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How to Write the “Overcoming Challenges” Essay + Examples

What’s covered:.

• What is the Overcoming Challenges Essay?
• Real Overcoming Challenges Essay Prompts
• How to Choose a Topic
• Writing Tips

Overcoming Challenges Essay Examples

• Where to Get Your Essay Edited

While any college essay can be intimidating, the Overcoming Challenges prompt often worries students the most. Those students who’ve been lucky enough not to experience trauma tend to assume they have nothing worth saying. On the other hand, students who’ve overcome larger obstacles may be hesitant to talk about them.

Regardless of your particular circumstances, there are steps you can take to make the essay writing process simpler. Here are our top tips for writing the overcoming challenges essay successfully.

What is the “Overcoming Challenges” Essay?

The overcoming challenges prompt shows up frequently in both main application essays (like the Common App) and supplemental essays. Because supplemental essays allow students to provide schools with additional information, applicants should be sure that the subject matter they choose to write about differs from what’s in their main essay.

Students often assume the overcoming challenges essay requires them to detail past traumas. While you can certainly write about an experience that’s had a profound effect on your life, it’s important to remember that colleges aren’t evaluating students based on the seriousness of the obstacle they overcame.

On the contrary, the goal of this essay is to show admissions officers that you have the intelligence and fortitude to handle any challenges that come your way. After all, college serves as an introduction to adult life, and schools want to know that the students they admit are up to the task. 

Real “Overcoming Challenges” Essay Prompts

To help you understand what the “Overcoming Challenges” essay looks like, here are a couple sample prompts.

Currently, the Common Application asks students to answer the following prompt in 650 words or less:

“The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”

For the past several years, MIT has prompted students to write 200 to 250 words on the following:

“Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?”

In both cases, the prompts explicitly ask for your response to the challenge. The event itself isn’t as important as how it pushed you to grow.

How to Choose a Topic for an Essay on Overcoming Challenges

When it comes to finding the best topic for your overcoming challenges essays, there’s no right answer. The word “challenge” is ambiguous and could be used to reference a wide range of situations from prevailing over a bully to getting over your lifelong stage fright to appear in a school musical. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when selecting an essay subject.

1. Avoid trivial or common topics

While there aren’t many hard-and-fast rules for choosing an essay topic, students should avoid overdone topics.

These include:

• Working hard in a challenging class
• Overcoming a sports injury
• Moving schools or immigrating to the US
• Tragedy (divorce, death, abuse)

Admissions officers have read numerous essays on the subject, so it’s harder for you to stand out (see our full list of cliché college essay topics to avoid ). If events like these were truly formative to you, you can still choose to write about them, but you’ll need to be as personal as possible. 

It’s also ideal if you have a less traditional storyline for a cliché topic; for example, if your sports injury led you to discover a new passion, that would be a more unique story than detailing how you overcame your injury and got back in the game.

Similarly, students may not want to write about an obstacle that admissions committees could perceive as low stakes, such as getting a B on a test, or getting into a small fight with a friend. The goal of this essay is to illustrate how you respond to adversity, so the topic you pick should’ve been at least impactful on your personal growth.

2. Pick challenges that demonstrate qualities you want to highlight

Students often mistakenly assume they need to have experienced exceptional circumstances like poverty, an abusive parent, or cancer to write a good essay. The truth is that the best topics will allow you to highlight specific personal qualities and share more about who you are. The essay should be less about the challenge itself, and more about how you responded to it.

Ask yourself what personality traits you want to emphasize, and see what’s missing in your application. Maybe you want to highlight your adaptability, for example, but that isn’t clearly expressed in your application. In this case, you might write about a challenge that put your adaptability to the test, or shaped you to become more adaptable.

Here are some examples of good topics we’ve seen over the years:

• Not having a coach for a sports team and becoming one yourself
• Helping a parent through a serious health issue
• Trying to get the school track dedicated to a coach
• Having to switch your Model UN position last-minute

Tips for Writing an Essay About Overcoming Challenges

Once you’ve selected a topic for your essays, it’s time to sit down and write. For best results, make sure your essay focuses on your efforts to tackle an obstacle rather than the problem itself. Additionally, you could avoid essay writing pitfalls by doing the following:

1. Choose an original essay structure

If you want your overcoming challenges essay to attract attention, aim to break away from more traditional structures. Most of these essays start by describing an unsuccessful attempt at a goal and then explain the steps the writer took to master the challenge. 

You can stand out by choosing a challenge you’re still working on overcoming, or focus on a mental or emotional challenge that spans multiple activities or events. For example, you might discuss your fear of public speaking and how that impacted your ability to coach your brother’s Little League team and run for Student Council. 

You can also choose a challenge that can be narrated in the moment, such as being put on the spot to teach a yoga class. These challenges can make particularly engaging essays, as you get to experience the writer’s thoughts and emotions as they unfold.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to have succeeded in your goal for this essay. Maybe you ran for an election and lost, or maybe you proposed a measure to the school board that wasn’t passed. It’s still possible to write a strong essay about topics like these as long as you focus on your personal growth. In fact, these may make for even stronger essays since they are more unconventional topics.

2. Focus on the internal

When writing about past experiences, you may be tempted to spend too much time describing specific people and events. With an Overcoming Challenges essay though, the goal is to focus on your thoughts and feelings.

For example, rather than detail all the steps you took to become a better public speaker, use the majority of your essay to describe your mental state as you embarked on the journey to achieving your goals. Were you excited, scared, anxious, or hopeful? Don’t be afraid to let the reader in on your innermost emotions and thoughts during this process.

3. Share what you learned 

An Overcoming Challenges essay should leave the reader with a clear understanding of what you learned on your journey, be it physical, mental, or emotional. There’s no need to explicitly say “this experience taught me X,” but your essay should at least implicitly share any lessons you learned. This can be done through your actions and in-the-moment reflections. Remember that the goal is to show admissions committees why your experiences make you a great candidate for admission. 

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the g arb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This essay is an excellent example because the writer turns an everyday challenge—starting a fire—into an exploration of her identity. The writer was once “a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes,” but has since traded her love of the outdoors for a love of music, writing, and reading. 

The story begins in media res , or in the middle of the action, allowing readers to feel as if we’re there with the writer. One of the essay’s biggest strengths is its use of imagery. We can easily visualize the writer’s childhood and the present day. For instance, she states that she “rubbed and rubbed [the twigs] until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers.”

The writing has an extremely literary quality, particularly with its wordplay. The writer reappropriates words and meanings, and even appeals to the senses: “My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame.” She later uses a parallelism to cleverly juxtapose her changed interests: “instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano.”

One of the essay’s main areas of improvement is its overemphasis on the “story” and lack of emphasis on the reflection. The second to last paragraph about changing perspective is crucial to the essay, as it ties the anecdote to larger lessons in the writer’s life. She states that she hasn’t changed, but has only shifted perspective. Yet, we don’t get a good sense of where this realization comes from and how it impacts her life going forward. 

The end of the essay offers a satisfying return to the fire imagery, and highlights the writer’s passion—the one thing that has remained constant in her life.

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

While the writer didn’t succeed in getting the track dedicated to Coach Stark, their essay is certainly successful in showing their willingness to push themselves and take initiative.

The essay opens with a quote from Coach Stark that later comes full circle at the end of the essay. We learn about Stark’s impact and the motivation for trying to get the track dedicated to him.

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the intro, however, is how the essay tells us Stark’s impact rather than showing us: His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The writer could’ve helped us feel a stronger emotional connection to Stark if they had included examples of Stark’s qualities, rather than explicitly stating them. For example, they could’ve written something like: Stark was the kind of person who would give you gas money if you told him your parents couldn’t afford to pick you up from practice. And he actually did that—several times. At track meets, alumni regularly would come talk to him and tell him how he’d changed their lives. Before Stark, I was ambivalent about running and was on the JV team, but his encouragement motivated me to run longer and harder and eventually make varsity. Because of him, I approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The essay goes on to explain how the writer overcame their apprehension of public speaking, and likens the process of submitting an appeal to the school board to running a race. This metaphor makes the writing more engaging and allows us to feel the student’s emotions.

While the student didn’t ultimately succeed in getting the track dedicated, we learn about their resilience and initiative: I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Overall, this essay is well-done. It demonstrates growth despite failing to meet a goal, which is a unique essay structure. The running metaphor and full-circle intro/ending also elevate the writing in this essay.

Where to Get Your Overcoming Challenges Essay Edited

The Overcoming Challenges essay is one of the trickier supplemental prompts, so it’s important to get feedback on your drafts. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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One Expert's Advice to Help You Write a Strong Overcoming Adversity Essay

Leslie Tucker PhD, Jun 07, 2021

Learn how to pick the right adversity story and write an impressive overcoming adversity essay

Whether you’re working on college or scholarship applications, you’re bound to come across the overcoming adversity essay sooner or later. While every type of college application essay is unique, the overcoming adversity essay presents particular challenges for students.

What’s the best way to talk about the adversity in your life? What if you come off as too whiny? What if you don’t have any significant obstacles to write about? Will you be at a disadvantage?

Every year, my students ask me how to tackle this tricky part of their college applications. Luckily for you, I’ve developed a fool-proof approach for writing the overcoming adversity essay , and I’m eager to share it.

Keep reading to learn why the adversity essay is important, how to choose the best topic, and how to write an impactful overcoming adversity essay.

Why the overcoming adversity essay is important

When colleges ask you to write a personal hardship essay, what are they trying to learn? Many students think they’re trying to find and admit the applicants who have faced the most adversity. Not true! Trust me, the adversity essay is NOT a competition to see who has it worse.

The purpose of the overcoming adversity essay is to reveal how you respond to difficult situations. Think about it. College is hard—not everyone has what it takes to succeed. Colleges want to accept students who have the skills and resilience to persevere through the adversity they’re bound to face.

So when an admissions officer reads your adversity essay, they’re trying to answer these questions:

●      How do you manage stress?

●      How do you attempt to resolve adversity?

●      How do you reflect on the challenges you face?

●      How do you apply lessons to your life?

If you can successfully answer these questions, you’ll write a stand-out overcoming adversity essay.

Not sure how to recognize an overcoming adversity essay prompt? Here are a few examples.

The Common App

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

The University of Miami

Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

The University of California

Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

How to select the best story for your overcoming adversity essay

Choosing what to write your overcoming adversity essay about can be a challenge. The hardest things you’ve faced in life might not actually be the best topics. So I always encourage students to brainstorm lots of ideas before committing to one.

Here’s what I suggest. Sit down with a family member or close friend. Write a list of all the adversity you’ve faced—big and small. From challenging school projects to your parents divorce to the death of a family member, add everything you can think of to your list.

Next, you’ll want to remember and record how you reacted to each of the obstacles on your list. What were you thinking? What actions did you take?

To choose your adversity essay story, you’ll actually focus on your reactions list. Search for the instances when you showed impressive grit, strength, resilience, and problem-solving skills. These are the best stories to use for your overcoming adversity essay.

Weak topics for your adversity essay

As you’re selecting which topic to write about, beware of choosing a story that falls into one of these categories.

●      Adversity you faced due to COVID or virtual learning—everyone dealt with these circumstances, so it’s not a unique topic and won’t help you stand out.

●      Obstacles you dealt with in elementary or middle school—it’s a bit too outdated. Find a more recent instance of your grit and resilience.

●      Interpersonal struggles you had with a teacher or coach—these essays can come off like you don’t get along well with adults, which isn’t the impression you want to give.

Strong topics for your adversity essay

Any story that shows your maturity and problem-solving skills is a good choice for your overcoming adversity essay. Even so, there are few topics that might be better options for you than others, depending on your circumstances.

●      Ongoing obstacles you’re still facing but you’re handling well—important if this obstacle will carry on into college.

●      Adversity that interfered with your academic achievement—important if you had a GPA dip you’d like to explain.

●      Something that will resonate with the school you’re applying to or the career you’re pursuing—important if adversity drove you to choose a specific type of school or major.

How to write an impressive overcoming adversity essay

Now we’ve arrived at my fool-proof overcoming adversity essay formula. Once you’ve chosen the right story that demonstrates your resilience, just apply this formula to create a memorable adversity essay.

This formula is simple. It’s all about crafting a narrative. Remember, you’re telling the story of when you faced an obstacle. So you want it to sound like a real story, not a school report.

Here is the five-step formula to writing the perfect overcoming adversity essay.

• Introduce the obstacle or adversity
• Describe your emotional response
• Discuss the actions you took to face the problem
• Share the outcome of the situation
• Reveal what you learned from the experience

See? It’s a piece of cake. Now let’s see how it looks applied to an adversity story.

• The adversity: My family moved across the country between my sophomore and junior year.
• Emotional response: I was devastated to lose my friends and scared to start over in a new place.
• Actions taken: I scheduled regular talks and virtual hang outs with my old friends to ensure we’d stay in touch. Then I pushed myself to join two clubs at the beginning of the school year.
• Outcome: I stayed connected with friends from home. And even though it was intimidating to make new friends, putting myself out there helped me quickly meet people who shared my interests. I felt less alone and adjusted to my new environment sooner than I expected.
• Lessons learned: I am stronger and more adaptable than I thought I was. I am capable of thriving in new places and creating a new community for myself wherever I go.

With extremely little effort, I made a strong outline for an adversity essay using this formula. You can do the same!

Dos and don’ts for your overcoming adversity essay

The formula will take you a long way in structuring your adversity essay, but here are a few additional tips and tricks to make sure your writing is outstanding.

●       Don’t try to garner sympathy or pity —be honest about what happened, but remember your purpose isn’t to make the reader feel bad for you.

●       Do maintain a positive and upbeat tone throughout your adversity essay.

●       Don’t spend too much time describing the problem —keep it brief and to the point.

●       Do focus the majority of the essay on how you responded to and resolved the obstacle.

●       Don’t forget to include the outcome and the lessons you learned —self reflection is impressive to application readers.

●       Do connect what you learned with your future in college or in your chosen career.

Remember, one of the great things about the overcoming adversity essay is that you’re telling a story. You’re not making an argument or delivering an informational report. Once you have your story and the structure in place, have fun with the rest!

Final thoughts about the overcoming adversity essay

I’ll never say writing a college application essay is easy. But hopefully I’ve convinced you that the overcoming adversity essay isn’t as intimidating as it seems. In fact, I hope you have an enjoyable time writing your adversity essay and celebrating your resilience. Be proud of yourself. You are amazing!

I want to hear from you! What are your thoughts and concerns about the overcoming adversity essay? Drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to address them.

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Home — Application Essay — National Universities — Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

• University: Boston University

About this sample

Words: 643 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 643 | Pages: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

First point overcoming economic hardships, second point overcoming educational barriers, third point embracing diversity and cultivating empathy.

As a passionate and determined individual, I am honored to submit my application for the Boston University Trustee Scholarship. With a deep commitment to academic excellence and a drive to make a positive impact in my chosen field, I believe that Boston University is the ideal institution to nurture my growth and expand my horizons. Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges that have shaped me into a resilient and compassionate individual. In this essay, I will detail my journey of overcoming adversity, illustrating how these experiences have shaped my character and prepared me to thrive in the rigorous academic environment at Boston University.

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Growing up in a low-income family, I was exposed to the harsh realities of financial instability from a young age. Witnessing my parents' relentless struggle to provide for my siblings and me, I developed a keen appreciation for the value of hard work and determination. While the circumstances surrounding my upbringing often posed obstacles to my education, they also ignited a fire within me to rise above adversity. By working part-time jobs throughout high school, I not only supported my family financially but also learned the importance of time management and responsibility. These experiences instilled in me a tenacity to seize every opportunity that comes my way, demonstrating my resilience and determination even in the face of economic challenges.

As a first-generation college student, I encountered numerous educational barriers that hindered my academic progress. Despite attending a high school with limited resources and underfunded programs, I refused to let these circumstances define my future. Embracing a proactive approach, I sought out additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom. I actively participated in online courses, attended local workshops, and engaged in self-study to supplement my academic knowledge. Through these endeavors, I developed a strong work ethic, fostering a lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity. These experiences have shaped my character and equipped me with the resourcefulness and adaptability necessary to excel at Boston University.

Growing up in a culturally diverse community has exposed me to the power of inclusion and empathy. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the world around me. By actively engaging in community outreach programs, I have had the privilege of helping marginalized individuals, striving to give them a voice and create lasting change. Through these experiences, I have learned to value diversity, appreciate different viewpoints, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Boston University's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community aligns perfectly with my personal beliefs, and I am eager to contribute to its vibrant campus environment.

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As a resilient and determined individual, I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. My journey of overcoming economic hardships, educational barriers, and embracing diversity has molded me into an individual who is passionate about creating positive change. By immersing myself in Boston University's rigorous academic environment, I hope to further develop my intellectual capabilities, broaden my horizons, and contribute to society in a meaningful way. With the assistance of the Boston University Trustee Scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to continue my journey of growth, making a lasting impact both within the university community and beyond. I am excited about the prospect of joining Boston University, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to its legacy of excellence and innovation.

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Overcoming Obstacles: How to Convey Resilience in Your Scholarship Essay

Introduction:

Scholarship essays offer students a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities, experiences, and aspirations in a concise and compelling manner. However, one aspect that sets apart exceptional scholarship essays from the rest is the ability to convey resilience effectively. Scholarship providers are often looking for applicants who have demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges and persevere in the face of adversity. In this article, we will explore some valuable tips and strategies on how to convey resilience in your scholarship essay, thereby increasing your chances of securing financial assistance for your academic pursuits.

Understanding the Scholarship Provider:

Before delving into the specifics of conveying resilience in your essay, it is crucial to understand the perspective of the scholarship provider. Scholarship providers can vary widely, ranging from government agencies and non-profit organizations to universities and private individuals. Each provider has its own unique mission and values that guide their selection process.

For instance, a scholarship funded by a private donor may focus on supporting students who have undergone significant personal hardships to achieve their educational goals. On the other hand, a government-funded scholarship might prioritize candidates who aspire to make a positive impact on society through their chosen field of study.

By researching and understanding the background and objectives of the scholarship provider, you can tailor your essay accordingly and demonstrate alignment with their values – including resilience as a key characteristic they seek in applicants.

Eligible Applicants, Host Country, Scholarship Worth: When applying for scholarships, it is important to check if you are eligible. Some scholarships are only available for certain nationalities or students studying specific disciplines. Additionally, consider whether you meet any academic or financial requirements specified by the scholarship provider.

Moreover, take into account the host country where you will pursue your studies if awarded the scholarship. Different countries offer various opportunities for academic growth and cultural experiences that can enhance your future prospects.

The monetary worth of scholarships can also differ significantly. Some scholarships may provide full tuition coverage, while others offer partial funding. Understanding the scholarship worth will help you assess if it aligns with your financial needs and expectations.

Level and Field of Study: Scholarships are typically available for students at different academic levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. It is essential to identify the level of study for which the scholarship is intended and ensure that it matches your educational goals.

Furthermore, many scholarships are specific to certain fields of study. For example, there may be scholarships dedicated to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), arts, humanities, or social sciences. By choosing a scholarship that aligns with your desired field of study, you increase your chances of success.

How to Apply for the Scholarship:

Once you have identified a suitable scholarship opportunity that fits your aspirations and requirements, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the application process. Pay careful attention to any deadlines mentioned by the scholarship provider as missing these can lead to disqualification.

To apply for most scholarships, you will typically be required to submit an essay detailing your qualifications, achievements, goals, and how you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles. This essay serves as an excellent platform to showcase your unique story and convince the scholarship provider that you deserve their support.

Countries That Can Apply:

The eligibility criteria for scholarships can vary greatly depending on factors such as citizenship, residency status, or home country. Some scholarships may be open only to domestic students or citizens of specific countries. Others might be available internationally or specifically targeted towards students from developing nations.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined by each scholarship provider before investing time in preparing an application. By doing so, you can ensure that you meet all necessary requirements and avoid wasting effort on applications where you are ineligible.

Eligibility Criteria for “Overcoming Obstacles: How to Convey Resilience in Your Scholarship Essay”:

The “Overcoming Obstacles: How to Convey Resilience in Your Scholarship Essay” scholarship is open to all current high school seniors and college students pursuing any field of study. The scholarship aims to recognize individuals who have triumphed over significant challenges and can effectively communicate their resilience through a well-crafted essay.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university. They must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The Actual Scholarship Deadline:

The deadline for submission of the scholarship application, including the essay, is June 30th, 2022. It is crucial to adhere to this deadline and submit your materials well in advance to ensure they are received on time.

Q: Can I mention multiple obstacles I have overcome in my scholarship essay? A: Yes, highlighting multiple obstacles can demonstrate your resilience from different perspectives. However, make sure you provide sufficient details and focus on the most impactful obstacles.

Q: Should I use specific examples or keep my essay more general? A: Using specific examples is highly recommended as it adds credibility and allows readers to understand the depth of your experiences more effectively. However, ensure that you strike a balance between providing specific examples and maintaining a broader narrative.

Q: What tone should I adopt in my scholarship essay? A: The tone of your essay should be authentic and reflective of your personal voice. While it is essential to convey determination and resilience, avoid sounding overly dramatic or sensationalized.

Q: How can I structure my scholarship essay effectively? A: Start with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Then, organize your essay into paragraphs that discuss specific obstacles faced, the actions taken to overcome them, and the lessons learned from these challenges. Finally, conclude with a strong closing paragraph that summarizes your key points and emphasizes the impact these experiences have had on your personal growth.

Q: Is it necessary to include supporting documents with my scholarship essay? A: Some scholarships may require additional documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, or financial statements. Always review the scholarship guidelines and follow the instructions provided by the scholarship provider.

In conclusion, conveying resilience in your scholarship essay is crucial to impressing the scholarship provider and increasing your chances of securing financial assistance. By understanding the perspective of the provider, following the application guidelines, and sharing specific examples of overcoming obstacles in a well-structured essay, you can effectively convey your strength and determination. Remember to showcase your authenticity and align your narrative with the values of the scholarship provider. With these strategies in mind, you can create a compelling scholarship essay that showcases your ability to overcome adversity and pursue your educational dreams.

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Best Winning Scholarship Essay Examples

The written composition that is submitted with a scholarship application is known as a scholarship essay . It serves as an introduction and allows them to highlight their special abilities, experiences, and objectives. The essay is essential to the selection process since it enables the scholarship committee to judge a candidate's eligibility for the award based on their academic standing, extracurricular involvement, and past and future goals. An effective scholarship essay can leave a lasting impression and raise the likelihood that the applicant will be awarded financial aid for their education or other opportunities.

Importance of Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essays are quite important in the application process since they allow applicants to stand out from the competition. Here are a few reasons for the significance of scholarship essays:

• Essays for scholarships give applicants a chance to highlight their traits, competencies, and experiences while arguing why they are better qualified than other applicants.
• Goals and aspirations can be communicated through the essay, and applicants can explain how the scholarship will help them realize their educational and professional aims.
• Scholarship essays test a candidate's capacity for clear communication, demonstrate their capacity for critical thought, and organize their thoughts.
• A strong scholarship essay can establish a personal relationship between the candidate and the scholarship committee, making a positive impression.
• A powerful essay can significantly increase the applicant's chances of being chosen by highlighting the applicant's unique qualifications and making a convincing case for the scholarship.

Scholarship Essay Examples

We'll now look at a few scholarship essay examples that show how to write a strong essay 

using these methods. These illustrations highlight how applicants have distinguished themselves from the competition by successfully showcasing their special skills, life experiences, and goals. Aspiring scholarship applicants can learn from these essays how to create appealing narratives that will improve their chances of receiving funding for their educational goals. 

Example 1: Overcoming Adversity

This scholarship essay example delves into the inspiring tale of a candidate who overcame adversity. It highlights the attributes that make them deserving applicants for the award by showcasing their tenacity, tenacity, and capacity to overcome obstacles.

Example: 

Growing up in a low-income place with a lot of crime and few chances, I had to overcome hardship after hardship. Poverty and violence threatened my aspirations of seeking a higher education, which had grown into unpleasant companions. I, however, resisted letting my circumstances determine who I am. On the other hand, I utilised every challenge as motivation to advance. Despite the meagre resources at my disposal, I was nonetheless able to achieve academic success via pure willpower and continuous attention.

I developed a deep feeling of empathy and a relentless drive to have a positive impact on my community as a result of living in a chaotic environment. I volunteered at neighbourhood shelters, setting up seminars and guiding impoverished kids. I became even more dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty and motivating others to realise their full potential after seeing the transformational power of education.

Despite the difficulties I encountered, my goals did not change. I spent endless hours studying independently and looked for scholarship possibilities to help me close the financial gap preventing me from achieving my goals. More than just financial support, this scholarship symbolises a chance to advance my education, broaden my perspectives, and build a brighter future for myself and those around me.

Example 2: Academic Achievements

This sample scholarship essay examines a candidate's outstanding academic accomplishments. It demonstrates their commitment to their studies, extraordinary achievements, and the potential they have to have a big effect on their profession.

I have always been curious and greatly desire to learn new things. This unwavering love of learning has driven me to attain outstanding academic feats throughout my academic career. My commitment to academic brilliance has shaped my objectives and career path, from maintaining high grades to working on challenging research projects.

I continually sought out hard subjects throughout high school to progress intellectually. I spent time exploring various topics, from physics and maths to literature and history, and I developed a broad and well-rounded intellectual background. I have received numerous academic honours and scholarships due to my dedication to intellectual pursuits, which has strengthened my confidence in the transformational potential of education. 

My study of renewable energy technology was one of my greatest academic accomplishments. After realising the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, I jumped into the sector and looked for creative ways to capture clean energy sources. I created a prototype that demonstrated the viability and potential impact of renewable energy systems after numerous hours of testing and study. In addition to improving my communication abilities, presenting my research at national conferences strengthened my resolve to discover environmentally responsible answers to the world's problems.

In addition to giving me the money I need for my higher education, receiving this scholarship would be a recognition of my abilities and potential in the classroom. It would allow me to advance my education, learn more about the subject I've selected, and actively contribute to solving urgent problems.

Example 3: Community Involvement and Leadership

This scholarship essay example examines the applicant's outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement. It highlights their capacity to motivate and lead others and shows their dedication to positively impacting their community.

I became aware of the community's value and active participation in bringing about positive change from a young age. I was inspired to act after observing the struggles marginalised people in my neighbourhood experienced. I actively participated in community projects, giving my abilities and time to help those in need and foster a more welcoming and encouraging environment.

Participating in a local youth mentoring programme was one of my most effective endeavours. I oversaw a group of committed volunteers who helped at-risk youngsters by offering mentorship, academic support, and direction because I believed every young person has potential. By providing these young people with customised coaching and empowerment seminars, we hoped to give them the abilities and confidence they would need to overcome challenges and achieve academically and personally. I observed them change and develop into self-assured, aspirational people, which confirmed my confidence in the effectiveness of mentoring and community support.

I also participated in the mentoring programme and assumed leadership positions in several student organisations. I excelled in roles that allowed me to motivate and inspire my classmates towards a common objective, whether organising community service activities or acting as the student council president. Through these encounters, I improved my leadership abilities, learned how to interact and work well with varied groups, and gained a profound appreciation for the value of teamwork in attaining worthwhile goals.

If awarded this scholarship, I could continue impacting my community and further my education. It would demonstrate my commitment to leadership and service, strengthening my resolve to spur change and encourage others to follow in my footsteps.

Tips to Write Scholarship Essay

Some valuable tips for writing scholarship essay are:

• Recognise the prompt: Read the essay prompt offered by the scholarship organisation carefully, and make sure you understand it. Make sure you are aware of the essay's requirements.
• Brainstorm and make an outline: Spend some time coming up with ideas for the prompt. Consider how you wish to structure your essay's main themes and organise your thoughts.
• Make your essay unique: Give examples from your own life that demonstrate your special talents, accomplishments, and objectives. Make sure to relate your experiences to the program's objectives.
• Display your best qualities: Describe your successes, abilities, and capabilities that set you apart from other applicants. Show how these qualities fit with the goals or values of the scholarship.

Scholarship essays are crucial to the selection process because they allow applicants to stand out and raise their chances of receiving financial aid. Aspiring applicants might find motivation and useful tips for writing appealing narratives by studying scholarship essay examples . The instances above indicate the value of emphasising one's accomplishments in school, the community, and personal experiences. Applicants can make a positive impression on scholarship committees and open doors to educational opportunities that can impact their futures by writing persuasive scholarship essays.

How can I write an essay for a scholarship?

You must first comprehend the instructions and essay topic to create a scholarship essay. After that, devise a plan for your essay and emphasise your special skills and experiences. Use specific examples, match your objectives to the research, and be mindful of syntax and style. Create a strong essay by revising and editing.

How do you start a 500-word scholarship essay?

Your 500-word scholarship essay should begin with an attention-grabbing introduction. Describe your background and goals in a brief introduction of yourself. Indicate in detail the essay's goal and how the scholarship supports it.

Why write a scholarship essay?

It is crucial to write a scholarship essay because it allows you to highlight your special abilities, experiences, and aspirations. Your chances of getting financial help for your education or other possibilities rise when you stand out from the competition.

What is a great scholarship essay?

An excellent scholarship essay demonstrates your distinctive traits, experiences, and objectives. It displays your enthusiasm and commitment and is captivating and well-structured. It highlights your qualifications for the scholarship and leaves a lasting impression on the selection committee.

Kashyap Matani

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10 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples From Real Students

Make your application shine.

Writing a scholarship essay can be intimidating. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high, so students are bound to feel the pressure. It may be helpful, therefore, to look at essays that were successful. What did those students do to impress the committee? These scholarship essay examples will give you a better idea of how to make an application shine! 

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

We’ve put together a whole guide for how to write a scholarship essay , so if you haven’t read it already, definitely give it a look! In addition, here are some quick tips to help students get started. 

Carefully read the rules

The last thing you need is to be disqualified from winning a scholarship because you didn’t do the right thing. 

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start researching and applying for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the process. 

Get to know the provider

Think of the scholarship provider as your target audience. You want to tailor your essay to impress them, so do your research. What kinds of candidates are they looking for? What causes do they support? Dig deep for the information you need!

Think about who you are, what you want to say, and how to appeal to the scholarship committee. Write everything down and then choose the best ideas. 

The scholarship committee will be reviewing many applications. How can you make yours unforgettable? Highlight your strongest assets, share hard lessons if they showcase your growth as a person and/or student, and be honest. Never lie in a scholarship essay!

Be professional

Consider this the most important academic paper you’ve ever written. Don’t use slang or casual language. Submit a properly formatted essay that’s been well-edited and proofread by multiple people.

One last tip

Don’t reuse scholarship essays! Yes, it’s time-consuming, but students need to put the same effort into every application. Use the same process and it will get faster and easier every time!

Scholarship Essay Examples

Afc visionary scholarship essay by nicole kuznetsov.

Award Amount: $5,000

Essay prompt: Why do you want to go to college? Why is it important to you?

Why it was successful: The  beauty of this essay is that it’s well-organized and simple. Nicole Kuznetsov chose to outline her story by using chronology and provided a clean, concise story following a linear path.

North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship Essay by Christine Fung

Award Amount: $1,000

Why it was successful: Christine Fung masterfully shared how her upbringing instilled strong values, a love for education, and a passion for medicine .

The Bill Browning Scholarship Essay by Gabby DeMott

Award Amount: $10,000

Essay prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Why it was successful: Gabby DeMott shared her experiences with personal growth and overcoming fears in Germany. She also appealed to the very human feeling of wanting to belong in a way that was inspiring. 

Life Happens Scholarship Essay by Emily Trader

Award Amount: $15,000

Essay prompt: How has the death of a parent or guardian impacted your life financially and emotionally? Be sure to describe how the loss of your parent/guardian impacted your college plans, and explain how the lack of adequate (or any) life insurance coverage has impacted your family’s financial situation.

Why it was successful: Emily Trader fully addressed the prompt in honest, beautiful detail. She knew her audience and tailored her essay to appeal to them while telling her compelling story. 

Change a Life Foundation Scholarship Essay by Isabella Mendez-Figueroa

Essay prompt: Please explain how your experience volunteering and participating in community service has shaped your perspective on humanity. Elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your future ambitions and career choice.

Why it was successful: Isabella Mendez-Figueroa shared an empowering story about her parents overcoming financial adversity so that she and her sister could be the first in their family to go to college. 

Giva Scholarship Essay by Joseph Lee

Essay prompt: Who is (or what makes) a good doctor?

Why it was successful: Joseph Lee offered a captivating , personal story that was essentially a list of things that make someone a good doctor without it feeling boring or calculated. 

New York University College of Arts and Science Scholarship by Ana

Award amount: $39,500 

Essay prompt: Explain something that made a big impact in your life.

Why it was successful: Ana discussed how early experiences w ith learning difficult things has contributed to her passion for teaching and supporting students. 

The Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship Essay  by Steven Fisher

Award amount: $7,500

Essay prompt: The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to diversifying education abroad by providing funding to students who are typically under-represented in study abroad. Please describe how you and/or your plans for study abroad could be viewed as under-represented.

Why it was successful: Steven Fisher’s powerful essay   connected his realizations about his own sexual identity with embracing the beautiful diversity found all around the world. 

Women’s World Banking Founder’s Scholarship Essay by Rosaisha Ozoria

Essay prompt: Write about your hopes for the future of women and girls worldwide.

Why it was successful: Rosaisha Ozoria   focused on a very specific topic , financial literacy for Hispanic women, and emphasized its importance and relevance to her own life. 

The Millennium Gates Last Dollar Scholarship Essay by Famyrah Lafortune

Award amount: $3,500

Essay prompt: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.

Why it was successful: Famyrah Lafortune starts with a strong statement about ending racial inequality and then details the steps she’ll take to make it happen. 

Do you have any great scholarship essay examples? Share them below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more suggestions be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

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December 11, 2023

Three Ways Writing About Obstacles Strengthens Your Application Essays

Applicants love to write about their accomplishments, whether in a personal statement for graduate school or in a b-school essay that asks about one’s greatest achievement, challenge, or the like. And they are not shy about sharing their accomplishments, such as driving innovations that led to revenue boosts for their firm, conducting original and meaningful research in their field of study, or leading a volunteer group on a community service initiative. 

As genuine and significant as these accomplishments are, many initial essay drafts are often missing a key element: obstacles . In this blog post, we explain why you shouldn’t shy away from discussing obstacles in your essays and how doing so intelligently can help your candidacy.

Here are three ways that discussing obstacles enhances your application:

1. Sharing how you overcame an obstacle shows the adcom that you can navigate bumps in the road in a positive, proactive way.

All of us frequently encounter obstacles: the traffic detour, an incompetent customer service representative, a disagreement with your partner, the approval you expected on a project unexpectedly turning into a “No.”  Every single person faces challenges, but people deal with them in wildly varying ways. Those who are more successful in life succeed because they understand that obstacles are to be expected. They learn how to navigate them with patience, creativity, and a problem-solving attitude, and by – to borrow a phrase – “keeping calm and carrying on.” But too often, when asked to discuss their accomplishments, applicants selectively and completely forget the things that got in their way  en route to their achievement. When they experience this kind of amnesia, they are shortchanging themselves. Triumphing over the hurdles they encountered might well have been just as difficult as executing all the anticipated elements of their plans – and therefore worth sharing.

2. Details about how you overcame obstacles create an appealing image of you as a candidate with a can-do personality.

Look at the following examples and see if you don’t agree. First we have the “stop-putting-me-to-sleep” example : As the leader of my product research group, I came up with a plan for a new widget that would save us 10% in costs. After I communicated my vision to the team, we worked hard for four weeks on a prototype, completing it by the deadline, to the delight of management. Today, my widget is still the standard for my company, saving us over $300K annually. Okay, this sounds like a solid accomplishment, but it’s hardly memorable.  How  did the candidate communicate her vision? What specific example does she offer of the hard work that was done over four weeks on the prototype? We have absolutely no idea.  Now let’s look at a “dazzle-is-in-the-details” example : As the leader of my product research group, I came up with a plan for a new widget that would save us 10% in costs. But when I explained my vision to the team, two senior engineers immediately argued against it, saying that there were key flaws in the design. After revisiting my design and realizing that they were correct, I revised my plan and was able to eliminate the flaws. We worked on a prototype for two weeks before discovering that the cost of the material we had planned to use for it had increased by more than 30% in recent months. I worked many late nights that week researching alternative materials, before finding one that was both appropriate and cost-effective. By the skin of our teeth, we met our four-week deadline and presented the prototype to management, but the VP of Manufacturing argued that we would need to purchase major new equipment to produce the widget. I convinced the team to work overtime on a manufacturing proposal that proved we could craft the product with existing equipment. Today, my widget is still the standard for my company, saving us over $300K annually. There’s no contest here, is there? The second example, loaded with specifics about what went wrong and what almost derailed the project, is mighty impressive. The details highlight the applicant’s creativity, thoroughness, tenacity, communication skills, and leadership potential. When spelled out this way, discussing an obstacle can make your essays shine with the drama of the story and can  associate you with lively elements and images . For example, in the second example, it’s easy to visualize the two dissenting engineers, the surprise of discovering the price hike for the materials, and the VP’s frown. In the first, there’s only the haziest impression of an employee smiling about a job well done.

3. Discussing obstacles makes you a more fully developed, more relatable applicant.

Can you see through these examples how including specific, key obstacles in your essays and explaining how you negotiated them  showcases your ability to overcome the unexpected ? This will assure the adcoms that you can capably execute a well-defined plan – even when you face unexpected bumps in the road. Moreover, it shows the school how you spring into action when the chips are down. This adds to a fuller understanding of who you are as an individual – and as an applicant the school would like to have in its next class.

For more details about what the adcom actually wants to know about the challenges you’ve overcome, watch this short video, in which Linda Abraham shares the answer to this often-asked question:

Are you still wondering how to address obstacles you’ve overcome in your application essays? Leave a comment on the video on YouTube, and we’ll gladly offer some tips. 

There’s no substitute for one-on-one guidance when addressing your obstacles and writing essays that make you shine. Working with an experienced admissions consultant, you can apply with the confidence that you have presented yourself at your best and maximized your chances of getting accepted.  Click here to learn more.

For 25 years, Accepted has helped applicants gain acceptance to top undergraduate and graduate programs. Our expert team of admissions consultants features former admissions directors, PhDs, and professional writers who have advised clients to acceptance at top programs worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge, INSEAD, MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern. Want an admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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How to Write an Essay on Overcoming Adversity

How to Write College Scholarship Essays

College admission boards and scholarship committees often want applicants to write an essay about how they have overcome adversity in their lives. The key to writing a successful essay about diversity is to stay positive and focus on the outcome rather than the problem itself. Learning how to write a good essay about overcoming diversity has the effect of your story pulling on the heartstrings of the people reading it.

Read successful essays about overcoming adversity. Many college websites and websites with advice about applying to colleges offer examples of successful essays. There is a difference between writing positively about overcoming adversity and whining about your problems. Reading good essays written by other people will help you understand that difference.

Make an outline of your essay before you write it. Writing an outline gives you a starting point for getting what you want to say on paper. It also can help avoid writer's block or stumbling when you don't know where to go next. The standard format for an essay is to start with an introduction that briefly tells the reader what to expect, then the body that goes into greater detail about your adversity and how you overcame it, followed by a conclusion that sums up what your essay is about.

Be positive in your own essay. Talk about your adversity and what you learned from it. Let the reader know how you grew and what impact the adversity and overcoming it had on your life. Also, let admissions and scholarship boards know how overcoming your particular adversity will make you a better student and an asset to their program.

Be honest in your essay. You have overcome your adversity and there is no reason to embellish the details. If you do, chances are the embellishment will stand out to the reader in a way it might not to you. Being caught in a lie or coming across as insincere will almost definitely result in your being denied admission or the scholarship you are applying to.

Use proper grammar and spelling. Most word processing programs have spell and grammar checks. Make sure to run these before submitting your essay. These programs, however, don't pick up every mistake. Read your essay once for grammar and again for spelling, paying attention to every word and punctuation mark. Ask someone who you trust has a good handle on grammar and spelling to proofread your essay for you.

Read your essay out loud before submitting it. Sometimes when you've read your own work many times your eyes glance over problems. Reading out loud will give your ears a chance to pick up on awkward wording or pacing in your essay. Fix any problems before submitting.

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Shaunta Alburger has been a professional writer for 15 years. She's worked on staff at both major Las Vegas newspapers, as well as a rural Nevada weekly. Her first novel was published in 2014.

How to answer “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay prompt (with examples!)

When you’re applying for scholarships, you’ll see tons of different essay prompts. Two of the most common are “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” or its variant “Why are you applying for this scholarship?” While these might seem like intimidating questions, don’t overthink them! These are straightforward questions that you can easily answer. Here’s how.

What’s the scholarship committee looking for?

Tips to consider.

• Examples of “Why I Deserve It” scholarship essays

Variant: “Why are you applying for this scholarship?”

Variant: “why do you need this scholarship”, ready to start answering an essay prompt like this.

Scholarship providers want to give the award to the most deserving student. So by including these prompts, they’re basically asking: Why should it be you?

In particular, they want to know:

• What makes you unique? What are your particular interests and motivations?
• How do your strengths and goals fit in with this particular scholarship? For instance, why you might deserve an athletic scholarship might be different from why you deserve a financial need scholarship . 
• How will you make use of the scholarship funds? Scholarship providers want to know their awards will make a difference. Show them how this money would really help advance your goals.

Link your passions to the scholarship

One of the first things to consider is to express who you are in your writing. Show scholarship providers why you deserve this scholarship by painting them a picture of who you are and what drives you. But remember to keep it related to the scholarship. For example:

• If you’re applying for a journalism-related scholarship, explain how you became interested in journalism, and what kind of journalism you hope to pursue.
• If you’re applying to a community service scholarship , explain what kind of community service you do and why you’re committed to it.

Show your grit

This is where your scholarship essay might get personal . You might deserve this scholarship because you have persevered through some personal struggles. Those struggles might be more serious–for example, related to family income (growing up poor) or physical obstacles (a disability or injury). Or it might be a more fleeting personal circumstance (like not getting that student organization position you were vying for).

In any case, focus on how you overcame these difficulties–and how the experiences have shaped who you are today. Also remember to focus it back on the scholarship topic at hand.

For example, if you’re applying to an arts scholarship, you might say:

Although I always loved art, growing up poor in a rural area made it difficult to have access to the fine arts museums (far away) or materials (too expensive). So I made do in other ways. I borrowed art books from the library and did virtual tours of the Met and the MOMA from my home computer. And since I couldn’t afford a fancy SLDR camera, I learned all the iPhone photography tricks I could, and used open-source software to do post-production on my photos.

This kind of statement shows how much the student loves art and the lengths the’ve gone to, in order to explore the medium, despite obstacles. A scholarship committee might read this and think: “This student is particularly deserving of our scholarship.

Share what you plan to do with the scholarship award

Why you are deserving doesn’t just have to do with your past achievements; it also has to do with your future plans and goals. Scholarship providers want to fund students who will go on to achieve great things or who wish to give back to their communities.

For instance, in scholarship winner Michelle Marie Charles’ essay, she explains how the award money will be put to good use:

My wish is to help guide undocumented people to obtain a job in a foreign country, and to fight for them to stay in the country. […] Once I am an attorney, I will seek new opportunities to expand the help provided to immigrants. I will create programs that specifically target undocumented people to know their own voice and to educated themselves about the law. […] I know the long journey that lays ahead of them and know how difficult the process of transferring to undocumented to citizen is, but I want to be there so they know that they still have a choice.

Examples of “Why I Deserve It” scholarship essay s

In general, there are three ways we’ve seen Going Merry students successfully tackle this essay. 

1. Treat it like a résumé, in paragraph form.

Since it’s asking you to brag about your strengths, some essay answers simply describe the applicant’s multiple accomplishments (either in chronological order, or grouped by interest/category – like academics, sports, research, student clubs). This is a particularly good strategy if the scholarship application doesn’t ask for a résumé or list of extracurricular activities. In that case, this essay is your opportunity to discuss those.

An example version of this might read like this :

“I [have been committed] to programs that would further develop my view of the world. I have been involved in Choir and Music Club. I have also been a member of the Red Crescent club for 3 years, which has expanded my exposures to other cultures by learning another language and studying multiple customs. I have been the captain of both the varsity golf and softball teams for two years, developing my leadership skills. My involvement in both my school and community prove that I am a student committed to developing a promising future.”

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2. Treat it like a personal statement. 

Maybe you deserve the scholarship because of the type of person you are: someone who has overcome adversity, thinks deeply, is passionate about a specific subject, or wants to contribute to their community. In that case, you might simply be able to reuse your personal statement , tweaking it slightly to be able to explain how your personal characteristics or narrative make you a deserving scholarship recipient. 

One example of this is Going Merry winner Jesús Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez’s essay , which discusses how he overcame the obstacle of his immigration status. He writes:

I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life. Looking back there is not a single thing that I would change. Knowing that I had to work harder than everyone else led me to be the person that I am today. I took that fire inside of me, pushed myself, graduated first in my class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA, became a Kansas Scholar, and graduated High School with a semester’s worth of college credit. In November of 2016, everything began to look up for me. I received a work permit and a social security card all thanks to the DACA program. I was finally able to get my license, get a job, and most importantly attend college. I plan to continue my success in the classroom and do everything to the best of my ability as I know that under my current circumstances it can all be ripped away from me at any moment. Growing up with my situation has taught me to not take advantage of a single opportunity. 

3. Treat it like a career and/or academic goals essay. 

You’re likely using your scholarship money to attend college or grad school, so that you can pursue certain academic or career interests. You can discuss those, and then explain how scholarship funding would allow you to continue down that intended path, just like this short essay did : 

“The scholarship award will only push me further towards my Accounting degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as an Accountant. […] Five years from now I see myself employed at a large local firm, crunching numbers, evaluating,and solving certain financial matters. I just feel blessed that I am given the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship to help fulfill my dream and I will prove that I do have what it takes to not only be a successful student, but an outstanding accountant.”

Here’s a guide on writing a career goals essay , and another guide for writing an essay on your academic goals . 

Is this the same question as “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” Yes and no. Both questions get at the same core idea (why are you relevant and deserving of the scholarship money), so for both essay prompts, your essay should describe your strengths and future plans. 

However, to properly answer this “why are you applying” question, you’ll need to more explicitly address your interest in the scholarship topic (e.g. if it’s a scholarship for nursing, why are you interested in nursing), as well as information about your financial situation (you are likely applying because you have need for the money, to pay for college or grad school). 

What about this one? Is this the same question?

Nope! This is a question about financial need. Although it may be uncomfortable to discuss, this prompt is asking you directly about your financial situation and why additional funding is necessary for you to pursue your academic or career plans.  Here’s more information about how to write a statement of financial need .

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics to get started!

Now that you’ve got a better grasp on how to answer a prompt like, “Explain why you deserve this scholarship,” we think you’re ready to start writing and applying to scholarships! Get started by signing up for a free profile with Going Merry . You can write your essay and apply to thousands of scholarships . Just think of us as your one-stop shop for all things scholarships, including essay writing resources.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, why do i deserve this scholarship (sample answers).

I'm working on some scholarship applications, and a common essay question is 'why do you deserve this scholarship?' I would appreciate some sample answers or guidance on how I should address this question. What should I focus on to show that I'm a deserving candidate?

When approaching the "why do you deserve this scholarship?" question, it's essential to focus on your unique qualities, achievements, and goals that set you apart as a candidate. Here's some guidance and a sample answer to help you get started:

1. Start by highlighting your academic achievements: Mention your GPA, any honors or AP classes you've taken, and any academic awards you've received. This demonstrates your commitment to your education and capability to succeed in a rigorous academic setting.

Sample: "I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my high school career, taking challenging AP courses such as Calculus and Chemistry. I also ranked in the top 5% of my class and was inducted into the National Honor Society, showing my dedication to my academics."

2. Discuss your extracurricular activities: Focus on relevant, impactful extracurriculars that show your dedication to your passions, leadership skills, and community involvement. This could range from participating in sports, clubs, or community service projects.

Sample: "As the president of the Environmental Club, I led efforts to organize campus clean-ups, creating awareness campaigns on recycling, and secured funding for solar panels. I also volunteered at the local animal shelter, dedicating my time to care for animals in need."

3. Describe any unique challenges you've faced: Sometimes, overcoming adversity can demonstrate the resilience and determination that scholarship committees value. If applicable, share the challenges you've faced in your personal life or educational journey and how you've persevered.

Sample: "Growing up in a low-income family, I juggled multiple part-time jobs to save money for college while excelling in my studies. Despite the challenges, I successfully advocated for a tutoring program at my school to support students from similar backgrounds as myself."

4. Tie in your future goals: Explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, whether that includes furthering your education, giving back to your community, or kickstarting your career. Show the scholarship committee that their investment in you will pay dividends in the long run.

Sample: "With this scholarship, I plan to pursue a degree in environmental engineering, so I can help develop sustainable solutions to pressing environmental issues. My long-term goal is to work with community leaders and nonprofits to create greener spaces in underprivileged areas, empowering residents to take control of their environment."

Putting it all together:

"I am a dedicated student with a 4.0 GPA, excelling in challenging AP classes and involved in my community as president of the Environmental Club and a volunteer at the local animal shelter. Despite facing financial adversity, I've continued to persevere, even advocating for a tutoring program at my school. This scholarship would enable me to pursue my passion for environmental engineering, ultimately allowing me to give back to my community and work towards creating a more sustainable world. It's because of my commitment to academic success, resilience in the face of challenges, and unwavering determination to contribute positively to society that I believe I deserve this scholarship."

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

17 Adversity Examples (And How to Overcome Them)

Examples of adversity on a resume could include:

• Overcoming a significant personal challenge
• Navigating a career change, and
• Demonstrating resilience in the face of major project setbacks.

See below for a detailed list of ideas for discussing adversity.

Adversity Examples

1. overcoming a disability.

Success in the face of disability exemplifies overcoming adversity. For example, we look to disabled athletes as inspiration for people who have risen to the top despite their setbacks. In real life, we can look to famous people with disabilities like Whoopi Goldberg ( dyslexia ) and Stephen Hawking (motor neuron disease) who learned to live with and overcome their disabilities to achieve success.

2. Overcoming a Rejection

Many individuals have experienced rejection in various forms, such as being turned down by a university, not receiving a scholarship, missing a promotion, or failing to secure a job. What’s crucial is highlighting the resilience shown in bouncing back from these setbacks. For instance, in an interview, you could discuss how, after not obtaining a sports scholarship for college, you proactively worked a part-time job to support your education.

3. Proving Someone Wrong (Being Underestimated)

There are instances where a teacher, mentor, or colleague doubts our capabilities or potential. Overcoming such negative perceptions and achieving success is a powerful demonstration of resilience in the face of adversity. Notable examples include Thomas Edison, who, despite being deemed cognitively inflexible by his teacher, invented the lightbulb, and Michael Phelps, who was told by a teacher that he would never achieve success, yet triumphed to win 28 Olympic medals.

4. Failing as a Student (Then Bouncing Back)

Almost everyone has experienced a period of struggle in their academic journey, as it’s uncommon for a student to excel in every subject.

When considering an example of adversity in an educational context, think back to a subject that posed significant challenges for you.

Consider how you responded to this difficulty: perhaps you dedicated more hours to studying, increased the amount of time spent on homework, sought extra help, or even faced the prospect of retaking an exam.

Reflect on the strategies you employed to overcome this hurdle, such as utilizing additional resources, collaborating with peers, or seeking guidance from teachers. This reflection not only highlights your ability to confront and overcome academic challenges but also demonstrates your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to personal growth.

5. Overcoming an Injury

Injuries often lead to difficulties in performing everyday activities that were once effortless. Such experiences can prompt a realization of how much we typically take these routine tasks for granted.

Take, for instance, breaking an arm; this can transform straightforward actions like dressing into complex, thoughtful processes.

Adapting to these new challenges by finding alternative methods to accomplish daily tasks not only showcases resilience but also fosters a sense of flexibility. This adaptability is a testament to one’s ability to overcome adversity and develop crucial life skills in the process.

6. Suffering Discrimination

Facing discrimination is a deeply unfortunate form of adversity, where individuals must surmount biases related to race, gender, disability, social class, or other factors to achieve success.

Jackie Robinson is a prominent example of someone who overcame such challenges; he was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.

Despite enduring racial taunts from both players and fans, Robinson chose not to react aggressively, understanding that any retaliation could significantly hinder the progress of racial integration in MLB.

His legacy endures today, celebrated not just for his remarkable sporting achievements but also for his role as a peaceful pioneer who broke down barriers of discrimination for the betterment of society.

7. Growing up Poor

Individuals born into poverty often face lower lifetime earnings and a reduced likelihood of graduating from school compared to those from wealthier backgrounds. This adversity stems from limited access to quality education, tutoring, books, and other resources. However, there are inspiring figures who have surmounted the challenges of poverty to achieve remarkable success, such as Jim Carrey, who experienced homelessness during his youth, J.K. Rowling, who rose from the struggles of being a single mother to fame with her Harry Potter series, and Dolly Parton, who overcame her upbringing in a one-room cabin with dirt floors to become a music legend.

8. Being a Refugee

Refugees exemplify remarkable resilience , having fled perilous conditions in their homelands to seek safety, often starting anew in unfamiliar cultures with limited resources. Their ability to navigate and thrive despite such formidable challenges is a testament to their capacity to overcome life’s adversities. Notable individuals who began their journeys as refugees and rose to prominence include Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Madeleine Albright, each overcoming substantial early-life obstacles to achieve significant success.

9. Being an Immigrant

Immigrants and refugees often share parallel narratives of starting over. Refugees typically escape traumatic situations, indicating an added layer of adversity, but both groups face the challenge of acclimatizing to an unfamiliar environment upon arrival in a new country.

Immigrants frequently grapple with cultural adjustments and may find their foreign professional qualifications unrecognized, necessitating a restart from the bottom, often with limited financial resources.

However, the success stories of notable immigrants like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elon Musk, and Mila Kunis highlight the potential for triumph through the immigrant journey, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve remarkable success.

10. Losing your Job or Getting Fired

Losing a job is never a pleasant experience, bringing with it initial feelings of shock and anxiety. However, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and regaining self-assurance.

This experience is far from unique, as evidenced by the significant job losses during the 2008 economic downturn and the 2021 global lockdowns. In the aftermath, many people found themselves pursuing additional education, reassessing their career trajectories to ensure they align with their passions and strengths, or turning to mentors for guidance and support in addressing their areas of improvement.

Real-Life Role Models Who Overcame Adversity

1. stephen hawking.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 21, Hawking was given just a few years to live. Despite losing his ability to walk and speak, he became one of the most renowned theoretical physicists, contributing significantly to our understanding of black holes and the nature of the universe.

2. Malala Yousafzai

As a young girl in Pakistan, Malala advocated for girls’ education, defying the Taliban’s ban. After surviving a gunshot to the head by a Taliban gunman, she became an international symbol of resistance against the suppression of women’s education and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

3. Nelson Mandela

Imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid in South Africa, Mandela never lost sight of his goal for racial equality. He emerged from prison to become the first black president of South Africa, leading the country towards a more inclusive future.

4. Oprah Winfrey

Born into poverty and faced with numerous challenges, including childhood abuse and racial discrimination, Oprah rose to become a media mogul and influential philanthropist. Her story is one of resilience and determination in overcoming personal and professional obstacles.

5. Nick Vujicic

Born without limbs due to a rare disorder, Nick faced immense challenges and bullying in his youth. He overcame these to become a motivational speaker and author, inspiring millions with his message of hope and perseverance.

6. Helen Keller

Despite becoming blind and deaf at a very young age, Keller broke through the isolation imposed by her condition with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. She became a prolific author, political activist, and lecturer, advocating for the rights of those with disabilities.

7. Ludwig van Beethoven

One of the greatest composers in history, Beethoven began losing his hearing in his 20s, eventually becoming completely deaf. Nonetheless, he continued to compose, perform, and conduct, producing many of his most admired works during the last 15 years of his life, when he was unable to hear.

Other Resume Tips and Advice Articles

• Examples of Patientce
• List of Talents
• Perseverance Examples
• Examples of Integrity
• Examples of Honesty
• Attributes to Put on a Resume

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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Alex Austin's Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

Scholarship details

Alex Austin, Long Beach native, ex-defensive back for the Oregon State University Beavers, and current cornerback for the Houston Texans is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

"This scholarship is important to me because I know that everyone battles with adversity at some point in their life. I myself had to overcome adversity to get me to where I am today. This is why I want to give back to students who have shown resilience in overcoming their own challenges."

Once again, Alex is partnering with Access Scholarships to do exactly that! 5 scholarships (each worth $1,000) will be awarded to students who have overcome hardship throughout their lives.

High school and undergraduate students of all years are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to minority students, as well as students who are or will be the first in their family to attend college. 

Scholarship overview

Total amount:  $5,000

Number of awards:  5

Breakdown of awards : (5) $1,000

Deadline:  April 15, 2024 

Winners announced:  by May 15, 2024

Open to:  High school & undergraduate students

• Name * First Last
• Email * Enter Email Confirm Email
• Phone Number * *Only to be used to contact you if we cannot get in touch via email
• Current year in school * High School Freshman High School Sophomore High School Junior High School Senior College Freshman College Sophomore College Junior College Senior
• Address * Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• I am/will be a first-generation college student.
• I identify as part of a minority group.
• I do not identify as a first-generation college student or as part of a minority group.
• Written Submission Upload * Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 256 MB. Please submit a PDF file with the document name "First name_Last name Scholarship Submission". If you do not submit the written portion of the application in this format, your application will not be considered.
• Consent * Yes, I have read and agreed to the terms of use and scholarship rules and I am 13 years of age or older. I understand that Access Scholarships may contact me about new scholarships, virtual events, resources, & more.

Essay question

Please read and respond to the following prompt:.

Overcoming adversity and hardships of all shapes and sizes are often what help us to build resiliency. In 500 words or less , tell us about a time that you encountered an obstacle or challenge. How did you navigate this situation, and what lessons did you learn from it? 

Frequently asked questions AND important notes about this scholarship

The Overcoming Adversity Scholarship is open to high school and undergraduate students of all years  who are 13 years of age and older who have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). 

Students of all majors/areas of study are welcome to apply. 

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. Applications that are not submitted by this date will not be considered .

To apply, you must upload:

• A written submission (as a PDF file)

Note : If you are selected as a finalist for the scholarship, you will be required to send in a copy of your transcript to verify that you meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirement.

This scholarship is open to US citizens/permanent residents, as well as DACA recipients and international students currently studying in the US. International students outside of the US are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Five awards in the amount of $1,000 each

Winners will be chosen primarily based on the written submission. 

If you are selected as a winner, you will be contacted by Access Scholarships via email to coordinate mailing the scholarship check  directly to you.

First, please make sure you have read this scholarship page in its entirety! If you have read everything through and still have questions, please reach out to [email protected] .

2022 Scholarship Winners

$500 Winner

High School Senior from Illinois

"It is an honor to receive this scholarship. As college is becoming increasingly expensive, many students, including myself, have to rely on scholarships to afford it, so I am extremely grateful to Access Scholarships, Alex Austin, and Hirect for this opportunity. I will put it towards a degree in computer science, which I will use to help others while working for the government or a nonprofit."

$1,000 Winner

College Senior from California

"I am thrilled to be awarded Alex Austin’s Overcoming Adversity Scholarship! This award is a wonderful way for me to celebrate the hurdles I have overcome throughout my college career. Because I am graduating soon, I will be putting this scholarship towards my student loans. I want to thank Alex Austin for creating this opportunity for myself and the other scholarship winners. Students face a wide range of adversities throughout their college years, and I am grateful that this scholarship was inclusive of my individual experiences."

College Sophomore from New Jersey

"As a first-generation student, I have a tendency to place a lot of emphasis on my academics. A scholarship like this helps me realize that life is about more than just studying and getting excellent grades, that I am a person with a narrative, and that my character is constantly evolving. With the help of this scholarship, I intend to launch my own small business. And your scholarship serves to remind me that prosperity has no limits, despite the challenges we encounter in life. Thank you!"

About the sponsors

Access Scholarships

Access Scholarships is a free scholarship search engine and college resource platform for students.

Alex Austin

Alex Austin is an Oregon State alum and current cornerback for the Houston Texans.

Photo credits: Hirect, OSU Athletics, Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Interested in creating giving back to the community through scholarships?

How To Write An Essay On Overcoming Adversity

• Views 15336
• Author Sandra W.

Overcoming Adversity Essay Examples

When looking for college admission or scholarship, the board requires one to write an essay on how they can overcome adversity in their lives. In-order to have a good adversity essay the key is being positive. Do not focuses on the problem instead see the outcomes better. Be able to give a story that has heartstrings that pulls people reading it.  Your essay should have a good connection with readers mind to be good.

Steps To Guide You When Writing An Essay On Overcoming Adversity

• Take an essay that has previously been written on overcoming adversity as you pay keen attention. However there is good essay examples in college website and other websites which can also offer good assistance. Read essay written by others on essay for you to be able to write positively and avoid whining on your problems.
• Do not start to write without making an outline. This will help get a starting point and focus on what you want to say on your paper. It gives the writer flow in ideas and understanding of what to write next. Follow the normal format of an essay by writing the introduction part first. You brief the reader on what is entailed in your essay. The body comes after the introduction and it gives details of your adversity and how you overcame.  Finally is the conclusion part whereby you talk about your entire essay and the adversity that you went through but is summery form.
• Talk about your adversity in a positive manner and how you overcame it, indicate any lesson learnt . Discuss the impact that it left you with for the reader to understand. Convince the board how you can become better asset to their program through what you have gone through.
• Now that you have overcome that adversity, you need to be honest with yourself as you have nothing to worry about. Do not be afraid to give detail it may have a good perspective to the reader, and may be gaining you a scholarship.
• Avoid using complicated grammar word that you may not be having good understanding on. Check out any spelling mistakes and pay attention to every punctuation mark. You can tell someone you trust to help you out in proofreading.
• Before you submit your essay read it out loud, your ears may get what eyes did not. Make sure every problem is fixed before you submit.

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• Mitarbeiter Statements
• Dean Interviews
• TLS Stats
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TLS Leaders to Personal Statements: Dinner of Contents   Foreword Chapters: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   Appendixes: A   BORON   C   D   E   F   G

Chapter 11: Overcoming Adversity (Topic)

Released November 2009

If you have overcome adenine major adversity in your life, often modifies than a cataclysm that demonstrates your resourcefulness, commitment and energy at overcoming loss, then i shoud judge script about that topic. In save chapter, you will discover statements on political violence, alcohol-related terminal, rape, and diagnosis of debilitating disease. These topics are traumatic samples of loss, usually relate one story in whose the applicant experiences a major life switch. Oppression claims ability exist considerable a type for diversity opinion. When writing switch overcoming adversity, an applicant reveals how his or her distinctiveness was forged in response to a crisis. With this subject, on ordinary seeks to see guts under pressure. The writer agrees that something awful happened press shows something he or she did to help make the new situation better. This is usually an emotional statement, in which the applicant showcases his otherwise i management skills. These affirmations are typically not humorous, but they can be inflected with humor that balances the sense, than in Test 17: Kenyan Immigrant.

17. Kenyan Migrant

Full boycotting classes due to nonpayment of salaries. Idling students rioting against the injustice of a careless government leaving a deserted campus please ampere war-zone. I had experienced loads educational schlaganfall during my schooling years in Kenya, but none like the the that occurred into 1996. I was an students student at the Colleges of Kenya studying law. The professors had not become compensated for six months additionally their struck was intentionally to draw the government’s attention towards this inequity. Majority students either left the campus button joined in an rioting, but fuelled by my passion with education the empathy for the lecturers, I organized study bunches for students in my class sections, Legal Methods and Torts, to help those who popular to review the work we had covered as far. Further, I joined the grad committee that been pick going to petition to the government to end the strike, though EGO tell that the government was not one to be persuaded into doing anything. Eleven period subsequently the strike continuously, I made a harder decide to walk family and friends to jagd my education in the Uniform States.

My father raised ich to believe EGO could do select things if I set my mind to it. Diese developed me for my first taste of living in one United States—my father’s bruder whom I secretly referred to how of “Iron Lady” because IODIN none remembered seeing an smile on his face. Wife forcefully enrolled me in the local local college and said it was at slightest better than any school I could have visiting in Qatar. To her surprise, I made and Dean’s list and was one of the two selected out of 40,000 students to represent my college along the “All Missouri Academic Team,” for which I received an plaque from the Governor of Mizzou. My aunt grinned when I mentioned that I had use in Prison. She didn’t reckon I had an chances to attend a prestigious school, rumination that prestigious schools were on the rich. Which time I received my approval letter into Princeton, I known that my journey to to track of knowledge had began, real never again will IODIN be denied the achieve of professional because of reasons for which I had no control. Check out these scholarship essay examples and learn how to write a great personal statement for scholarships or creative letter scholarships.

My curiosity about the economies of developing all bringing about insert major of Business. I completed one intense degree in fourth semesters, not who six it would take an average student to complete, a feat my faculty advisor opinion was impossible the accomplish specified the very intense curriculum. I writing for one Argus, and Princeton paper also pleased the process of getting bits and pieces of information and putting them together until construct a coherent news story. What does a successful law school request writing look like? Look no further. Here you’ll find quintet rousing real-world browse from permitted students.

It can exactly adenine decade since I left my family in pursuit of education, nevertheless my passion to use my life both job to do a difference still remains. This passion has animated aforementioned many causes I have advocated through my work as and Director of Community Relations for the Kenyan Business Forum and my active involvement in this Fate Inception. I was able to get book drives ensure resulted in about 2,000 books being donated to optimize one libraries of some government-run students within Kenya. Through mysterious role as Operations Comptroller in the Information Management and Investment Performance Departments at Morgan Stanley, I has responsible for ensuring so the company’s Boarding of Directors received adequate financial highlights for the performance of that company’s over 250 mutual funds. The preparation starting these highlights often entailed research into the sophisticated legal and transparency issues that surround many mutual cash and deployment transactions. I have worked closely with to legal department of the company and have learned a large arrangement about Corporate Law, Corporate Finances press Securities Law. ME have seen the rights include planned, and MYSELF day intrigued until the intricacy and subtlety of like measuring.

My study of the lawful profession and mysterious interest in applying it towards social justice will be informed by my several special of socializing injustice in my home country of Kenya. No one have be denied the opportunity to be educated or be denied their means is preservation ampere lived due to good they have nay control over. Own intent is to spends a several years after passing the bar performing law to get practical experience. After that, I would like to received an LLM and teach Law. Though the experience I had teaching legislation lessons during the strike unable be compared to the real act of teaching since a law college, the patience, termination also passion this motivated me to teach during the strike, I believe, are the core qualities that constitute a true teacher. Editor's Note: All your expressed with this article are those of the author.  You’ve taken the LSAT (and hopefully scored well), built a strong academic record in college and pursued internships…...

Though I still believe this I can do all things, if I adjusted my mind to it, I also know is I cannot change the entire world. Nevertheless, I feel an obligation as a human being to make the highest difference that EGO can. With the knowledge of the law and due using it to address social ills across the globe, I will assistance build to a society that is fairer tomorrow better it lives today. For a law student, I look forward to sharing my feels with my classmates and to learning the my that will aid mein accomplish this goal. As Cornell Law Secondary cash, personal statements are evaluated in “both ... She chose to overcome the adversity my early entrance took within hierher lived.

Statement 17: Kilani Immigrant

Topic: Overcoming Adversity (Immigration from a third-world country) Structure: Personal Narration Thesis: I beat the odds with being admitted to Princeton, find I excelled and affected others, real I can achieve it again. Elements of Style : This iron lady; themes of racial, school, and nationwide prejudice Board Petition: Tangible Impact on Individually alternatively Groups, Intellectual Excellency, Real World Experience, Multiple Perspectives, Pro-Active Starter, Uniqueness Success Rating: 10/A+

What’s Strong:

This belongs an exceptional personal statement that admissions committee members will really see. Never once has the applicant backed downwards from objective, and the harder it got for him, the higher it obtained. He structures the declaration as a chronic personal history and writer specifically regarding his academic journey from Kenya toward Princeton to working for a large corporation. Writing About Your Life Experience in Your Law School Personal Statement

Aforementioned most gripping aspect of like personal statement will the author’s valuable body (his ethos). The composition begins with vivid images of loaf students rioting furthermore a power sense of the moral dilemma of to professors: confront exploitation or stay obliged to graduate. In the wake are the breach, this student takes above the mantle for the teacher, and get is how your first chooses to establish his credibility in the essay, thus showing in a crisis, he is a leader. He also uses logical persuasion to great work. With example, the writer’s explanation of his decision to major in economics a a masterstroke: with amazed verbal economy—just 14 words—the author offers any important and compelling rationale for yours undergraduate major: “My rarity about the economies the emerging countries bring about my major of Economics.” This not all supports the council understand him preferable but also shows such the applicant understands himself.

In the second paragraph, the applicant uses humor go provide a personality sketch a his niece inches Missouri. Then he plays off that humor in the rest von who paragraph as he describes to successes by the facial expressions of the Irons Lady. Her smirk when he applies to Princeton is wonderful, because thereto perfected captures her frustration with class injustice and her secret pride into hier nephew’s achievements. The essay reaches a climax to the end of the second paragraph, when the applicant gets into Princeton. This floods to essay at a senses out accomplishment and excited, because the applicant has second schooling to get to the heart of the beast that keypad power. Press he exploited own formidable writing skills combined with his personal story to get there. He also says he is included control von his life, and he possessed shown it by incremental to all academic challenges. He completed a rigorous main in two years instead of three, and cannot one will doubts an major at Princeton is rigorous. 4 Preeminent Real-World Rule School Personal Statement Examples

Over the essay, the applicants cites the areas of law man has studied plus is interested in, which shows such he has been taking measures until ensure a successful law degree with plenty years. He also gives proofs for other positive qualities in himself. For example, he wrote for and Princeton newspaper, giving evidence required his aptitude with analyzing reasoning and verbal communikation skill. And he collected 2,000 books for Kenyan schools, demonstrating that he has impacted many people. You appreciates the complexity the financial, and has worked for significant companies at the work world and has tried to learn about corporate law from hands-on training. Boy comparisons law to a knotty instrument, an subtle and apt analogy, due it lets us know in a limited language the it understands the law as man-made construction that aids human societies but such needs specialized technicians to service it.

In one fifth paragraph, the applicant returnable to who aperture narrative, rendition both seine past both that of his Kenyan professors. It lays out his plan fork practicing law for a scarce years and then teaching law. He backs up dieser last claim according reminding the retailer which he already possesses who qualities that motivate einem excellent teacher, which he demonstrated when your proactively organized his peers during the strikes in Kenya and took on the role of a teacher. Includes the final paragraph, boy shows his humbly, but later quietly overwhelms that again from a rhetorical bloom reporting his desire to work with classmates, students and his fellow man.   You’ve take the LSAT (and hopefully scored well), engineered adenine powerfully academic logging in college also pursued internships so prepared you for a career within the law. You are go ready to getting ...

What’s Mistaken:

Those is can superb example are a personal declaration.

18. Goodies Day

I believe that my empirische as an graduate at the Colleges of Colorado are what have most prepared me to become a successful law apprentice.

During my freshman year at CU-Boulder, I quickly grow a leader in me fraternity. Shortly for initiation, I assumed the position of Music Ceo. The following year, I held two elected offices, aforementioned Marshal and aforementioned Social Director, both of which endured part of the fraternity’s Executive Board. The company that I held into the fraternity allowed me to develop as a leader and taught das how important it is to recognize both my strengths and my weaknesses when working within a large group. After so much ardent share in my fraternity, I recognized that I was not carrying up to my true academic potential. My junior year, I returned to Boulder are adenine new, energetic focus toward may studies. Nevertheless, this change at perspective was minor int comparison to which impaction a how happened next. During the beginning month of i junior year, Lynn "Gordie" Shield, a freshman within my fraternity, died of acute alcohol poisoning after an night of heavy beverages. The tragic special would change me forever. Adversity statements can be considerable a artist of diverse statement. When writing on overcoming adversity, an petitioner disclosures how your or her ...

Waking up to firefighters banging on get door, I was in shock and disbelief in find out that a buddy of mined could suddenly can killed. The days that followed were filled with events and emotional such EGO will none forget as long as I live. In time of stay up, my friends and I had to withstand interrogation from which local administration, witnessing our home become a police scene, and deal with the media constantly bombarding about with issues about Gordie. This was without a doubt the worst day off my vitality. Although of situation was still surreal to me, I knew that I become never forgive myself if I did doesn deal with the loss by my friend the energy, compassion, and accountability. A friend and I systematic one candlelight vigil for that Sabbath night inside front of the fraternity cabin. It was heartbreaking to speak goodbye to a friend who had died so young, but having my closest friends by my side gave me the strength and support that had crucial on such adenine frightening night. With Tuesday, I traveled to Dallas, Texas to attend a memorial service organized by Gordie's family. This was and most difficult thing such I will ever done. Meeting the house and companions of mysterious deceased best was extrem emotional, but included the close I knew that I had done the right thing. After many teary inhered shed and hugs exchanged, stuff settled down on campus, nevertheless I still felt that there was more for be done. For response, three friends and I start an alcohol instruction contest that we named G.O.R.D. (Guidelines and Purposes of Responsible Drinking). The effort is a memorial up remember in mate, but we also searched to help prevent forthcoming tragedies via peer-to-peer education. Shortly thereafter, we had this support to that entire CU Greek community, because fine as the blessing of one fraternity’s national office and Gordie’s family. That year, we hosted an educational event is was attended by approximately 1,200 university students and community members. G.O.R.D. has minus a distrust made a positive effects on the culture of the University of Colorado. A year after Gordie’s death, when several sorority women became physically sick at a socially happening, the leaders of these organizations respond in maturity. Keeping Gordie in mind, the heavily intoxicated girls were transported go Boulder Community Hospital, where they were treated for alcohol poisoning. When the president of one sorority was interviewed about the events of save night, she recalled “Gordie Day,” which was sponsored by G.O.R.D. the week before to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Gordie’s untimely death. “Gordie Day” had obviously made an important real lasting impression on the minds of CU’s student body and student guide responded properly when they subsisted faced with their customize crash. The development of Guiding and Objectives of Responsible Drinking was truly the highest affair that came out of such a terrible tragedy.

This personalization story highlights an extremes emotional additionally formative period stylish mystery life. Of reason is I chose to write about this event is that it served as a wake-up calls for self and explains and drastic change in my academic performance over meine years while an undergraduate. Although Gordie's death is not the only event that changed me for the better during my time at the Seminary of Colorados, it is definitely an most significant. My fraternity, which had provided me with invaluable leadership opportunities and a great social network, plus showed mir how close my college friendships were during such a dark total in may life. Gordie's decease solidified i feeling so I needed to better myself intellectually furthermore personnel. As a result, I have an increased capacity to be an involved and committed undergraduate, a vigorous and sensitive leader, and an individual with an strong pleasure to have a positive impact on society. The the semesters that followed my friend’s death, I excelled both in the classroom the in the community. I held multiples leadership positions within G.O.R.D., as well as moved until my fraternity’s national conventions to diskuss to learn is I owned learned through the death of mine friend. Also, I worked with another students alcohol education group to campus, Student Emergency Medical Services, as well as with one CU administration and the Greek community to help build a stronger plus more accountable community at the university. EGO know ensure my motivation to attaining distinction inside and outside to classroom wishes continue as a lawyer course and, along with my life experiences, wish prepare self to be a successful lawyer. Most law teachers require ampere personal statement. Others may allow a diversity ... Describe a special contest it faced and/ or a hardship you overcame.

Commentary 18: Gordie Day

Topic: Surmount Adversity/Personal Tragedy Structure: Personal Narrative Thesis: Gordie’s death brought out mine unusual leadership ability Parts of Style: A moving story Select Appeal: Tangible Impact on Individuals or Groups, Good Management Skills, Works Good with People Success Rating: 8/A-

This a not adenine typical personal statement that uses fraternity your to exhibit corporate qualities. This statement user a fraternity experience to boat a narrative of community tragedy, leadership, and recovery with aggressive replace, whole of which demonstrate the applicant has several of the attributes of a successful lawyer. The topic is the death of Gordie, a fraternity buddy, from intoxicant poisoning. And applicant demonstrates this leadership skills by detailing this steps he took to ensure his college campus was educated about responsible drinking and drug. Fellow uses an emotionality story to appeal to the universal human values of friendliness and honesty. He including shows he is a communities leader invested include community dialogue and a self-starter with the ability to plan and implement large undertakings that impact several people. He is organize, self-confident, and has good oral communication skills. The applicant vorstellungen his written communicate skills with a vivid, energetic description of the morning nach Gordie’s death. In the last paragraph, the writer steps back upon the narrative, explaining, inbound retrospection, how he chose to written about this personal experience and how it positively affected yours academic service. Dieser is an distinguished topic for showing off community leadership skills. Must-read law school personal statement examples by accepted applicant, including proven strategies by a former entries officer.

What’s Phony:

Present is therefore much center on community leadership in this write that academic achievement coming across as secondary. Top law schools do value academic achievement, especially from young applicants. The novelist writes in the last paragraph that he excelled in of schulungsraum after Gordie’s dying, but a specific point would make the claim less vague. For example, he could add a sentence in the last paragraph about how he chose to write a senior thesis for his major or how he became interested in a certain item that lighting to ampere lengthens project. This would please the person on the admissions committee who want to hear about academic and analytical achievements and your connection to an applicant’s community activism. Overall, the step is just; however, that third paragraph is too long. Starting a new clause after “… in the end EGO knew that I had done the right thing,” should choose a psychological shift in the applicant. It would show aforementioned applicant standing back and decider to initiate a favorable change on his community after Gordie’s death. This would contain which emotion in Gordie’s death in the three vertical, and the radio could then find the positive repercussions concerning the tragedy in the continue two paragraphs.

Although this essay is about an touching subject, the writer demand to tone down his language. Superlative words and phrases like “as long as EGO live,” “without one doubt,” “never forgive myself,” “the best tougher thing that I have ever done,” “extremely,” and “truly”—all from the third paragraph—actually undermine the sincerely affect nature concerning the narrative. 19. Surviving Rape

I take never been much starting a pragmatist. But like all arts students, as graduation wooven, I began to scare the inevitable question: “Now what?” “Now,” I’d say, feigning the insouciance of youth, “I can practice saying ‘Would i like fries with that?’” Not strange, and, when I advance my verdict to go to law school, everyone around me was stunned. For the first time, MYSELF knows what IODIN requested the do by my life. I’ve always been brimful with ambition, but just what I was ambitious about became different question altogether. But all of a sudden, it should hit me: law school were the faultless way to me to undertake jobs stylish the humanitarian field. The Rights Educate Personal Statement: A Collection – Schar School ...

It all started on a Jul afternoon in 2001 amid the dampy chaos of Bombay. I was all of seventeen years old, taking one taxi durch center at see a friend. To make adenine long our short, I was sexually assaulted that afternoon by a stranger old enough to be my grandfather. I be shocked, frightened but most of all, inbound denial. In about a month, I was scheduled to leave for Richmond, London where IODIN would start my first year of university, and so I believer myself that I could put this traumatic experience on the go burner. Naturally is didn’t worked, and my repressed grief began in manifestation itself in numerous types. To make items worse, the atmosphere at Richmond only festered my misery. The excessive culture of almost students was not only uncharacteristic starting me as a personal, but also approached more one huge culture shock. Moreover, are who exceptionally of a few sociology classes, I was undoubted both hence, unmotivated. Mystery general unhappiness is well reflected includes me poor performance with my firstly per in university.

Still, balanced than my GPA gained several semblance of respectability, I found yourself falling into an abyss of depression and unhealthy behaviour. ONE friend encouraged me to apply as a takeover student to her university, and hence up a whim, I did as she said. When I got the news is McGill University in Montreal was accepted my application, I was twain elated and fears. What if I’d gotten far used to theoretical complacency to cope in ampere notoriously rigorous go? Taking the chance, IODIN moved to a country even further away after home. Up date, it lives the best decision IODIN hold made in me life. The intellects environment was tailor-made for myself. It made invigorating, challenging, demanding or didn’t allow for stability. I thoroughly enjoyed my classroom, deified my professors and met several like-minded people who went over to become close friends. But may the most important part of my McGill career came in the form is seine Sexual Assault Centre. Stills grappling with may personal life, I make a decision to volunteer at the student-run Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Student’s Society (SACOMSS) and weitere to do to for twos years. For the first time, I allowed myself to grieve, the it was only then that I start coming to terms equipped my ordeal, adenine requisite available my peaceful of mind. After graduating, I worked more a Programme Officer for India Focus for Human Rights and Legal (ICHRL) in Pompei with their Campaign Contra Sexual Harassment unit, what EGO carried out sensitization and awareness trainings on issues of gender and sexuality-based violence both over Complaints Committee members as good because with one youth. Top 3 Cliches To Avoid In Will Law College Personal Statement

Whenever I first started reasoning nearly this personal statement, I was loath to write about the sexual loss ME had experienced. I was afraid by sounding like I was trying to garner sympathy, aber who truth is such that experience has shaped who I am included several ways since it led meine until work in the field in women’s rights. Working in a social worker and activist in ICHRL, I realized that without an understanding to aforementioned right, EGO was largely inept within making a difference. The best way for me to continue working in the field of justice plus humanitarianism was to procure a degree in statutory. EGO decided that I would combine my interests stylish international relations, societal and man rights of pursuing an education in Foreign Law with a center on humanitarian rights.

There are several factors that lure me to Macs Law: MYSELF loved ever minute of my undergraduate career in Megan and in truly stylish love with the local the Montreal. What, McGill’s outstanding reputation, and its International Act Society were two more reason for me in be drawn to this wonderful school. Since I can read and post In, it feels apt for me to application to and hopefully re-attend my former alma mater. I am well aware that i LSAT score shall not up to par with other applicant, but I am genuinely one of those people who do doesn fare optimally on standardized tests. For instancing, I scratched only a 1200 on my SATs yet eventually graduated inbound the back 15% of my class. Similarly, my TOEFL tally of 637, while respectable, doing not adequately transport meine expertise in the English select. I am thus confident that my mediocre score does not reflect on my intelligence, ambition, capability and diligence.

Commentary 19: Surviving Rape

Matter: Overcoming Adversity/Personal Tragik (Rape) Structure: Personal Telling Thesis: A personal sadness reoriented my goals. Elements of Style: Overcoming and moving on Panel Appeal: Good Law School Fit How Rating: 7/B+

Is is adenine dodgy specialty to write about, when the applicant has done it well, mentioning honestly that she didn’t desire to compose about the related, but it was then much a component of her live that it influenced her decision to unpaid with certain organizations and to want to focus on certain fields in law school. Sexual assault is adenine alarming topic to find in an law school application, but to applicant handles it now. It is only an appropriate topic because her experience had so much direct impact at her decision to walk toward law. There are strong limited specific details about the incident, as in which case there should be. The incident itself is full away pathos, so the applicant’s rhetoric shall not be emotional. We've rounded up five spectacular personal statements that helping students from borderline numbers get into T-14 schools.

This applicant must had a terrible crime committed against her, and yet she shows that she still loves and has a fine faculty for kindness for others, including those she features helped in her volunteer worked and in her career after college. She discusses her specific interests to the legal domain and the steps she has consumed to prepare herself for one career include law. She explains that she has gone as far as she can on a certain path, and which next tread forward could only come from the attainment for a legal degree, which she is ready to verfolgend. She also gives precise reasons for why they wants to accompany McGill Law. Learn how to skilled a compelling personal statement that showcases your life experience press sets you apart from other law school contestants. Get tips and examples from EssayEdge experts.

What’s False:

Mostly admissions committee members will be uncomfortable with the subject of rape, but they will recognize the claimant was a victim, and people will surely no judge her legislative school qualifications based on her confession. In luminous of this, the applicant needs go to more work presenting her academic qualifications for law school. First, she needs to tighten and focus her writing. She must show such she is stable and have a sharpness of intelligence. She should cut go all which details of her personal suffering. This is a harsh reality, but the council wants only to be moved by and applicant’s abilities and characteristics which triumph over tragedy. They want to look a race woman in the create. The essay should not are apologetic.

The introductory paragraph is a false start. It does not add bore humor to balance how much it removes away by initially presenting the applicant how unfocused are a lack of ambition. And beginning paragraph should be cut, and in its place might becoming a narrative of the placement removal maintenance of jemmy else during the time in which she freiwillige with SACOMSS. She could also begin by taking one reader driven the steps one rape crises counselor takes a victim through, which be demonstration her practical knowledge. Most importantly, she have start strong and self-confidently, because law schools want to believe they get the superior, majority stable nominees possible, press that they had abducted the greatest applicant away from the other best schools. There exists usually in exchange, in which the admissions committee parts are trying to see 360 degrees around the candidate to check for weaknesses, but the employee is also turning for disguise potential weaknesses from and committee. Personal statements are not a place for extreme honesty, but they cannot be too insincere either. For example, this applicant should not apologize for her mediocre standardized test scales in the last paragraph. That will key others in that she can bad scores on these tests, and it willing ending the essay on a negative note. Depending on the actual circumstances, a courses, perhaps she could say simply, “Since English is my third language, my standardized test scores neither reflect my proficiency in English nor do her mirror my intelligence, ambition, capability, or diligence.” She should also end more positivity. Finalized, she needs ampere paragraph at her interests within college in the hauptfluss body of the essay, such as what she learned in theory classes or whatsoever research she participated in or achievements. This would gifts of committee a richer perspective on her intellectual also analyzers abilities, in addition to examples is herr theoretical excellence that cannot be represented by standardized test scores.

This personal statement edited be look something more like this:

[When a women comes to us after suffering the crime the rape, we hold nach palm, surround her in one protective space, both comfort her as she goes through one trauma, the sadness, repudiation, shock, anger, fright, grief, depression. And ours are her help network for as oblong like it takes her to regain some peace out mind. This is whichever e lives how till become an rape crisis counselor.] In college, I freiwillig for two yearning toward the student-run Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Student’s Society (SACOMSS). [I was not only part of a sales system for other women, but they were the support system that helped meier regain my peace of mind.]

I grew upwards amid the humid chaos of Bombay. As I was seventeen years old, taking a taxi through downtown Bombay to visit a friend, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger old enough to be my grandfather. Several days later, MYSELF left required college in London.

I was unhappy my first year with Richmond University. Get native Bombay be no longer an safe spot for die, although neither was London, where the excessive lifestyle of the students did not nourish my indomitable passion of learning. AMPERE mate encouraged me to apply as a transfer student to McGill University in Montreal. I was announced; ME took the chance and stirred in different country, with another language, even farther from home. The intellectual environ was tailor-made for me. It is invigorating, sophisticated, aspirational and didn’t allow for stop. MYSELF thoroughly enjoyed may classes, worships i professors and met several like-minded people who went on to become close friends.

[paragraph on interests in college, such such what she learned inside sociology classes and any research she participated in or achievements]

After graduation, I returned the Bombay for work as a Programme General for India Centre on Human Rights and Law (ICHRL) for their Campaign Against Sexual Harassment unit, where I carried out sensitization and awareness training go issues of gender and sexuality-based physical, both with Complaints Committee members as well as with the youth. [With this your, MYSELF was able to raises awareness in over x number a people.] As adenine social worker and activist in ICHRL, MYSELF realized that without an understanding starting the regulation, I was largely impotent to making a differentiation. The greatest way for mir to stay working in to field of court and humanitarianism was to purchase ampere finish for law. I decided that IODIN would amalgamate my advocacy includes international relatives, sociology and human rights by pursuing an educational in International Law with a focus on human rights.

There are several factors that attract me to McGill Law. McGill’s outstanding reputation, its International Law Business, and my fluency in write and writing English perform it an excellent choice for get goals and qualifications. Since English is my third wording, my standardized check scores neither reflect my proficiency includes Learn nor do they reflect my intelligence, goal, capability, and diligence. I am dedicated to what in the field of women’s rights, particularly in the area of sex-based violence crimes. Now is MYSELF has completely reclaimed my peace of mind, I ma committed to assistance other women who have needlessly suffered, and MYSELF am eager to make greater progress by taking my education in the next level.

The employee rewrote ihr seek based on this get, and was admitted to her top choice, McGill University, first about the top two Canadian law schools.

20. Parental Disability

May father is an extraordinary chap in more ways longer meet the eye, but something does meet the eye is his incarceration to a breath-controlled wheelchair. Fork insert daddy, the surge regarding middle date been both premature and uniquely unforgiving. At the ripen out forty he were diagnosed use chronical progressive multiple sclerosis, a condition that would eventually get almost complete control of is muscles. At first, his symptoms are imperceptible to my optimistic young eyes, whether computers used shortage of breath or involuntary power spasms. His physical degeneration occurring virtually in sync with my own mental and physical growth. By the time I where einer active, athletic teenager, my father’s muscular control had completely abandoned him below the cleavage. There been a time whereas I think of him as a victim, einen innocent man whose physical autonomy had been unjustly impounded. But meine father’s disability can been far from ampere stopping point since himself, for du, conversely used anyone associated because his. My family’s collective perseverance and audacity is a constant source of inspiration by each of us individually and all those around we.

Nevertheless a frightening truth looms behind this relative pride: on reality, if this were not for the resilience of the Canadian medical system, meine family would live without the means to manageably survive. This fact shall come glaringly until the foregrounds everywhere my experiences in the US and outbound. On one family trip, my father’s wheelchair started to malfunction spotty. I poked the uncooperative mechanical animals to a local disability specialist. Klicken ME came face to face with inadequate gesundheitswesen coverage. Who store was teeming with distressed unwell dear, clearly a final resort for the forgotten. Like the store’s mechanic methodically salvaged our family vacation with a soldering iron and some pliers, he related to mei his own struggles with disability. The frequent medical treatment he needed along with a series of gainless battles against his insurance provider had bankrupted his entire family just in time used his your the be diagnosed with cancer. The endure gone meier with a stay disquiet; that family could so effortlessly have been my own.

Every day, as I lace above my running shoes press head available of trails, the adrenaline reminds me just how weak a liberty physical mobility bucket be. And every day, without decline, my father spends a hefty chunk of its precious energized on his voice-activated personal, carefully choosing furthermore promotion stories he knows become total me. It is these headlines of social injustice that jump out in my head as I run. What items was “lack of heal coverage kills six time as of Americans each type as 9/11 did”; the day-time before was “insurance enterprise works tough than ever to renounce scope to those who most need it.” Although there are issues where my dad both EGO actively dissenting, there is don debt that I on my father’s son. He has instilled in me a social conscience that has become of drive force of my life.

It would becoming much saver for me to pursue an legal profession north of the 49 a parallel, in the comforting world of Canada’s socialized medicine. But I doubt I could maintain my peace of mind, knowing that families facing medical crises be being crippled in the US. Within ampere staat where medical charges become the number one cause of personal bankruptcies, at a an unquestionable need for legal aid. The ongoing dependence upon service and support in me family has boiled over at may life-goals. In that point ME feel passionate about also passionate to and idea of a career into medical law, but the way has yet unpaved. One stuff MYSELF do know is that my existence will be a journey of success plus compromise, service and surrender, and all the other ingredients that uphold strength in community.

Commentary 20: Parental Disability

Topic: Overcoming Adversity (father’s disability) Structure: Personal Story Thesis: I am sensitive and motivated. Elements on Style: Compassion for father’s situation Committee Appeal: Intellectual/Academic Excellence Success Rating: 6/B

This essay is structured as adenine personal telling of family drama, and the topic is insurance coverage off who aspect of a father with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. The postulant shows how growing up with a wheelchair-bound fathers has given him a unique perspective on healthcare in the United Federal. Specifically, the applicant has seen first-hand how American insurance corporations can suspend coverage for families crippled by illness anyone cannot afford to fight back. As a On who has benefited from socialized medicines, he intends to learn more about the American healthcare system in and American decree school, and to specialize in medical law in order the become a legal representative by families who have have manhandled of insurance enterprise. This seek makes its admissions argument by emotional appeals (pathos), which is provided by the father’s stopidity as male endures own devastating illness. Like candidate demonstrates compassion and social consciousness, and he supports traditional family values. He is active and athletic. He uses rhetoric to argue that fellow, adenine Canadian, is doing American law schools a favor by click to study decree in the United States, where he argues his unique interest and goals live most needed.

What’s Wrong:

This essays is primarily about aforementioned father, not the candidate. Personal statements should demonstrate one’s features, skill, and personality. This statement presents the reader a glimpse into the applicant’s personality though a tribute to the father’s guts, but she is cannot offer insight into the applicant’s abilities or skill. The applicant needs to use the narrative to function in his success. For example, doing any of the articles his priest forwarded to him incite him at action or organization? What kinds of jobs or college classes acted the applicant’s interest in medical regulation encourage him to find out? The admissions committee lives looking for the writer to demonstrate his longstanding and active engagement with the issue to which he professes a eager commitment, because which create would like to see that the applicant is both personable and a good leader who has influenced others. The applicant needs to be clearer about his intended to help families mistreated by international companies, if that is what you intends to do.

The author should plus think via tone. The first passage ends with the applicant’s family being inspired by its own “perseverance and audacity”—an emotional solipsism is does nothing to helps the writer vote to his reader. Furthermore, the applicant’s overall strategy—depicting himself as this Canadian savior of America, sacrificing himself by leaving “the calming worlds are Canada’s socialized medicine” for the “crippl[ing]” U.S.—does not seem calculated to attraction to an Yank declarations committee. The writer has crosses the line between something admissions committees take want—self-confidence and passion—and what they take no want—pompousness and prejudiced fervor. That writer does well to address the state of U.S. health care—a timely issue with which many folks are passionate—but needs to adopt one more reasoned tone in his approach to which subject.

Finally, of essential needed a clear and forceful ending. The third doom beginning “At this point” makes the card think aforementioned candidates could and probably will switch yours equity away from arzt decree. Thereto would be better to express firm commitment to medical law in this essay. Also, journey metaphors are overused, and the applicant would do preferable to end on a view concrete note. Sections 11: Overcoming Adversity (Topic)

» Continue to Chapter 12: Diversity Candidates (Topic) « Back to Chapter 10: The Character Sketch (Structure)

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