume or list of extracurricular activities. In this case, this essay is an opportunity to discuss them.
A sample version of this would look like this: I am working on a program that develops the way I see the world.
I was in a choir and a music club.
I have also been an active member of the Red Crescent Society for three years, learning another language and learning different customs has expanded my contact with other cultures. I served as captain of my university’s golf and softball teams for two years, honing my leadership skills. My involvement in both the school and the community proves that I am a student who is committed to building a promising future.
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Treat it Like a Personal Statement.
Maybe you deserve the scholarship because of the type of person you are: someone who has overcome adversity thinks deeply, is passionate about a specific subject, or wants to contribute to their community. In that case, you might simply be able to reuse your statement, tweaking it slightly to be able to explain how your characteristics or narrative make you a deserving scholarship recipient.
One example of this is Going Merry winner Jesús Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez’s essay, which discusses how he overcame the obstacle of his immigration status. He writes:
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 in 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 led 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 semester’s 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.
3. Treat it like a career
You’re likely using your scholarship money to attend college or grad school so that you can pursue certain academic or career interests. You can discuss those, and then explain how scholarship funding would allow you to continue down that intended path, just like this short essay did:
“The scholarship award will only push me further towards my Accounting degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as an Accountant. […] Five years from now I see myself employed at a large local firm, crunching numbers, evaluating, and solving certain financial matters. I just feel blessed that I am allowed to be awarded a scholarship to help fulfill my dream and I will prove that I do have what it takes to not only be a successful student, but an outstanding accountant.”
Here’s a guide on writing a career goals essay, and another guide for writing an essay on your academic goals.
Conclusion
I believe that receiving a scholarship would not only alleviate this financial stress but also provide me with the validation and recognition that I have worked hard to achieve. Knowing that someone else recognizes and values my efforts would give me the motivation and encouragement to continue pushing myself toward success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What should I focus on when explaining why I deserve a scholarship?
- A: Highlight your achievements, goals, and unique qualities. Showcase how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations and contributes to your academic journey.
- Q: Are there specific guidelines for structuring a scholarship essay?
- A: Yes, typically, include an introduction, a body with supporting evidence, and a strong conclusion. Follow any specific guidelines provided by the scholarship provider.
- Q: How can I make my essay stand out from others?
- A: Tell a compelling story, be authentic, and emphasize personal experiences that demonstrate your character, resilience, and commitment to your academic and career goals.
Blessing Etim
Scholars Admin
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