Common Scholarship Essay Prompts and How to Answer Them

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Looking to earn free money* to pay for college? Applying for scholarships is a perfect way to do so. Scholarships are a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. The catch is, you have to win out amongst many other applicants. So, you’ll want to make sure you submit a strong essay.

Note that not all scholarships will require an essay, but those that do often have similar questions or prompts to answer. Take a look at these common college scholarship prompts and think about how you would answer each one because odds are you’ll have to soon enough.

Common Prompts and Sample Answers

Prompt: WHY DO YOU DESERVE THIS SCHOLARSHIP?

This is one of the more common college scholarship prompts. When answering, remember to keep the donor’s values in mind and try to avoid the phrases “Because I’m a hard worker” or “Because it will help fund my college education.” While these things may be true, they’re also true for all the other applicants.

• What do you offer that no one else does?
• Why exactly did you apply for that specific scholarship?
• How do you intend to use the award money to make a difference?

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Sample Essay

I am sure you have quite a few people applying for this teacher-oriented scholarship, but I do think I deserve this award because of my background. I’m a perfect fit because not only do I meet the criteria of a 3.5 GPA, but my volunteer work has always been children-oriented. Not only have I helped kids at the local camp, but I’ve also offered swimming lessons at my high school’s pool.

I’ve also been working part-time at my town’s daycare for the past 8 months. This part-time job at the daycare has solidified my belief in the formative role early childhood education plays. I have observed firsthand how nurturing and stimulating interactions can positively impact a child’s development. I am eager to build upon this foundation and create engaging learning experiences for children of all ages.  

Why it Works: The student is applying for a scholarship that is dedicated to those who wish to be a

teacher. They highlight that their skills go beyond just the “minimum.” The student also explains how they have already worked towards making a real difference in the lives of children in their town.

Prompt: Describe a Time You Demonstrated Leadership

Oftentimes people automatically equate “leadership” to “leadership position” and worry they may not have any “true” leadership experience. But you don’t have to be the student body president or captain of the football team to be a leader. You likely have more experience than you think.

• Did you ever take the lead on a school project?
• Have you worked as a camp counselor one summer?
• What about taking charge during a challenging situation?

Sample Essay

Leadership isn’t about bossing people around or having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about inspiring others to achieve a common goal and fostering a sense of teamwork. While I haven’t held any official leadership positions, an experience during my junior year stands out as a time when I truly demonstrated leadership.

Our school’s robotics club, of which I’ve been a member since freshman year, was facing a major setback. Our star programmer, a senior, was unexpectedly injured and could no longer work on the robot we were building for the upcoming regional competition. Discouragement hung heavy in the air. We were all passionate about robotics, but without our lead programmer, our chances of success seemed bleak.

Seeing the team’s morale plummet, I knew I had to step up. While I wasn’t the most experienced programmer, I had a strong understanding of the robot’s design and functionality. I volunteered to take on the programming challenge, despite the pressure and tight deadline.

Competition day arrived, and our robot, affectionately nicknamed “Phoenix” after rising from the ashes of our initial setback, performed remarkably well. We faced a challenge head-on, displayed remarkable resilience, and pushed ourselves beyond our perceived limitations. I learned that sometimes, leadership is about stepping up when the situation demands it and leading by example.

Why it Works: The essay avoids clichés and demonstrates leadership by focusing on a specific challenge rather than generic roles. The writer presents an authentic personal narrative that showcases problem-solving and teamwork.

Prompt: What Person Do You Most Admire? Why?

Specificity is a great way to make any essay answer even stronger. Some might specify that it should be a person in your life and some might leave it open to public figures, both alive or dead. Either way, give this answer some thought and heart. There should be real reasons behind who it is you admire.

• What qualities do they have?
• How do you hope to emulate them?
• What specific thing did they do that inspired you?

Sample Essay

Growing up in a small town, opportunities can feel limited. But one person has shown me that with determination and passion, anything is possible: my older sister, Emily. She’s more than just a sibling; she’s my mentor, my confidante, and my biggest inspiration.

Emily has always been a dreamer. While our peers were content with the familiar, she was charting her own course. She spent countless hours volunteering at the local animal shelter, fostering a deep love for creatures and a desire to protect them. Her compassion and empathy were contagious, and I found myself drawn to her world.

When it came time for college, Emily didn’t hesitate. She applied to a prestigious university known for its environmental science program, hundreds of miles away. Many people doubted her chances, but she persevered, facing doubt with unwavering optimism. Her acceptance letter was a victory not just for her, but for our entire community.

Today, Emily is a thriving marine biologist, studying the impact of climate change on coral reefs. Her work is challenging, but her passion is evident in every word she speaks. She’s not only making a difference in the world but also inspiring countless others, including me.

Emily taught me the importance of following your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. She’s shown me the power of perseverance, compassion, and a strong work ethic. Her unwavering belief in me has given me the courage to pursue my own goals, and I aspire to make a positive impact on the world, just as she has. Emily is more than just a person I admire; she’s a guiding light that illuminates my path forward.

Why it Works: This student highlights their admiration for their sister by focusing on specific examples of her character and positive impact. By highlighting Emily’s determination, compassion, and unwavering support, the writer creates a relatable portrait of an inspiring individual.

Prompt: Where Do You See Yourself 10 Years From Now?

The key theme here is the future. Obviously, plans might change as you grow and encounter obstacles, but consider the question as you currently are. Do you have a career in mind? If so, great! If not, you can say you hope to discover a career path while studying in college—lead with what field you want to study.

• What are your long-term goals?
• What do you hope to accomplish?
• What is your dream job?

Sample Essay

Ten years from now seems like a lifetime away, but it’s also when I imagine myself really making a difference. I hope to be knee-deep in a career that not only challenges me but also allows me to help others. I’ve always been fascinated by the world of marketing.

I envision a career where I can blend creativity with data to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with audiences. I want to be at the forefront of industry trends, experimenting with new technologies and platforms to reach consumers in innovative ways.

I envision a life filled with purpose and growth, and I want to be someone who inspires others to reach their full potential. I hope to have traveled extensively, experiencing different cultures and perspectives. And most importantly, I want to be surrounded by people who support and uplift me.

While I can’t predict exactly where life will take me, I’m excited about the possibilities. Ultimately, I want to build a career that allows me to be both creative and strategic. This scholarship would be a huge step towards achieving my goals. It would provide me with the resources to pursue my education and gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. I’m eager to start this journey and make a positive impact on the world.

Why it Works: This response demonstrates a clear understanding of the marketing field and a strong aspiration for a successful career in it. The writer conveys enthusiasm, a genuine interest, and a clear vision for the future.

Prompt: Describe a Challenge You Have Overcome.

Rare is the person who has never encountered a challenge. Adversity is something we all face, in one shape or another; be it discrimination based on who you are, financial struggles in the household, dealing with health issues, juggling a busy schedule, failing a class, or making a hard decision. Choose a specific struggle that you’ve gone through and write about it.

• What did you learn during the ordeal?
• How did it change or shape you?
• Does it impact your future plans?

Sample Essay

I’ve always been a good student, the kind who enjoys learning and gets decent grades without really trying. So when I bombed my first-semester algebra test, it was like a cold shower on a hot day. I’d been coasting, assuming I could ace everything, and the reality check was brutal. I felt stupid, embarrassed, and lost.

Suddenly, math, a subject I’d always taken for granted, became a towering obstacle. The fear of failure was paralyzing. I spent countless hours poring over textbooks, seeking help from teachers and classmates, and even resorting to online tutorials. It was exhausting, but I knew I had to do something.

Through this ordeal, I learned the importance of perseverance and hard work. I discovered that challenges aren’t roadblocks, but opportunities for growth. That first failed test became a catalyst for a different kind of student. I developed better study habits, learned to ask for help when needed, and gained a deeper appreciation for the learning process.

The experience also taught me the value of resilience. Falling short doesn’t define you; it’s how you bounce back that matters. I’m proud of myself for overcoming that initial setback. It’s shaped me into a more determined and confident person.

Looking ahead, I know that challenges will continue to be part of life. But now, instead of fearing them, I see them as chances to learn and grow. I’m excited to tackle new challenges in high school and beyond, armed with the knowledge that I can overcome anything with hard work and determination.

Why it Works: This essay addresses the prompt by combining relatability, personal growth, and future impact. By sharing a common academic struggle, the writer immediately connects with readers. The focus on personal growth showcases resilience and determination.

Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays

Here are six quick tips to remember when writing your scholarship essays:

1. Carefully read and reread the scholarship prompt to ensure you fully understand the requirements.
2. Brainstorm and organize your thoughts effectively before writing.
3. Explain how unique qualities, achievements, and passions make you a strong candidate.
4. Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling hook to make a strong first impression.
5. Carefully proofread your essay multiple times, paying attention to spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
6. Make your essay stand out with strong storytelling, vivid imagery, and personal anecdotes.

While not every scholarship application will require you to complete an essay, many will. And when they do, a well-written essay can get you one step closer to securing the award. Take some time to understand the prompt and organize your thoughts before writing. Your essay shouldn’t be a list of your achievements, but rather a story of who you are and who you aspire to become. Make sure you proofread and edit your essay before submitting it. By following these guidelines and drawing inspiration from the sample prompts, you can write a standout essay that sets you apart from the competition!

Looking for scholarships? You can use College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to look through thousands that are most suitable for you!

* While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship. 

 

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