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Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Oct 2, 2022

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

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Many scholarships are awarded based on financial need. In order to win these scholarships, you must explain the nature of your financial need. In the guide below, we’ll explain how to write these types of essays to increase your chances of winning. Check out these scholarship essay examples for financial need scholarships.

How to write financial need scholarship essays

Here are some tips for writing financial need scholarship essays:

  • Maintain a positive tone throughout the essay . You do not want to come across as self-pitying. Focus on ways you learned and grew from past experiences – how they made you stronger.
  • Do not diminish other people’s suffering. This is a competition, but that doesn’t mean you should belittle your competitors. In fact, it would be better to say “I know there are many worthy candidates for this scholarship, but…” than to say “I have suffered far more than…” Show respect in everything you write.
  • Frame your essay around a specific event. You may add other details if you have space to, but use one experience as the thesis for your essay.
  • Avoid controversial statements and opinions. When discussing events from your past, do not belittle someone else or talk negatively about a group of people. You never know who will be reading your essay.
  • Tell your story with honesty. Do not fabricate any details to make yourself sound needy. Your past and present circumstances will speak for themselves.
  • Don’t try to sound philosophical. Some students will do this because they think it makes them seem smarter, but it rarely has that effect. Focus on proofreading and writing solid content. That is enough intelligence on its own.
  • Discuss your career goals, if possible. You may not have room for this if the essay is short. If you do have room though, discussing your career goals will indicate a plan for the future. Review boards reward determination.

You know why you need financial aid. Tap into the key elements of your circumstances and use them to craft the perfect essay.

Many scholarships are awarded based on financial need. In order to win these scholarships, you must explain the nature of your financial need. In the guide below, we’ve provided examples of scholarship essays for financial need scholarships, along with some tips to help you write your own essay.

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Example 1: “Provide a statement of financial need”

Some scholarships will simply ask for a statement of financial need. There are no parameters to follow. You’re left to write whatever you want. Typically, a statement of financial need is two or three small paragraphs. This will come out to roughly 150-200 words, but it could be slightly longer. Think of this as a cover letter for your scholarship application, highlighting the key elements of your financial need. Don’t build up to the thesis. Get directly to the point.

I am the first person in my family to graduate high school, and thus the first to attend college. Both of my parents dropped out of school when they were teenagers. Because of their limited education, they have always worked in entry-level positions, earning barely enough to put food on the table. My first job I got was at the age of 12 delivering papers, and I have worked hard ever since to relieve pressure from my family. I enrolled in Mississippi’s HELP program during my senior year, which covers tuition and fees at select colleges in the state. I also have a Federal Pell Grant to cover my housing. However, I still need funding for books, supplies, and transportation to campus as needed. I am an engineering student, and our classes come with high fees. My parents cannot contribute to my college expenses, and I cannot work much while I’m in school. This scholarship would help me avoid costly student loans that could take years to repay.  

Example 2: “Describe your financial need in 100 words”

This essay is even shorter than the financial need statement. It may be one of several short answer questions you need to fill out. Working with 100 words is tricky. That only leaves room for about 7-10 sentences, depending on length. Make compelling statements using the fewest words possible.

Also note that grammar errors and misspellings will be much more noticeable in this short essay. Carefully proofread your writing before submitting the scholarship application.

I got pregnant and dropped out of high school when I was 15. By the age of 20, I had two more children, and we all shared a one-bedroom apartment. I worked three jobs to pay the bills, but I never earned much. When my oldest started high school, I did the same. I got my GED at 29 and enrolled in nursing school. My financial status has improved now with a GED, but I’m still a single mom with three kids. I want to become a registered nurse to give my children a stable future. I appreciate your consideration.

Word Count: 100

Example 3: “Explain your financial need in 500 or more words”

This scholarship essay prompt is the opposite of the one above. You have much more room to discuss your circumstances. Talk about your family life, your income, and other restraints that contribute to your financial aid . Try not to throw too much in the essay though. You want the information to flow together seamlessly. Edit carefully, and give the readers a full view of your situation.

My name is Brandon Noviello. I am a sophomore on track to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I need financial aid because I do not have a family to contribute to my education. I was in foster care for two years before I aged out of the system, and now I am pursuing a degree completely on my own. I was raised by a wonderful woman who didn’t always have a wonderful life. My mother got pregnant after a sexual assault, but she was determined to raise a smart, successful man. She went through an accelerated program to graduate high school before I was born. She devoted the rest of her life to supporting me, both financially and emotionally. My mother’s family cut ties with her the moment she became pregnant. Life wasn’t easy for us, but I never wanted for anything. She always found a way to keep me fed, dressed, and in school. Unfortunately, she lost a long-term battle with depression when I was 16, and I was put into the foster system until I reached adulthood. I did not have a positive experience with foster care, but I admit, I had no desire to. My mother’s passing weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt an overwhelming sense of anger, regret, and frustration. There was one gleam of hope in my experience though. I had a great social worker. I fought her decisions every step of the way, and she still managed to find a family to get me through high school. My social worker was the only person I invited to my graduation ceremony.  She helped me realize how much one person’s efforts can make a difference in the lives of others. I was only one of countless children she had helped over the years. I researched how to become a social worker so I could help other children like me. My plan is to work with the Department of Human Services in the foster care and adoption division after I graduate. In order to make my dreams a reality, I need financial aid. I am working as a server to pay for food, utilities, and basic necessities, but I do not earn enough to pay for college as well. I go to school during the day and work at night. Furthermore, I have a maximum Pell Grant to cover most of my tuition, but I still need help with other expenses. I did not do well in high school as a result of my mom’s passing, but I have done well in college. I have a 3.25 cumulative GPA, and I have never made less than an A in a degree-related course. As such, I am committed to being successful despite my circumstances, and I want to help young people find that motivation within themselves. I look forward to working with children and teens in the foster system, so I can be the hope that someone else was for me.

Word Count: 498

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Jennifer Finetti

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!)

So you’re applying for a scholarship that asks you about your financial need. What do you say? How honest or specific should you be? What is TMI? In this article, we break down how to pen an awesome financial need scholarship essay or statement.

What to include in a financial need scholarship essay

Template to structure your financial need scholarship essay, introduction: your basic profile, body: your financial situation and hardships, conclusion: how you would benefit from this scholarship, was this financial need essay for a college financial aid application , now, reuse that same essay to apply for more scholarships, additional resources to help you write your financial need scholarship essay.

Writing a financial need scholarship essay

Many scholarships and college financial aid awards are “need-based,” given to students whose financial situation requires additional support. That’s why one of the most common college scholarship essays is a statement of financial need. This might be very explicit (“Explain your financial need”), somewhat explicit (“Describe your financial situation”), or quite open-ended (“Explain why you need this scholarship”).

In all cases, scholarship providers want to get a sense of your family’s financial picture: what your family income is, if you personally contribute to it (do you have a job?), and how much additional money you need to attend your target college (your “financial gap”).

If the essay prompt is a bit more open-ended (“Explain how this scholarship would help you”), your essay should probably be a combination of a financial need statement and a career goals / academic goals essay.  That’s because you want to show how the award will help you financially and in your academic or career goals.

Usually this statement of financial need is a pretty short scholarship essay (150-300 words), so unlike a college essay or personal statement where you have ample word count to tell anecdotes, you’ll likely need to get right to the point. 

Be sure to include: 

  • If you are an underrepresented group at college, for instance, part of an ethnic minority or the first in your family to go to college
  • Any relevant family circumstances, like if your parents are immigrants or refugees, as well as your parents’ occupation and how many children/family members they support financially
  • How you are currently paying for college, including what you personally are doing to contribute financially (like working student jobs)
  • What financial challenges/difficulties your family is facing, for instance, if a parent recently lost their job
  • How you would benefit from the scholarship–including your academic and career goals (if word count allows)

Also remember to write in an optimistic tone. Writing about your financial situation or hardships might not be the most positive thing to share. But you can turn it around with an optimistic tone by writing about how these challenges have taught you resiliency and grit.

Student writing a financial need scholarship essay

Give a short introduction to who you are, highlighting any family characteristics that might make you part of an underrepresented group at college. 

“I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. My family moved from El Salvador to New York when I was seven years old, to escape the violence there.”

Example 2: 

“I am from a working-class family in Minnesota. My family never had a lot, but we pooled our efforts together to make ends meet. My parents both worked full-time (my father as a mechanic, my mother as a receptionist at the local gym), while my siblings and I all worked weekend jobs to contribute to the family income.”

Dive into the details. How are you currently planning to pay for college? The idea here is to show that you and your family have made a good-faith effort to earn enough money to pay your tuition, but that it has simply not been enough. 

Make sure you describe your parents’ occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans. 

Example 

As immigrants with limited English, my parents have had to accept low-paying jobs. My father is an Uber driver, and my mother is a housekeeper. They earn just enough to pay our rent and put food on the table, so I’ve always known they could not help me pay for college.  So I’ve been proactive about earning and saving my own money. Since age 11, I’ve worked odd jobs (like mowing my neighbors’ lawns). At age 16, I started working at the mall after school and on weekends. Through all these jobs, I’ve saved about $3000. But even with my financial aid grants, I need to pay $8000 more per year to go to college. 

Bring it home by wrapping up your story.  Explain how you plan to use the financial aid if you’re awarded this scholarship. How will you benefit from this award? What will you put the money toward, and how will it help you achieve your academic and/or career goals?

Scholarship review boards want to know that their money will be put to good use, supporting a student who has clear plans for the future, and the motivation and determination to make those plans a reality. This is like a shortened, one-paragraph version of the “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay . 

Winning $5000 would help me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study social work and eventually work in a role to support my community. However, since these jobs are not well paid, repaying significant student loans would be difficult. Your scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually support my community, without incurring debt I can’t afford.
My plan is to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I have been admitted, and eventually pursue a career as a Nurse-Practitioner. I know that being pre-med will be a real academic challenge, and this scholarship would help me focus on those tough classes, rather than worrying about how to pay for them. The $2000 award would be equivalent to about 150 hours of working at a student job. That’s 150 hours I can instead focus on studying, graduating, and achieving my goals. 

Sometimes this financial need statement isn’t for an external scholarship. Instead, it’s for your college financial aid office.

In that case, you’re usually writing this statement for one of two reasons:

  • You’re writing an appeal letter , to request additional financial aid, after your original financial aid offer wasn’t enough. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you’re being extra specific about your finances.
  • You’re applying for a specific endowed scholarship that considers financial need. In this case, your financial need essay can be quite similar to what we’ve outlined above.

Now that you’ve written a killer financial need scholarship essay, you have one of the most common scholarship essays ready on hand, to submit to other scholarships too.

You can sign up for a free Going Merry account today to get a personalized list of hundreds of scholarships matched to your profile. You can even save essays (like this one!) to reuse in more than one application.  

Writing a financial need scholarship essay

You might also be interested in these other blog posts related to essay writing:

  • What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?
  • How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals
  • How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
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Financial Need Essay: Examples & Writing Guide

Unfortunately, not everyone striving for education can afford it. Some courses are so expensive that even well-to-do citizens need financial assistance. They can write a scholarship application letter or refuse the undertaking. In such a case, students are supposed to submit a financial need essay.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Funding authorities cannot assist each student. That is why you need to assure them in your statement of financial need that you deserve the scholarship more than anyone else. This article by Custom-Writing experts provides you with a clear structure. Besides, you will see an accurate statement of financial need essay sample.

In a financial need essay, you should: introduce yourself, explain how you're now paying for college, justify your need, explain your potential benefits, and make a closing statement.

  • ✅ What to Include
  • 🚫 Mistakes to Avoid
  • 👀 Essay Sample

🔗 References

✅ statement of financial need: what to include.

This type of writing is a statement of a student’s life circumstances . But there is a limited number of aspects that you need to include. Otherwise, the committee will reject your request for financial aid as it will not look persuasive enough. Follow the next five steps to write a scholarship-winning essay. If you will still be unsure of how to write this kind of paper, explore the example in the next section.

  • Introduce yourself. Your readers learn about you for the first time. It is polite to tell them who you are . Stress that you are the first person in your family who will attend a college. If you pertain to an ethnic group that may be underrepresented at the college, mention it.
  • Explain how you’re now paying for college. Are you working to pay for your studies? Does this work take the time you could spend learning?
  • Justify your financial need. Explain why you need assistance and the difficulties you meet in paying for your studies.
  • Describe how you would benefit from the scholarship. Will you have to drop out if you are not given the scholarship? What will happen when you receive it? Explain that you will be able to study more if there is no need to work after classes.
  • Make a closing statement . Do not beg and avoid being too emotional. Your essay should sound professional. Thank your readers for taking the time to consider your request.

Here, you can read about other secrets of scholarship essay writing .

🚫 Financial Need Essay: Mistakes to Avoid

There are several big mistakes that students can make in their scholarship essays.

👀 Statement of Financial Need: Essay Sample

We hope that this short, but comprehensive guide will get your essay going! Good luck and be sure to check out our blog for more writing tips.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

✏️ Financial Need Essay FAQ

There is no universal way to justify why you need money. Every situation is unique. Every person might have their life circumstances. Typically, students apply for scholarships because they can’t work full-time yet. Thus, they cannot afford the desired program.

Two key strategies to ask for scholarship money are those below.

1. Write an impressive motivation letter mentioning your tight budget,

2. Write an application letter describing your tough life circumstances (especially if you have incomplete family, etc.).

For additional details, check examples of such papers online and in books.

Applying for a scholarship implies proving why you deserve this assistance. Demonstrate your strong motivation, your real passion for learning, describe your educational background. If you want to be chosen for the program, take a look at examples and templates available online. You need to highlight your strengths and motivation .

It’s probably a bad idea to begin with the statement of financial need itself. Instead, demonstrate your strong motivation and even passion first. Briefly describe your background and highlight relevant educational and work experience. Acknowledge that financial assistance would help you to develop further.

  • Writing a Winning College Scholarship Essay | The Princeton Review
  • 5 Ways to Make Your Scholarship Essay Stand Out – U.S. News
  • How to Write a Scholarship Essay – Maryville University Online
  • How Aid Is Calculated | Federal Student Aid
  • Definition of need | Student Financial Aid | University of Missouri
  • How need is determined | Student Financial Aid (UWashington)
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Thank you for the financial need essay writing tips you have posted. They are very helpful! I’ll return to this blog for more useful guidelines for writing papers!

Ha, fully posting! How to ask for money? Yeah, it is a great idea to write a financial need essay in a humorous manner.

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How to Write a Statement of Financial Need: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Statement of Financial Need

Crafting a Statement of Financial Need can pose a significant challenge for students. Determining the appropriate content to include or exclude is crucial, underscoring the importance of using your words judiciously and persuasively.

What is A Statement of Financial Need?

A Statement of Financial Need is essentially a concise narrative outlining your financial circumstances. While financial aid is indispensable for college, it often falls short of covering all expenses. Consequently, students may be required to draft a statement that delves deeper into their financial situation, surpassing the information provided in documents like the FAFSA or CSS profile.

In this article, we’ll offer a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of crafting an effective Statement of Financial Need.

What to Include in Your Statement

  • Brief overview of your family’s employment status, including who is employed, their occupation, and whether you contribute to family finances.
  • Indication of whether you are a first-generation college student.
  • Information on immigrant or refugee status for you or your parents, as well as language proficiency.
  • Details about your upbringing, such as being raised by a single parent or in foster care.
  • Any extenuating circumstances affecting your family’s finances, like medical issues or recent job loss.
  • Membership in minority groups, as diversity is valued by many colleges.
  • Opportunities you could pursue with financial assistance, like unpaid internships relevant to your field.

What to Avoid

  • Negative or overly dramatic tone; focus on presenting facts calmly.
  • Comparison of your situation to others; keep the essay centered on your needs and goals.
  • Tangential details unrelated to your education; stick to information directly relevant to your financial need and academic pursuits.

Now that you’re equipped with the essential components for your essay, let’s dive into the process of crafting your statement of financial need. Follow these steps to ensure a well-structured and compelling essay:

  • Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and key points into a structured outline to guide your writing process effectively.
  • Write your introduction: Begin with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and introduces the purpose of your essay – to convey your financial need for assistance.
  • Format your essay with body paragraphs: Develop your essay with clear and concise body paragraphs that expand on the points outlined in your introduction. Provide relevant details and examples to support your financial need.
  • Finish with a strong conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your financial need in a compelling manner. End with a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Let’s Start on the first step of creating your impactful statement of financial need.

Create an outline

Start by listing the key details you want to include in your essay, such as demographic information, family circumstances, and financial challenges. Use this list to create a structured outline for your statement.

Write your introduction

Begin with a concise introduction that introduces yourself and highlights key demographic points. For example, you can mention if you’re a first-generation college student or if you’ve faced financial challenges growing up. Briefly outline the main discussion points you’ll address in the essay.

Format your essay with body paragraphs

Use the body paragraphs to provide more detail and context for the points mentioned in the introduction. Discuss any extenuating circumstances affecting your family’s financial situation, including employment status and any personal contributions you’ve made to fund your education.

Finish with a strong conclusion

Conclude your essay by emphasizing the impact receiving financial assistance would have on your academic and career goals. Highlight specific opportunities you would pursue if you were relieved of financial burdens, such as internships or additional coursework.

By following these steps, you can effectively communicate your financial need and make a compelling case for scholarship consideration. Best of luck with your statement of financial need!

In conclusion, writing a statement of financial need is a critical step in securing the financial assistance you need to pursue your educational goals. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can craft a well-structured and persuasive essay that effectively communicates your financial circumstances and demonstrates your determination to succeed despite challenges. Remember to highlight your unique experiences and aspirations, and emphasize how receiving the scholarship would make a significant difference in your academic journey. With careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can create a compelling statement that increases your chances of receiving the financial support you need. Best of luck!

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What is Demonstrated Financial Need?

demonstrate financial need essay

Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.

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Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

demonstrate financial need essay

Annie has spent the past 18+ years educating students about college admissions opportunities and coaching them through building a financial aid package. She has worked in college access and college admissions for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University.

demonstrate financial need essay

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

What is Demonstrated Financial Need?

Many forms of financial aid require a student to demonstrate financial need. Finding out about demonstrated financial need is one way that schools determine how much financial aid a student is eligible for. Continue reading to learn more about demonstrated financial need, how it’s calculated, and how it’s used!

Related: Definition of need-based financial aid

Definition of demonstrated financial need

Simply put, demonstrated financial need is the difference between a school’s cost of attendance (COA) and the student’s Student Aid Index number . A student demonstrates financial need if their EFC does not equal the COA. You can also use the equation below to visualize how these three things relate.

Demonstrated financial need is not a static number–it can change from year to year. Typically, a school’s COA will increase annually, raising a student’s demonstrated financial need. Additionally, the demonstrated financial need will change as a family’s income and assets change. These factors are what help determine the SAI.

A student’s demonstrated financial need shows that they have a valid need for financial assistance. However, your demonstrated financial need is not a guarantee of how much aid you will receive. It’s the job of the financial aid office to compare your EFC to their institution’s COA and apply any grants, scholarships, and student loans to try and meet the student’s financial need.

Calculation of demonstrated need

To determine your demonstrated financial need, subtract your EFC from the school’s COA. A student’s demonstrated financial need will vary from school to school, because some schools have a higher COA than others. 

You can use the example equation below to see how you can calculate your need. 

Use of demonstrated need number

Colleges use demonstrated financial need to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid. Examples of need-based federal aid are:

  • Pell Grants
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Direct Subsidized Loans  

These programs are for students who demonstrate significant financial need. Demonstrated financial need can also calculate how much a student may receive in school- or state-specific financial aid.

A few colleges promise to cover 100% of a student’s financial need. The colleges below meet all of a student’s demonstrated financial need with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

  • Brown University
  • Bowdoin College
  • Davidson College  
  • Harvard University
  • Princeton University  

In the example above, each of these schools would provide $12,000 in aid to the student. 

However, most schools are not able to meet all of a student’s demonstrated financial need. Many students will have to turn to private scholarships , part-time employment , and personal savings to cover the costs of their education.

Final thoughts

Remember, it’s always important to go through the financial aid process at a college before writing it off as “too expensive.” Sometimes colleges with the highest price tags have the best ability to meet the student’s demonstrated financial need through institutional grants and need based scholarships. To find great scholarship opportunities that can make any school affordable, check out our free scholarship search tool , which custom-matches you with vetted scholarships!

Key Takeaways

  • A school may feel out of reach because of the price tag on it, but apply anyway as you never know what available financial aid is available 
  • Check with each school you apply to about what their financial aid policies are concerning how much of your financial need they will help cover
  • You can calculate how much money you will need to attend a school by subtracting your family’s contribution from the estimated cost of attendance
  • Don’t forget about the other ways that you can receive aid for school as well, such as scholarships, work-study, and grants

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5 Best Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

Many students face the challenge of financing their studies when pursuing higher education. Scholarships can be a lifeline, providing financial support to deserving individuals. However, students must submit a compelling essay explaining their financial need to secure these scholarships.

In this blog post, we will explore what makes a good statement of financial need, how to describe your financial need effectively, tips for writing a strong financial need essay, and provide five outstanding financial need scholarship essay examples. By the end, you’ll have valuable insights to help you stand out in scholarship applications .

 financial need scholarship essay examples

What is a Good Statement of Financial Need?

A good statement of financial need is a clear and compelling narrative that effectively conveys your financial situation and explains why you require financial assistance for your education. When writing a statement of financial need, it’s important to create a well-structured and honest document that resonates with scholarship committees or financial aid providers. Here are the key elements that make a statement of financial need effective:

  • Honesty and Transparency: Be open and honest about your financial circumstances. Scholarship committees appreciate genuine narratives. Provide accurate and verifiable information about your financial situation, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts.
  • Clarity: Use clear and concise language to explain your financial need. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that may confuse the reader. Make your statement easy to understand.
  • Relevance: Ensure that your statement directly relates to the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying for . Tailor your statement to address the scholarship provider’s specific goals, values, or criteria.
  • Specific Figures: Use specific figures and examples to illustrate your financial need. Include numbers representing your financial situation, such as annual income, expected educational expenses, and outstanding debts. This helps scholarship committees understand the magnitude of your need.
  • Explain Changes: If your financial situation has recently changed due to unexpected circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical expenses, family changes), explain these changes and how they have affected your ability to pay for education.
  • Financial Independence: If you are financially independent from your parents or guardians, clarify this in your statement. Mention any responsibilities or financial obligations you have that affect your ability to pay for college .
  • Impact on Education: Explain how your financial need directly impacts your pursuit of education. Describe the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education, such as tuition costs, textbooks, housing, or other educational expenses.
  • Efforts to Cover Costs: If you are taking steps to cover educational costs, such as working part-time, applying for other scholarships, or seeking financial aid options, mention these efforts to show your commitment to funding your education.
  • Personal Impact: Discuss how receiving financial assistance or a scholarship positively impacts your life and academic or career goals. Explain how it would alleviate the financial burden and enable you to focus on your studies.
  • Gratitude and Determination: Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship or financial aid program. Convey your determination to succeed in your educational pursuits despite financial challenges.

Remember that scholarship committees or financial aid providers want to support students who genuinely need assistance and are committed to their educational goals. Craft your statement of financial need with sincerity and clarity, ensuring that it aligns with the specific requirements and objectives of the scholarship or financial aid program you are applying to.

How to Describe Your Financial Need for a Scholarship

Describing your financial need for a scholarship effectively requires clear and concise communication of your financial situation and challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to describe your financial need in a scholarship application:

  • Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial information, including details about your family’s income, expenses, assets, and any outstanding debts. Having concrete figures will help you provide accurate information.
  • Honesty is key. Provide truthful and transparent information about your financial situation. Scholarship committees value authenticity.
  • Use specific numbers to illustrate your financial need. Include annual income, expected educational expenses (tuition, books, housing), and outstanding loans or debts. Specific figures add credibility to your statement.
  • If there have been recent changes in your financial situation, such as a job loss, medical expenses, or other unexpected events, explain them. Describe how these changes have affected your ability to pay for education.
  • If you depend on your parents or guardians, clarify their financial situation and any limitations they face in supporting your education. If you’re financially independent, explain your circumstances and responsibilities.
  • Describe the specific educational expenses you face, including tuition costs, textbooks, supplies, housing, transportation, and other relevant costs. Highlight the financial burden these expenses place on you and your family.
  • If you are taking steps to cover educational costs , mention them. For example, explain these efforts if you are working part-time, applying for part-time jobs, seeking other scholarships, or exploring financial aid options. It shows your commitment to funding your education.
  • Articulate how your financial need directly affects your pursuit of education. Discuss the challenges or obstacles you face in financing your education and how they may impact your ability to focus on your studies.
  • Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. Convey your determination to succeed in your academic or career goals despite financial challenges. Emphasize how receiving financial assistance would positively impact your life.
  • While providing detailed information is important, avoid including irrelevant or excessive details. Keep your statement focused on the specific financial need related to your education.
  • After writing your financial need statement, ask trusted individuals, such as teachers, mentors, or counselors, to review and provide feedback. They can help ensure clarity and effectiveness.
  • Carefully proofread your statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your statement is clear and well-organized.

Remember that scholarship committees are looking for deserving candidates who genuinely need financial assistance and are committed to their educational goals. By effectively describing your financial need clearly, honestly, and well-structured, you increase your chances of standing out and securing the scholarship you’re applying for.

How to Write a Financial Need Essay

Writing a compelling financial need essay requires a combination of honesty, transparency, and a clear understanding of the scholarship’s criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective financial need essay:

  • Gather Information and Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing, gather all relevant financial documents, such as income tax returns, pay stubs, and scholarship or grant records. Carefully read the scholarship essay prompt or guidelines to understand the specific criteria they are looking for.
  • Create an Outline: Develop an outline that structures your essay logically and is organized. Consider the following points:
  • Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your financial need.
  • Body Paragraphs: Elaborate on your financial situation, providing specific examples and quantifiable figures.
  • Impact of Financial Need: Describe how your financial constraints have affected your education and life.
  • Efforts to Reduce Burden: Highlight any steps you have taken to manage your finances or reduce reliance on external support.
  • Connection to Goals: Explain how overcoming financial challenges has motivated you and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your goals.
  • Conclusion: Restate your financial need and emphasize your potential to impact positively.
  • Narrate Your Financial Situation: Instead of simply listing financial limitations, weave your story around your financial need. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate how your financial constraints have affected your educational pursuits, but also emphasize how you have managed to persevere despite these obstacles.
  • Quantify Your Financial Need: Provide concrete figures to support your claims. Mention your family’s income, tuition and living expenses, and any outstanding debts or financial obligations.
  • Highlight Efforts to Reduce Burden: Demonstrate that you have taken proactive steps to manage your finances and reduce reliance on external support. Mention any part-time jobs you hold, scholarships you have applied for, or cost-saving measures you have implemented.
  • Emphasize the Impact on Your Education: Explain how your financial constraints have impacted your ability to participate in your education fully. Describe any missed opportunities, sacrifices, or limitations you have faced due to your financial situation.
  • Connect Your Financial Need to Your Goals: Frame your financial hardship as a motivator rather than a barrier. Explain how overcoming financial challenges has strengthened your resolve to succeed and how the scholarship would enable you to achieve your educational and career aspirations.
  • Maintain a Positive and Optimistic Tone: Avoid dwelling on negative aspects or portraying yourself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, focus on your resilience, determination, and the positive impact you plan to make with the support of the scholarship .
  • Proofread and Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or teacher to review your essay and provide constructive feedback. Ensure your essay is well-organized, grammatically correct, and free of any errors that could detract from your message.

Now, let’s explore five exceptional financial need scholarship essay examples:

Example 1: Overcoming Financial Hardship

Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of making ends meet. My parents worked multiple jobs to provide for our family, but it was never enough. We often had to choose between buying groceries or paying rent. Despite these challenges, my parents never gave up on their dreams for me. They instilled the importance of education and encouraged me to pursue my goals, no matter the obstacles.

My financial hardship has shaped me into the determined and resilient individual I am today. I have always been a hard worker, taking on part-time jobs and maintaining a high GPA despite the distractions and limitations of my environment. I have also actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as the debate team and the community service club, where I developed my leadership skills and dedication to serving others.

My financial situation has not only impacted my personal life but also my academic pursuits. Due to financial constraints, I often had to forgo purchasing textbooks or attending essential conferences. However, I have never let these limitations hinder my desire to learn. I have sought alternative resources, such as online libraries and public lectures, to expand my knowledge and enhance my learning experience.

Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my education and be a powerful affirmation of my potential and aspirations. It would provide me with the resources and opportunities to fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Example 2: The Impact of Limited Resources

The limited financial resources available to my family have had a profound impact on my educational opportunities. Growing up, I often had to choose between buying textbooks or paying for essential school supplies. Due to the associated costs, I have also had to forgo extracurricular activities and social events. Despite these constraints, I have always been determined to maximize my education.

I have consistently maintained a high GPA, taking challenging courses and excelling in my studies. I have also sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom, participating in research projects and attending seminars on topics that interest me. My passion for learning has driven me to overcome the limitations imposed by my financial situation.

My financial need has shaped my academic journey and influenced my personal growth. I have learned to be resourceful, find creative ways to manage my finances, and maximize my limited resources. I have also developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion, understanding the challenges faced by others who struggle with financial hardship.

Receiving this scholarship would give me the financial support I need to realize my academic and personal potential fully. It would allow me to purchase the necessary resources for my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and pursue research opportunities to enhance my learning experience.

Example 3: Finding Creative Solutions

Despite facing significant financial challenges, I have found creative solutions to overcome my limitations and advance my education. I have secured scholarships and grants through hard work and academic dedication. I have also worked part-time to supplement my income and contribute to my educational expenses. I have also sought affordable educational options, such as attending community college for the first two years of my undergraduate studies.

My financial need has motivated me to be resourceful and proactive in managing my finances. I have developed a strict budget and have learned to prioritize my spending. I have also explored cost-saving measures, such as utilizing public transportation, cooking meals at home, and seeking out secondhand textbooks.

My financial situation has shaped my financial habits and influenced my academic choices. I have carefully considered the financial implications of each academic decision, such as selecting in-state schools and pursuing majors with strong career prospects. I have also sought out mentorship from individuals who have faced similar financial challenges and have learned valuable strategies for success.

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial freedom to focus on my studies and pursue my academic passions without the constant burden of financial worries. It would allow me to engage fully in my academic journey, participate in research opportunities, and explore potential career paths.

Example 4: A Vision for a Brighter Future

Despite financial hardship, I have always clearly envisioned a brighter future. I am driven by a strong desire to succeed and make a positive impact on the world. I aspire to pursue a career in [your field of interest], where I can contribute to groundbreaking research, develop innovative solutions, and make a tangible impact on the lives of others.

My financial situation has not diminished my ambition or determination. It has instead fueled my desire to achieve my goals and overcome any obstacles that may arise. I have learned to be adaptable and resilient, facing challenges head-on and finding creative ways to overcome them.

I believe that education is the key to unlocking my potential and achieving my dreams. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational aspirations fully and significantly contribute to society. It would allow me to attend a top-tier institution, engage in cutting-edge research, and prepare myself to become a leader in my field.

I am confident that my academic achievements, research experience, and demonstrated leadership skills make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am eager to continue my education and dedicate myself to pursuing my passion in [your field of interest]. I envision a future where I can utilize my expertise to [describe how you plan to make a positive impact]. I am committed to collaborating with others, sharing my knowledge, and contributing to the collective pursuit of a better future.

Example 5: Making a Difference Despite Limitations

Despite my financial limitations, I have always been driven by a strong desire to impact my community positively. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, regardless of their circumstances. I have actively participated in community service throughout my life, volunteering my time and skills to organizations that support underserved communities.

I have volunteered at the local homeless shelter, providing meals and assistance to those in need. I have also participated in tutoring programs, helping children from low-income families succeed in their studies. These experiences have instilled a deep sense of empathy and compassion and strengthened my commitment to social justice.

My financial need has not only shaped my personal values but also influenced my academic choices. I have chosen to pursue a major in [your field of interest] because of its potential to address pressing social and environmental challenges. I am particularly interested in [describe a specific area of interest within your field].

Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my educational goals and make a meaningful contribution to society. It would allow me to attend a university with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and engage in research that addresses real-world problems. I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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When writing a financial need scholarship essay, these five essay examples demonstrate the importance of honesty, transparency, and a clear connection between financial need and personal goals. By effectively conveying your financial situation and its impact on your educational pursuits, you can increase your chances of receiving the support you need to achieve your academic and personal aspirations.

Crafting a compelling financial need scholarship essay requires honesty, clarity, and a persuasive narrative. Following the tips outlined in this blog post and drawing inspiration from the provided scholarship essay examples, you can create an essay that effectively communicates your financial need, aspirations, and determination to pursue higher education. Remember that scholarship committees appreciate authenticity, so share your story sincerely. Best of luck with your scholarship applications!

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Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Examples

Cathy A.

12 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples for Aspiring Students

18 min read

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Scholarship Essay – A Complete Guide With Examples

Scholarship Essay Format - Samples & Writing Tips

Practical Scholarship Essay Prompts For Students in 2023

Scholarships can be the key to your dreams of higher education, but the process often begins with one crucial step - the scholarship essay. 

A scholarship essay is not just another requirement. It is your chance to stand out from the competition and convince the selection committee that you are the perfect candidate deserving of their support.

However, crafting a winning scholarship essay is not an easy task. You are in competition with hundreds of applicants, and you need to get a lot of things right to stand out.

But don’t worry; reading some winning samples can help you understand how to write better scholarship essays. 

This blog presents 12 remarkable scholarship essay examples to inspire your success. These real-life essays, written by scholarship recipients, offer invaluable insights and strategies to help you secure funding for your education. 

So read on!

Arrow Down

  • 1. Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example for College
  • 2. Leadership Scholarship Essay Examples
  • 3. Scholarship Essay Example for Engineering
  • 4. Nursing Scholarship Essay Example 
  • 5. Scholarship Essay About Yourself
  • 6. Winning Scholarship Essay Examples
  • 7. Tips to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay 

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example for College

Students often apply for financial assistance scholarships for their college education. Such scholarships require you to provide compelling reasons as to why you deserve financial aid. 

Here is an example that successfully caters to this question:

Why This Scholarship Essay Succeeded

This scholarship essay effectively conveys the applicant's financial need while also highlighting their determination and commitment to education. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

  • Personal Story: The essay starts with a personal story about growing up in a single-parent household, providing context for the financial need. This makes the essay relatable and emotionally engaging.
  • Specific Financial Challenges: The essay details the specific financial challenges the applicant faces, such as tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. Specificity adds credibility to the financial need.
  • Explains the Significance of the Scholarship for Education: The essay explains how receiving the scholarship would positively impact the applicant's education, allowing them to focus more on studies and extracurricular activities.

Leadership Scholarship Essay Examples

When applying to programs for training young leaders, they often require you to write an essay. Here is a leadership scholarship essay sample:

Why This Scholarship Essay Worked

This leadership scholarship essay effectively showcases the applicant's leadership journey, growth, and suitability for the scholarship. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

  • Personal Growth: The essay highlights the applicant's personal growth and development through their leadership experiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of what leadership entails.
  • Specific Examples: The applicant provides specific examples of challenges faced and initiatives undertaken as a leader, adding credibility to their claims.
  • Lessons Learned: The essay discusses the lessons learned, emphasizing qualities such as communication, teamwork, and empathy, which are essential for effective leadership.
  • Alignment with Scholarship: The essay explains how the scholarship will support the applicant's continued leadership growth and commitment to making a positive impact.

Scholarship Essay Example for Engineering

Engineering schools have a strong vetting process to ensure that they only let in serious students. Writing a scholarship essay is their way of judging a student’s interests and capabilities. 

Check out this catchy sample:

Why this Engineering Scholarship Essay Worked

Here are some key elements that contributed to the essay’s success:

  • Passion and Dedication: The essay clearly communicates the applicant's deep passion for engineering, emphasizing their lifelong commitment to the field.
  • Specific Examples: The applicant provides specific examples of their experiences in engineering, such as the cooling system project and the sustainable housing initiative, demonstrating their practical application of engineering skills.
  • Financial Need: The essay briefly touches upon the financial challenges faced by the applicant, which adds context to their need for financial support.
  • Impact and Contribution: The essay discusses how receiving the scholarship will enable the applicant to focus more on their studies and research projects, emphasizing their desire to contribute meaningfully to the field of engineering.

Nursing Scholarship Essay Example 

Nursing institutions require hard-working and committed pupils. That’s why the scholarship essay is an essential part of their application process.

So, what does a good nursing scholarship essay look like? Here’s an example:

Why This Nursing Scholarship Essay Succeeded

This nursing scholarship essay effectively conveys the applicant's passion for nursing and their commitment to patient-centered care. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

  • Passion for Nursing: The essay clearly communicates the applicant's passion for nursing, emphasizing personal experiences that ignited this passion.
  • Continuous Learning: The essay highlights the applicant's commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth, which is essential in the nursing field.
  • Community Engagement: The applicant showcases their involvement in community health initiatives and volunteering, demonstrating a dedication to improving healthcare beyond the clinical setting.
  • Leadership Experience: The essay discusses leadership roles within the nursing program, emphasizing the applicant's understanding of nursing as a leadership role in healthcare.
  • Impactful Clinical Experience: The inclusion of the palliative care unit experience adds a unique perspective. It also adds an emotionally resonant dimension to the essay, highlighting the applicant's dedication to patient-centered care.

Scholarship Essay About Yourself

Some scholarship essays require a more personal touch. Scholarship committees are interested to learn about your experiences and how you express them. 

Here is an example of an essay focusing on the applicant’s life experiences.

This scholarship essay effectively highlights the applicant's personal experiences and qualities that make them a suitable candidate for the scholarship. Here are some key elements that contributed to its success:

  • Values and Background: The essay begins by establishing the applicant's background and values, emphasizing the importance of education and family sacrifices.
  • Academic Excellence: The applicant showcases their commitment to academic excellence, including being named valedictorian, which adds credibility to their dedication to learning.
  • Passion and Career Goals: The essay highlights the applicant's interest in psychology and mental health, revealing their career aspirations and a deep sense of purpose.
  • Courage to Grow: The essay concludes with a strong commitment to education and the desire to use it as a tool for positive change in their community.

Winning Scholarship Essay Examples

You have read five scholarship essay examples with a complete analysis of why they were successful. Here are some more excellent examples that stand out due to similar reasons.

Read these samples and ask yourself, can you figure out why these essays catch the readers’ attention?

Sample Scholarship Essays

Sometimes, scholarship essays require a limited word count. You should always read the instructions and requirements of an essay before writing. 

Here are two scholarship essay samples with different word limits.

500-Words Scholarship Essay Example About Career Goals

250 Words Scholarship Essay Example

Scholarship Essay Examples for Different Academic Levels

These scholarship essay examples cater to various academic levels. They demonstrate how students at different stages of their education can craft successful essays.

Scholarship Essay Example For High School Students

Scholarship Essay Example For College Application

Masters Scholarship Essay Example For Students

Scholarship Essay Examples - Why You Deserve This

These examples focus on explaining why the applicants deserve the scholarship, emphasizing their qualifications, achievements, and aspirations.

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Example

Why Should You Receive This Scholarship

There are many different prompts you can be assigned for your scholarship essay, so better be prepared. Check out this list of scholarship essay prompts to get a better idea!

Tips to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay 

The following are some useful tips and suggestions for writing a successful scholarship essay:

  • Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Ensure that your response directly addresses the specific questions or topics provided. Tailor your essay to the scholarship's requirements.
  • Plan and Organize: Start with an essay outline . Identify key points you want to cover and the structure of your essay. A well-organized essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion is more engaging and easier to follow.
  • Be Authentic: Be true to yourself and your experiences. Authenticity resonates with scholarship committees. Share your genuine motivations, goals, and challenges, as it makes your essay more relatable.
  • Address Your Audience: Consider your audience, that is the scholarship selection committees. Tailor your essay to their expectations and values, emphasizing how you align with the scholarship's mission and goals.
  • Highlight Achievements and Impact: Showcase your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular, and discuss the impact they've had on your life and your community. Explain how the scholarship will enable you to achieve even more.
  • Express Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for your field of study or the cause the scholarship supports. Explain why you are deeply committed and how the scholarship will help you make a significant contribution.
  • Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to any specific instructions or requirements provided by the scholarship organization. Failure to comply with guidelines can lead to disqualification.
  • Revise and Rewrite: After an initial draft, take time to revise and rewrite your essay. Don't hesitate to make substantial changes if necessary to improve clarity, coherence, and impact.
  • Seek Feedback: Have someone else, such as a teacher, mentor, or family member, review your essay. Fresh perspectives can identify areas for improvement.

To conclude,

These essay examples were a good way to start. You’ve read and learnt the qualities that made them successful. Now, it’s your time to apply what you’ve learnt to your own scholarship essays.

Remember, crafting a winning scholarship essay takes time and effort. Be authentic and convey your aspirations, achievements, and the impact you hope to make. With dedication and these valuable tips, you can create a compelling scholarship essay that helps you achieve your education goals.

In addition, we understand that writing a scholarship essay can be incredibly difficult due to the high stakes. But don’t let the stress takeover, let our professional scholarship essay writing service handle it. 

Our expert writers have written hundreds of successful scholarship essays with a high rate of success. Don't wait any longer, get in touch with our paper writer service today and let us help you achieve your academic goals!

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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

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Scholarship essay examples financial need are among the essential document examples that every student aspiring to obtain financial support should see. That is because the number of students aiming to get financial aid is much bigger than what scholarship providers can help, so they need to know what they should say and how open-and-shut, or specific they should be. 

In this article, we will not only provide you with several scholarship essay examples financial need , but will also explain how to write a fantastic financial need scholarship essay ( financial need scholarship statement ).

What is the Difference Between a Scholarship with Essay and a No Essay Scholarship?

What to mention in my financial need scholarship essay, scholarship essay examples financial need | introduction.

  • Scholarship essay examples financial need | Body
  • Scholarship essay examples financial need | Conclusion
  • Tips to Make Your Financial Need Scholarship Statement Successful

Common Mistakes in Financial Need Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essay examples financial need | text.

  • Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | Images

Financial Need Scholarship Essay FAQ

Scholarships with essays are the most traditional and common form of scholarships available to students pursuing higher education.

No essay scholarships often take less work, but because there are more applicants than with scholarships with essays , your chances of winning are lower.

Many bursaries and college financial aid grants are “need-based,” meaning they are awarded to students whose financial circumstances call for extra assistance. A statement of financial need is one of the most popular essays for college scholarships because of this.

What to mention in your financial need scholarship essay basically depends on what you are asked to

The providers of scholarships with essays will always want to know about your family’s financial situation, including how much money your family makes overall if you individually contribute to it (do you have a job?, and how much more money you will need to attend your chosen institution (your “financial gap”).

If the topic of financial need scholarship essay is a little more open-ended, such as “Express how this scholarship might benefit you,” your essay should be a hybrid of a financial need statement and an essay about your academic and/or professional objectives. This is because you want to demonstrate how the award will benefit your financial situation as well as your academic or professional objectives. Anyway, you can read our scholarship essay examples financial need for a deeper understanding of this point.

When writing a scholarship essay for financial need make sure to mention the following:

  • If you belong to a group that is underrepresented at college, such as an ethnic minority, or are the first person in your family to attend college,
  • Any pertinent family circumstances, such as if your parents are refugees or immigrants, in addition to your parents’ work and the number of children/family members they financially support.
  • How you are paying for your college, including any financial contributions you are making on your own (such as working student jobs).
  • How much financial hardship your family is experiencing, for example, if a parent just lost their job?

If you still have some difficulties knowing what to include, don’t worry. Scholarship essay examples financial need will make it more clear.

Template to Structure Financial Need Scholarship Statement

A financial need scholarship essay contains the following parts:

1- Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself, emphasizing any familial characteristics that would cause you to belong to an underrepresented group in college.

  • I am an American of the first generation and the 1st in my family to attend college. When I was six years old, my family fled the violence in El Salvador and moved to New York.
  • My family is from the working class in Minnesota. We never had much, but we worked together to put food on the table. My brothers and I all had weekend jobs to help support the family while my parents both worked full-time (my father worked as a mechanic while my mother worked as a receptionist at a nearby gym).

The body of your financial need scholarship essay must include your financial constraints and difficulties

Here is the right place to dive into details. What current plans do you have to pay for college? The purpose of this is to demonstrate that, despite your best efforts and those of your family, you have been unable to make enough money to cover your tuition.

Provide information about your parents’ jobs, any savings (such as a 529 College Savings Account), as well as any student jobs. You could also talk about any unexpected circumstances that have derailed your initial financial objectives, such as a parent becoming extremely ill or losing their job.

Scholarship essay examples financial need | Body:

My parents had to take low-paying jobs because they are immigrants with poor English skills. My mother works as a housekeeper, while my father works as an Uber driver. They barely make enough money to cover our rent and buy food, so I’ve always known they couldn’t help me pay for my education.

I have thus made effort to earn and save my own money. I’ve done odd jobs (such as mowing my neighbors’ lawns) since I was 11 years old. I began working at a supermarket after school and on weekends when I was 15 years old. I’ve saved approximately $3000 throughout the duration of all these jobs. Yet even with my grants for financial assistance, I must spend an additional $8000 per year to attend college.

3- Conclusion

In this part of the financial need scholarship statement students usually mention how these scholarships with essays would help them in the long run.

Make it clearer by concluding your narrative. Explain how you intend to use the financial assistance if you win this scholarship. What advantages do you expect from this award? What will you spend the money on, and how will it aid you in achieving your academic and/or professional objectives?

Review boards for scholarships with essays want to ensure that their funds will be used wisely, supporting a student who has specific future goals and the will and tenacity to pursue those goals. This is comparable to a condensed, one-paragraph version of the essay “Why do you deserve this bursary?”

Scholarship essay examples financial need | conclusion

  • I would take on less student debts and be able to cover the financial gap if I won the $5000 award. As I intend to study social work and eventually work in a position that supports my community, this is extremely important for me. Yet, paying off substantial college loans would be challenging due to how low-paying these jobs are. your bursary would enable me to continue on this road and eventually serve my community without incurring debt that I can’t afford.
  • I want to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I’ve been accepted, and then I want to become a nurse practitioner. I am aware that becoming a pre-med student would be a significant academic challenge, and this award would allow me to concentrate on my coursework rather than my financial situation. The $2000 grant is equal to around 150 hours of student job working. I can now devote 150 of those hours to studying, obtaining my degree, and working toward my objectives.

Conclude in a short and Respectful Tone.

Be careful not to beg for money when writing a scholarship essay . Eliminate emotionalism. Maintain a formal and courteous tone. Financial assistance and bursaries are not inherent rights but privileges. However, the opportunities that they provide to students are priceless.

Example: Thank you for giving my application some consideration. Looking forward to talking with you about my opportunities with you. 

It is a great responsibility for institutions and funding sources to decide who should get prizes. One of the tools they use is a financial need scholarship essay . So, students must make it as “sharp” as possible.

demonstrate financial need essay

There are a number of significant mistakes that you might make while writing a scholarship essay .

  • Whining. Don’t talk about how poor you are, how much you need money, or how difficult it is to support your elderly parents or a brother who is disabled. Everyone can experience this, but complaining about it in a strong financial need scholarship essay is not appropriate. Demonstrate that you have instead learned how to go over the difficulties.
  • Non-challenging challenge. Everyone has certain hardships and particular experiences. Ensure the reader will find your hardships interesting when you discuss them.
  • Trying to sound philosophical. Avoid attempting to sound philosophical. Some students will engage in this behavior in an effort to appear more intelligent, although this seldom happens. When writing a scholarship essay, just concentrate on crafting great content and proofreading it. That alone demonstrates sufficient intelligence.
  • Despising other candidates. Respect the suffering of others. Even if these are essay scholarship contests , you shouldn’t despise your opponents. Indeed, it would be preferable to say, “I realize there are many deserving applicants for this scholarship, but…” rather than, “I have endured far more than…” Be respectful in all of your writing.
  • Very general essays. In certain circumstances, you need to submit many financial need essays to be considered for a variety of funding opportunities. That is OK, however, each program requires a different financial needs essay. Don’t create a general essay with several sponsoring organizations’ names on it.

Checking scholarship essay examples financial need can help you avoid making a lot of mistakes.

Tips to Make financial Need Scholarship Statement Successful

You need to follow these tips when writing a scholarship essay:

  • Be organized . Provide a logical framework for your financial need scholarship essay Create an outline that allows you to organize your categories and ideas. Get advice from others on what to include. Ask for input from parents, teachers, as well as other people you trust. Avoid being wordy yet still including just enough information to be thorough and meaningful.
  • Begin early . Don’t put off writing a scholarship essay until the last minute. It could be your ideal opportunity to explain why you should be eligible for financial help or a scholarship. It is a crucial document that distinguishes you from other applicants. Give it enough thought to perfectly reflect who you are, showcase your writing skills, and highlight your accomplishments.
  • Be reflective and personal . Inform the readers of your financial need scholarship statement   about yourself. Provide them with the information you want them to know about you. Tell them about your family, your experiences in the past, and how those things inspired you to continue your education. Describe how your experiences in both your academic and professional life have helped you learn about your field. Explain the personal events that have aided in your goal-setting.
  • Be genuine . Write about yourself and the things that truly matter to you. Avoid attempting to write what you believe the audience wants to read. If you’re not being truthful, the admissions committee will immediately notice. Since they have read so many scholarship essays, they are able to tell sincerity from lying. Be sincere about your financial condition. Your ability to get financial aid in the future may be impacted by any inaccurate or misleading information. Demonstrate your actual aspirations, achievements, and strengths.
  • Steer clear of humor and cliches . Keep in mind that the readers of the financial need scholarship essay do not know you. It’s better to refrain from using humor in this essay since they might not get it. To make the application essay more convincing and specific, stay away from clichés. Give specific information about yourself and your experience rather than claiming to be a”jack of all trades” or a “people person”.
  • Check scholarship essay examples financial need: Checking scholarship essay examples financial need can make writing an essay scholarship more professional, as it is a good opportunity to benefit from others’ expertise.
  • Provide detailed examples . Provide concrete examples to support any broad claims you make about yourself. For example, if you say that you are at ease among individuals from various backgrounds, include details to Reinforce your claim. Maybe you’ve tutored English as a Second Language, or you grew up in a military household and moved around a lot. Provide specific examples of your leadership and motivation. Describe how you plan to use your education to achieve your goals.
  • Allocate time for revisions . You need to keep in mind that a financial need scholarship statement should go through several drafts. Solicit the opinions of others. Show it, for instance, to campus people like professors, advisors, peers, as well as teaching assistants. Clarity and content should be revised. Double-check your punctuation, grammar, as well as spelling. Making scholarship essay examples about yourself can also be beneficial.
  • Show enthusiasm: Remember to show optimism when writing a scholarship essay . Even though sharing your financial situation is not the most positive thing, writing about how these difficulties have given you grit and resilience enables you to turn it around in a positive way.

For the above-mentioned tips, we will give you scholarship essay examples financial need as a text and as an image.

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 1

[Heading (with date & address)]

September 2, 2023 Mr. Name Financial Aid Committee 9498 Name of the University, CA 90013

[Formal address (use “Sir” or “Madam” if unknown)]

Dear Mr. Smith.

[Who you are]

My name is Garry Adams. I’m a sophomore pursuing a psychology bachelor’s degree.

[Reasons you require financial assistance]

Since I have no family to help me pay for my education and am unable to work full-time while putting my academics first and keeping decent marks, I need financial assistance.

[Your background]

After my parents died in a catastrophic automobile accident when I was a little child, I spent my whole childhood in the foster care system. The foster parents I had over the years were loving and considerate, but they weren’t really supportive of higher education since they believed it made more sense to enter the profession straight immediately. Yet I had bigger goals for myself.

[Your academic record]

I graduated with a GPA of 3.8 with the goal of earning a degree rather than being limited to entry-level positions.

[Your current financial condition (and explanation of your need for financial assistance )]

I work as a waiter six evenings a week as a part-time job, but I just make enough to pay my bills. I am able to cover a small portion of the tuition for the following year, but I am unable to cover the entire cost by myself because of the additional expenses of books, supplies, and course fees.

[How getting financial aid will help you]

I am completely committed to my education, and getting financial aid would enable me to concentrate on my study in order to graduate with a strong GPA and submit an application to graduate school.

[Career objectives]

My career objective is to be a child psychologist in order to help youngsters who are going through challenging life situations that are similar to my own childhood.

[Closing statement]

I appreciate you taking this into account. I’m eager to talk about potential future educational opportunities. 

Sincerely, 

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 2

Since I was a little child, I have experienced the influence that education has on everyone. Due to their need to maintain themselves, my parents were unable to attend college. Their career was impacted, and they will feel the effects of their education deficit for the rest of their life. Although my parents tried their best to implant a love of study in me, our family has never been particularly rich.

Earlier, I had to work about 18 hours a week to sustain myself. I tried to minimize the financial burden on my parents, who covered the majority of the tuition costs. Their earnings were cut in half as a result of the lockdown. Therefore, I will have to work harder or leave college.

In addition, the curriculum for the next year will include more subjects. I won’t be able to work as much going forward for that reason. Although I could work late into the night, I worry it would just make my outcomes worse. I’ll do my best to complete all of the assignments, whatever.

If I get the scholarship, I’ll have plenty of time to focus on my academics. Actually, this grant will be the impetus for my academic achievement.

My main goals include completing my education, helping people, and getting an excellent profession.

 I will be very grateful for your kind consideration.

Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | PDF/Images

The previous Scholarship Essay Examples of Financial Need demonstrates the generic structure of financial need scholarship essay. However, how detailed your financial need scholarship essay should be depends on what you are requested to write about. For example, if you are requested to describe your financial need for the scholarship in brief, you can say something similar to the following example:

financial needs letter for scholarship

Whereas, if you are reqested to tell about your need for the scholarship, you can write something similar to this scholarship essay example:

essay format for scholarship

We will demonstrate another scholarship essay example at the end of the article.

How should I describe a financial need?

There is no one correct way to explain why you need funding. Every situation is distinct. Every person may have their own set of circumstances. Students typically seek scholarships with essays since they aren’t yet able to work full-time. As a result, they are unable to pay for the desired program.

How should I write a financial need scholarship essay?

When you apply for a scholarship, you must demonstrate your deservingness of the funding. Describe your academic background and show your eagerness and genuine enthusiasm for learning. Look at the examples and templates that are accessible online if you wish to get selected for the program. You must emphasize your motivation and strengths. Have a look at scholarship essay examples financial need to better understand what to include.

How to begin a financial need scholarship statement ?

When writing a scholarship essay, it’s probably not a good idea to start with the declaration of financial need itself. Instead, show your intense drive, even passion first. Describe your background in a few sentences, emphasizing your relevant education and professional experience. Acknowledge that financial support would enable you to succeed.

Checking Scholarship essay examples financial need can give you answers to most of your questions.

scholarships with essays foramt

Scholarships with essays are among the best ways to make your first step toward your career excellence. So before writing a scholarship essay, you need to make sure that you are ready to make it stand out.

Reading essay scholarship examples financial need is an essential step in writing a scholarship essay because it can expand your horizons and help you to decide what to include in your scholarship essay. So, writing a scholarship essay can be much easier.

Another important step is to write scholarship essay examples about yourself and choose the best one.

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financial need essay

Pro Tips for Writing a Financial Need Essay

Today, most scholarships are awarded to applicants depending on financial need. To win a scholarship, you are required to vividly demonstrate your current situation using a financial need essay. For many students, this is a mammoth task, not because the writing is in any way complex, but because the scholarship holds the keys to their careers, and success in life. So, how do you write a financial need scholarship essay?

In this guide, we will tell you the best way to hack the financial need essay to increase the chances of winning that scholarship. Make sure to also check our example, and answers to common questions on corruption.

How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Financial Need

The following are some useful tips to guide you when writing a why do you need financial aid essay.

  • Ensure to strike a positive tone in the essay

Here, it is not useful to start depicting personal pity. Instead, focus on how you have learnt from previous experiences and ways they have strengthened you.

  • Do not belittle competitors

Although the scholarship under consideration is a contest, you must not diminish others’ sufferings. Make sure to show respect to all.

  • Try to tag your essay to a specific event

While it is true that you want to be as persuasive as possible, consider weaving the entire why I deserve financial aid essay to a thesis.

  • Stay clear from controversial statements

When explaining events from your past, be honest and positive because you never know who will read the essay. What if he/she knows the story?

Do not try to fabricate any story, whether about your past or present. Instead, let circumstances speak on your behalf.

  • Avoid writing fluff

You know what? The reader of the essay has read many others, approved some and declined others. So, any fluff will be easily detected, and the scholarship declined.

  • It pays to read other examples that actually worked

Other examples can help you to understand how the essays are written to sharpen your skills. You could even adopt the format used in one of the best statement of financial need essay sample.

  • Do not simply try to hit the number of words

Many applicants often focus on the number of words and end up forgetting about quality. If you were required to write 500 words but feel you have sufficiently and correctly demonstrated what is needed in just 420 words, you are good to go. Most instructors are interested in quality and not quantity.

  • Always proofread your essay

No matter how good your essay is, it will depict you as a careless person if it comes with mistakes. Therefore, proofread the essay severally to ensure that sentences are flawless and all the points as clear as possible.

Statement of Financial Need Template

The basic structure of a financial need essay has three key parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Note that whether you are required to simply demonstrate your financial need in a scholarship essay or draft a more comprehensive piece, the format is the same. Here is a closer look at the details of each section of the template:

  • Introduction

The introduction of the essay should be used to set the tone for the entire paper. Use the first sentence to grab the attention of the reader and making a broad statement. Then, use the second sentence to support it. The final sentence on the introduction should be your thesis, your main stand in the essay.

In the body, you need to go deeper into the details of the essay. Think of each paragraph in the body as a separate argument. But all the points should interweave together to demonstrate why you need the scholarship (use the body to support the thesis).

The last paragraph of the essay is the conclusion, and you should use it to summarize the entire essay. Once you summarize main points, use the last sentence on the conclusion to leave the reader more convinced you are the right candidate. Think of something like … “and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

To help you understand how to demonstrate financial need in a scholarship essay, here is a sample from our professional writers . Note that the requirements for various scholarship essays might differ depending on the financier or institution. In the sample below, the funding committed had asked every applicant to “write an essay describing your financial need.”

“In my family, I am the first one to graduate high school, and, therefore, to attend college. My mom and dad dropped from school years back when still teenagers. Their limited education level has always greatly limited their opportunities in society, earning barely enough to push us through. At 12, I got my first job of delivering papers, and since then, I have worked harder to supplement my family when I can. During my senior year, I got assistance from the Mississippi’s help program, which caters for tuition to select colleges in the state. Further, I get Federal Pell Grant that goes to my housing. But I still need more funds to meet my books, transport, and supplies. As an engineering student, the fee for my classes is high. My parents are unable to contribute to my college costs, and I am also unable to work much when in school. This scholarship would help me concentrate on my studies to achieve my dream of becoming a civil engineer. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”

Answers to Common Questions on why I Need Financial Aid Essay

  • How do you write a fafsa essay?
  • Write an introduction that tells the financial aid committee who you are.
  • Demonstrate how you are currently managing to pay school fees. Then, interweave the info to your financial situation.
  • Justify to the financial aid committee why you need aid.
  • Show how you are going to benefit from the aid.
  • Conclude the essay.
  • How do you describe financial needs?
  • Present your current financial situation to the scholarship committee.
  • Demonstrate how you are paying school fees currently.
  • Justify the need for getting the aid.
  • Showcase how the aid will help you.
  • Write the closing remark.
  • What is a financial need statement?

This is a type of document written by a student when seeking financial assistance, such as a scholarship.

  • What do you write in a scholarship essay?
  • Go through the essay instructions.
  • Brainstorm the topic to understand it deeply.
  • Identify the main points and develop an outline.
  • Write the essay clearly and concisely.
  • Showcase your accomplishments so far.
  • Proofread your essay, and if possible, have someone proofread again for you.

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  • Scholarships

How to Demonstrate Financial Need for Scholarships?

  • How To , Questionnaire , Uncategorized

How to demonstrate financial need for scholarships

The cost of higher education is so high and the students who strive for education cannot afford it. Some courses are so expensive that even financially well students think twice before enrolling in them. They also thought of financial support. To bridge the gap between the cost of the program and the student’s ability to pay, various scholarship programs are available for students who are in financial need. To secure a scholarship, students have to write an application letter that demonstrates their financial needs. On the other hand, most of the scholarships are awarded based on the need. So, writing a financial needs application is one of the most common college scholarship essays. Here, we will discuss all the elements that are required to demonstrate financial need for scholarships including scholarship essays.

What is the Financial Need for Scholarship?

Financial need refers to the need for finances when students are unable to afford the cost of education. The need arises due to the gap between the cost of education and the ability to pay. To fill this gap, various scholarships are available for which you have to demonstrate your financial need in front of the providers. You can calculate the finances by subtracting the expected family contribution from the total cost of attendance. The gap can be filled through scholarships, work-study programs, grants, and other forms of financial aid.

The students who demonstrate that they face the issue of a lack of resources and the financial condition of the family is not stable, then they will be considered for financial scholarships. Other than this, they have to comply with the eligibility criteria of the scholarships which include submission of financial documents, tax returns, etc.

Scholarships make the higher education accessible to a diverse range of students. Scholarships take off the financial burden and provide assistance to deal with the tuition cost, books, and living expenses. To secure a scholarship, you have to properly demonstrate your financial need to convince the provider to award a scholarship to you.

Steps of Writing an Essay to Demonstrate Financial Need

You should include the below-mentioned point in your essay as it will help you demonstrate your financial need.

  • Introduction: As you all know the first impression is the last. So, try to write it in an effective way that catches the reader’s attention towards you. Politely tell them who you are and then mention your background which includes family details. Tell them that you are the first person in your family who is going to attend college. Emphasize the point that if you get the opportunity, you can use it for your future and how it aligns with the goal of the university or program.

Most importantly, start writing the essay after researching the scholarship. Every scholarship has its unique requirements. Include details in your essay as per the requirements. Choose the scholarship that aligns with your goals and financial needs.

  • Justify Your Financial Need: While writing about your financial need, you must be honest, and sincere, and provide the exact details of how you face the financial issues, and how they impact your future goals and aspirations.

Mention your financial hardship and how you face challenges including expected financial burdens, education costs, job losses, medical expenses, etc. Explain how these financial challenges affect your goal of pursuing higher education.

Mention about your skills and abilities and how your determination and commitment can help the institution and Society. Highlight your academic scores, extracurricular achievements, volunteer work, leadership qualities, etc. These things will demonstrate your dedication to the program.

Discuss your future goals, how you utilize that scholarship amount, and how you contribute to the family, society, and education.

  • Provide a Detailed Budget: Prepare an outline of the budget that describes your financial situation by providing details regarding expected educational expenses and other financial obligations. The budget directly helps the financial committee understand your financial gap. To show them the figured amount, use the realistic approach and provide a thorough calculation. Your calculation must include items like tuition, book expenses, traveling expenses, housing costs, and other relevant personal expenses that are related to your education.
  • Provide Letter of Recommendation: If you can provide a letter of recommendation that describes your financial need, then attach it with the application. You can ask your teachers, mentors, or counselors to write a letter of recommendation for you as they know about you and your financial condition. So, they can easily demonstrate your need to the scholarship committee.
  • Attach Financial Documents: Provide them with the actual evidence of your financial condition. For this, you can attach financial documents with your application including tax returns, bank statements, employment records, FAFSA forms, EFC, etc.
  • Professional Help: You can take financial advice from the scholarship advisors. They will guide you on how to write an application that demonstrates your financial need. They will help you in navigating your application process and provide you with valuable insights.
  • Proofreading: Before submitting your application, ensure that it doesn’t have any grammatical errors, sentence errors, or other mistakes. An application that is free from errors reflects your dedication and attention to detail.
  • Timely Submission: Submit your application on time as it will increase your chances of getting selected. Complete all the procedures on time because incomplete applications may be disqualified by the providers.
  • Follow-up: Try to be in touch with the providers via emails or online websites. Your follow-up action will demonstrate your eagerness to secure the scholarship.

Therefore, these are the points that demonstrate your financial need for the scholarship to the provider. You have to mention your future goals and how your goals align with the goals of the organization. It makes you a deserving candidate for the scholarship.

How to Begin the Essay that Demonstrates Your Financial Need?

Do not start your essay by stating financial need itself. Firstly, describe your passion, motivation, goals, and aspirations. Describe your skills, achievements, qualifications, work experience, etc. that show your ability for the scholarship. After this, describe your financial crisis along with the evidence. The provider evaluates your application by considering all the details.

To demonstrate the financial need for the scholarship, you have to write an effective essay that is attached to your application which requires careful planning, documentation, and a compelling personal statement. Your introductory part describes yourself and your family and your financial background. Your essay should define your true picture of your financial situation and it is possible through evidence. For evidence, you can submit your income statement, taxation record, letter of recommendation, etc. One more thing, the scholarship providers look for candidate who is deserving and motivated, and your application should reflect your determination for the scholarship.

Scholarship Essays

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Statement of Financial Need Essay Example

State your need for financial aid.

If the 18 year-old James would have known and understood the value of higher education the way the now 34 year-old James does, you would have received this letter 16 years ago. Perhaps the passage of 16 years and the experiences contained in them will prove to be an advantage that will make further education of the 34 year-old more fulfilling personally and more beneficial to family, friends and the community.

I am, first of all a husband and father. Jan, my wife of eight years, and I have two beautiful children—our daughter Sue is six, and our son Josh is three. My marriage and the birth of our children are the most satisfying, inspiring events in my life. Another event, not exactly a positive one at first glance, is one of the reasons you have received this letter.

For nine years I was a journeyman carpenter working for several framing contractors on both residential and commercial projects. My duties included all aspects of framing construction as well as supervisory responsibilities. Then, my life changed drastically. A wall and beam assembly, later estimated to weigh some 3,000 pounds, fell and broke my left leg in several places.

Since this career ending injury, however, more positives than negatives have emerged. Despite long therapy sessions and several follow-up operations, I can honestly say that the worst consequence of breaking my leg was that I broke my leg. The incident has allowed me the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and children and to seek a college education.

Before the accident I was physically active at work, in recreation, and in my participation as a semi-professional baseball player with the San Diego Marlins. At that point I hadn't thought seriously about furthering my education. Because of my injury, I was faced with the realization that I was not indestructible. This revelation, along with much prompting from my wife, encouraged me to view this as a chance for a positive change and a more secure future.

I am the first in my family to attend a university. In the spring of 2006, I enrolled in 18 units at Miramar College. Being a self-motivated, goal-oriented person, I was able to achieve a 4.0 grade point average and a place on the Dean’s Honors List. Despite my subsequent operations, I have maintained a 4.0 grade point average after 75 college units. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s degree. I selected a Psychology major and Recreation Administration minor to improve myself and my ability to interact and communicate effectively with others.

One of my most time-consuming activities, as well as one of the most rewarding, is my involvement with the San Diego Unitarian Church. My responsibilities as volunteer youth counselor and advisor for our 20 Southern California congregations include planning and promotion of youth trips and activities which include visiting the sick and elderly and various musical performances throughout the year. My new communication skills and the broader view provided by the university experience, will be invaluable in my relationships with these youth and my future career.

This 34 year-old returning student has learned to appreciate the generosity of others. I would be honored and grateful for whatever assistance you are willing to provide. Your investment in me will not only assist me in the accomplishment of my personal goals, but will benefit our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Original Source: San Diego State University

English Basics

How to Write an Essay Explaining Financial Need?

A good statement of financial need should explain why you need college financial aid. Describe how your family works to meet the costs of tuition, including any savings or extra jobs you have. Include any sudden changes in your circumstances. For example, if you’ve been out of work for the past several years, you must discuss the financial problems that have resulted. The essay should also detail any plans you have to pay for college.

Statement of financial need should explain why you are seeking aid

The Statement of Financial Need should include a description of your family’s financial situation and explain why you need the aid. Highlight your ability to manage money responsibly and how you will use the aid to the greatest benefit of yourself and your family. If you are a bright student, financiers are likely to feel obliged to provide financial support for you. If you are not, mention the fact that you did not pay your school fees and explain how you were able to obtain this education.

The best way to write your statement of financial need is to use an example from a successful applicant and incorporate the details into your own letter. Don’t overdo it, but make it clear what your financial situation is. This way, the reviewer will be able to better judge whether your situation is genuine and worth their time. Also, it shows your patience in waiting for financial aid. You can also seek the help of a friend or family member to proofread your statement of financial need.

Whether it’s a scholarship or a college grant, you should outline your future goals and why you are seeking the aid. It’s a good idea to discuss why you value education and demonstrate your fiscal responsibility by mentioning the summer jobs you took to save money for college. In addition, if you’re already attending college, mention any work-study jobs you have had. Finally, don’t forget to mention the savings account your parents have set up for you.

A successful Statement of Financial Need should show the grant provider that you are a worthy candidate and that you are unable to pay for college otherwise. The purpose of this document is to convince the grant provider that you are unable to attend the college if you don’t have the money to pay for it yourself. Many college grant programs require a statement of financial need when you apply for scholarships. This document is usually only a few paragraphs long, so it is vital to write a statement of financial need that is unique and stands out from the crowd.

Outline of statement of financial need

The first step in writing a Statement of Financial Need is to explain why you are seeking financial aid. Explain why you have trouble paying tuition and how you have made changes in your financial situation that have resulted in a shortfall in your funds. Also mention any work-study jobs that you have taken on, especially if you’re a first-year student. Also mention any savings accounts that you have with your parents, and how much you expect your parents to contribute.

After you’ve defined the goals of your essay, you can begin introducing your main points. Those points should be discussed in more detail in the body of your statement. For example, if you’re applying for federal financial aid, you should state how your scholarship will help you fund your studies. Then, you can mention any internship opportunities that you’ve received that have made your financial burden less daunting. Finally, your statement of financial need should be concluded with a strong, clear case for why the scholarship is necessary for your future.

A Statement of Financial Need is a short letter that outlines your specific circumstances. Generally, it consists of two or three paragraphs. It should be persuasive and succinct, but it should not read like a debit and credit statement. It should be addressed to a specific person and should include a strong “ask” and a clear “why.” Throughout the letter, make sure to maintain a positive tone and don’t minimize others’ suffering.

A Statement of Financial Need is like a cover letter, bringing a human element to the application and persuading the reviewers to read on. It is an important part of your application, and the best way to secure financial aid is to be intelligent, concise, and compelling. When writing your statement of financial need, the introduction is the most important section. A few sentences should sum up your situation and why you need assistance.

Details you should include in statement of financial need

The statement of financial need is similar to a cover letter. It is a concise, human-facing statement of your financial situation that will persuade reviewers to give you a second look. The goal is to be persuasive and intelligent, while also securing financial aid. The most important part of the statement of financial need is the introduction, which should sum up your financial situation in a few sentences.

When writing the essay, you should use a formal outline. Make sure to include details that emphasize your financial need. In your personal statement, mention your employment, family income, and any extenuating circumstances you have encountered. Write an introduction containing the first sentence of the essay, and follow it with your discussion points. Once you have completed the introduction, write a second paragraph for the conclusion of your essay.

Including details about your challenges is also important. Explain why you need the support, and attach copies of your transcripts and degree certificate. Your statement of financial need should be as convincing as possible, because the financier will feel obligated to help you succeed. If you haven’t paid your school fees in the past, mention this and why you need the extra funding. By providing concrete examples and relevant details, you will increase your chances of securing financial aid.

Examples of statements of financial need

In your essay, you must state your need for financial aid. This statement should be as detailed as possible. It should include details that highlight your financial need, such as your age, parents’ employment status, and extenuating circumstances. When writing an essay, it is important to follow an outline. The first sentence should include a brief statement of the need for financial aid. The rest of the introduction should include discussion points.

If you are a first-year student, explain how you saved money for college while you were working. If you’re a current college student, talk about the work-study job you held during the summer or weekend to put money towards your education. Mention any savings accounts your parents have and their expected contributions. In addition, state the reason why you need financial aid. Your financial situation has changed, and you’ve recently moved away from home to study.

As a student, you’ll have to present a compelling case for a scholarship. If you’re applying to a college without a financial aid plan, you can explain that your federal loans aren’t enough to cover the entire tuition. Or perhaps you’re looking for a new job and your family’s circumstances have changed. Either way, having all the details handy will make it easier to write a convincing letter. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. Try to write a letter that describes your needs and is simple enough for the reader to understand.

The Statement of Financial Need is the key to winning a scholarship. It serves as a cover letter for your other scholarship applications. It should capture the reader’s attention and convey your best qualities. The purpose of this letter is to move the reader to understand you better. Remember that admissions officers receive hundreds of scholarship applications every year, so a strong statement of financial need can set you apart. So, start writing now. You can find more information about the application process in our articles.

When writing a statement of financial need for a college, make sure to include details that show the financial strain your family is under. If you’re the first person in your family to attend college, stress that fact. If you’re a member of an ethnic group that’s underrepresented in college, mention this. Likewise, if you work full-time to pay your tuition, describe how much of your time is dedicated to learning and why you need financial help.

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  1. Tips to Write a Financial Need Essay

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  4. How to Describe Financial Need in a Scholarship Essay

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COMMENTS

  1. Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

    Example 2: "Describe your financial need in 100 words". This essay is even shorter than the financial need statement. It may be one of several short answer questions you need to fill out. Working with 100 words is tricky. That only leaves room for about 7-10 sentences, depending on length.

  2. How to write a financial need scholarship essay (with examples!)

    Example 1: "I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. My family moved from El Salvador to New York when I was seven years old, to escape the violence there.". Example 2: "I am from a working-class family in Minnesota.

  3. Financial Need Essay: Examples & Writing Guide

    1. Write an impressive motivation letter mentioning your tight budget, 2. Write an application letter describing your tough life circumstances (especially if you have incomplete family, etc.). For additional details, check examples of such papers online and in books.

  4. How to Write a Statement of Financial Need

    Generally, the statement of financial need will go beyond what is captured by the FAFSA or CSS profile. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to show you how to write a statement of financial need. Apply to these scholarships due soon. $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship. 1 award worth $10,000.

  5. How to write a financial need scholarship essay (with examples

    What to insert in a financial need scholarship essay. Usually this statement of financial need is a pretty short scholarship endeavor (150-300 words), so compared a college essay button personal statement where you have ample word counters for tell accounts, you'll likelihood need go obtain right to that point.. May safely to include:

  6. How to Write a Statement of Financial Need: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Now that you're equipped with the essential components for your essay, let's dive into the process of crafting your statement of financial need. Follow these steps to ensure a well-structured and compelling essay: Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and key points into a structured outline to guide your writing process effectively.

  7. How to write a financial need scholarship essay (with examples

    Many scholarships or study financial aid honors are "need-based," given to students whose financial situation req additional support. That's why one of the of common college scholarship essays is a statement of financial need. This has be very explicit ("Explain own financial need"), somewhat explicit ("Describe your financial situation"), or quite open-ended ("Explain why you ...

  8. What is Demonstrated Financial Need?

    Simply put, demonstrated financial need is the difference between a school's cost of attendance (COA) and the student's Student Aid Index number. A student demonstrates financial need if their EFC does not equal the COA. You can also use the equation below to visualize how these three things relate. Cost of attendance - student aid index ...

  9. How to Express Financial Need in Scholarship Essays

    The scholarship essay is a portrait of you and your unique situation. All of your positive attributes should shine in your scholarship essay that expresses your need for financial aid. An emotionally moving letter that speaks to a financial aid officer features a personalized story in a positive way. Familiarize yourself with the writing ...

  10. Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

    Earning a scholarship based on financial need can significantly relieve the pressure of college expenses. As you venture into crafting your financial need essay, remember to be genuine, articulate, and passionate. Your story is unique, and when presented compellingly, it can open doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach.

  11. How To Write A Scholarship Essay About Financial Need?

    To demonstrate your financial need, you have to write an essay. Your essay should combine a financial need statement, career goal, and academic goal. So, here we will discuss all the points that you should include in your essay to demonstrate your financial need, can you use your same essay to apply for more than one scholarship?

  12. 5 Best Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

    When writing a financial need scholarship essay, these five essay examples demonstrate the importance of honesty, transparency, and a clear connection between financial need and personal goals. By effectively conveying your financial situation and its impact on your educational pursuits, you can increase your chances of receiving the support ...

  13. How to write a scholarship essay about financial need

    6. Write with a positive tone: Although it can be challenging to discuss financial struggles, it is essential to maintain a positive tone throughout the essay. This will show the scholarship ...

  14. 12 Successful Scholarship Essay Examples To Learn From

    Financial Need: The essay briefly touches upon the financial challenges faced by the applicant, which adds context to their need for financial support. ... Express Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for your field of study or the cause the scholarship supports. Explain why you are deeply committed and how the scholarship will help you make ...

  15. Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

    Scholarship essay example financial need (1st image) Whereas, if you are reqested to tell about your need for the scholarship, you can write something similar to this scholarship essay example: Scholarship essay example financial need (2nd image) We will demonstrate another scholarship essay example at the end of the article.

  16. 14 Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Thousands 2024

    Scholarship Essay Example #5. Questbridge Finalist essay earning $3,000 in application waivers plus $3000 in local scholarships by Jordan Sanchez. Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.

  17. Financial Need Essay: Best Writing Guide

    The basic structure of a financial need essay has three key parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Note that whether you are required to simply demonstrate your financial need in a scholarship essay or draft a more comprehensive piece, the format is the same. Here is a closer look at the details of each section of the template:

  18. Describe Your Financial Need for this Scholarship Essay Sample

    Briefly Describe your Financial Need for this Scholarship. I am in need of financial assistance in order to attend college because I am a low-income student. I am the 1st child to attend the college. Although my parents gave me many supports, I received a limited financial assistance due to low family income. To reduce family burden, I took out ...

  19. Statement of Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example

    Scholarship Essays. MindSumo allows students to solve real-world projects from the world's largest companies. Build highly sought after skills and help fund your degree. Virtual Internships provides students and graduates guaranteed access to remote work placement opportunities in 70+ countries. MindSumo users receive a $100 discount on all ...

  20. How to Demonstrate Financial Need for Scholarships?

    Steps of Writing an Essay to Demonstrate Financial Need. You should include the below-mentioned point in your essay as it will help you demonstrate your financial need. Introduction: As you all know the first impression is the last. So, try to write it in an effective way that catches the reader's attention towards you.

  21. Statement of Financial Need Essay Example

    State Your Need for Financial Aid. Financial Need Essay. If the 18 year-old James would have known and understood the value of higher education the way the now 34 year-old James does, you would have received this letter 16 years ago. Perhaps the passage of 16 years and the experiences contained in them will prove to be an advantage that will ...

  22. How to Write an Essay Explaining Financial Need?

    It should include details that highlight your financial need, such as your age, parents' employment status, and extenuating circumstances. When writing an essay, it is important to follow an outline. The first sentence should include a brief statement of the need for financial aid. The rest of the introduction should include discussion points.

  23. How to write a financial need scholarship essay (with examples!)

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  24. Gender Inequality in the WAEMU

    This paper documents the current state of gender inequalities in the WAEMU by focusing on outcomes (health, education, labor market and financial inclusion) and opportunities (economic rights). The findings show that despite significant progress toward gender equality over the last three decades, there are still prevalent gender-based disparities, which prevent women from fulfilling their ...