By Olawale Fatunwase
This topic marks the end of the series I’ve been treating in the last four weeks on financial aid and scholarships, and why as an applicant from Nigeria it is crucial that you understand the importance of planning how to finance your studies and living abroad before stepping out of the shores of Nigeria. My apologies for not stating this categorization in the previous articles. If you need any refresher information on the topic, click the “previous posts” section of the blog and search back to my previous posts earlier in this month of March. With that being said, let’s dive straight into the business of the day.
Winning a scholarship can be life-changing for Nigerian students looking to study abroad. However, competition is fierce, and your essay needs to capture the attention of the selection committee. A strong scholarship essay isn’t just about good grammar—it tells a compelling story and convinces the reader why you deserve the award.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on writing a scholarship essay that stands out.
Understand the Essay Prompt
Before writing, carefully read the essay prompt. Many students make the mistake of writing off-topic or missing key points. Ask yourself:
- What is the main question the scholarship committee wants me to answer?
- Are they looking for leadership skills, academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of these?
- What values does the scholarship organization stand for?
For example, if the prompt is:
"Describe a challenge you have overcome and how it shaped your academic goals."
You should focus on a real challenge, how you dealt with it, and how it influenced your education. Avoid writing a generic response that could apply to anyone.
Start with a Powerful Hook
Your introduction must grab attention immediately. A strong hook could be:
-A personal story (e.g., "The power went out again. I lit a candle, determined to keep studying. This was my reality growing up in Nigeria—a constant battle against circumstances.")
-A surprising fact (e.g., "Only 6% of Nigerian students who apply for international scholarships actually receive one.")
-A thought-provoking question (e.g., "What would you do if education was your only escape from poverty?")
Avoid generic openings like: “I am applying for this scholarship because I need financial aid.” This doesn’t capture the reader’s interest.
Tell Your Unique Story
Your essay should reflect who you are beyond your grades and achievements. Instead of just listing accomplishments, tell a compelling story.
For example, instead of saying:
"I have always been passionate about education, and I am hardworking."
Show this with a story:
"Growing up in a rural community where girls were expected to marry young, I fought to stay in school. I walked four kilometers daily to attend the only secondary school in my town. Despite financial struggles, I excelled in my studies, believing education was my key to breaking generational poverty."
This approach engages the reader emotionally and makes your application memorable.
Highlight Your Achievements with Impact
Every scholarship committee wants to know: How have you made a difference? Instead of just listing achievements, show their impact.
Instead of saying:
"I volunteered to teach children in my community."
Write:
"Seeing children in my neighborhood struggle with reading, I started a free weekend tutoring program. In one year, 15 students improved their literacy skills, with some ranking top in their classes. This experience reinforced my desire to study education and create larger-scale learning opportunities for underprivileged children."
Tip: Use specific numbers and details to make your achievements more credible and impressive.
Show Why You Deserve the Scholarship
The committee wants to know why they should invest in you. Answer these questions:
- What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
- How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
- What impact will you make if given this opportunity?
For example:
"This scholarship is more than financial aid to me—it is a gateway to achieving my dream of becoming a policy analyst focused on educational reforms in Africa. With an education from [University Name], I will gain the expertise needed to design policies that ensure no child is denied education due to financial limitations, just as I almost was."
This shows that the scholarship will not just benefit you personally but will also create a ripple effect in your community.
Maintain a Strong and Positive Tone
Your essay should be inspiring and optimistic. Even if you discuss challenges, focus on how you overcame them rather than just describing struggles.
For example, instead of writing:
"My parents could not afford my school fees, and I almost dropped out."
Try:
"Despite financial difficulties, I found ways to support my education—tutoring younger students, applying for local grants, and never losing focus on my goal."
This shows resilience and determination, which scholarship committees admire.
End with a Strong Conclusion
Your conclusion should reinforce your passion, goals, and gratitude.
A weak conclusion:
"Thank you for considering my application. I hope to receive this scholarship."
A strong conclusion:
"This scholarship represents more than financial support—it is an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of transforming education in underserved communities. With your support, I will not only excel academically but also contribute to a future where quality education is accessible to all. Thank you for investing in my dreams and those of countless others who will benefit from my work."
This leaves a lasting impression and shows the committee that their investment in you will have a broader impact.
Edit and Proofread Thoroughly
Even a great story can be ruined by grammatical errors. Before submitting, ensure your essay is:
✔ Free of grammatical mistakes– Use tools like Grammarly or ask a mentor to review it.
✔ Within the word limit – Exceeding the limit may disqualify you.
✔ Well-structured – Your ideas should flow logically.
Read your essay out loud to catch awkward phrasing and unclear sentences.
Final Thoughts
Writing a winning scholarship essay requires authenticity, clarity, and a compelling narrative. By telling a unique and impactful story, demonstrating why you deserve the scholarship, and carefully proofreading, you increase your chances of standing out from thousands of applicants.
Need some professional guidance concerning your application process? Write to me via email: wale.fatunwase@outlook.com.
Cheers.
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