It might sound like a lot of work but writing the “Why Do I Deserve This Scholarship” essay isn’t as intimidating as it may seem — take this from someone who has written quite a number of them.
This essay is an opportunity to tell the scholarship committee your story, what you have achieved, and, most importantly, why you should be given the award.
But how do you go about this?
Here are some steps to get that killer essay of yours. These steps are sure to make them know you better and, more importantly, remember you.
Start With a Strong Introduction
Aren’t first impressions important?
Your introduction needs to draw people in right away. Start with a compelling story or statement, not just a claim that you are deserving of the scholarship. Consider what makes you special. Did you get through a significant obstacle? Are you motivated by a passion? This is your chance to establish the overall tone of your essay.
You could begin, for instance, with something like this: I’ve always been determined to break down barriers and make a difference in my community.
Take note of how this immediately reveals your passion and personality. It’s not enough just to ask for a scholarship; it’s about expressing who you are to them.
Highlight Your Achievements and Strengths
This is the time to flex your muscles literally. How are you different from other candidates? Rather than simply listing your achievements, concentrate on them. Remember why you deserve the scholarship. Your leadership, community service, and academic results, among other things, should be talked about.
Example: “I coordinated a charity drive as student council president that raised $5,000 to help orphaned children on the streets of my community. Through this, I learned what teamwork, leadership, and giving back to the community entails.”
This reflects your leadership, initiative, and compassion capabilities in action. Confidently speak about what you have accomplished, but stay humble and keep your eyes on the prize.
Connect Your Strengths to the Scholarship’s Goals
The committees responsible for scholarships want to see that you share their values and mission. Research the organization that is giving the scholarship to find out what they want in a candidate. Then, connect your accomplishments and strengths to their objectives.
Let’s say the scholarship is for students who want to give back to the community. You could write, for instance, “Education, in my opinion, is not only a means of personal development but also a tool for changing the world. This is in line with the goal of [organization name], which is to give young leaders the tools they need to help their communities. I would have the means to continue my community outreach work and increase my impact with this scholarship.”
You are demonstrating not only why you are deserving of the scholarship but also that you share the organization’s values. You could stand out from other applicants thanks to this connection.
Discuss Financial Need Honestly and Humbly
Financial need is taken into consideration for many scholarships. If this is true for you, tell the truth about your situation while remaining professional. You don’t have to dwell on your difficulties; however, demonstrating how the scholarship would alleviate your financial burden can help your case.
For instance, As the first person in my family to go to college, I need financial support to help me succeed academically. With this scholarship, I wouldn’t have to worry about money all the time and could concentrate more on my studies and community service.
This is straightforward, brief, and to the point. It not only conveys your need but also highlights your strengths, which you’ve been highlighting throughout the essay.
Show How the Scholarship Will Help You Achieve Your Goals
Scholarship committees want to invest in students who will make use of the money to achieve their objectives. What goals do you have for your career? How will the scholarship help you get there? When connecting your plans for the future with the financial assistance you’re applying for, be specific.
Here’s an illustration: “I want to work as an advocate for social justice and equality as a civil rights attorney. I will be able to complete my law degree and work as an intern for civil rights organizations with the assistance of this scholarship. I will benefit financially from this scholarship, but I will also be able to gain valuable experience that will help me choose my career path.”
This demonstrates that you have a well-defined strategy and that the scholarship will be crucial to your success.
Stay Humble Yet Confident
Finding a balance between self-assurance and humility is one of the most challenging aspects of writing the “Why I Deserve the Scholarship” essay. Without coming across as arrogant, you want to appear deserving. Focusing on your passion, dedication, and hard work rather than acting entitled to the award is the key.
Being grateful is a good way to keep this balance. Say something as elementary as, “Thank you so much for giving me the chance to apply for this scholarship. It would be an honor and a tremendous help to me in achieving my educational and professional goals.”
This not only emphasizes your strength as a candidate but also demonstrates your humility.
Wrap It Up With a Strong Conclusion
The conclusion, much like the introduction, should be strong. This is the opportunity you must seize to leave an impact one last time. Highlight your strengths and, state why you deserve the scholarship, and end it with gratitude.
An example would be: “Lastly, my commitment to community service, leadership, and academic success has molded me into an ambitious individual with a yearning to contribute. I hope to maintain the hard work that I put into my education and give it back to others; thus, receiving this scholarship will elevate me a step further into my goal. Thank you for considering my application.
It ties everything you have shared so far and leaves the reader with a sense of hope about what you bring to the table.