How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018

Why you deserve to win questions
Real interview questions & answers

Q: why do you think you deserve to win this scholarship?

a: I believe that by giving this award you are trying to help students who show academic promise and who will contribute to the community. Since my first day of school, my parents have instilled in me a commitment to academics, and I have a nearly perfect academic record. I am on track to graduating with highest honors. I have also been contributing to my community for many years. I started a program to provide books for a local elementary school’s library. By using funds from book fairs, I increased the number of books at the elementary school from 500 to 2,500. My commitment to learning and public service are two things that I believe in very strongly and I will continue to do so throughout my life.

a: This award is meant to assist students who are interested in business. I have been an entrepreneur since I was a kid and convinced my parents that I could organize a neighborhood-wide garage sale. We raised several hundred dollars that way.

In school, I started a tutor-matching business. Students let me know what kind of help they needed, and I matched them to an appropriate tutor. Through ventures like these I’ve learned the value of marketing, building relationships and having a business plan. I’m planning on majoring in business and have a business internship lined up this summer. Ultimately I would like to be a professor at a business school so that I can continue to learn and pass on to others the knowledge and skills that will make them successful in business.

comments

Both of these applicants do a good job of focusing on the purpose of the award to clearly explain how their background and achievements fulfill this purpose. It’s important to address how you meet the mission of the award or the awarding organization. Be as specific as possible.

Don’t just say that you should win the scholarship because you are a good student. Give details and examples to support what you say.

Q: what would winning this scholarship mean to you?

a: For me, winning this scholarship could mean the difference between going to college or working full-time. Without this award, I will need to work for a couple years to save up enough money to go to college. I’ve been accepted to the college that I want to attend, but I simply don’t have the money to pay for it. My parents didn’t go to college, and I’ll be the first in my family. And I will go. The question is whether it will be now or in a couple years.

a: My parents have spent the last 17 years taking care of me. Now I have a chance to do something to help them by winning scholarships. I feel that I owe it to my parents to try as best I can to help pay for my education. Winning this award would help to reduce their burden and help me to fulfill my goal of repaying my parents for all that they have done for me.

a: While I plan to work during the school year to earn money, winning this scholarship would mean that I could work fewer hours. Instead of working 20 hours a week, I could work only 10 hours and spend my extra time on my studies. It’s been tough to balance working with my studies, and winning this award would help immensely.

comments

Impact is important. Scholarship committees are trying to get the maximum benefit from their award. If the award will make the difference between your being able to attend a college or not, say so. The judges will understand that this award is more meaningful to you than to a student who already has a way to pay for his or her education.

But be careful not to unload all of the challenges you face in the form of a sob story. Remember that many of the other applicants also have financial needs.