An age-old question you have to answer when applying for a scholarship is: Why do I deserve this scholarship? It’s not an easy feat to set yourself apart from hundreds or even thousands of applications with a single essay. So, what should you cover in your personal statement? Below are some example essays and tips to help you out!
3 Essay Samples About Why I Deserve The Scholarship
Important: After reviewing thousands of essays, we’ve pointed out a common mistake that many students make: writing an essay that’s too short or too long. The sweet spot is about 500 words or less. This helps the scholarship committee easily examine your essays while allowing enough space for your ideas.
Example 1: Personal Statement
Technology has always fascinated me, but my passion for computer science truly began when I saw how a simple app changed my brother’s life. Growing up, I watched him struggle with obesity. He tried different diets and workout plans, but nothing seemed to work. Then, he started using a calorie-tracking app. It helped him understand his eating habits, set goals, and stay consistent. Over time, he lost weight in a healthy way. Seeing the impact of that app made me realize how powerful technology can be. I wanted to create tools that help people improve their lives.
In high school, I took my first step toward that goal. I joined a coding team, and we built a simple app that reminded users—especially those with desk jobs—to take short exercise breaks. Many people spend hours sitting, which harms their health. Our app sent friendly notifications to encourage movement. It was a small project, but it reinforced my love for coding and problem-solving.
Beyond this, I have worked hard to develop my skills in computer science. I took advanced programming courses, participated in coding competitions, and completed several online certifications in app development. I also contributed to open-source projects, where I learned from experienced developers and improved my coding abilities.
What excites me most about computer science is its potential to solve real-world problems. From healthcare to education, technology can make life easier, more efficient, and more accessible. I want to be part of that change by developing applications that have a meaningful impact. Whether it’s creating apps that promote healthy habits, improve mental well-being, or provide educational resources, I believe technology has the power to make a difference.
This scholarship will help me take the next step in my journey. It will allow me to continue my studies, gain deeper knowledge, and develop more advanced applications. With the right education and support, I can turn my passion into real-world solutions that benefit others.
I am dedicated, hard-working, and passionate about using technology to help people. With this opportunity, I will continue to push my limits, learn from the best, and create innovative tools that improve lives. Thank you for considering my scholarship application.
Example 2: Academic/Future Career Goals
From a young age, I have been passionate about fairness and justice. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and given a fair chance, regardless of their background. This belief is what led me to pursue a degree in law. I want to use my knowledge and skills to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether by defending their rights, advocating for change, or ensuring that justice is served.
My academic journey has been shaped by hard work, determination, and a strong desire to succeed. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself to my studies, especially in subjects that strengthened my reasoning and communication skills. I excelled in courses such as history, government, and literature, which deepened my understanding of society and the legal system. I also participated in debate competitions, where I learned how to construct strong arguments and think critically under pressure. These experiences helped me realize that law is not just about rules—it’s about understanding people, their struggles, and the impact that laws have on their lives.
Beyond academics, I have sought opportunities to gain real-world experience related to law. I have volunteered at community legal aid centers, where I witnessed firsthand how legal professionals help individuals navigate complex issues. I also took part in mock trial programs, which allowed me to develop my analytical and public speaking skills. These experiences reinforced my commitment to becoming a lawyer and using my education to support those in need.
My ultimate career goal is to specialize in human rights law (criminal law, corporate law, etc.), where I can make a meaningful impact. I want to work on cases that bring justice to those who may not have the means to fight for themselves. Law is not just a career path for me—it is a calling. I believe that with the right education and resources, I can contribute to creating a fairer and more just society.
This scholarship would be life-changing for me. It would allow me to focus on my studies without the heavy burden of financial stress. With this support, I can dedicate myself fully to my education, participate in internships, and gain the experience I need to succeed in my field. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a lawyer who makes a difference.
I am committed, hard-working, and passionate about the law. I have shown dedication to my studies, sought opportunities to grow, and remained focused on my goals. This scholarship would not only support my education but also invest in someone who is determined to use their legal knowledge to help others. I am ready to make the most of this opportunity and work hard to achieve my goals.
Example 3: Tell Your Story & Share Your Plan (To Do With The Scholarship Money)
Growing up in a family with limited financial resources, I quickly learned the value of perseverance and hard work. Despite challenges, I remained dedicated to my studies, excelling in biology and actively participating in research projects. In high school, I worked on a small project related to microbiology, where I studied the antibacterial properties of plant extracts. This experience fueled my curiosity and solidified my decision to pursue a biology major in college. I see research not just as a field of study but as a way to improve lives—whether through medical advancements, environmental conservation, or biotechnology.
With the rising costs of tuition, lab fees, and research materials, financial support is crucial. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and research without the constant burden of financial stress. Specifically, I would use the funds to access laboratory equipment, attend scientific conferences, and invest in research materials. These opportunities will enhance my knowledge and allow me to contribute to real-world solutions in the biological sciences.
My ultimate goal is to conduct research that leads to advancements in medicine and environmental sustainability. One area of interest for me is biotechnology and disease prevention. With the help of this scholarship, I plan to focus on research that explores how natural compounds can be used to develop new antibiotics. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing global concern, and I believe that studying alternative treatments could lead to breakthroughs in medicine.
Additionally, I am passionate about environmental biology. I want to explore biodegradable alternatives to plastic by studying microorganisms that can break down plastic waste. If successful, this research could contribute to solving one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
This scholarship represents more than just financial aid; it is an investment in my future and in the potential contributions I can make to society. I am committed to using my knowledge to advance biological research and develop solutions that improve health and environmental sustainability. By awarding me this scholarship, you are not just supporting my education—you are enabling me to pursue discoveries that could benefit countless others.
This Is NOT A Summary Of Your Accomplishments!
Another pitfall that many students fall for is treating their scholarship essays like a resume. They list a bunch of achievements from the very beginning of their academic journey and even irrelevant ones. Honestly, our team at UndocuScholar considers such applications ‘tedious, flat, and impersonal.’ Don’t follow in their footsteps!
Only mention significant milestones and achievements to make your essay more impactful. Also, add personal touches and leverage your story-telling skills to craft an outstanding and compelling essay that speaks volumes about who you are.
3 Tips To Write A ‘Why I Deserve This Scholarship’ Essay
While writing your essay, keep in mind the following tips:
- Be specific. Don’t use generic statements like ‘I deserve this scholarship because I’m a hard-working school student.’ Back up your statements with examples and life experiences.
- Add your personal element. It can be a unique story or experience that truly reflects who you are. However, only choose relevant stories or extracurricular activities that resonate with the essay prompt.
- Polish your essay. Proofread and edit any grammatical errors or unnecessary points before submitting. We also recommend finding one-word adjectives instead of using ‘really’ or ‘very.’ For example, swap ‘very good’ for ‘excellent,’ ‘outstanding,’ or ‘exceptional.’
Final Words
Proving that you deserve the scholarship among hundreds of candidates in just around 500 words is a real challenge. However, if you know how to approach it in a unique way, you can craft a compelling essay that makes you stand out from the crowd. Remember to adhere to the prompt while adding personal elements using hands-on experiences to make it more impactful.
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