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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 competitive—and that’s where our scholarship essay examples come in. By reading our scholarship essay examples, you can learn what it takes to write an award-winning essay. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a scholarship essay?

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

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

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

Types of Scholarships

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

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

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

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

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

Merit-Based Scholarships

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding scholarships

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

Some scholarships we’ll discuss include:

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

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

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

How do you write a scholarship essay?

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

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

Organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scholarship Essay Examples About Yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phi sigma rho scholarship essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHPE Scholarship essay example #1

Essay prompt:.

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

Essay Example:

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

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

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

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

More scholarship essay examples

Shpe scholarship essay example #2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scholarship Essay Sample about “Why I deserve the scholarship”

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

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

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

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

Park scholarship essay example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shpe scholarship essay example.

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

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

UC Berkeley Scholarships essay examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UC Berkeley scholarship essay examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community-focused scholarship essay example #1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community-focused scholarship essay example #2.

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

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

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

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

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

Reflecting on scholarship essay format

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

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

Three scholarship essay writing tips:

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

Three essential elements to include in your essay:

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

Storytelling in your essay

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

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

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

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

Creating your scholarship essay format

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

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

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

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

Editing and proofreading your essay

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

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

Tips for scholarship essays

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

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

Tips for writing stand-out scholarship essays

1. get personal and be specific.

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

2. Tell a story

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

3. Tailor the scholarship essay to the prompt

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

4. Don’t tailor yourself to the reader

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

5. Follow directions

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

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

Scholarship Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

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

Save this guide

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

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

We’re here to help

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

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

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Admissions Essays and Financial Aid

Admissions essays are a key part of your college application. Essays can be challenging to write so here are some tips to help you. 

Generally, admissions essays will need to be 650 words or less, depending on the school requirement. Remember to include: why the particular college you’re applying to is a good fit for you, the value you bring to a school, and why this particular college should invest in your education. 

Admissions essays can go by different names. Here are some examples of other names: 

• Personal Statement
• Personal Essay
• Common App Essay
• Coalition App Essay
• University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

Colleges can require an admissions essay. These essays can also influence your financial aid package. Many colleges are generous with merit scholarships. A strong essay can boost your application so you secure a spot at a school and get financial aid.

In this guide, you will:

• Learn the types of financial aid that colleges offer
• Learn how the admissions  essay impacts merit scholarships
• Start writing your essay

Tip:  Your admissions essays do not impact your need-based financial aid. 

Types of financial aid

Before we discuss how admissions essays affect financial aid, let’s review the types of financial aid. Your financial aid package may include two award sources: need-based assistance and merit scholarships . 

• You will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for need-based aid. After your FAFSA form is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows your Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly known as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Colleges use the SAI to determine the need-based aid that you qualify for.
• Check out DecidED’s FAFSA prep guide for more information on how to apply.
• Not all colleges award merit scholarships. If they do, they may consider your GPA and test scores (if required or reported) when awarding merit scholarships. Many colleges also award merit scholarships for criteria such as high school activities, volunteer service, and demonstrated leadership. Colleges look for you to describe these qualities in your admissions essay. 

Who decides financial aid? 

On a typical college campus:

• The  Office of Financial Aid  awards need-based aid using FAFSA and the CSS/Profile, a form used by 400 private colleges.
• Merit scholarship awards mostly come from the  Admissions Office  after admissions counselors read and debrief your application. Admissions counselors decide on your candidacy and offer any merit scholarships you qualify for based on available dollars and how you compare to other students for the pool of funds.

When you understand the financial aid process from this perspective, you can see why the admissions essay has a lot of impact. 

How to boost merit scholarships

A good college essay can also give you a boost if you apply to a college that is ACT/SAT test-optional. Many colleges rely on test scores. Without those scores, your essay is the factor colleges can use to bet on your promise to succeed.

What makes a good essay? 

Successful essays read like a memoir or autobiographical sketch. You have had many lived experiences that you can write about. Choose one experience that is relevant to you and go deep. Here are some great admissions essays you can refer to for inspiration and some other good tips and examples . 

Tip: The best essays are those that zoom into one, two, or a mosaic of snapshots in time. Find your unique snapshot and write about it.

Express your experiences. Other parts of your college application contain information about your grades, test scores, activities, and coursework.  Your essay is the place to write about something personal. As you write, keep digging so positive emotions, such as happiness and hope, are palpable in your essay. 

Tip:  Before you begin writing about a particular experience, ask yourself:  “Why is this important to share?” Each time you answer, you move the reader from a  surface-level understanding of your experience to a deeper one. This helps make your essay stand out during admission and merit scholarship decisions.

Tell a clear story. Strong essays have a strong narrative and voice. 

• Story-like descriptions make your essay come alive. Show rather than tell directly. Consider yourself the main character in this story. Set up your essay with an attention grabbing beginning, middle, and end. 
• Strong essays are entertaining, both for you to write and for your audience to read. Don’t be afraid to explain your emotions, discoveries, and curiosities to show your complex layers and readiness for college-level learning.

Tip: Write a compelling story admissions counselors will want to read from start to finish. A memorable essay can help you win merit scholarship awards.

Show colleges why you’re a great fit. Your essay answers two important questions about you: who you are and why you’re a great fit for a school. Be yourself and focus on telling your story so colleges understand why you’re an ideal candidate for their program.  Unlike a Hollywood film, your story doesn’t have an end. Your script is still evolving, and where you spend the next four years will shape your story even more.

This guide is from the team at DecidED, a free tool that can help you compare college costs and other fit factors to make an affordable choice. Take the next step and create a free DecidED account today!

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5 Best Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

Many students face the challenge of financing their studies when pursuing higher education. Scholarships can be a lifeline, providing financial support to deserving individuals. However, students must submit a compelling essay explaining their financial need to secure these scholarships.

In this blog post, we will explore what makes a good statement of financial need, how to describe your financial need effectively, tips for writing a strong financial need essay, and provide five outstanding financial need scholarship essay examples. By the end, you’ll have valuable insights to help you stand out in scholarship applications .

What is a Good Statement of Financial Need?

A good statement of financial need is a clear and compelling narrative that effectively conveys your financial situation and explains why you require financial assistance for your education. When writing a statement of financial need, it’s important to create a well-structured and honest document that resonates with scholarship committees or financial aid providers. Here are the key elements that make a statement of financial need effective:

• Honesty and Transparency: Be open and honest about your financial circumstances. Scholarship committees appreciate genuine narratives. Provide accurate and verifiable information about your financial situation, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts.
• Clarity: Use clear and concise language to explain your financial need. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that may confuse the reader. Make your statement easy to understand.
• Relevance: Ensure that your statement directly relates to the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying for . Tailor your statement to address the scholarship provider’s specific goals, values, or criteria.
• Specific Figures: Use specific figures and examples to illustrate your financial need. Include numbers representing your financial situation, such as annual income, expected educational expenses, and outstanding debts. This helps scholarship committees understand the magnitude of your need.
• Explain Changes: If your financial situation has recently changed due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical expenses, family changes), explain these changes and how they have affected your ability to pay for education.
• Financial Independence: If you are financially independent from your parents or guardians, clarify this in your statement. Mention any responsibilities or financial obligations you have that affect your ability to pay for college .
• Impact on Education: Explain how your financial need directly impacts your pursuit of education. Describe the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education, such as tuition costs, textbooks, housing, or other educational expenses.
• Efforts to Cover Costs: If you are taking steps to cover educational costs, such as working part-time, applying for other scholarships, or seeking financial aid options, mention these efforts to show your commitment to funding your education.
• Personal Impact: Discuss how receiving financial assistance or a scholarship positively impacts your life and academic or career goals. Explain how it would alleviate the financial burden and enable you to focus on your studies.
• Gratitude and Determination: Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship or financial aid program. Convey your determination to succeed in your educational pursuits despite financial challenges.

Remember that scholarship committees or financial aid providers want to support students who genuinely need assistance and are committed to their educational goals. Craft your statement of financial need with sincerity and clarity, ensuring that it aligns with the specific requirements and objectives of the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying to.

How to Describe Your Financial Need for a Scholarship

Describing your financial need for a scholarship effectively requires clear and concise communication of your financial situation and challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to describe your financial need in a scholarship application:

• Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial information, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts. Having concrete figures will help you provide accurate information.
• Honesty is key. Provide truthful and transparent information about your financial situation. Scholarship committees value authenticity.
• Use specific numbers to illustrate your financial need. Include annual income, expected educational expenses (tuition, books, housing), and outstanding loans or debts. Specific figures add credibility to your statement.
• If there have been recent changes in your financial situation, such as a job loss, medical expenses, or other unexpected events, explain them. Describe how these changes have affected your ability to pay for education.
• If you depend on your parents or guardians, clarify their financial situation and any limitations they face in supporting your education. If you’re financially independent, explain your circumstances and responsibilities.
• Describe the specific educational expenses you face, including tuition costs, textbooks, supplies, housing, transportation, and other relevant costs. Highlight the financial burden these expenses place on you and your family.
• If you are taking steps to cover educational costs , mention them. For example, explain these efforts if you are working part-time, applying for part-time jobs, seeking other scholarships, or exploring financial aid options. It shows your commitment to funding your education.
• Articulate how your financial need directly affects your pursuit of education. Discuss the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education and how they may impact your ability to focus on your studies.
• Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. Convey your determination to succeed in your academic or career goals despite financial challenges. Emphasize how receiving financial assistance would positively impact your life.
• While providing detailed information is important, avoid including irrelevant or excessive details. Keep your statement focused on the specific financial need related to your education.
• After writing your financial need statement, ask trusted individuals, such as teachers, mentors, or counselors, to review and provide feedback. They can help ensure clarity and effectiveness.
• Carefully proofread your statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your statement is clear and well-organized.

Remember that scholarship committees are looking for deserving candidates who genuinely need financial assistance and are committed to their educational goals. By effectively describing your financial need clearly, honestly, and well-structured, you increase your chances of standing out and securing the scholarship you’re applying for.

How to Write a Financial Need Essay

Writing a compelling financial need essay requires a combination of honesty, transparency, and a clear understanding of the scholarship’s criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective financial need essay:

• Gather Information and Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial documents, such as income tax returns, pay stubs, and scholarship or grant records. Carefully read the scholarship essay prompt or guidelines to understand the specific criteria they are looking for.
• Create an Outline: Develop an outline that structures your essay logically and is organized. Consider the following points:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your financial need.
• Body Paragraphs: Elaborate on your financial situation, providing specific examples and quantifiable figures.
• Impact of Financial Need: Describe how your financial constraints have affected your education and life.
• Efforts to Reduce Burden: Highlight any steps you have taken to manage your finances or reduce reliance on external support.
• Connection to Goals: Explain how overcoming financial challenges has motivated you and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your goals.
• Conclusion: Restate your financial need and emphasize your potential to impact positively.
• Narrate Your Financial Situation: Instead of simply listing financial limitations, weave your story around your financial need. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate how your financial constraints have affected your educational pursuits, but also emphasize how you have managed to persevere despite these obstacles.
• Quantify Your Financial Need: Provide concrete figures to support your claims. Mention your family’s income, tuition and living expenses, and any outstanding debts or financial obligations.
• Highlight Efforts to Reduce Burden: Demonstrate that you have taken proactive steps to manage your finances and reduce reliance on external support. Mention any part-time jobs you hold, scholarships you have applied for, or cost-saving measures you have implemented.
• Emphasize the Impact on Your Education: Explain how your financial constraints have impacted your ability to participate in your education fully. Describe any missed opportunities, sacrifices, or limitations you have faced due to your financial situation.
• Connect Your Financial Need to Your Goals: Frame your financial hardship as a motivator rather than a barrier. Explain how overcoming financial challenges has strengthened your resolve to succeed and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your educational and career aspirations.
• Maintain a Positive and Optimistic Tone: Avoid dwelling on negative aspects or portraying yourself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, focus on your resilience, determination, and the positive impact you plan to make with the support of the scholarship .
• Proofread and Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or teacher to review your essay and provide constructive feedback. Ensure your essay is well-organized, grammatically correct, and free of any errors that could detract from your message.

Now, let’s explore five exceptional financial need scholarship essay examples:

Example 1: Overcoming Financial Hardship

Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of making ends meet. My parents worked multiple jobs to provide for our family, but it was never enough. We often had to choose between buying groceries or paying rent. Despite these challenges, my parents never gave up on their dreams for me. They instilled the importance of education and encouraged me to pursue my goals, no matter the obstacles.

My financial hardship has shaped me into the determined and resilient individual I am today. I have always been a hard worker, taking on part-time jobs and maintaining a high GPA despite the distractions and limitations of my environment. I have also actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as the debate team and the community service club, where I developed my leadership skills and dedication to serving others.

My financial situation has not only impacted my personal life but also my academic pursuits. Due to financial constraints, I often had to forgo purchasing textbooks or attending essential conferences. However, I have never let these limitations hinder my desire to learn. I have sought alternative resources, such as online libraries and public lectures, to expand my knowledge and enhance my learning experience.

Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my education and be a powerful affirmation of my potential and aspirations. It would provide me with the resources and opportunities to fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Example 2: The Impact of Limited Resources

The limited financial resources available to my family have had a profound impact on my educational opportunities. Growing up, I often had to choose between buying textbooks or paying for essential school supplies. Due to the associated costs, I have also had to forgo extracurricular activities and social events. Despite these constraints, I have always been determined to maximize my education.

I have consistently maintained a high GPA, taking challenging courses and excelling in my studies. I have also sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom, participating in research projects and attending seminars on topics that interest me. My passion for learning has driven me to overcome the limitations imposed by my financial situation.

My financial need has shaped my academic journey and influenced my personal growth. I have learned to be resourceful, find creative ways to manage my finances, and maximize my limited resources. I have also developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion, understanding the challenges faced by others who struggle with financial hardship.

Receiving this scholarship would give me the financial support I need to realize my academic and personal potential fully. It would allow me to purchase the necessary resources for my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and pursue research opportunities to enhance my learning experience.

Example 3: Finding Creative Solutions

Despite facing significant financial challenges, I have found creative solutions to overcome my limitations and advance my education. I have secured scholarships and grants through hard work and academic dedication. I have also worked part-time to supplement my income and contribute to my educational expenses. I have also sought affordable educational options, such as attending community college for the first two years of my undergraduate studies.

My financial need has motivated me to be resourceful and proactive in managing my finances. I have developed a strict budget and have learned to prioritize my spending. I have also explored cost-saving measures, such as utilizing public transportation, cooking meals at home, and seeking out secondhand textbooks.

My financial situation has shaped my financial habits and influenced my academic choices. I have carefully considered the financial implications of each academic decision, such as selecting in-state schools and pursuing majors with strong career prospects. I have also sought out mentorship from individuals who have faced similar financial challenges and have learned valuable strategies for success.

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial freedom to focus on my studies and pursue my academic passions without the constant burden of financial worries. It would allow me to engage fully in my academic journey, participate in research opportunities, and explore potential career paths.

Example 4: A Vision for a Brighter Future

Despite financial hardship, I have always clearly envisioned a brighter future. I am driven by a strong desire to succeed and make a positive impact on the world. I aspire to pursue a career in [your field of interest], where I can contribute to groundbreaking research, develop innovative solutions, and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

My financial situation has not diminished my ambition or determination. It has instead fueled my desire to achieve my goals and overcome any obstacles that may arise. I have learned to be adaptable and resilient, facing challenges head-on and finding creative ways to overcome them.

I believe that education is the key to unlocking my potential and achieving my dreams. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational aspirations fully and significantly contribute to society. It would allow me to attend a top-tier institution, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to become a leader in my field.

I am confident that my academic achievements, research experience, and demonstrated leadership skills make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am eager to continue my education and dedicate myself to pursuing my passion in [your field of interest]. I envision a future where I can utilize my expertise to [describe how you plan to make a positive impact]. I am committed to collaborating with others, sharing my knowledge, and contributing to the collective pursuit of a better future.

Example 5: Making a Difference Despite Limitations

Despite my financial limitations, I have always been driven by a strong desire to impact my community positively. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, regardless of their circumstances. I have actively participated in community service throughout my life, volunteering my time and skills to organizations that support underserved communities.

I have volunteered at the local homeless shelter, providing meals and assistance to those in need. I have also participated in tutoring programs, helping children from low-income families succeed in their studies. These experiences have instilled a deep sense of empathy and compassion and strengthened my commitment to social justice.

My financial need has not only shaped my personal values but also influenced my academic choices. I have chosen to pursue a major in [your field of interest] because of its potential to address pressing social and environmental challenges. I am particularly interested in [describe a specific area of interest within your field].

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational goals and make a meaningful contribution to society. It would allow me to attend a university with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and engage in research that addresses real-world problems. I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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When writing a financial need scholarship essay, these five essay examples demonstrate the importance of honesty, transparency, and a clear connection between financial need and personal goals. By effectively conveying your financial situation and its impact on your educational pursuits, you can increase your chances of receiving the support you need to achieve your academic and personal aspirations.

Crafting a compelling financial need scholarship essay requires honesty, clarity, and a persuasive narrative. Following the tips outlined in this blog post and drawing inspiration from the provided scholarship essay examples, you can create an essay that effectively communicates your financial need, aspirations, and determination to pursue higher education. Remember that scholarship committees appreciate authenticity, so share your story sincerely. Best of luck with your scholarship applications!

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Scholarship Essays

Statement of Financial Need Essay Example

State your need for financial aid.

If the 18 year-old James would have known and understood the value of higher education the way the now 34 year-old James does, you would have received this letter 16 years ago. Perhaps the passage of 16 years and the experiences contained in them will prove to be an advantage that will make further education of the 34 year-old more fulfilling personally and more beneficial to family, friends and the community.

I am, first of all a husband and father. Jan, my wife of eight years, and I have two beautiful children—our daughter Sue is six, and our son Josh is three. My marriage and the birth of our children are the most satisfying, inspiring events in my life. Another event, not exactly a positive one at first glance, is one of the reasons you have received this letter.

For nine years I was a journeyman carpenter working for several framing contractors on both residential and commercial projects. My duties included all aspects of framing construction as well as supervisory responsibilities. Then, my life changed drastically. A wall and beam assembly, later estimated to weigh some 3,000 pounds, fell and broke my left leg in several places.

Since this career ending injury, however, more positives than negatives have emerged. Despite long therapy sessions and several follow-up operations, I can honestly say that the worst consequence of breaking my leg was that I broke my leg. The incident has allowed me the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and children and to seek a college education.

Before the accident I was physically active at work, in recreation, and in my participation as a semi-professional baseball player with the San Diego Marlins. At that point I hadn't thought seriously about furthering my education. Because of my injury, I was faced with the realization that I was not indestructible. This revelation, along with much prompting from my wife, encouraged me to view this as a chance for a positive change and a more secure future.

I am the first in my family to attend a university. In the spring of 2006, I enrolled in 18 units at Miramar College. Being a self-motivated, goal-oriented person, I was able to achieve a 4.0 grade point average and a place on the Dean’s Honors List. Despite my subsequent operations, I have maintained a 4.0 grade point average after 75 college units. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s degree. I selected a Psychology major and Recreation Administration minor to improve myself and my ability to interact and communicate effectively with others.

One of my most time-consuming activities, as well as one of the most rewarding, is my involvement with the San Diego Unitarian Church. My responsibilities as volunteer youth counselor and advisor for our 20 Southern California congregations include planning and promotion of youth trips and activities which include visiting the sick and elderly and various musical performances throughout the year. My new communication skills and the broader view provided by the university experience, will be invaluable in my relationships with these youth and my future career.

This 34 year-old returning student has learned to appreciate the generosity of others. I would be honored and grateful for whatever assistance you are willing to provide. Your investment in me will not only assist me in the accomplishment of my personal goals, but will benefit our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Original Source: San Diego State University

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, financial aid personal statement examples.

Hey everyone! I'm working on my financial aid application and was wondering if anyone has any examples or tips for writing a solid personal statement specifically for financial aid purposes? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! A personal statement for financial aid should focus on your financial situation, any challenges or extenuating circumstances you face, and how receiving aid will impact your education and future aspirations. Here's a brief outline and example to help guide you:

1. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your financial situation. Make sure to engage the reader with an opening statement that reveals your enthusiasm for your education and future goals.

Example: As an aspiring engineer with a passion for sustainable living, I am excited to pursue my dream of attending XYZ College. However, my family faces financial constraints that limit my ability to cover the costs without significant aid.

2. Background: Explain the factors that contribute to your financial need, such as job loss, health issues, or a large family. Paint a vivid picture of the struggles you and your family have faced and how it has affected your educational journey.

Example: My mother, a single parent of four, recently lost her job due to company downsizing. We've faced numerous challenges, such as putting food on the table, paying rent, and affording healthcare. These circumstances have made it especially difficult for my mother to provide financial assistance for my college education.

3. Impact of financial aid: Describe how receiving financial aid would benefit you in your educational journey and impact your future aspirations. Highlight your goals and elaborate on how your passion will drive you to achieve them.

Example: Financial assistance will allow me to attend XYZ College, granting me the opportunity to study under renowned engineering professors and contribute to their groundbreaking research on sustainable energy solutions. This experience will enable me to develop the necessary skills to become an innovator in the field of sustainable engineering, empowering me to make a significant impact on the environment and communities worldwide.

4. Conclusion: Reinforce your enthusiasm and dedication to your education, and express gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for financial aid. Emphasize how the aid will not only benefit you but also contribute to the broader community.

Example: I am eager to embark on my journey at XYZ College and contribute my skills and ideas to the campus community. With your generous financial assistance, I can make the most of this invaluable opportunity and pursue my dreams of becoming a leader in sustainable engineering. Thank you for considering my application and allowing me the chance to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Remember to be genuine and specific about your personal situation. Personalizing your statement will make it more powerful and compelling. Good luck!

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

Scholarship Essay Samples and Tips

Scholarship essay samples.

• Scholarship Essay Sample A
• Scholarship Essay Sample B

Scholarship Essay Tips

• Here are some great scholarship essay tips!

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Scholarship Essay on Financial Assistance

• Financial Need Essay Example
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I n this previous article , we discussed what a financial need essay is. You send it to the scholarship committee who will then determine whether you’re academically outstanding enough and the degree of your need. A financial need essay gives the committee your personal profile, background, financial situation, reasons why you deserve the scholarship, and what you plan to accomplish after it’s been awarded to you. If you’re privileged enough to get it, the financial aid or scholarship will likely take full consideration of your current situation. Below is a financial need essay example. Read and understand how it follows the format we learned earlier. After this, you will surely be able to craft your own financial need essay  that you can use to secure your college education.

         As far back as I can remember, my parents have always instilled in me the  importance of education . As an only child, every morning at the breakfast table, I’d always hear them say, “All the riches in the world can vanish in a snap of a finger if a person is not educated enough to handle it.” They’d go on and tell me that the only inheritance they could pass on to me is my education. I’ve understood it enough to motivate me to consistently excel in school. 

        I was an honors student throughout grade school and graduated valedictorian from high school. My parents were forced to drop out of school early because of poverty. As a result, they were unable to land stable and well-providing jobs, and thus, they experienced hardship in putting me through school. Despite all their personal struggles in raising me, they never once gave me the impression that I should give up on my dream. It was the opposite - they always told me that they wouldn’t let me go through what they went through. Growing up aware of my family’s situation, I persevered in school. I was a 4-year officer of the Science Club at my school and was elected president during my last year. Aside from that, I was also appointed student council Secretary in my senior year. 

       Aside from all my academic and extracurricular accomplishments, I have also  volunteered  as a messenger in summer Red Cross missions the past two years. On weekends, I also tutor grade school children in our neighborhood. In the future, I also want to explore the possibility of becoming a preschool teacher. Two years ago, my father was laid off from the steel mill factory that he had worked at for 17 years. He has had difficulty finding a new job ever since. Because we had no choice, the money my father had saved for my education was eventually used to help support daily needs for more than a year. All these unfortunate breaks drove me to seek financial aid for my college education. I thought I would only need a regular partial scholarship – now the need is for a full one due to the current circumstances. My dream is to become a licensed nurse. If granted, I will take up a B.S. in Nursing Prelicensure. Should I be fortunate enough to land this scholarship, I will strive to maintain throughout my college years the enthusiasm, hard work, and perseverance that made me get here. It will be my foremost priority to not only carry the name of this scholarship grant throughout college but also to serve others in greater need. If there is required student practicum, I aspire to join and assist in medical missions to less fortunate places – Doctors Without Borders, to be exact. 

In an ideal world, scholarships should not exist, as higher education should be free. While still a highly controversial issue, today's national leaders ought to find a way to make education a birthright, and not a luxury, as they are wont to do even in First World countries like the United States. Since change will not happen overnight,  you must take it upon yourself to produce the best scholarship essay. With nobility in your intent and a glimpse of your potential, crafting a scholarship essay should be easy, even in the face of stiff competition. If by any chance your confidence decides not to cooperate, you can seek scholarship essay help from us here at  CustomEssayMeister . Our academic writing service boasts of an essay writing help by virtue of the abilities of our expert professional writers. Just so you know, we wish you the best, and if you decide to  come to us , we'll give you topnotch quality work for you deserve nothing but the best.

more in Writing Guides / Admission & Scholarship Essay

• How to Write an Admission Essay Dec 2, 2019
• College Application Essay Examples May 13, 2019
• How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay Feb 28, 2019
• How To Write A Great College Scholarship Essay Jun 9, 2018

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How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter (With Example)

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

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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, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Let’s say you get accepted to college, but the financial aid package does not work for you and your family. Did you know that many colleges will allow you to submit a financial aid appeal letter to be considered for more financial aid and scholarships?

When I worked in college admissions, I was a part of our college’s “scholarship appeal committee” where I helped evaluate various appeals for more financial aid and merit scholarships.

Related:  Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

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Starting the merit scholarship appeal process

How to write your merit appeal letter, how to appeal for need-based financial aid.

• Financial Aid Appeal Example

Can you ask for more money from private scholarships?

• What can you do the college turns down your appeal?

Feel free to jump ahead to any of the above sections or keep on reading to learn more about the appeals process. Students should also thoroughly review their financial aid award letter to understand what types of aid the college offered them.

Recommended: How to read a financial aid award letter (with examples)

Before you begin thinking about the merit scholarship appeal process, you should make sure that the college or university actually offers merit scholarships. If the institution does not offer merit scholarships, this is a nonstarter (a quick review of their admissions and financial aid website should tell you whether they do).

Once you know that the college does offer merit scholarships, you can inquire about the merit scholarship appeal process and whether they offer it. You can either call the admissions office or email the admissions officer responsible for your region. If they say that there is a process, you can start working on your appeal letter.

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First things first, let’s talk about how you can write a successful merit appeal letter. A successful letter is all about making your case to the admissions officer.

Here is our step-by-step process for writing a merit appeal letter:

• Begin your letter by introducing yourself, where you are from, and your high school.
• You should also reiterate how grateful you are to be admitted to the college and how excited you are to potentially attend.
• Next explain the reasons why you are appealing for money in scholarships–did you receive need-based financial aid? Perhaps you did not receive  enough  need-based financial aid? Or maybe there was a life circumstance that’s making paying for college difficult for your family? If so, provide a brief explanation.
• Have you accomplished anything significant academically/extracurricularly since you applied? This would be a good time to mention that. Same goes for any new grades/test scores.
• Do you have more generous merit scholarship offers from other schools? Include the offer letters along with your note. While this may seem a bit crass, it helps give the admissions office context of where you are coming from.
• Finally, you should conclude the letter by thanking the admissions officer for their time and consideration. You can also restate your interest in the college and why you hope to attend.

Related:  Why didn’t I receive financial aid?

Need-based financial aid is a completely different type of financial aid than merit aid. Colleges award need-based scholarships according to a formula dictated by your family’s financial situation. This means that there is very little (if any) wiggle room for how colleges award need-based financial aid.

With this said, there are two ways that you may be able to receive a reevaluated need-based financial aid package:

• There was an error on your FAFSA or other financial aid form (like the CSS Profile )
• Your family’s financial aid situation has changed since you submitted your financial aid forms. Two of the most common reasons that this can happen include dramatically increased medical expenses or a parent loses their job. However, there may be other situations that could impact a family’s financial situation.

In these situations it is absolutely worth contacting the college’s financial aid office to ask if there is any possibility of an adjusted aid package. Generally, the office of financial aid will ask you for a letter explaining your change in circumstances, with context and possible documentation.

Is there any harm to appealing for more financial aid?

When a need-based financial aid appeal is filed, the financial aid officers will examine the entire financial aid application again. In this second, careful review, it is possible that the financial aid officers might see something that could cause the award letter to change for the worse. While this is rare, it is important to know that financial aid appeals can impact your financial aid positively and negatively.

Advice from an admissions professional

Christina labella.

Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Manhattanville University

Financial aid appeal letter sample

Below you will find a financial aid appeal letter sample that you can use as an outline when writing your own appeal letter.

Dear [Ms. Gomez],

My name is [Will Geiger] and I am a senior at [Manasquan High School] in [Manasquan, NJ]. I was so excited to be accepted to [Wake Forest University] as a member of the class of [2024]. 

However, as I weigh my college options, affordability is an important factor for me. [Wake Forest University] is a top choice college for me. [Include 2-3 reasons why the college is a good fit].

I am writing to ask to be considered for any merit scholarship opportunities. [Include 2-3 academic or extracurricular updates from this year]. 

I have been lucky enough to receive the following scholarships from some other colleges:

[Specific colleges and award amounts]

Additionally, I have attached the actual award amounts.

Nonetheless, I want to attend [Wake Forest University] to study [insert major] and can’t wait to study [insert details about specific classes, programs, or professors that you hope to experience at the college]. With my [insert major] degree, I want to go into [insert job or ambition].

Thank you for the opportunity to be reconsidered for additional merit scholarship opportunities. I am honored to be accepted at [Wake Forest University] and hope to be a member of the freshman class.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Will Geiger

Private scholarships are almost always awarding a very fixed amount of money so it is unlikely that they are going to be considering appeals. This is unlikely to be a winning strategy for students. Of course, with billions of dollars in scholarship money available each year, nothing should stop you from finding and winning more scholarships!

What can you do if your appeal is turned down?

Once you have exhausted the appeals process and have determined that your financial aid forms accurately represent your family’s financial situation your next best move is to apply for more scholarships and consider more affordable options on your list.

There are still many scholarships available for current high school seniors . Additionally, you should continue to apply for scholarships once you are in college (there are a number of scholarships available for college freshmen ).

In addition to scholarships, you may also qualify for federal work study , which is essentially a part time job to help pay for educational expenses.

If your financial situation simply won’t permit you to accept the college’s offer, there are many other options available . Coding bootcamps , certificate programs , and community college can all help you land a higher-paying job. These alternatives typically take a fraction of the time and cost of traditional college.

Finally, student loans or Income Share Agreements can be a last resort for paying for college. Students should consider all of their federal student loan options before considering any private student loans.

Recommended: How to apply for student loans

Key Takeaways

• Being accepted by a college means they want you to join their institution
• As a result, they may be open to considering you for additional merit scholarships
• Taking an hour to negotiate merit scholarship aid could result in thousands of dollars in scholarships down the line
• Financial aid appeals will not result in your admission being rescinded

Frequently asked questions about financial aid appeal letters

Will a college rescind my admission if i ask for more financial aid, could i lose my financial aid if i file a financial aid appeal, how do i ask for more financial aid from a college, what if i can't afford my financial aid package, what are some valid reasons for a financial aid appeal.

• A significant change in your family’s financial situation
• Recent unemployment
• High medical related expenses
• Changes in family size or dependency status
• Other extenuating circumstances

How long does it take to receive a response to a financial aid appeal letter?

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Finance Essay Examples

Top 5 Finance Essay Examples to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

16 min read

Published on: May 7, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many students struggle with writing finance essays due to the technical language and vast topics to cover.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, resulting in poorly written papers that don't meet academic standards.

With the right approach and tools, you can learn the art of finance essay writing and achieve academic success.

In this blog, we'll provide practical examples and expert tips to help you craft winning finance essays.

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Financial Analysis Essay Examples

Check out the following examples to get a better understanding of financial analysis essay examples. 

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Financial Situation Essay Examples

Want a perfect example of a financial situation essay? Read the following example!

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Examples Of Financial Need Essays

Here is a perfectly written financial need essay for you! 

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Financial Literacy Essay Examples

Want a top example of a financial literacy essay example? Here is a perfectly written essay sample! 

Financial literacy essay example

Financial Goals Essay Examples

Read the following example of a financial goals essay! 

Financial goals essay sample

The following essays are perfect examples of financial situation essays. Give them a read to get inspiration for your next essay. 

Financial Hardship Essay Examples

Get inspiration for your next financial essay from these examples!

Financial Aid Essay Examples

Financial aid essay for an undergraduate essay

In conclusion, writing a financial essay can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. The examples we've provided in this blog post are just a small sample of the many financial essay topics that you can explore. 

Need essay help with your finance assignments? Look no further!

Our finance essay writing service is here to provide you with expert assistance, ensuring your essays are both accurate and well-crafted. And for those seeking a more efficient way to tackle their writing tasks, explore our AI essay writer tool.

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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• Essay on Finance

Financial Aid: Example Essay By An Expert Writer To Follow

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Finance , Financial , Aid , Financial Aid , Family , Parents , Studies , Study

Published: 03/30/2023

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When I was accepted into the program, I intended to work hard, get good grades and start my career. But my dreams were interrupted by devastating losses that ultimately cost me my financial aid. I am therefore appealing this decision, first, on the grounds of compassion since the loss of both my parents within a two-month span prompted me to drop a class and, second, due to the fact that the loss of financial aid will make it all but impossible for me to finish my studies. One of the things I have learned since suffering the loss of family members recently is that I need to move forward by being deliberate and decisive with my actions (Feloni, "10 Strategies That Will Help You Triumph Over Adversity"). In other words, I have to pick up the pieces after both my mom and dad died within a short time span – prompting me to drop a class one semester as I sought to deal with this tragedy. In addition to this, I also financially supported and cared for grandfather for four years leading up to the death of my parents, even though doing so meant spending less time than ideal on my studies. Despite what I have been through, though, I am determined to continue my education, and financial aid will make this possible. Another reason that I want my financial aid reinstated is that I cannot afford to complete my studies without financial assistance. I am only two or three classes away from completing the requirements for my degree, and I would hate to be so close to finishing and yet be unable to do so. While nothing could ever replace the personal losses I have endured, I can honor my parents’ memory and follow my dreams by earning my degree. And this will require financial aid. I am hoping that, all things considered, you will deem me a worthy candidate for financial aid. It has been a long road up to this point, but I am undeterred as far as achieving my goals is concerned. As a result, I sincerely hope that you will approve my financial aid request.

Works Cited

Feloni, Richard. "10 Strategies That Will Help You Triumph Over Adversity." Business Insider. 22 Aug. 2014. Web. 3 July 2016.

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