Scholarship applications frequently require applicants to explain why they merit financial aid. There are various justifications that candidates can provide. Here are the ten most prevalent and effective ones that are often used in scholarship motivation letters or in response to questions during a selection interview.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.
Contents
- 1. A scholarship allows you to excel at your studies
- 2. You worked very hard to get where you are at
- 3. You have unique ideas that you want to implement
- 4. You are giving back a lot to society
- 5. You want to change the world for the better
- 6. You struggle financially
- 7. Your family is unable to support you
- 8. You have overcome significant challenges in life
- 9. You have very passionate about a topic and show potential
- 10. You want to overcome systemic barriers to education
1. A scholarship allows you to excel at your studies
Receiving a scholarship can have a transformative impact on your academic journey. One of the key benefits of being awarded a scholarship is the alleviation of financial pressures that many students face.
The freedom from financial stress allows you to direct your energy and focus towards your coursework, research, and academic pursuits.
When you reflect on what a scholarship can truly mean for your academic journey, it becomes clear why you deserve such support. Not only does it provide financial relief, but it also offers a platform for you to excel academically.
2. You worked very hard to get where you are at
Have you demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance to reach your current position? For instance, through late-night study sessions, diligent efforts to cover tuition fees and living expenses without compromising your grades, or taking on additional work to overcome obstacles?
If so, it is undeniable that you deserve a scholarship based on your past achievements and the potential sacrifices you have made.
A scholarship is not solely granted based on future potential; it also acknowledges the hard work and sacrifices you have made in the past. Therefore, it is entirely valid to emphasize the challenges you have overcome and the efforts you have invested in reaching your current level of accomplishment.
You may also like: 3 sample recommendation letters for brilliant students
3. You have unique ideas that you want to implement
Some people have a very clear idea of how they want their life to look and what they want to achieve. If you don’t, don’t worry. However, if you do, this could be an outstanding justification for why you believe you should receive a scholarship.
The presence of unique and ambitious ideas can set you apart from others.
For instance, you may aspire to make a groundbreaking discovery in the field of medical research or establish your own successful business venture. Such extraordinary goals often require financial support or resources beyond what you currently possess.
By articulating your clear vision and demonstrating the level of thought and planning you have invested in shaping your future, you can effectively justify why you are a deserving candidate for a scholarship.
4. You are giving back a lot to society
Another outstanding justification for why you deserve a scholarship is that you are giving back a lot to society. This giving back can be in the past, present, or linked to your future ambitions.
Think, for instance, of voluntary work, community engagement, and everything you do to make society better. If you are fully committed to a cause, this becomes a great reason for deserving a scholarship. Moreover, it can also apply to future endeavors if you haven’t had the opportunity yet.
For example, you may aspire to give back to your community and utilize your degree to improve the lives of your family, neighbors, and friends. You may also aim to combat stereotypes and demonstrate to others what you can achieve despite the obstacles you face.
5. You want to change the world for the better
Giving back to society is closely tied to the justification of wanting to change the world for the better. However, wanting to create a positive impact extends beyond focusing solely on society when justifying the need for a scholarship.
Consider, for instance, your involvement in activities such as working towards the preservation of endangered species, enhancing patient care, or advocating for stricter gun laws. Whatever your motivation may be, it serves as a compelling reason for deserving a scholarship.
With financial support and the additional benefits that often accompany a scholarship, such as networking opportunities and mentorship, you gain valuable time and social capital to bring you closer to your goal.
Ultimately, by highlighting your dedication to creating meaningful change and underscoring the ways in which a scholarship can facilitate your progress, you can present a strong case for why you deserve such support.
6. You struggle financially
The primary aspect of scholarships is their provision of financial support, and some scholarships require insights into your financial situation to determine eligibility. However, there are also scholarships that are more open in their criteria.
Financial difficulties serve as a valid justification for applying to a scholarship, but it is important to link this justification to other factors.
For instance, highlighting your academic achievements or societal ambitions can strengthen your case.
When discussing financial struggles, it is crucial to provide specific and concrete details. Describe how these challenges impact your life, where you perceive them as hindrances, and precisely how receiving financial support would make a difference. By offering a personal and detailed account, your justification becomes compelling and persuasive.
7. Your family is unable to support you
Even if you are not currently facing financial struggles, it’s important to acknowledge that not every student has the privilege of receiving financial support from their family for their studies. While working part-time and taking out student loans are options, a scholarship can provide much-needed financial relief.
Therefore, if your family is unable to provide financial assistance, it can serve as a compelling justification for seeking a scholarship. However, as mentioned before, it is crucial to provide concrete details to support your case.
Articulating the financial challenges you may face without a scholarship, both in the present and future, and the potential relief it would provide, strengthens your case for deserving such support.
Consider the long-term impact of starting your life after graduation burdened with massive student loans. Reflect on the potential length of time it may take to repay these loans and the subsequent effects on your future financial situation. By taking these factors into account, you can formulate a persuasive justification for why a scholarship would make a significant difference in your life.
8. You have overcome significant challenges in life
Another strong justification for receiving a scholarship is the ability to overcome significant challenges in life. These challenges could encompass various experiences, such as recovering from a severe illness, enduring homelessness, or facing the loss of a parent at a young age.
These adversities are deeply painful and unfortunate, and it is my sincere wish that no one would have to go through such hardships. However, if you have confronted and triumphed over such obstacles, they can serve as a compelling justification for why you deserve a scholarship.
Your resilience and determination in the face of adversity demonstrate your strength of character and unwavering commitment to your education.
The recognition of your struggles and the acknowledgment of your efforts can resonate with scholarship selection committees who understand the transformative power of financial support.
9. You have very passionate about a topic and show potential
Passion serves as another compelling justification for deserving a scholarship, and it should be closely connected to your drive and achievements, whether they are in the past or future.
It is essential to note that passion doesn’t solely have to revolve around academic pursuits or a specific subject or research field, although these are undoubtedly commendable examples. Your passion could also manifest in other areas of your life, such as being an accomplished athlete with great potential or a virtuoso piano player.
These examples, along with various other passions, have been repeatedly recognized as valid justifications for receiving a scholarship. Demonstrating unwavering dedication and exceptional talent in a particular area showcases your commitment to personal growth and excellence.
10. You want to overcome systemic barriers to education
Systemic barriers to education persist, and depending on your background and the socio-economic status of your family, statistically, the likelihood of attaining a higher education degree diminishes.
If you have encountered significant obstacles on your path, especially if you are the first in your family to attend university, this serves as a strong justification for seeking a scholarship.
If you use this justification, make sure to emphasize that your motivation extends beyond your personal journey. While acknowledging the challenges you have faced, it is impactful to connect your aspirations to overcoming systemic barriers and effecting systemic change.
By highlighting your ambition to improve opportunities for future generations and alleviate the struggles they may encounter, you present a compelling case for deserving a scholarship.
