I need to write an essay in order to win a full scholarship in a university. All it is said in the application is this: "Prepare an essay that will convince the selection panel that you deserve to receive the scholarship for your studies at AUK."
I've never written a scholarship essay before, the prompt is very general and I don't know what should I write about-theme??
Also, should I follow a more personal approach, or should I include my school achievements/extracurricular activities(they are mentioned in a specific section, so I feel like I'll be bragging to much about my achievements/extracurricular activities if they are constantly mentioned)..
The scholarship is merit & need based, so I don't know in which one I should focus... Please if you have any ideas share them below!
Thank you!
Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed reading books - especially fairytales. Soon though I found out that the realistic part was missing: real magic wands didn't exist and no one had ever met a real fairy. Most importantly I realized that I'm not a princess, so nothing will come to me by just sitting and waiting. Instead I worked my way hard to be a successful student.
During my middle school years, my curiosity and desire to learn helped me get good grades and develop a deeper understanding in the value of education. However, it was during my high school years when things got tougher. Now I had to travel every day from my village to go to the town where my school was. This meant days of waking up earlier than my friends, walking for kilometers, no matter if it's rainy or sunny, catching the bus and then reaching the school. After school I worked, and my free time was spent studying and doing homework. However, distance and work did not stop me - they only increased my commitment and helped me develop a work ethic. Gradually, I began developing an interest in public policy and economics which got stronger later, during my year as an YES exchange student in the U.S., where I could see from closely a different approach of these fields.
All the obstacles that I went through during my high school career did not hold me back. In contrary, they motivated me to continue ahead to pursue my dreams. In the future my goal is to start my own business and work with NGOs so that I can make my contribution for a better world. This will be possible is if continue my studies at AUK with the help of your scholarship. I'm thrilled by the undergraduate course and the co-op program, which will be a great help to my goal. I believe I'm the best candidate for this scholarship because my life experiences have taught me to be hardworking, determined, and not give up easily, thus I will use the scholarship in the best ways.. I believe that with the help of your scholarship I can pursue a good, qualitative education, which not only will help me as person develop intellectually and have a career, but will also help the people around me, since my aim is to make a positive change in our society. Without the scholarship, it will only be a tale..help me add the realistic part!
The focus of your essay should show the admissions people that you have a clear understanding of what you want to learn, what you want do as a career, the kind of person you want to become, etc. and then how the university is the only place where you can achieve those goals. A personal approach is essential, and definitely avoid achievements and extracurriculars unless they have something to do with explaining the above.
