Top 5 Winning Scholarship Application Examples: Learn from the Best
Securing a scholarship can be a game-changer for any student pursuing higher education. Scholarships provide financial assistance that can help offset tuition costs, living expenses, and other education-related expenses. However, the process of applying for scholarships can be incredibly daunting, especially with the sheer number of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. To give you some inspiration, we have compiled a list of the top 5 winning scholarship application examples. By learning from some of the best, you can get an idea of what sets a winning scholarship application apart from the rest.
1. Wendy’s High School Heisman – Winner Essay
The Wendy’s High School Heisman scholarship is awarded to high school seniors excelling both academically and athletically. The 2021 winner, Kacey Farris, wrote an impressive essay that caught the eye of the selection committee. Her essay was well-crafted, highlighting how her academic and athletic achievements complemented each other, and the lessons she had learned from both.
2. Marshall Scholarship – Successful Application Essay
The Marshall Scholarship is a highly prestigious scholarship awarded to American students pursuing graduate studies in the United Kingdom. The successful 2018 application of Jessica Zhu was notable for its clear structure and excellent writing. Jessica started with a compelling opening statement that grabbed the reader’s attention, followed by a well-researched argument for why she was suited for the scholarship and how it could help her achieve her career goals.
3. Gates Millennium Scholarship – Winning Application
The Gates Millennium Scholarship is awarded to students from minorities who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership abilities. In 2019, Rina Patel was one of the 300 students awarded this scholarship and wrote a winning application. Her essay was well-organized and highlighted the unique challenges she had overcome as a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, making a strong case for why she deserved the scholarship.
4. Fulbright Scholarship – Successful Statement of Purpose
The Fulbright scholarship is a popular and prestigious scholarship for students pursuing research or study abroad. The successful application of Olivia Rabbitt stood out for its detailed statement of purpose. Olivia made it clear why she was passionate about research and why her proposed project was relevant and important. She also demonstrated how she was uniquely suited for the scholarship and the challenges it presented.
5. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation – Winner Essay
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships in the United States, awarded to only 150 high school seniors each year. In 2021, Jenna Kandybowicz was one of the winners and wrote a memorable essay. Jenna’s essay stood out for its storytelling elements, seamlessly weaving in her personal experiences and life lessons to justify why she deserved the scholarship.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all formula to writing a winning scholarship application, there are certainly some characteristics that winning applications tend to have in common. The top scholarship applications are well researched, showcase the applicant’s unique strengths and abilities, and tell a compelling story. By looking at the scholarship application examples above, you can get a sense of what winning applications look like and what sets them apart from the rest. Take inspiration from these examples and start crafting your own winning scholarship application!
