5 Scholarship Essay Samples

Writing a scholarship essay is not a difficult task once you have the right guidance to follow through. Anyone can write a winning scholarship essay like a pro from scratch. Once you have a clear understanding of the institution’s requirements and you have the right tips, you are well on your way to crafting a great scholarship essay to go with your scholarship application. 

To have a great understanding of scholarship essays and how you can write one, check out this article on How to Write a Scholarship Essay. 

 

Scholarship Essay Samples 

Here is a list of different scholarship essays that can guide you to create your own scholarship essay and why they are great.
 

Scholarship Essay Sample for an Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student for a School's Scholarship Program

What I want to be has been clear to me since childhood. I do not refer to a stereotypical child’s dream of being a doctor or astronaut, but it has been something that has shaped my decisions and actions throughout my life. In the last few years, I have realized that my passion for environmental conservation is a natural calling that I am destined to follow. This intuitive notion solidified while visiting my mother in Johannesburg a few summers ago. In my old bedroom, my mother has kept framed memorabilia from my childhood. One night before I went to sleep I looked on the bed-stand to find an old article that dated back to my third year of elementary school. After rereading this article thirteen years later, with a smile, I recognized my destiny is and has always been devoting my career to the conservation and preservation of our ecosystems. 

Let me tell you about the letter and what led to it. In my third-grade class, we attempted to introduce higher biodiversity along a creek by adding plants, which in turn attract other organisms. Some of the older teenagers had rampaged through and stole our plants while trampling the beautiful ecosystem. I wanted to send a message to stop such destruction and the following article ended up in our town newspaper. Although I was only in third grade, the destruction of the environment affected me more deeply than most of my fellow classmates and continues to do so today. I wish to embark on an educational journey to beautiful Montverde, Costa Rica for the Tropical Ecology and Conservation program in the Spring of 2021. In order to take this step in my educational career, I am applying for financial aid through the John E. Bowman Travel Grants, CIEE International Study Programs Scholarships, and the Jennifer Ritzmann Scholarship for studies in Tropical Biology. Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about contributing to the conservation of our earth. It became clear to me upon entering my college career that my focus should be on wildlife conservation. When I learned about this program I became ecstatic. Partaking in this unique opportunity will prepare me for my future career goals and aid my growth as a conservationist and a young woman. While participating in this program I will apply the knowledge and resources learned during the courses that I take in Costa Rica to real-world situations. I will be working in the field amongst other scientists and gaining hands-on experience, which will enrich my current education and my future career. Furthermore, I will be able to contribute to the conservation of the tropical forest through my education as well as gain a better cultural understanding of the world around me. 

To further explain my situation, I’d like to say that I come from a broken home and was raised by my mother on a very low income. So, I do not receive any financial support from my family and little from the federal government to fund my college education. Therefore my financial needs are very high. Throughout my life, I have strived to achieve my goals solely through hard work and determination. For example, in the last five years that I have attended school, I have struggled to receive enough federal loans to pay my tuition and have been working at night while attending school in order to barely scrape by. However, I know that this has made me a stronger person and gives me a greater passion for what I am trying to achieve. At this moment in time, my situation is even more extreme than ever. Instead of working full-time all summer to save money, I have been going to summer school in order to complete the required courses before I depart for this program in the spring. The demands of summer school leave me no time for part-time employment. 

Consequently, in order for me to embark on this incredible opportunity I am extremely reliant on grants and scholarships to see this experience come to fruition. These scholarships and grants will assist me in achieving my goals by supporting my trip expenses in Costa Rica. In essence, they will allow me to receive an excellent education in an amazing country as well as apply this knowledge to help conserve our precious ecosystems that are in danger of ultimate destruction and demise. Likewise, by supporting my education these funds will enable me to spread my newfound insight and knowledge to further educate the people around me as I plan to teach in conservation programs such as the Student Conservation Corps. Thank you so much for your consideration. 

Download this sample of scholarship essay and tailor for your use.

 

Scholarship Essay Sample for an International Master's Student 

I am writing this essay because I have so much faith in human nature. The Earth and every tiny microbe that dwells here are my inspiration, and the intricate functions of a single cell are the only proof I need to believe that the spirit lies in life itself. My one goal is to do anything I can to protect the purity of life. I am astounded by the rate at which we destroy what can never be replaced, but I have not lost hope. 

Since I have been at Chicago University, I have explored many different areas of study, always pursuing a way to defend the defenceless. Through our environmental group at school, Campus Greens, I began to realize the Earth needs scientists who are willing to speak for it. Our latest goal has been to stop long-wall coal mining in Dysart Woods, a virgin forest in Ohio. Many people believe the mine will destroy the woods. However, there is not enough evidence to back up that claim. I feel the only way to end the destruction of forests is through evidence of their importance. During my junior year of high school, I studied in Israel for a quarter. This was the single most important experience of my life. I saw how diverse life is and how beautiful all of those differences are. In three months my world expanded halfway around the globe. I began to realize that there were millions of species I knew nothing about. This idea is what draws me to Costa Rica. I would love to study the amazing diversity of life that the rainforests offer and the communities that they support. What intrigued me the most about Israel was the way Zionists had managed to grow food in a desert. They came and transformed a barren land into a garden. Digging into deep rocks to find aquifers and developing elaborate drip irrigation systems to conserve water permitted the beginning of a new culture with new crops. The entire society grew from a dream of living in peace with enough food to eat. When I learned about this I decided that after graduating I would like to go into the Peace Corps.

My goal is to help improve agriculture in third-world countries, without imposing cultural assimilation. I feel this program would give me insight into rural communities that thrive without submitting to Westernization. Eventually, I would like to become a professor of Tropical Agriculture. Since I have been at Ohio University, I have realized what an impact one instructor can have on future generations. Last year I took a class entitled, "Plants and People". We learned about various plants, their origin, and how they have affected humans. While the subject was interesting, it was the professor that inspired me. Her lectures came to life with slides of trips she had taken and stories of collecting cassava with local shamans. Her passion is what led me to pursue Tropical Agriculture. I feel that the best teachers are those who can share their own experiences. I also feel that knowledge gained through experience is of greater value than hours of reading. When I am able to meet the people and smell the plants that I am learning about, the lesson becomes my reality. It is hard for me to comprehend the full beauty that lies in Costa Rica. 

Hopefully, this program will give me the opportunity to explore what textbooks have only begun to explain. I do hope that I am considered for the program as I look forward to making meaningful contributions to society through this program. 

Click here to download this template to guide you for your essay

 

Scholarship Essay for a Fresh High School Graduate Seeking Admission and Scholarship as an Engineering Student 

As a child, my life had structure. Colouring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom. I found comfort in the fact that my future had an easy-to-follow template: elementary, middle, and high school, college, job, family retirement, and “happily ever after” ending. When I graduated from elementary school I was told I completed 25% of my education. During my middle school graduation, I was told I was halfway there and I know I’ll be told I’m 75% done when I throw my cap in the air this June. College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary.

Going to college makes sense. From helping my parents land stable jobs after coming to America to giving my brother the chance to gain work experience at some of the top financial firms, college educations have shown their worth in my family. Yet I didn’t think about what actually goes on inside the magical universities until I entered high school. Applying to the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering was the first time I had actively made a decision in my education. With the encouragement of my parents and favourite science teacher who recognized that I would excel in the challenging environment of like-minded students, I applied. Four years later, I can confidently say they were right.

My class of twenty-six has shown me the benefits of a collaborative rather than a competitive environment, especially the impact that camaraderie with my peers has on our collective learning experience. Each student has an inspiring level of passion and motivation that made me excited to learn, work on projects, and participate in discussions both in and out of the classroom. I used my education to gain skills and open doors for myself such as an internship at my local hospital. I gained confidence in my abilities to communicate with individuals from strangers my age to practising professionals. I was thinking longer and harder than I ever had before to solve individual problems and large-scale challenges. In all honesty, I was having fun.

Looking back on my years at the Academy I realize how big of an impact the school made on how I view education. I wasn’t coming to school to mark another day off my calendar and inch closer to finishing the next 25%. I came to school to learn and question and push myself. Now, as a senior, I’m excited. I’m thankful for the sample that my high school gave me of what learning is supposed to be like and thankful that it left me wanting more. I’m entering college in August with a new understanding of its importance. It is important because it is what I want for my future.

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Scholarship Essay Sample for a Hispanic Woman on a Gender-Based Scholarship Program

Twice a week I head down to volunteer at the Los Sures Social Services office, situated next to the local senior citizen home, to help at the food pantry. We distribute food to people in my neighbourhood. Many are familiar faces. Many are middle-aged Hispanic women with children dangling from their hips like grass skirts. These women are there as a result of their culture and lack of financial knowledge. In our Spanish culture, patriarchy prevents women from preparing for themselves as much as they should. This leads to Hispanic women having little or no money management skills. Financial illiteracy is a major issue in my neighbourhood, and that is why I hope to give Hispanic women a chance for a better future through financial education.

While I was volunteering I met a woman who happened to live in the same building as my aunt. Unemployed with two young children, and a husband earning minimum wage at a fast food restaurant, she struggled to get by every day. I thought to myself – many in my community are just like her. Then I realized I could do something to help. How? I can start a financial literacy program, which teaches Hispanic women to earn and manage money. Once a woman becomes financially literate, she is capable of making good personal and professional decisions, empowering her to improve her family’s financial well-being. Moreover, such a program will help Hispanic women become competitive employees, even in a slow recovering economy such as the one we are experiencing now.

Participating in the 2013 Women’s World Banking Global Meeting in Amman, Jordan gives me access to invaluable resources that will help me achieve this goal. I hope to find mentors from a roomful of inspiring, experienced leaders who will offer me guidance. Also, meeting accomplished women from other countries means access to new ideas and unique perspectives. And if I am lucky, I may even come across individuals who can provide financial support to jumpstart my financial literacy program for Hispanic women. Lastly, I will tell my idea to everyone I meet in Jordan, a baby step to help Hispanic women rise from poverty.

The world continues to change rapidly, especially with globalization. It is about time that Hispanic women strive for gender equality. Thus, it is essential that Hispanic women increase their roles and knowledge in finance. The women in my neighbourhood shall no longer be left out. I will task myself to help these women become better, and stronger and most importantly, take control of their lives. I want to be involved so that they can save themselves from any unforeseen financial crisis. This is a tremendous goal, but for me, it is an opportunity to make a difference – in my neighbourhood and for my Spanish community.

Use this template to craft your own scholarship essay.

 

Scholarship Essay for a Working Undergraduate Student seeking Financial Aid

I have encountered an emotional barrier making it difficult to manage my schoolwork, extracurricular activities and family responsibilities. I had to deal with being viciously raped by a peer during my sophomore year, resulting in severe depression. I am no longer allowed to be alone for a long period of time, as I’ve attempted to commit suicide twice, but I do not regard those as true attempts to end my life. I just wanted someone to know how I felt and how much I needed help. My past has only made me more resilient, as I choose to prove to myself and those around me that I am more than the barriers I’ve encountered–but overcome.

It took a 3,000-mile flight for me to gain a different perspective of my world. Landing in Maine was nothing like home. There was no traffic, lots of trees, and absolutely no Spanish to be heard anywhere. I was a 10th grader when I found myself at Coastal Studies for Girls, a marine science and leadership school; I would be there for a whole semester. I was surrounded by strangers who looked different, sounded different, and could recite tide pool specifics in casual conversation.

I was the visible representation of a first-generation child of immigrants, branching out into a new environment. An environment where I wanted to prove wrong all perceptions of people like me, the poor, the immigrant, and the brown woman. I used my voice to echo my community and make it known that, we, are here–all of our struggles, our efforts, and our passions, are not absent from places where we are not seen.

Returning home, I had the privilege to work alongside school administrators as a student ambassador. I got to positively dedicate my time to parents who have general questions regarding the school and help translate information.

I have learned that the American Dream does not simply belong to first-generation students like myself, but I now see it as a team effort, as you expand, your family also gets to experience the benefits.

One of the most common questions at parent meetings is “What’s better college or university”? This question did not make sense to me, I then realized that parents want to know the difference between a community college and a four year. Concepts like financial aid, grants, and loans, are all foreign concepts as most of our parents never went to college. As a student ambassador, I help bridge that gap. We often hold meetings where we explained the resources available and different options for each student. I have learned, that as a student, I can provide assistance to my own community through my knowledge. I am the communication necessary for further success, using my personal knowledge and experience to help uplift and educate others in similar situations. My pursuit is to not only go to college but thrive and come back ready and able to help students like myself that have to fight for their seats in the lecture hall.

Simply download this sample here and write your own scholarship essay

 

FAQs about Scholarship Essays 

How do you start an essay for a scholarship?

To write a winning essay, begin your essay by writing an introduction. Your introduction should have a bit of your personal information and your motivation for applying for the essay. After this, you can then proceed to the body and conclusion of your essay. 

How do you write a 500-word scholarship essay?

To write a 500-word scholarship essay, each of your paragraphs should not have more than 125 words and should consist of 3-5 short and concise sentences. That way, you have a well-written 500-word essay. 

How many pages is an essay for a scholarship?

A scholarship essay should not be more than a page, or a page and a half at most. This also means that your essay should not have more than 1000 words. Anything more than that would likely wear the reader out and cost you the scholarship. 

Should a scholarship essay have an introduction?

The introduction part of your scholarship essay is as important as the body and conclusion parts. Your introduction determines if the reader will go ahead to read your essay or lose interest immediately. So, you should not only have an introduction, but also a creative introduction with a hook that will compel the reader to keep reading to the end. 

What is the best font for a scholarship essay? 

Some of the recommended fonts you can use are Times New Roman, Calibri, Tahoma, Arial or Verdana. When writing your essay, avoid using fonts that are not clear or appear too busy. Also, keep your font size between 10 - 12 to make it look great. 

How many paragraphs is a scholarship essay?

Five at most. Your scholarship essay ideally should not exceed five paragraphs. One for the introduction, three for the body and one more for the conclusion. 

How can I write a good scholarship essay?

To write a good essay, follow these simple steps:

• Research the school and the scholarship board if possible.

• Study the scholarship application requirements to understand the ideal candidate

• Choose a topic you are familiar with and comfortable with and take time to brainstorm on it. 

• Start early to work on your essay and get someone else to proofread it.