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How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

December 28, 2023

The Purpose of an Autobiography for a Scholarship

Understanding the purpose of writing an autobiography for a scholarship is crucial to crafting a compelling narrative. The primary goal of this document is to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that make you a deserving candidate for financial assistance. The scholarship committee uses your autobiography to gain deeper insight into your life, aspirations, and past achievements. It provides an opportunity for you to present a well-rounded picture of who you are and how you have overcome challenges to succeed academically and personally. In addition, your autobiography should align with the values and objectives of the scholarship program. By effectively conveying your story and ambitions, you can impress the committee and increase your chances of securing the scholarship.

Outlining Your Autobiography

Creating a clear and structured outline for your autobiography is essential for organizing your thoughts and ensuring a cohesive narrative. Here are some key steps to help you outline your scholarship autobiography:

  • Introduction: Start with an engaging opening paragraph that introduces yourself and grabs the reader’s attention.
  • Background and Experiences: Provide a brief overview of your personal background, including family, education, and any significant life events or experiences that have shaped you.
  • Achievements and Accomplishments: Highlight your academic achievements, such as GPA, awards, honors, or scholarships received. Include any relevant extracurricular accomplishments, such as leadership roles, sports achievements, or participation in clubs or organizations.
  • Challenges and Resilience: Discuss any personal challenges, obstacles, or setbacks you have faced and how you have overcome them to achieve your goals. This demonstrates your resilience, determination, and ability to handle adversity.
  • Career Goals and Aspirations: Outline your long-term career goals and aspirations, explaining how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Emphasize the impact you hope to make in your chosen field or community.
  • Community Involvement and Volunteering: Highlight your involvement in community service, volunteering, or social initiatives. Illustrate how you have made a positive difference and how this aligns with the values of the scholarship program.

By following a well-structured outline, you can effectively organize your thoughts and create a compelling autobiography that showcases your strengths, experiences, and ambitions to the scholarship committee.

Writing the Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph of your scholarship autobiography is your chance to captivate the reader and make a strong first impression. Here are some key elements to consider when crafting your opening paragraph:

  • Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing hook that sparks the reader’s interest. This can be a thought-provoking question, a compelling anecdote, or a powerful quote related to your journey or goals.
  • Introduction: Introduce yourself by providing your name and a brief overview of your background, such as where you grew up or your current educational institution.
  • Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your autobiography – to apply for a scholarship and explain why you are an ideal candidate for financial assistance.
  • Personal Motivation: Share your personal motivation for pursuing higher education and the specific scholarship program. Convey your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study.
  • Unique Selling Points: Highlight the qualities, skills, and experiences that set you apart from other applicants. Focus on what makes you a deserving candidate for the scholarship, such as academic achievements, leadership roles, or significant contributions to your community.
  • Transition: End the opening paragraph by smoothly transitioning into the main body of your autobiography, creating a seamless flow for the rest of your narrative.

By crafting a strong and compelling opening paragraph, you can immediately engage the scholarship committee and make them eager to learn more about your journey and aspirations.

Presenting Your Background and Experiences

In writing an autobiography for a scholarship, it is crucial to effectively present your background and experiences. Start by outlining the major events and milestones that have shaped your life. Think about your childhood, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any challenges you have overcome.

When presenting your background, focus on the qualities and skills you have developed along the way. Highlight any leadership roles, community service, or volunteering experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.

Additionally, share how your background and experiences align with the scholarship’s criteria. Connect your achievements to the scholarship’s goals and emphasize how the funds will help you further your educational and career aspirations.

Remember, be concise and impactful in your writing, and use specific examples to illustrate your points. Craft a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the scholarship committee.

Highlighting Your Achievements and Accomplishments

In your autobiography for a scholarship, make sure to effectively highlight your achievements and accomplishments. Start by identifying your academic successes, such as high grades, awards, or honors received. Provide specific details about your performance and any challenges you have overcome.

Next, focus on your extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Discuss your involvement in clubs, sports teams, student government, or community organizations. Highlight any notable achievements or positions held and explain how these experiences have helped you develop valuable skills and qualities.

Don’t forget to include any community service or volunteer work you have done. Describe the impact you made and how it has shaped your character and values.

When highlighting your achievements, tie them back to your educational and career goals. Show how your accomplishments demonstrate your dedication, passion, and potential for success in your chosen field.

Remember to present your achievements in a humble and authentic manner. Avoid exaggerating or inflating your accomplishments, but do not undersell yourself either. Let your genuine achievements speak for themselves.

Sharing Personal Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

When writing an autobiography for a scholarship, it is important to share personal challenges and demonstrate how you have overcome adversity. Reflect on the obstacles you have faced, whether they are related to your education, personal life, or significant experiences.

Be open and honest about the difficulties you have encountered, but also focus on how you have grown and learned from those experiences. Discuss the strategies you have employed to overcome challenges, such as resilience, determination, and seeking support.

Highlight any moments of personal growth or significant turning points in your life. Share how these experiences have shaped your character, values, and commitment to achieving your goals.

By sharing your personal challenges and demonstrating your ability to overcome adversity, you can showcase your strength, resilience, and determination to succeed. This will provide the scholarship committee with a deeper understanding of your journey and the obstacles you have overcome to reach where you are today.

Discover our AI-powered essay tool . It seamlessly transforms your ideas into a compelling scholarship paper!

Discussing Career Goals and Aspirations

In your autobiography for a scholarship, it is essential to discuss your career goals and aspirations. Present a clear and realistic vision of your future, outlining the path you plan to take and how the scholarship will help you achieve your objectives.

Start by explaining your passion for your chosen field and why you are driven to pursue a career in it. Highlight any relevant experiences, coursework, or internships that have solidified your interest and provided you with valuable skills and knowledge.

Describe your long-term career goals and how they align with your personal values and the scholarship’s mission. Explain how the scholarship funding will contribute to your educational journey, whether it be supporting tuition expenses, research opportunities, or accessing resources necessary for your field.

Show enthusiasm and determination when discussing your aspirations, emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact in your chosen profession. Convey a sense of purpose and the value you plan to bring to your future career.

Demonstrate that you have carefully thought out your career goals and have a plan in place to achieve them. This will give the scholarship committee confidence in your ability to succeed and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Emphasizing Community Involvement and Volunteering

When writing an autobiography for a scholarship, it is important to emphasize your community involvement and volunteering experience. Scholarship committees often look for candidates who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world around them.

Here are some tips and examples to effectively convey your commitment to community service:

  • Share specific experiences of volunteering: Highlight the organizations you have volunteered with and the amount of time you have dedicated to service. Explain the work you have done and why it is important to you.
  • Explain how community service has impacted your life: Discuss how volunteering has shaped your values, beliefs, and goals. Share any personal connections you have to specific causes or organizations.
  • Highlight leadership roles in community service: If applicable, discuss leadership positions you have held in volunteering or community organizations. This shows initiative and responsibility.
  • Connect community service with future goals: Explain how your community service and volunteering experience will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Discuss how you plan to continue serving your community in the future.

Overall, emphasizing your community involvement and volunteering experience helps demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the world and your potential for future leadership. It also shows the scholarship committee that you are more than just a good student, but also a dedicated and passionate individual.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion of your autobiography for a scholarship is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee. It should tie together the key themes and ideas discussed throughout your autobiography and reinforce why you are a deserving candidate.

Here are some tips on how to craft an impactful conclusion:

  • Recap your main points: Briefly summarize the key achievements, challenges, goals, and community involvement that you highlighted in your autobiography.
  • Reinforce your qualifications: Emphasize why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. Connect your experiences, skills, and aspirations to the scholarship’s values and objectives.
  • Express gratitude: Show appreciation for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship and the consideration of your application. Thank the committee for their time and attention.
  • End with a strong closing statement: Leave the reader with a memorable closing statement that reflects your determination, passion, and commitment. This can be a powerful quote, a personal motto, or a call to action.

Remember, the conclusion should leave a lasting impact and ensure that the scholarship committee recognizes your potential and dedication. Keep it concise, powerful, and focused on reinforcing your suitability for the scholarship.

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  • Applying For Scholarships

About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Sep 28, 2022

About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

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A popular scholarship essay prompt is “Tell us about yourself.” This question is relatively open-ended, which may make it difficult to answer at first glance. What should I tell them about myself? My struggles, my goals, my passions…? These may all be fitting topics, depending on the scholarship. We’ll show you some scholarship essay examples about yourself, along with writing tips to guide you along the way.

What they want to know about you

As you prepare to write, think of the topics the scholarship committee would be interested in. These may include:

  • Your current degree, as it applies to your overall career goals. You can explain why you chose your current educational path and what you want to do with that.
  • Your short-term and long-term professional goals . Frame your answer as if to say “Where will you be in 5 years? Where will you be in 10 years?” Scholarship committees like to reward people with defined aspirations.
  • Past experiences that sparked your passions. You could talk about an influential person in your life, but make sure most of the essay focuses on you. After all, you are talking about yourself.
  • Something about you that relates to their organization. With any scholarship essay, you should try to connect yourself with the organization providing the funding. Don’t force a connection. Find one that naturally fits. Mention hobbies, experiences and goals that match what the review committee is looking for.
  • Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants. This may be volunteer experience, career specialties, situational differences (growing up in an area that didn’t encourage education), etc.

Show off your skillset

Note that you do not have to throw all this information into one essay. Choose the elements that best fit the scholarship. If you were on the review board, what would you want to learn about each applicant? What would make you choose one applicant over another? Keep this in mind as you develop your thoughts.

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What they don’t want to know about you

There is plenty of information you could include in an about yourself scholarship essay. There is just as much information to avoid though. Some topics to keep out of your essay include:

  • False information. Do not make up stories or fabricate goals to fit the prompt. The scholarship committee can instantly tell when someone is lying, and they will disqualify you immediately.
  • Past struggles that do not pertain to the essay topic. You can briefly mention struggles from your past, as long as you mention how you’ve learned from them. Do not make your essay a long story about the hard life you’ve led. Focus on your triumphs, not your obstacles.
  • Vague goals and aspirations. Scholarships are usually given to students who have a plan. If you say, “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet,” the committee will select a more motivated candidate. If you have a plan and a backup plan, that’s fine. Just make sure you mention both options and show which one you favor.
  • Cliché stories that most people tell. There is something that makes you stand out as a person. Use that to your advantage. Don’t rely on generic information they’ll find with other applicants.
  • Unrelated elements of your personal life. In most cases, you should not mention your significant other in the essay. You might mention a spouse if you need to reference your children or a turning point in your life, but these personal details do not fit most essays. Any information that seems frivolous or ill-placed should be removed from the essay.

Read through your essay carefully. If you stop at one point to say, “Why did I mention that?” get rid of the corresponding information. Showcase the best elements about yourself in a fluid and cohesive manner.

Short scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (100 Words)

With 100 words, you can only focus on one or two elements of your life. Think about your biggest selling points – the things that show you are the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your educational status. Then jump into the main topic of the essay. You may not have room to mention how the scholarship will help your education. Instead, mention how your education can help your career. The other information will be implied.

My name is Christian Wood. I am a high school senior who will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. I want to become an online journalist. My goal is to work for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, or another news outlet that has a strong online presence. Most people already get their news on the internet, and the industry will be even bigger by the time I graduate. Getting a degree in journalism with a focus on digital media will set me up for a fulfilling, fast-paced career fit for the future.

Word Count: 96

Medium scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (250 Words)

With a mid-length scholarship essay, you have more space to explain how your past has influenced your present and future goals. You should have rom for an intro paragraph, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion (maybe incorporated into the last body paragraph). Think of a few main points you want to touch on, and write those down first. If you still have room, you can add more details about yourself.

My name is Sarah, and I spent most of my childhood on the wrong medication. I experienced a problem common in clinical psychology – misdiagnosis. Professionals provide inaccurate diagnoses for many reasons – f rom antiquated testing methods to limited education. I want to open my own psychological testing facility and help change that. Therefore, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology.  I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because I had trouble focusing in school. The medication m y doctor prescribed to me only made me numb to the world around me. I couldn’t think or process emotions, or had no emotions at all. After several years my parents finally decided to get a second opinion. I saw a specialist and she concluded that I didn’t have ADHD , but a combination of dyslexia and dysgraphia (difficulties with reading and writing). She sent us to a therapist who helped me learn how to work around my conditions, and my life improved tremendously. I went from being a lifeless student with barely passing grades to an honor roll student full of joy and excitement. Unfortunately, my story is not one of a kind. There are countless children in America who are put on mind-altering medications that do not adequately address their needs. I cannot help all of those children, but I can provide a better alternative for the ones in my area. Through proper education, funded by financial aid, I can learn about psychological evaluations and provide the most accurate diagnoses possible.

Word Count: 249

Long scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (500 Words)

Scholarship essays that are 500 words or longer let you tell the whole story. You can discuss your past, present and future in a comprehensive manner. Avoid rambling and make sure each topic contributes to the overall essay. If one piece feels out of place, remove it and elaborate more on the existing elements. By the end of the essay, the reader should have a full understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish.

My name is Sierra Breault, and I am a junior at Murray State University. I am double-majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensics Science, and I will graduate in 2024 with two bachelor degrees. My career goal is in social justice, so I can contribute to criminal justice reform. I want to ensure that those who commit crimes are treated fairly.  I come from a small town where excessive force and even death by cop incidents are often committed, especially against minorities. A few years ago, one of my relatives was charged for a crime although the crime scene evidence wasn’t properly obtained, catalogued and analyzed.  This experience played a big part in my wish to study criminal justice. I started exploring the career more when I decided that a desk job just wasn’t for me. Throughout high school I struggled because of the routine nature of it all. I saw the same people and attended the same classes every single day. I knew I didn’t want a job that would be that stagnant. That’s when I got the idea to work in law enforcement, because there would always be a new challenge for me to tackle. After researching the field even more, I set my sights on crime scene investigation. I have performed much better academically in college than I ever did in high school. That’s because there is no routine to the experience. Every week, I have new projects to complete, tests to study for, and activities to try. I have been involved with the campus Crime Stoppers organization all three years of college, and I was elected president for the upcoming term. This lets me work closely with law enforcement to supplement my college education and further my career.   After graduating, I will apply for work as a dispatcher in a state organization, such as the Department of Criminal Investigation. While my ultimate goal is to work as a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, those positions usually only go to people within the organization. Dispatch is the most direct option for career entry, giving me the best chance to pursue my dream career. I am applying for this scholarship to help me finish the last two years of my degrees. As a college junior and soon-to-be senior, my scholarship opportunities are limited. Most awards are reserved for freshmen. I took advantage of those early on, and I have one recurring scholarship that covers half of my tuition. However, I need additional financial aid to cover the remainder of my academic costs. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope that you can help me pursue a profession in criminal justice. This is my passion, and I have a clear plan to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

Word Count: 463

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  • Scholarship Essay

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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autobiography examples for scholarships

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

  • Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
  • Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
  • Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
  • Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
  • Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
  • Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

  • Why do you deserve this scholarship?
  • How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
  • When did you overcome adversity?
  • Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

  • I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
  • I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

  • Career goals
  • Goals for personal growth
  • The type of friend you want to be
  • The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

  • Authenticity
  • And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

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autobiography examples for scholarships

The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

How to Write a Biography to Win a Scholarship

How to Write a Biography to Win a Scholarship

Applying for college scholarships can be an extensive process. You may need to provide very detailed information about your education, work experience, extracurricular activities and volunteer work. All of these provide details about your experience, but they don’t necessarily tell the scholarship committee a lot about you as a person. Some scholarships applications may require you to write an autobiographical essay, also known as a personal essay. Take your time when writing this, as it often is the key determinant of whether you receive the scholarship.

Create an outline for your autobiographical essay. At the very least, include sections that describe your personal characteristics, activities you are involved in, your leadership experience, why you should be awarded the scholarship and what you plan to accomplish through your education.

Include details about your strengths and weaknesses when discussing your personal characteristics. Avoid demographic information and focus on your personality and what has built your character. Include obstacles you have overcome and how those challenges have helped shape you as a person.

Give details about the activities in which you are involved. You’ve probably listed these activities somewhere else in the application, but the essay gives you a chance to discuss the extent of your involvement and why these activities have special meaning to you.

Describe how and where you have demonstrated your leadership ability, such as in the classroom, in clubs, during sporting events or even within your family or circle of friends. Explain why you felt the need to take on a leadership role and what you learned from it.

Focus on your ability to be a positive role model and how you will contribute to society when discussing why you should receive the scholarship. The committee wants to see that the money will be put to good use through your education and ultimately, through your career path. Discuss any activities or volunteer work you’ve done that are related to your future career to demonstrate your passion and drive to succeed. Avoid talking about why you need the scholarship. Instead, focus on how you will use the scholarship funds if they are awarded to you.

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How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

autobiography examples for scholarships

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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autobiography examples for scholarships

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

autobiography examples for scholarships

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.

How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

As an admissions officer, I reviewed thousands of essays for students seeking admission and scholarships. The essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship application process–a strong essay can go a long way. However, with so much competition, it is important for your scholarship essay to stand out. That’s why it’s important for you to start a scholarship essay off right!

There are some very simple things that you can do to ensure that your essay is engaging from the very first sentence. In fact, beginning your essay with an exciting opening is one of the most important things you can do, because it will immediately distinguish your essay from the others. 

Keep on reading to learn more about how you can nail the very first sentence and start your essay off right!

Engage the reader with the first sentence

No matter what type of essay you are writing, you will want to ensure that the very first line grabs the attention of the reader. One of the biggest mistakes that students make when starting their essay is simply restating the prompt. This is bland and boring. 

Now, you might be wondering, “how do I engage the reader with the very first line of my essay?”. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this that are very simple to do. 

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Begin with dialogue

First, you could begin your essay with conversation. This can be an interesting and unexpected way to start your scholarship essay. Maybe someone asked you an unexpected question? Perhaps you were having an interesting conversation with a friend or family member? Either way, dialogue can be a powerful tool to start your essay.

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Put the reader in your shoes.

Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable. 

Also recommended: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Scholarship essay introduction example

Next,  we’ll look at a specific example of how you can open up your essay. Let’s say you are applying for the Questbridge scholarship program . One of the essays that you will be asked is:

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most influenced you. How are they shaping your future aspirations?

You might be tempted to rephrase the question and start your essay with something like:

“I have grown up in a rural context and this has formed my aspirations and allowed me to accomplish academic success…”

This is generic and will not engage your reader at all. 

Instead, what if you started off your essay with something like this:

“I look outside my bedroom window and see Henry, my favorite chicken, pecking at something in the dirt.” 

Makes a big difference, right? As a reader, you are probably wondering: why does this person have chickens outside their bedroom window? Why did they name this particular chicken Henry?

See also: Here are our top writing & essay scholarships for students!

Keep the ending of your essay in mind as you write the opening

While crafting your opening, be open to ideas about how to close your essay. There is no need to stress about the ending now, but being mindful of effective ways to end an essay is always a good idea. Say you are opening your scholarship essay with Henry the chicken. Is there a way for Henry to make an impactful appearance at the end of the essay to close things out in a way that perfectly wraps everything up? The key is for the essay ending to be meaningful and memorable for the reader. 

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If you can’t think of a “wow” scholarship essay beginning, keep writing!

Sometimes, we know what we want to say, point by point, but we are not ready to be creative when it comes to opening an essay. In that case, keep writing! There is always the option of going back and crafting an engaging opening after your essay is written. Simply write your main idea where the first paragraph would be to guide you as you write. After, go back when your creative juices are flowing, and craft the amazing opening (and closing) that your scholarship essay deserves!

Final thoughts

As shown, there are many questions that we as readers will have after reading an engaging essay opening such as the one just shared; We want to learn more about the student who is writing this essay. After all, as a writer trying to stand out in a pile of essays, that is our main goal. 

We hope that you have a better understanding of how to start a scholarship essay so you can maximize your chances of winning scholarships!

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is the go-to for all things college admissions and scholarships! Wondering how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay ? Curious how to write an essay about yourself ? Wow, do we have the resources to help! Additionally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you finance your college education. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors! 

Key Takeaways

  • The first sentence of the essay is what makes the reader want to continue reading 
  • Engage the reader by appealing to the senses
  • Create a sense of wonder in your essay, making the reader want to learn more about you
  • Keep the ending of the essay in mind as you craft the beginning

Frequently asked questions about how to start a scholarship essay

What is an essay hook, how long should my scholarship essay be.

autobiography examples for scholarships

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autobiography examples for scholarships

How to Write an Autobiography Fast

autobiography examples for scholarships

Writing your autobiography is like exploring a treasure trove of memories that make up your life. But starting can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you turn your experiences into a compelling story? Don't worry – this guide is here to help. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a total beginner, we'll break down the process of how to write your autobiography into easy-to-follow steps. Together, we'll uncover the magic of storytelling and turn your life into a captivating reflective essay that's uniquely yours. Get ready to start this adventure of self-discovery and creativity!

What Is an Autobiography

The autobiography definition explains it is a written account of a person's life penned by the individual who has lived those experiences. It is a personal narrative that chronicles significant events, reflections, and emotions throughout various stages of the author's life. Unlike a biography, which is typically written by someone else, an autobiography provides a firsthand perspective, allowing the author to share their thoughts, memories, and insights. It is a cogent medium for self-expression, enabling students to convey the essence of their unique journey, impart lessons learned, and leave a lasting record of their lives for themselves and others to explore.

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Autobiography vs. Biography: What’s the Difference

The key distinction between an autobiography and a biography lies in the authorship and perspective. An autobiography is a personal account of one's own life written by the subject themselves. It offers an intimate insight into the author's experiences, emotions, and reflections. For instance, in "The Diary of a Young Girl," Anne Frank provides a poignant autobiographical account of her life hiding from the Nazis during World War II. On the other hand, a biography is a narrative of someone's life written by another person. It often involves extensive research and interviews to present a comprehensive and objective view. A notable example is "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, a biography offering an in-depth portrayal of the Apple co-founder, drawing on interviews with Jobs himself and those who knew him. While both genres illuminate lives, the crucial difference lies in the source of the narrative – whether it emanates directly from the subject or is crafted by an external observer.

A biography vs autobiography offers distinct perspectives on individuals' lives, shaping narratives through either personal reflections or external observations. Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is a powerful autobiography chronicling her tumultuous childhood and journey toward self-discovery. In contrast, a notable biography like "Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of the Renaissance polymath, painting a vivid picture through meticulous research and analysis. Autobiographies often provide a deeply personal lens, as seen in "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, where Walls recounts her unconventional upbringing. In contrast, biographies such as "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand meticulously document the extraordinary life of Louis Zamperini, offering a comprehensive view shaped by the author's investigative work. These examples underscore the unique storytelling approaches each genre employs, either from the firsthand perspective of the subject or the external perspective of an author.

Autobiography Example

Ready to explore autobiography examples? We've got a cool section coming up where we'll check out two awesome examples. Autobiographies are like personal tours into someone's life, and we'll be looking at the stories of Alex Sterling and Trevor Noah. They've poured their experiences onto the pages, and we're going to see what we can learn from their journeys. Get ready to be inspired and maybe even think about telling your own story down the line. Let's dive in!

autobiography

Example 1: “Wanderer's Odyssey: The Uncharted Life of Alex Sterling”

This autobiography recounts the life of a character born in a bustling city who, driven by a thirst for adventure, leaves behind urban life to explore the open road. The narrative explores the protagonist's experiences of hitchhiking, forming connections, and finding self-discovery in the midst of the unpredictable journey. The story emphasizes the lessons learned from the road, the challenges faced, and the ultimate embrace of authenticity. The epilogue reflects on the character's life as a well-lived odyssey, highlighting themes of resilience, connection, and the pursuit of one's true identity.

Example 2: “Echoes of Eternity: The Memoirs of Amelia Reed”

This autobiography follows a character from a countryside village who harbors expansive dreams of adventure. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist sets out to pursue these dreams, facing trials and triumphs that shape their character and lead to self-discovery. The story emphasizes the transformative power of embracing the unknown, with the epilogue reflecting on a life well-lived, highlighting the legacy of fulfilled dreams and the enduring impact on future generations. In addition to examples, we have samples of narrative essay topics that might be useful for you as well.

Tell your story with EssayPro . Our skilled writers can help you craft an autobiography that truly reflects your journey. Share your unique experiences and life lessons in a way that resonates with readers.

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Autobiography Elements Explained

Writing an autobiography provides a personal account of one's experiences, achievements, challenges, and personal growth. While each autobiography is unique, certain common elements are often found in this genre:

Introduction

  • Autobiographies typically begin with an introduction where the author sets the stage for their life story.
  • It may include background information such as birthplace, family, and early experiences.

Birth and Early Years

  • Authors often include details about their birth, childhood, and family background.
  • Early influences, relationships, and experiences that shaped the individual may be highlighted.

Significant Life Events

  • Autobiographies focus on key events and milestones that have had a significant impact on the author's life.
  • This could include achievements, failures, relationships, and other impactful experiences.

Challenges and Obstacles

  • Autobiographies explore the challenges and obstacles the author faced throughout their life.
  • This can include personal struggles, professional setbacks, or other difficulties.

Personal Growth and Development

  • Authors reflect on their personal growth and development over the years.
  • This may involve self-discovery, learning from experiences, and evolving perspectives.

Achievements and Milestones

  • Autobiographies highlight the author's achievements, whether personal, professional, or both.
  • Major milestones and successes are often detailed to showcase the individual's journey.

Influential Relationships

  • Autobiographies frequently discuss relationships with family, friends, mentors, and significant others.
  • The impact of these relationships on the author's life is explored.

Reflection and Insight

  • Authors often reflect on their lives, offering insights into their beliefs, values, and lessons learned.
  • This section may also include the author's perspective on the world and society.

Themes and Motifs

  • Autobiographies may explore recurring themes or motifs that run throughout the individual's life.
  • Common themes include resilience, determination, love, loss, and personal identity.
  • Autobiographies typically conclude with a summary or reflection on the author's life.
  • The author may share their current perspective and future aspirations.

Writing Style

  • The writing style can vary, ranging from a formal tone to a more conversational and reflective approach.
  • Authors may use literary devices and storytelling techniques to engage readers.

Remember that autobiographies are highly personal, and the structure and emphasis on different elements can vary widely depending on the author's preferences and purpose for writing.

Autobiographical Essay Structure

Autobiographies typically follow a chronological order, beginning with the author's early life and progressing towards the present or a significant moment. The introduction sets the stage, introducing the author and offering insight into the main themes. As you can see in an autobiography example, the narrative then unfolds, exploring the author's significant life events, challenges faced, and personal growth. Achievements and milestones are highlighted, and the impact of influential relationships is examined. Throughout, recurring themes and motifs add depth to the narrative. In the reflection and insight section, the author shares personal lessons learned and beliefs. The conclusion summarizes the autobiography, reflecting on the author's life and future aspirations.

Autobiographical Essay Structure

Learning how to start an autobiography involves captivating the reader's attention while providing context. Authors often employ engaging anecdotes, vivid descriptions, or thought-provoking statements related to the overarching theme of their lives. The goal is to draw readers in from the beginning and establish a connection between the author and the audience. In the introduction, authors can introduce themselves to the reader. This can be done by sharing a captivating snapshot of their life or posing a question that intrigues the audience. The autobiography introduction sets the tone for the entire narrative, providing a glimpse into the themes and events that will be explored in the autobiography.

The autobiography conclusion offers the culmination of the author's life story. Here, authors often summarize the key points and experiences shared throughout the narrative. It is a moment of reflection, where the author can offer insights into the significance of their journey and the lessons learned along the way. The conclusion may also touch on the author's current perspective, providing a sense of closure to the narrative while leaving room for future aspirations and growth.

Literary Forms of Autobiography

Autobiographies, while generally a non-fiction genre, can take on various literary forms and styles. Here are some literary forms commonly found in autobiographical works:

Traditional Autobiography

  • The straightforward narrative of an individual's life, which is usually written by the person themselves. It follows a chronological order, covering significant events and experiences.
  • Similar to an autobiography but often focusing on specific themes, periods, or aspects of the author's life rather than a comprehensive account. Memoirs often delve into personal reflections and emotions.

Diary or Journal Form

  • Some autobiographies adopt the form of a diary or journal, presenting the author's life through dated entries. This format provides a more immediate and personal perspective.

Epistolary Autobiography

  • Written in the form of letters, an epistolary autobiography may consist of the author addressing themselves or others. This style adds an intimate and conversational tone to the narrative.

Graphic Novel or Comic Memoir

  • Autobiographical stories are presented in a graphic novel or comic format. Visual elements complement the written narrative, providing a unique and engaging way to convey personal experiences.

Experimental or Nonlinear Autobiography

  • Some authors choose to play with the chronological order, presenting their life story non-linearly. This experimental approach can create a more artistic and challenging reading experience.

Biographical Fiction

  • While not entirely autobiographical, some authors write fictionalized versions of their own lives. It allows for creative exploration and artistic liberties while drawing inspiration from real experiences.

Travelogue Autobiography

  • Autobiographies that take on the form of a travelogue often focus on the author's journeys, both physical and metaphorical. The narrative is shaped by the places visited and the impact of these experiences on personal growth.

Essayistic Autobiography

  • Autobiographies that incorporate elements of essays, exploring themes, ideas, and reflections on the author's life. This form allows for a more contemplative and philosophical approach.

Collaborative Autobiography

  • Co-written autobiographies involve collaboration between the autobiographical subject and a professional writer. It is common when the subject may not be a writer but has a compelling story to share.

These literary forms highlight the versatility of autobiographical writing, showcasing how authors can creatively shape their life stories to engage readers in various ways. Are you working on other academic assignments? Use our term paper writing services to put your finger on any pending task at hand quickly and for a reasonable price.

How to Write an Autobiography in 5 Steps

Writing an autobiography can be a rewarding and reflective process. Here's a simplified guide in 5 steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Reflection and Brainstorming

Begin by reflecting on your life, considering important events, challenges, and moments of growth. Make a mental inventory of key experiences and people who have influenced you.

Step 2: Establish a Focus

Choose a central theme or focus for your autobiography. This could be a specific period of your life, a significant achievement, or a recurring theme that ties your experiences together. Having a clear focus will guide your writing.

Step 3: Create a Chronological Outline

Develop a rough chronological outline of your life story, starting from your early years and progressing through significant events to the present or another crucial point. Identify key moments and experiences to include in each section.

Step 4: Write with Detail and Emotion

An important aspect of how to write an autobiography for college is appealing to emotion. As you delve into each body paragraph, share your story with vivid details. Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life for the reader. Infuse your writing with emotion, allowing readers to connect with the depth of your personal journey.

Step 5: Conclude Reflectively

In the concluding section, summarize the key aspects of your life story. Reflect on the significance of your journey, the lessons you've learned, and how you've grown. Provide insights into your current perspective and aspirations for the future, bringing your autobiography to a thoughtful conclusion.

Writing Techniques to Use in an Autobiography

When you write an autobiography, the process involves employing various techniques to make the narrative engaging, evocative, and compelling. Here are some tips for writing autobiography commonly used in autobiographies:

Descriptive Language

  • Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a detailed picture of events, people, and settings. Engage the reader's senses to create a more immersive experience.
  • Incorporate dialogue to bring conversations to life. Direct quotes can provide authenticity and convey the personalities of the people involved.

Show, Don't Tell

  • Instead of merely stating facts, show the emotions and experiences through actions, reactions, and sensory details. 

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

  • Employ flashbacks to delve into past events and foreshadowing to create anticipation about future developments. 

Metaphors and Similes

  • Use metaphors and similes to enhance descriptions and convey complex emotions. Comparisons can make abstract concepts more relatable.
  • Integrate symbols and motifs that hold personal significance. This adds depth to the narrative and can be a thematic thread throughout the autobiography.

Humor and Wit

  • Infuse your writing with humor and wit when appropriate. 
  • Introduce suspense by strategically withholding information or revealing key details at crucial moments. 

First-Person Perspective

  • Utilize the first-person point of view to offer a direct and personal connection between the author and the reader. 

Dramatic Irony

  • Introduce dramatic irony by revealing information to the reader that the author may not have known at the time.

Parallelism

  • Create parallel structures within the narrative, drawing connections between different periods, events, or themes in your life. 

Experimenting with different styles can make your story more engaging and memorable for readers. If you haven’t used these techniques in your paper, simply say, ‘ edit my essay ,’ and our experts will imbue stylistic and creative devices in your document to increase its scholarly value.

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography

Working on an autobiography can be incredibly beneficial on a personal level. When you take the time to reflect on your life and put it into words, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It's like a journey of self-discovery where you uncover patterns, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are. This process not only promotes self-awareness but can also help you grow and bounce back from tough times. Writing about challenging moments can be a therapeutic release, allowing you to confront and make sense of your experiences, leading to emotional healing.

On a broader scale, sharing your life story through an autobiography has its impact. It becomes a piece of history, offering insights into the times you've lived through, the culture around you, and societal changes. Your personal narrative connects you with others, creating empathy and understanding. Autobiographies often inspire people by showing that it's possible to overcome challenges, find purpose, and navigate the ups and downs of life. By sharing your story, you become a part of the larger human experience, contributing to a rich tapestry of diverse stories that help us better understand the shared journey of being human. Order an essay or any other type of task to streamline your educational progress is only a few clicks.

Best Piece of Advice for Making Your Autobiography Spot-on

The most valuable advice on how to write an autobiography is to infuse authenticity into every word. Be genuine, raw, and honest about your experiences, emotions, and growth. Readers connect deeply with authenticity, and it's what makes your story uniquely yours. Don't shy away from expressing vulnerability, as it adds a human touch and makes your narrative relatable. Share the highs and lows, the triumphs and struggles, with sincerity, and let your true self shine through. This honesty not only enhances the impact of your autobiography but also contributes to a more profound connection between you and your readers, creating an authentic and memorable narrative. Here are additional tips for bringing your autobiography assignment up to par:

  • Essential Details. Focus on key moments that significantly contribute to your story, avoiding unnecessary details.
  • Thematic Cohesion. Introduce and explore recurring themes to add depth and coherence to your narrative.
  • Authentic Expression. Embrace your unique voice, personality, and storytelling style to create an authentic connection with readers.
  • Dialogue and Monologue. Use genuine dialogue and inner monologue to provide insights into your thoughts and emotions during pivotal moments.
  • Symbolic Elements. Incorporate symbolic imagery or metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
  • Strategic Foreshadowing. Use foreshadowing purposefully, providing subtle hints that contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
  • Reflective Closure. Conclude your autobiography with a reflective summary that offers insights into the broader significance of your journey.

Our essay writers know many more tips regarding all possible types of academic tasks. If you ever find yourself in writer’s block, not knowing how to tackle any particular assignment, let us know!

Final Words

If you want to understand how to write a good autobiography, think of it as painting a vivid picture of your life for others to see. It's about being real, digging deep into your memories, and choosing the moments that really matter. Let your personality shine through in your writing – be yourself because that's what makes your story unique. Weave in themes that tie everything together, and use storytelling techniques like dialogue and symbolism to make your narrative come alive. And as you reach the end, leave your readers with some food for thought – a reflection on the bigger lessons learned from your journey. If you ever need assistance with this or any other college assignment, use our research paper services without hesitation.

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Hello! I'm applying for a scholarship, and part of the application requires me to submit a professional biography. Can anyone give me tips or examples on how to create a solid professional bio that might help me secure this scholarship? Thank you!

Hello! Writing a professional biography for a scholarship application is a great opportunity to showcase your achievements, skills, and future goals. Here are some tips and a brief outline to help you create a compelling professional bio:

1. Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence: Begin by introducing yourself with a strong statement that encapsulates your background, current situation, or a key achievement that relates to the scholarship. For example, "As a passionate environmental activist, I have dedicated my high school years to promoting sustainability and inspiring change within my community."

2. Highlight your education and academic achievements: Briefly mention your current or most recent educational institution, major or area of study, and any significant awards or honors you've received. Again, ideally your discussion of your background should clearly connect to the scholarship. For instance, "Currently a senior at XYZ High School, I'm an honors student who's ranked in the top 5% of my class and a proud recipient of the ABC Science Award."

3. Showcase your extracurricular activities and leadership roles: Share experiences where you've demonstrated leadership, initiative, or a strong work ethic in school clubs, community projects, or internships, to show your broader commitment to the topic you're focusing on. For example, "In addition to serving as the president of the school's Environmental Club, I have also volunteered over 300 hours at the local recycling center and led a successful river cleanup project in my town."

4. Mention your passions and career goals: Provide insight into what drives you, your long-term goals, and how the scholarship will specifically help you achieve them. For instance, "My passion for environmental conservation has led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, with the ultimate goal of working for a nonprofit organization focused on combating climate change. Receiving this scholarship would be a crucial step towards realizing this dream, as receiving funding for summer research would allow me to start figuring out early which services I want my nonprofit to provide."

5. End with a personal touch: Conclude your bio with a statement that reinforces your motivation for applying for the scholarship and gratitude for being considered. For example, "I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, as it would not only help me achieve my educational and career goals but also allow me to give back to my community and contribute to protecting our planet for future generations."

Remember to keep your professional bio concise (usually around 150-200 words, but make sure to check this specific scholarship's requirements/suggestions) and focus on what sets you apart from other applicants. Tailor it to the specific scholarship and make sure it reflects your genuine interests and aspirations. Good luck with your application!

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Autobiography Examples for Students That are Seriously Inspiring

An autobiography is one of the most important essays for students aspiring to get admitted into a college of their choice. Here is an article that will give you some examples and also tips on how you can write one for yourself.

Autobiography Examples for Students

As a student, an autobiography is usually essential when applying to colleges for higher studies. It may be the deciding factor for our admission. Hence, you have to make sure it provides those details of your life that are not visible in your grades, your application, and your letters of recommendation. Those details that inspired you to study what you have applied for, that have affected your life in some way, and have contributed to you becoming the person you are today, are expected in this essay. The examples provided here will help you develop a good autobiographical essay.

Examples of Autobiographical Essays

Aspiring to be an eco-friend.

What would we do without water? A question to which answers range from “drink coke” to just “die”. No one mentions the part in between: the long wait, which includes making the most of the little water you get, however muddy and mucky it is, and finally giving up hope, and then dying.

I come from India, a land that is as urban as it is rural, a land that is as advanced as it is behind the times. India is a country where one part of the city gets non-stop running and drinking water, while another has to wait for water; water, that is imperative to the sustenance of all human beings. While I was lucky enough to belong to the part of the city where we were blessed with continuous water supply, it is a school assignment that took me to the other side.

Our assignment merely involved spending a day in a slum and writing about our experience. But what I had there was not a mere experience, it was the facing of a harsh reality that slum-dwellers experience every single day. As we entered the area, my eyes caught a long line of women waiting with containers at a common tap, for water which was supplied only between 1 pm and 2 pm every day. Within one hour, water was to be collected for 500 slum-dwellers, which was to suffice for drinking, eating, bathing, and cleaning. I watched in horror as women ran to the front, trying to catch every drop of water and leaving disappointed because they didn’t make it in time. One of those women began weeping, because she had an ailing child at home, and she couldn’t even provide him with enough water to take care of him. I offered her the bottle of water I was carrying for myself, which obviously was not enough, but could be used for temporary relief. As I followed her home, I saw her son, writhing in pain and waiting for water so he could take his medicine. The cause of his illness was the muddy water that he had consumed a couple of days ago because that day, no water was provided to the slum. She went to him and took him in her lap, and gave him a sip of water from the bottle I had given her, with the medicine. It helped, but it was not enough. It was too late. As he writhed in pain, she and I watched helplessly. He succumbed within half an hour.

On that day I decided that I would do anything it took to prevent an individual from dying because of lack of water. I would make sure that people understand the importance of preserving and utilizing water resourcefully. It is with this burning desire that I apply for the environmental studies course at your esteemed university. It is every citizen’s responsibility to do their bit to help the environment and its richest resource, water. However, someone has to do more than their bit, and I aspire to be one of them. I want to ensure that first I, and then the world understands the value of every drop of water we drink, bathe with, wash our clothes with, and use to throw water balloons at others.

I request you to go through my academic profile and consider my request for admission to your prestigious course. I assure you that I will not fail your decision.

The Healer of Little Minds

Change is inevitable in everyone’s life. But when it comes at the age of 10, particularly when you have led a sheltered life, you don’t know how to deal with it; more so, when the person who sheltered you has gone. I am an only child, and I was hardly close to my mother. When my father passed away, she had no one but me, and I no one but her. That was one of the biggest changes I had to deal with at that time – the loss of my father, and building a real relationship with my mother. It wasn’t easy for her either; after all she also lost the person who sheltered her and did an exceedingly good job at that.

She had to take care of me, ensure that I didn’t falter at any point in life because “she couldn’t take care of me single-handedly”, and take care of herself so she could fulfill her duties as my mother and my father. I didn’t know how I could help, except try to give her faith about the fact that I would turn out just fine. I missed my father, but I couldn’t talk to her about it, because if I did, it would hurt her more; it would make her doubt her abilities as a parent. But I did wish there was someone I could talk to; someone who would understand without judging me or my mother, someone who could tell me what to do when I felt I was inadequate. Insecurities are a part of every child’s life, but everyone deals with them differently. Some suppress their emotions, others vent them openly. I resorted to the former.

I wonder if my life would be different if I spoke to someone and did things differently, if I relied on someone’s judgment other than mine. I can’t change the past, but I do know that I can be that person that hears out children and their insecurities, and analyze how grown-up they are irrespective of their age. I am aware that child psychology is not merely about helping children cope with the loss of a parent. It involves a lot more, a deep look into the minds of children that we consider to be so little, but who are as disturbed or worse than those of adults. I understand the need for children to express themselves outside the family, without being pressured to live up to what their families have dreamed for them. I understand that they need to be allowed a channel for their emotions and why they suppress those channels. And I want to be that person they can talk to, the person who will listen, understand, and help mold their lives differently, for the better.

I have a strong affinity for children, which is evident from the fact that I have been babysitting for neighbors and relatives since I was in my early teens. Children open up to me quite easily, and that makes it all the simpler for me to communicate with them. As of now, I can only give you my word that I will do my best as a student of the course in child psychology offered by your university. I request you to consider my application and grant me admission to the course, a decision that I assure you will not regret.

Beauty is Truth, Truth is Beauty

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas

This quote sums up beautifully what I believe about art. Those who create art know the kind of enriching experience it provides. Art changes a person, and that is the change I experienced when I chanced upon a graphic designing project for an assignment in school. It may sound trivial, even silly, but just about anything can be a window to a whole new world, and a whole new career.

Making diagrams was never fun, but when I realized that I could do it in a more efficient manner on a computer than by hand, I jumped at the idea. This was definitely simpler, and in the process, I realized I could do so much more with a simple software. I could create so much more. So much did my passion for “playing with the software” increase, that I started using it to create a host of unique graphics. This led to me designing a wedding invitation for my sister’s wedding, which surprisingly, the entire family liked and approved. Since then, I have been taking up several projects where I create traditional, eclectic, and contemporary invitations for various occasions. This simple process gives me a kind of pleasure no other activity gives me. The experience of creating something so special for someone whom it means so much to is exhilarating.

This is why I wish to hone my skills as a graphic designer. While art as a whole is easy to embrace, it is the little technical details that refine it and make it the beauty it is. I am confident that my basic knowledge of the art will serve as a solid foundation for my career in this field. My style is simple; I find beauty in simplicity and like to maintain it so. I believe that the lesser there is to focus on, the easier it is to embrace the wholeness of a piece of art. My attached portfolio will display exactly what I am capable of doing, and how much I am capable of learning. I hope this provides a suitable base on which you will grant me admission to the course in graphic designing in your prestigious institute.

Tips for Students to Write a Good Autobiography

Every college receives a thousand applications each academic year that it has to process. This also means they receive autobiographies in the same number. Yours must be worth a read.

  • Avoid clichés. Talk about experiences that have inspired you to take the decision to apply for a particular course.
  • You may be extremely passionate about studying something, but if that passion doesn’t reflect in your autobiography, you may be overlooked. You must explicitly portray your love for the particular field and how as a graduate in that subject, you can make a real difference.
  • Start with a high-impact sentence and make sure the rest of your essay justifies the impact you create in the beginning. Avoid mentioning your name, age, and place of birth unless it is imperative to the experience you are going to talk about.
  • Your autobiography should portray your growth and development as a student as well as a human being. It should be a window to your personality for the reader.
  • While all your experiences may not be positive, the lessons your learn from them should. Conclude on a positive note explaining why you deserve to be a part of that particular course.
  • Don’t forget to edit your essay thoroughly. Have it read by different people of different age groups and backgrounds so that they can give you their feedback and you can improvise.

The key to writing a good autobiographical essay is to let your thoughts flow rather than put them in a fixed format. It is only then that you will be able to evoke emotion in the reader and help him feel the way you do about your career.

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Autobiography Examples

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Autobiography Examples: Inspiration & Guidelines to Get You Started

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Autobiography Examples

Writing an autobiography can be a daunting task. It's hard to know where to start and how to organize your thoughts into something meaningful. 

You don't want the process of writing your life story to take forever, but you also want it to be well-crafted and engaging for readers. 

Autobiography Examples make it easy! 

Our free, downloadable templates provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to write a compelling autobiography that will capture the attention of your audience. 

With our resources, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips so that creating an amazing autobiography is simple and hassle-free!

Read the blog to get some free and downloadable examples for your help.

Autobiography Examples

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is the story of a person’s life, written by that person. 

It is a first-person account of an individual’s life experiences and it can also be referred to as a memoir. 

Autobiographies tell stories about people who have lived through important events in history. They made meaningful contributions to society or reached notable level of success. 

Types of Autobiography

Let’s take a look at some common types of autobiographical writing . 

1. Traditional Autobiography 

The traditional autobiography is a detailed chronological account of someone's life, written by them. 

This type of autobiography usually contains information about major events and accomplishments, as well as everyday experiences.

2. Memoir vs Autobiography

A memoir is similar to a traditional autobiography in that it documents someone's life experiences. 

However, it focuses more closely on specific moments or topics in order to capture a particular mood or tell an individual story. 

Memoirs often include themes such as overcoming adversity or coming-of-age stories. They also tend to be more conversational and less formal than traditional autobiographies. 

3. Personal Essay 

Personal essays tend to draw connections between seemingly unrelated topics in order to create meaning for the reader. 

In some cases, these essays may contain elements of memoir; however, the main focus is on ideas rather than events. 

4. Confessional Story 

Finally, confessional stories are raw accounts of difficult times in an author’s life. They offer insights into how they overcame those struggles and/or what they learned from them. 

This type of writing tends to be more emotionally vulnerable than other forms of autobiographical writing. 

Autobiography Outline - Samples

Academic or professional writing must follow and adhere to a proper structure in order to arrange the information. And, as the preferred method of structuring material, an outline is the best way to do it. It aids in the organization of your information and its arrangement into a logical format.

Here is a sample autobiography format to help you get started.

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Autobiography Outline Sample for College

Autobiography Sample for Students

An autobiography is a narrative of one's life.

Even if you believe that your life story isn't very interesting, following the typical structure might help you make it engaging.

The following example of an autobiography for students will assist you in formatting your own.

Autobiography Outline Example

Short Autobiography for Students - Example

Here's an example of a student's short life history. Take the time to read it through and learn how to construct a great brief biography.

High School Autobiography - Example

Here is a helpful sample to help you get started with your high-school autobiography assignment.

Spiritual Autobiography for College Students - Example

Spiritual autobiographies are stories written by people who have a deep spiritual connection. Have a look at the following spiritual autobiography sample to gain some insight into how one person's life is spiritually influenced.

Cultural Autobiography for Class 6

Cultural autobiographies are different from the traditional kind of autobiography. It is mainly because the writer narrates his cultural status and identity. He tells the readers about how culture influenced his life experiences and life events.

Here is a sample to help you know more and better.

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7 

Biographies are a great way to learn about the lives of important people. They provide insight into their successes and challenges, as well as inspiration for others. 

Here are some examples of autobiographies that could be suitable for Grade 7 students to read.

Autobiography Examples for Grade 7

Funny Autobiography Examples for Kids 

Biographies and autobiographies are considered dull and flat, but this is not the case. You may make your tale compelling as well as amusing. Learn how to create a funny autobiography by studying this example.

Funny Autobiography for Kids - Example

Personal Narrative Autobiography - Examples

The personal narrative essay is a type of autobiography that provides a full picture and story of a person’s life. The following personalized narrative autobiography shows how to create one.

Autobiography Examples in Literature

Autobiographies are often found in literature, as authors may choose to tell their own life stories.  They can be powerful and inspiring tools for readers to gain a greater understanding of themselves and others. 

Check out this  list of some of the greatest autobiographies in literature:

Autobiography Example in Literature

Educational Autobiography Examples 

Educational autobiography examples can provide insight into the educational experiences of an individual. It can also provide a glimpse into how they have grown and developed over time.  

These autobiographies are often used in college admissions essays, scholarship applications, or job interviews.

Here is an example of  an educational autobiography written by a college student:

Educational Autobiography Examples 

Social Class Autobiography Examples 

Understanding the effects of social class on an individual’s life experience can be difficult to grasp. 

Here are some examples of social class autobiographies that illustrate ways in which social class has impacted various people's lives.

Social Class Autobiography Examples 

Famous Autobiography - Examples

Autobiographies are usually about famous people or historical figures. Benjamin Franklin's unfinished notes, for example, chronicle his life in considerable detail, as do his outstanding achievements and other information.

Autobiography Examples About Yourself 

Writing an autobiography about yourself can be a great way to tell your story and provide a keepsake for future generations. 

It’s also a chance to reflect on the experiences that have shaped who you are today. 

Start writing your biography by using our examples as a reference point to provide a vivid picture of your life experiences. 

Autobiography Examples About Yourself

How to Start an Autobiography? 

Let's dive into the basics of how to get started with your own autobiography. 

  • Choose Your Topic Carefully: Before you begin writing, ask yourself why you want to write an autobiography in the first place. Chances are, there is some event or experience in your life that has inspired you. 

Make sure the topic of your autobiography is something that is both interesting and meaningful to you. 

  • Brainstorm Ideas and Outline Your Story: Once you’ve settled on a topic, it’s time to start putting all of your thoughts together into a coherent story. 

Start by brainstorming ideas related to your chosen topic. You might even want to create a mind map or timeline so that you can focus on the bigger picture. 

How to Write an Autobiography

Now that you have outlined what will be included in your story, it’s time for the fun part—writing! 

  • Begin by introducing yourself and then jump right into the narrative portion of your autobiography. 
  • Tell readers about different events from throughout your life as if they were happening in real time. 
  • Don’t forget details like names, places, dates, emotions, conversations—these are all important elements that make up a good story! 

Here is an example to assist you.

Revise and Edit Your Work

Once you have finished writing your story, it’s important to go back through it. Make sure everything makes sense and flows properly from one paragraph or section to the next. 

Don't forget also check for grammar mistakes! 

After everything looks perfect give it one final read-through before submitting it or sending it off for publishing!

If you want a detailed guidance on how to write an autobiography, you can check out this video of reference!

Do's and Don'ts of a Biography

  • Research thoroughly about the subject of your biography and check facts carefully before including them in your narrative.
  • Use vivid and descriptive language to draw readers in and make them feel like they are there with the subject of the biography.
  • Make sure that the language of your biography is appropriate for the intended audience. 
  • Use quotes from people who knew the subject to add depth and authenticity to the story. 
  • Include important dates, timelines, and other details that help readers understand the subject's life more fully.

Don'ts: 

  • Don’t include too much detail or irrelevant information as this can distract from the main story and bore your readers. 
  • Don’t present your own opinions or feelings about the subject of the biography. Keep your narrative unbiased and objective.
  • Don’t use language that is overly flowery or dramatic. A straightforward and accurate writing style is generally more effective in biographies. 
  • Avoid using cliches or overused phrases as these can make your writing seem unoriginal and formulaic.
  • Don’t include information about the subject that could be considered private or sensitive. Respect their privacy and only use information that is publicly available. 

Starting Phrases for a Biography 

Here are some starting  phrases to help you begin writing a biography:

1. Born and raised in ________, I have always been passionate about _______.

2. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ______ and ______.

3. After completing my education at ______, I decided to pursue a career in _______.

4. From that point on, I dedicated myself to mastering the ____ and honing my skills in ______.

5. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects that have allowed me to hone my ______ abilities.

6. My greatest accomplishment to date is _______, which has been a huge source of personal pride and satisfaction for me.

7. I am constantly striving to learn more, grow and develop my skills in the areas of _______ and ________.

8. I believe that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible and this drives me to continue pushing myself every day. 

9. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that through my work, I can make an impact on the world around me. 

10. I am constantly exploring new ideas and ways to bring my vision to life and help others realize their potential. 

In final words,

We hope that the examples and samples given in the blog have provided enough guidance for your work. Download them and use them as templates to write a great autobiography.

In case of any confusion, work with our essay writers here at MyPerfectPaper.net . 

Professional writers at our platform are always here to help you. Our paper writer service works 24/7 to ensure a top grade for everyone.

So hire a paper writer today and let us handle your writing woes!

Cordon J.

Law, Education

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

POSTED ON Oct 25, 2023

Nicole Ahlering

Written by Nicole Ahlering

So you’re ready to write an autobiography ! Congratulations; this can be a gratifying personal project. And just like any creative endeavor, it’s a great idea to start by getting inspired. 

In this article, we’re sharing 15 stellar autobiography examples to get your wheels turning. We’ll also share some need-to-know info on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll leave you with a list of catchy ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

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In this article, we'll explore:

What are the different types of autobiographies .

As it turns out, there are many different ways to write a book about yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a chronological account of your entire life. Or you can write a memoir , which zeroes in on specific themes or time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be composed of individual personal essays, or you can blend your autobiography with literary techniques to create a piece of creative nonfiction . 

There are graphic autobiographies that use comics or other combinations of images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can simply publish an edited version of your journal or diary . 

You can write a travelog that documents your life through your adventures or blend elements of your life with made-up stories to create autobiographical fiction . 

When it comes to sharing your life story, there are few rules!

How can I lay out my autobiography? 

Did you know there are multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is to put it in chronological order . But you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order or even jump around in time .

Here are a few other layouts to consider: 

  • Thematic or topical . As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes that emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather than by time. 
  • Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great way to create some excitement and intrigue in your life story.
  • Cyclical structure. Is there one event that you feel defined your life story? Why not try circling back to it throughout your book? This can be an interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you need a little more help laying out your autobiography, we have free autobiography templates and free book templates to help you. 

Related: 50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to get your creative juices flowing? Here are some examples of autobiography to add to your reading list. 

1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Autobiography Examples-The Diary Of A Young Girl

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, is an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of a young girl who is hiding during the Holocaust, aspiring writers will find inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions and candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda 

Autobiography Examples-Autobiography Of A Yogi

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s spiritual journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how to blend the recounting of events with spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

Autobiography Examples-The Long Walk To Freedom

The former South African president wrote this stunning autobiography about his struggle against apartheid, his imprisonment, and his presidency. Aspiring autobiography writers who want to write a book about social change should read this one. 

4. The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi

Autobiography Examples-The Story Of My Experiments With Truth

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance through his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for the way it weaves stories of personal growth into a larger narrative of social change. 

5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Autobiography Examples-I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings explores her coming-of-age experience amidst racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired by her vivid language. 

6. The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller

Autobiography Examples-The Story Of My Life

Keller details her remarkable life as a deaf and blind person, sharing intimate details about her education and advocacy work. Aspiring writers will benefit from reading Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating the world through touch.

7. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

Autobiography Examples-The Autobiography Of Malcolm X

This autobiography, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from his youth through his adulthood as a prominent activist in the civil rights movement. Read this one to learn tips and tricks for writing about your personal evolution. 

8. The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Autobiography Examples-The Story Of My Life

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil libertarian and prominent American Lawyer in this enlightening autobiography. Writers should read this one to learn how to build a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

Autobiography Examples-Born A Crime

South African comedian, television host, and political commentator Trevor Noah wrote this autobiography detailing his upbringing during apartheid in South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking to infuse humor into their autobiographies—even when writing about heavy subjects . 

10. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Autobiography Examples-I Am Malala

In her autobiography, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and sometimes terrifying journey advocating for equal education for girls. If you want to write your own autobiography, read this one first to learn how to bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Autobiography Examples-The Hiding Place

Boom’s autobiography shares the harrowing story of her family’s efforts to hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II. Writers should read this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her life story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie 

Autobiography Examples-Agatha Christie: An Autobiography

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie took time away from her suspenseful novels to write a book about herself. If you plan to write an autobiography, read Christie’s first to learn how to build a sense of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 by Bob Dylan 

Autobiography Examples-Chronicles Volume 1

If you’re an artist writing your autobiography, you’ll be inspired by Dylan’s. It shares his unique perspective on the creative process in music and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your artistic vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

Autobiography Examples-When Breath Becomes Air

This well-known autobiography may make you cry, but it’s well worth the read. Written by a surgeon as he faces a terminal illness, it’s a must-read for any author exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama 

Autobiography Examples-Dreams From My Father

This autobiography by the former U.S. president is a great read for anyone aspiring to write an autobiography that intertwines their personal story with a larger societal and political narrative. 

  • 31 Best Autobiographies
  • 30 Celebrity Autobiographies

What is a catchy autobiography introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of a new project is getting started. If you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good opener, here are some angles to consider: 

  • Start by describing a childhood dream and how it influenced your journey. 
  • Open with a letter to your younger self.
  • Share a formative childhood memory. 
  • Start with a thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
  • Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie it to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and so many wonderful resources, there’s never been a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a few books on this list, you’re not sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up for a book consultation to get started.

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How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples

You’re probably thinking: I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Steve Jobs—what could I possibly write in my memoir? I don’t even know how to start an autobiography, let alone write the whole thing.

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But don’t worry: essay writing can be easy, and this autobiography example for students is here to show you that memoir writing can be easy and even exciting. Every person, whether famous or not, is unique and has a story worth sharing. All you need to do now is scroll down the page and enjoy this amazing sample autobiography, as well as some related practical hints.

👨‍🎓️ A Student Autobiography Example

📚 more autobiography examples for students.

  • 💡 Autobiography Ideas

😕 How to Start an Autobiography

🔗 references.

An autobiography is the story of your own life . Even if you think you don’t have much to include in your memoir, you can still make it quite interesting.

Bill Gates claims that he always tries to find a lazy person to do a difficult job. Why? Because a lazy person will look for an easy way to do it! That’s why we found a lazy but smart student to write a short autobiography example, and now we’ll share the easiest ways to do it with you. Feel free to use it as an autobiography example outline .

Below is a student autobiography sample with subheadings. Remember: it doesn’t have to be exactly as shown in the examples. They’re rather to show you the right path to be moving towards. Also, if something in your writing needs fixing, don’t hesitate to use a phrase reworder .

My Childhood

Not sure how to make an autobiography introduction? Why not start from the very beginning? Writing about your early years is the easiest and most logical start for an autobiography.

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I was born on a cold winter night, when even time seemed to stand still, in my native Bennington, Oklahoma. I do not remember much of my early childhood, but my mom said I was a very active, curious, and communicative child. I would ask dozens of questions each minute, even without waiting for the answers. I suppose this is why my parents offered me books and educational movies as early as my third birthday.

In the next part of your autobiography essay, describe yourself in a few words. It does not necessarily need to be too creative. You can take a short learning style quiz and put the information you’ll find out into your autobiography. It will be quite a unique addition. And don’t forget to make a smooth transition from the previous part!

Fortunately, my thirst for knowledge did not come to an end when I was at school. I was passionate about history and science. This passion helped me gain a profound knowledge of these areas, and I was admitted to the college of my dreams. Today, I am a student at a law school, and I feel very happy about it.

An old saying goes, “A life with a goal is a life that is whole.” Be positive and show everyone that your life is whole.

I am certain that my degree will become my ticket to a better tomorrow. I want to become a renowned lawyer in the field of employment legislation. I study hard and devote my free time to reading scholarly reviews and watching interviews with recognized specialists in the field.

My Ups and Downs

This part aims to show that you are capable of analyzing your experiences and learning valuable lessons.

Of course, I understand that life is not just a bed of roses, and challenges and hardships are an integral element of life. Since my parents could not help me cover my college expenses in full, paying off my student loan has become an important challenge for me. I combine a part-time job and full-time study to earn my living and my education. I feel triumphant at the beginning of every month when I receive my salary and plan how I will spend my money.

Autobiography Conclusion

In this part of your autobiographical essay, you want to establish the main lesson to take away from your story. In other words, what’s remarkable about your story?

I have come to believe that two main factors determine success. The first is a person’s determination and will to succeed. Are you ready to make sacrifices to achieve your goal, like working and studying at the same time? Are you prepared to recover after failure and proceed to your goal again? Without strong internal motivation, it is nearly impossible to become successful. Equally important is the support of people around you. Being determined to succeed does not mean alienating everyone and stepping on other people to achieve your goal. On the contrary, success is about recognizing your weaknesses and accepting support from people who genuinely want to help you. For instance, if it were not for my parents’ support of my educational endeavors, I might not be attending law school today.

Would you call this student an inspirational leader like Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King, Jr. ? In all honesty, no. He may be an interesting and nice person, but he hasn’t left such a mark on history as some other people have—at least not yet.

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But can you learn something from his story? Most definitely.

The autobiography example above is suitable for both college and high school students.

In case you still lack the inspiration to write your memoir, you can always come to our experts, who will help you structure and write your narrative. Alternatively, you can find some more interesting examples of an autobiography at Phoenix.edu and at Southwestern College website .

And in case you’re still wondering how to write an autobiography, just keep reading!

Short Autobiography Example

As a student, you might need to write a short biography for various reasons, such as when applying for a scholarship, internship, or job. If you’re looking for a short autobiography example, check out the sample below.

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I am Aisha Patel, hailing from the city of Mumbai, India. Growing up in a culturally rich environment taught me to appreciate traditions, diversity, inclusion, and community. 

I have always been motivated by my parents, both accomplished physicians. I found myself drawn to the field of medicine at an early age. Since then, I devoted countless hours to volunteering, participating in healthcare camps, and working with NGOs to expand medical access in marginalized communities. I became determined to expand my horizons and receive a world-class medical education. Eventually, I set my sights on studying in the United States. 

I aspire to use the knowledge and skills I acquire to contribute to healthcare practices in India and globally. I plan to address pressing societal health challenges with empathy and expertise.

Autobiography of Myself as a Student

Writing an autobiography focusing on academic interests creates a platform for self-reflection. This activity can help you understand how your academic pursuits have shaped your identity and aspirations.

The following example will provide valuable insights into the content of a well-crafted autobiography:

My name is Sam Davis, and I am a dedicated student from Boston. My academic journey has been shaped by my passion for history. Since childhood, I have been deeply interested in people’s experiences throughout the centuries. This fascination is what inspired my academic pursuits. 

I have always been on top of my class in history courses. I enjoyed diving deep into the different eras and learning about various cultures and events. In addition to excellent grades, my commitment has been recognized through multiple honors and awards. In particular, I have been included on the Dean’s List and received accolades for my research papers. 

My primary academic interest is studying American history and evolution since the nation’s founding. I enjoy exploring the social and political forces that have shaped the United States. I am also keenly interested in ancient civilizations and the parallels between them and the contemporary world. 

Outside the classroom, I actively participate in historical reenactments and volunteer at local museums. Helping preserve and share our collective heritage is one of my primary goals. Such experiences allow me to bring history to life and engage with others who share my passion. 

I am eager to continue my scholarly pursuits and contribute to our understanding of the past. I believe we can learn many important and exciting lessons by making meaningful connections between history and the present.

💡 Autobiography Ideas for Students

Are you looking for inspiration to write your autobiography? Here are some thought-provoking autobiography essay topics that will help you reflect on your personal growth, academic journey, and unique experiences.

  • Personal experience adopting a cat from Humane Society .
  • My first travel to Dresden .
  • Describe your personal leadership experience .
  • Discuss your experience of resolving a problem in your neighborhood .
  • How Italian culture influenced my life .
  • How refraining from coffee for two weeks changed my everyday life.
  • Tell how you implement the concept of life-wide learning in your life.
  • Why I decided to take up wrestling and how it changed my life.
  • Narrate your personal experience of a healthy lifestyle .
  • My first memories of riding a bicycle .
  • How the quarantine time helped me to focus and myself and grow.
  • My health vision and strategy to improve health behavior.
  • Discuss how a psychology course changed your vision of the world.
  • How parenting style affected my childhood.
  • Personal experience of working with self-initiated expatriates .
  • My first day at college .
  • Why I love poetry .
  • Describe your experience in Shotokan Karate and your favorite technique.
  • The role non-verbal communication plays in my everyday life.
  • Lessons I learned from my first semester.
  • My reminiscence of the tragedy on September 11th .
  • Give details about a childhood experience that changed your life .
  • My understanding of the concept home .
  • Personal experience of mysophobia and the lessons I’ve learned.
  • Represent your favorite meeting place .
  • A defining event from my childhood.
  • Describe your experience of relocation to another country.
  • Why I started practicing art and dance movement therapy .
  • The impact mindfulness practicing had on my life.
  • My experience of winning the fight by losing it.
  • Why people like having lunch at a restaurant : my experience.
  • Describe the last conflict , its reasons, and how you resolved it.
  • Tell about your dream car .
  • Starting college as a major life event.
  • Describe your dream home .
  • My experience as a manager in an organization .
  • Narrate how peculiarities of your culture influence your behavior.
  • Tell about the significant event that influenced your life.
  • Personal experience of challenging gender norms.
  • Discuss your personal relationship with alcohol abuse .
  • Represent your plans and career goals .
  • Describe a high school experience that influenced your personality.
  • How I managed to apply international marketing courses in daily life.
  • Write about the teachers who made a difference in your life.
  • Experience of working as a head nurse.
  • My history of important habit development.
  • Discuss the challenges in friendship you’ve experienced and how you managed to cope with them.
  • Significance of music in my life.
  • Describe what you are responsible for in your life.
  • Give details about the most memorable holiday you had in your childhood.

What does every autobiography include? A theme. Essentially, the theme is the main “lesson” from the autobiography—the critical point that all of your life events come together to demonstrate.

How do you go about creating a theme?

You can do it by:

  • Discussing a string of events or one event in particular (or even just one day in your life)
  • Introducing a role model or an authority figure
  • Talking about your childhood dreams and memories

To make the task easier for you, we’ve put together a list of prompts you can use to signal your theme to the reader.

Simply complete these phrases, develop the ideas, and add specific details to your student autobiography examples and ta-da! Your A-level autobiography is ready!

A Student’s Autobiography: Starting Phrases

Use one of these phrases as the first sentence of your autobiography:

  • I was born in…
  • I was an active (or quiet, knowledge-loving, shy, curious, etc.) child.
  • My childhood dream was…
  • My earliest memory is…
  • I am grateful to my parents (or teachers, friends, etc.) because…
  • My role model was…
  • My lifetime dream is…
  • The most memorable day of my life was…
  • One phrase that I will never forget is…
  • If only one of my dreams could come true, I would wish for…
  • My main belief in life is…
  • I am driven by my desire/passion/wish to…
  • The main lesson that my parents taught me was…
  • The childhood hobby that most shaped my personality is…
  • One event that influenced who I am today is…
  • My motto in life is…
  • My favorite book/movie/author is…
  • When I was growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a…
  • One thing I wish I knew five (or ten, twenty, etc.) years ago is that…
  • My favorite childhood picture is…

Feel free to use this example of an autobiography for students and follow the simple steps described above to complete an A-level memoir with ease.

✏️ Student Autobiography FAQ

Writing an essay for a scholarship, be sure to include relevant information about yourself. Prove that you are a perfect candidate. Customize your life story in a way that showcases your strengths and positive qualities. Any other application will require a similar approach.

It’s a source of background information about the author that he or she chooses to reveal. An autobiographical essay is to include key facts about the author in chronological order. These facts usually are name, birth date, education, occupation, etc.

For a good college application, make sure to put an emphasis on the positive sides of your personal history. They should be relevant for the admission commission. Focus on academic achievements, relevant certifications, courses, etc.

Some people believe that an autobiography is one of the easiest essays to write. The author definitely knows the subject thoroughly. When writing about yourself, start with an introduction : your name, birth date, education, current position.

  • What Is an Autobiography? ThoughtCo
  • Beginning the Academic Essay: Harvard College Writing Center
  • What Are the Differences Between an Autobiographical Narrative & a Biography? Seattle PI
  • 500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing: The New York Times
  • Autobiography: Merced College
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How to Write an Autobiography: Questions, Principles, & What to Include

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How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

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11+ Autobiography Examples: A Detailed Guide

Autobiography Examples

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Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoirs: The Differences & Similarities

Autobiography vs. Memoir - Differences & Similarities

How to Write a Memoir: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about telling your life story? 

An autobiography is like a special book about you – your experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. 

But when it comes to autobiography writing , putting it all into words, it can feel a bit tricky, especially for students like you.

In this blog, we're here to help you understand what an autobiography is all about and make it easier for you to write one with the help of examples. 

We'll dive into practical examples and autobiography templates to help you see how it's done. 

So, let's dive in!

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  • 1. Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 
  • 2. Autobiography Outline Examples
  • 3. How to Write an Autobiography - Examples
  • 4. Autobiography Examples for Students
  • 5. Personal Autobiography Examples
  • 6. Famous Autobiography Examples

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 

Memoirs and autobiographies both delve into personal experiences, but they have their own styles and purposes. 

Let’s jump into example to see what is the actual difference between memoir and autobiography:

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example PDf

Autobiography Outline Examples

Any academic or professional writing needs to follow a proper format to organize the information. And an outline is the best way to follow the proper format. It helps you organize your information and structure your data into a proper format.

Here are some autobiography outline examples to help you learn the basics of the autobiography format .

Autobiography Outline for College - Example

Autobiography Sample Outline

How to Write an Autobiography - Examples

As we have mentioned earlier, there are as many stories as there are people on earth. Each of the stories is different from the others; no two of them could be the same. 

How you present your ideas really matters. That's why using the right strategies and the correct format is essential to make your writing creative.

It is important to know the difference between autobiography and biography . These examples will help you learn how to start an autobiography that leaves a good impression on the reader’s mind.

Autobiography Sample PDF

Writing an Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students

An autobiography is your life story. If your teacher tells you to write one, they just want to hear about your life. Even if you think your story isn't super exciting, following the structure can make it work better.

These autobiography examples for students will help you understand how you can properly format the autobiography.

Autobiography Examples for Kids 

School is a time of discovery, and what better way to explore your own journey than through the lens of an autobiography? Here are some great autobiography examples crafted specifically for kids.

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Short Autobiography Example for Students

Here is a sample of a short autobiography for you. Give it a good read and learn how to write an excellent short autobiography.

Short Autobiography for Students - Example

High School Autobiography Example

Check out this sample and learn to write an incredible  autobiography for  high school students.

High School Autobiography - Example

Spiritual Autobiography Example for College Students

Spiritual autobiographies give a glimpse into the spiritual person's life. Have a look at the following sample spiritual autobiography and give it a good read to learn more.

Spiritual Autobiography for College Students - Example

Cultural Autobiography Examples 

Here is a sample of a cultural autobiography that contains detailed information on culture. Have a look at the sample to know more about it.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

Funny Autobiography Examples 

Autobiographies are thought to be boring and mundane, but that is not the case. You can make an interesting story, as well as funny. Learn to write a funny autobiography by this example.

Funny Autobiography Examples

Educational Autobiography Example

Here is a sample educational autobiography that will help you formulate an effective and inspiring autobiography.

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Social Class Autobiography Example

Writing a social class or sociology assignment could be a bit difficult. This sample will help you work on yours easily.

Rambling Autobiography Examples

Rambling autobiographies are like a casual conversation with a friend, where stories unfold in their own unique way. 

Let’s jump into some fascinating examples about this type of autobiography:

Personal Autobiography Examples

Personal autobiography or personal narrative essay provides a complete picture of the author’s life story. The following personal autobiography demonstrates how to write a personal narrative autobiography.

Personal Narrative Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students About Yourself

Famous Autobiography Examples

Autobiographical essays are usually about famous people or historical figures. Just as a renowned autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tells us about his life, his unfinished records, his accomplishments, etc.

Below are some examples of famous autobiographies for your better understanding:

Famous Literacy Autobiography Example

Famous Autobiography - Sample

All in all, we have explored different examples, like understanding what makes memoirs different from autobiographies and exploring rambling ones. These examples are like guides to help you tell your own story and maybe inspire others on your writing journey. 

So, go ahead, give it a try, and have fun telling your unique tale!

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Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Scholarship Biography Template and Examples

We would like you to follow the instructions below when writing your bio for your scholarship application. If you are awarded a scholarship, this bio will be used on our website and in the program at the Scholarship Luncheon and we are trying to make them more consistent from the start.

First paragraph:

(Name of Scholarship Recipient) is a/an (undergraduate/graduate at school name). If a graduate student, please add your undergraduate degree and institution. Describe briefly what your major is – field of study, specific certificates and/or credentials being awarded, and any additional minors to be achieved. If appropriate and relevant, please add country of origin (especially if an international student.)

Second paragraph:

Please describe any clubs in which you participate or relevant honors which you have been awarded; leadership experiences; and, community outreach you have performed. For graduate students please add any work experience between undergrad and graduate programs, as well as your post-graduate intentions.

Please also describe your expected path post-graduation.

SAMPLES - UNDERGRADUATE

Qurat Ul Ain Syeda San Jose State University

Qurat is a first-generation college student at San Jose State University pursuing a degree in accounting. On campus, she assists students and faculty as an instructional student assistant, is the national reporting secretary for Beta Alpha Psi, and a member of the highly selective Sbona Honors Program. As part of this program, she has led her team’s marketing project with an EdTech company and spearheaded a research project for BPM LLP. Qurat is passionate about contributing to the future of fintech and blockchain. For now, she is excited to have accepted an internship with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Qurat also hopes to light the path and serve as role model for young Muslim women who want to have a career in accounting.

Maria Ortega University of California, Berkeley

Maria is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, double majoring in business administration and environmental economics. Maria grew up in a rural town in Mexico where the highest education offered was middle school. She embraced the educational opportunity she found when she moved to California. At UC Berkeley, she consults nonprofits through the Association for Socially Responsible Business and mentors high schools students through their college application process. Maria has also served as the executive administrator for the Latino Business Student Association and is committed to increasing Latino representation in businesses. For the past two summers, Maria has interned at Deloitte where she developed her interest in the financial services industry. Her goal is to combine this with her passion for environmental sustainability.

SAMPLES - GRADUATE

Swati Chopra Wharton San Francisco

Swati earned her undergraduate degree in finance from University of Delhi, India. She began her career as a day trader and eventually transitioned into cybersecurity at SonicWall and Cisco. It was then that she found her passion of blending technology with finance and began to find solutions aimed at securing financial institutions from the most vulnerable of breaches. Currently, she is a director of customer success at Bitglass, a company that secures major financial institutions’ confidential data in the cloud. Swati is pursuing a Wharton Executive MBA with focus on finance, entrepreneurship, VC funding, and corporate valuation. She is also passionate about women’s empowerment and upliftment. She aims to set up an organization that will focus on increasing employability for underprivileged women to help them become financially independent.

Lauren Fu University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Lauren is a first-year MBA student at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is also a consultant at Blockchain, VP of Academics at the Haas Fintech Club, and an academic cohort representative. Prior to Haas Business School, Lauren worked in securitization origination for CIBC Capital Markets where she structured and executed over $20bn in transaction volume, managed client relationships, and oversaw the entire transaction process. Lauren is so passionate about fintech and VC investing that she founded a firm in hopes of redesigning the securitization ecosystem using blockchain technology.

autobiography examples for scholarships

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A student bio is a short introduction about yourself that is commonly used in academic settings. It is a way for students to showcase their achievements, goals, and personal qualities. Writing an effective student bio can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create a compelling bio that will leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will discuss why a student bio is important, what to include in a student bio, provide some student bio examples, and share tips for writing an effective student bio.

1. Why is a Student Bio Important?

A student bio is important for several reasons. First, it provides others with a quick snapshot of who you are as a student and what you have accomplished. It allows others to get to know you on a more personal level and can help to establish connections and build relationships.

Second, a student bio can be used as a tool for self-promotion. It gives you the opportunity to highlight your strengths, skills, and experiences. This can be particularly helpful when applying for scholarships, internships, or jobs.

Finally, a student bio can be a useful networking tool. By sharing your bio with others, you can increase your visibility and attract opportunities that may not have otherwise been available to you.

2. What to Include in a Student Bio?

autobiography examples for scholarships

When writing a student bio, it’s important to include relevant information that showcases your accomplishments, goals, and personal qualities. Here are some key elements to consider including:

2.1. Introduction

Start your student bio with a brief introduction about yourself. This should include your name, your current educational institution, and your field of study or major.

2.2. Academic Achievements

Highlight any academic achievements or honors you have received. This can include things like being on the honor roll, receiving scholarships, or being recognized for your academic performance.

2.3. Extracurricular Activities

Include any extracurricular activities or organizations you are involved in. This can include clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, or leadership roles.

2.4. Work Experience

If you have any relevant work experience, include this in your student bio. This can be internships, part-time jobs, or any other work experience that is relevant to your field of study or career goals.

2.5. Goals and Aspirations

Share your goals and aspirations for the future. This can include your career goals, plans for further education, or any other goals you have set for yourself.

2.6. Personal Qualities

Highlight any personal qualities or characteristics that set you apart. This can include things like being a team player, having strong leadership skills, or being detail-oriented.

3. Student Bio Examples

Here are some biography examples for students that showcase different formats and styles:

3.1. College Student Bio

If you don’t know how to start a biography, the examples below may help.

3.1.1. College Student Bio example about yourself in formal style

Follow these examples to write a professional biography for students.

“Greetings, I am Sarah Chang, a junior enrolled in the Computer Science program at ABC University. My academic pursuits are centered around the intricate field of computer science, where I dedicate my time to unraveling complex problems and advancing technological solutions. Beyond the classroom, I actively participate in the Women in Tech club, advocating for gender diversity and inclusivity within the technology sector. Additionally, I am an enthusiast of gastronomy, indulging in culinary explorations to broaden my palate and cultural awareness. My professional aspirations entail securing a position within a leading tech corporation, where I aspire to contribute innovative ideas and foster positive change within the industry.”

For short  student biography, you can write:

“Hello, I’m Sarah Chang, a junior in the Computer Science program at ABC University. I’m passionate about unraveling complex problems and advancing technological solutions. Outside of class, I’m active in the Women in Tech club, promoting gender diversity in the industry. I also love exploring different cuisines to broaden my cultural awareness. My goal? To make a positive impact in a leading tech corporation.”

“Greetings esteemed colleagues, I am Marcus Thompson, a senior scholar majoring in Journalism and Media Studies at XYZ College. My academic journey is deeply rooted in the principles of journalistic integrity and storytelling excellence. As an avid pursuer of truth, I diligently undertake investigative endeavors and endeavor to amplify marginalized voices through my written works. Concurrently, I hold the esteemed position of editor-in-chief at our college newspaper, where I orchestrate a team of proficient writers in delivering informative and thought-provoking content to our campus community. Outside of academia, I harbor a fervent passion for athletics, finding solace and inspiration in the camaraderie of sporting events. My ultimate professional ambition is to ascend to the echelons of investigative journalism, wielding my pen as a catalyst for societal change and progress.”

“Hello, I’m Marcus Thompson, a senior scholar majoring in Journalism and Media Studies at XYZ College. My academic journey is rooted in journalistic integrity and storytelling excellence. As editor-in-chief of our college newspaper, I lead a team in delivering informative content to our campus community. Outside of academia, I’m passionate about athletics and find inspiration in sporting events. My ultimate goal is to become an investigative journalist, driving societal change through my writing.”

“Greetings esteemed peers, I am Taylor Nguyen, a sophomore scholar pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Sociology at LMN University. My academic endeavors are imbued with a profound fascination for the intricacies of the human psyche and societal structures, propelling me towards a quest for knowledge and understanding. In parallel with my studies, I lend my voice and efforts to the mental health awareness club on campus, advocating for destigmatization and promoting holistic wellness practices among fellow students. During moments of respite, I embrace the meditative arts of yoga and mindfulness, recognizing their transformative potential in fostering personal well-being. Professionally, I aspire to integrate my expertise in psychology and sociology into a career in counseling, where I aim to empower individuals in their journey towards self-actualization and fulfillment.”

“Hello, I’m Taylor Nguyen, a sophomore scholar at LMN University studying Psychology and Sociology. I’m passionate about understanding the human mind and societal structures. Beyond classes, I advocate for mental health awareness and practice yoga for personal well-being. My goal? To become a counselor and empower others on their journey to fulfillment.”

autobiography examples for scholarships

3.1.2. College Student Bio example about yourself in an informal style

If you want to write about yourself in an informal style, refer to these examples.

“Hey, I’m Sarah Chang, and I’m a junior at ABC University majoring in Computer Science. You’ll often find me coding away in the campus coffee shop, fueled by caffeine and a passion for problem-solving. Beyond classes, I’m heavily involved in our Women in Tech club, where I’m all about breaking stereotypes and empowering more girls to join the tech world. Outside of my tech bubble, I’m a total foodie—I love exploring new restaurants and attempting (emphasis on attempting) to cook exotic dishes at home. My dream gig? Landing a job at a cutting-edge tech company where I can innovate and make a real impact on the world.”

“Hey, I’m Sarah Chang, a junior at ABC University majoring in Computer Science. I’m passionate about coding and breaking stereotypes in tech through the Women in Tech club. Outside of class, I love exploring new restaurants and cooking. My dream? To innovate at a top tech company and make a real impact.”

“Hey hey, I’m Marcus Thompson, a senior studying Journalism and Media Studies at XYZ College. Journalism runs in my veins—I live for the thrill of chasing down stories and crafting compelling narratives. When I’m not hitting the keyboard, I’m probably out on campus with my camera, capturing moments that tell powerful stories visually. I’m also the editor-in-chief of our college newspaper, where I lead a team of passionate writers to inform and inspire our campus community. Beyond journalism, I’m a die-hard sports fan—I bleed my team’s colors and never miss a game. My ultimate goal? Becoming a renowned investigative journalist, shining a light on important issues and sparking meaningful change through my reporting.”

“Hey, I’m Marcus Thompson, a senior studying Journalism at XYZ College. Journalism is my passion—I love uncovering stories and leading our college newspaper. When not reporting, I’m capturing moments on campus with my camera or cheering for my team. My goal? To become a respected investigative journalist, driving change through my reporting.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Taylor Nguyen, a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Sociology at LMN University. I’m endlessly fascinated by the human mind and society’s complexities, so you’ll often catch me buried in research papers or engaged in lively class discussions. Outside of academics, I’m a proud member of our campus’ mental health awareness club, where I’m passionate about breaking down stigmas and promoting self-care practices among students. When I need to unwind, I’m all about yoga and meditation—I firmly believe in the power of mindfulness to maintain a healthy balance in life. My big dream? Combining my love for psychology and sociology to pursue a career in counseling, where I can support individuals in navigating life’s challenges and finding their inner strength.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Taylor Nguyen, a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Sociology at LMN University. I’m fascinated by the human mind and society’s complexities. Outside class, I’m involved in our mental health awareness club, advocating for self-care. I unwind with yoga and meditation, believing in their power for balance. My dream? To blend psychology and sociology in counseling, supporting individuals in overcoming challenges.”

autobiography examples for scholarships

3.2. High School Student Bio

Use the examples as a student biography template to create yours.

3.2.1. High School Student Bio example about yourself in formal style

Examples include long and short versions.

“Greetings, I am Jonathan Lee, an eleventh-grade student at XYZ High School. My academic endeavors are centered around a fervent passion for the sciences and the art of debate. Within the realm of scientific inquiry, I am committed to unraveling the mysteries of the natural world through rigorous experimentation and analysis. Simultaneously, I am an active participant in our school’s debate team, where I hone my rhetorical skills and engage in spirited discourse on a variety of socio-political topics. Beyond academia, I am deeply engaged in community service initiatives, volunteering my time at the local food bank to alleviate the plight of the underprivileged. Moreover, I am a staunch advocate for environmental conservation, actively participating in eco-friendly initiatives within our school community. My aspirations lie in the field of biomedical research, where I endeavor to merge my passion for science with a commitment to advancing human welfare and scientific knowledge.”

“Hey there, I’m Jonathan Lee, an eleventh-grader at XYZ High School. I’m passionate about science and debate. In science, I’m dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the natural world through experimentation. On the debate team, I hone my skills in spirited discussions. Outside school, I volunteer at the local food bank and advocate for environmental conservation. My goal? To pursue biomedical research, merging my love for science with a commitment to improving human welfare.”

“Greetings esteemed educators and peers, I am Rachel Patel, an eleventh-grade scholar at ABC High School. My academic pursuits are characterized by a dual passion for scientific inquiry and the art of rhetoric. Within the scientific realm, I am dedicated to unraveling the complexities of biological phenomena through meticulous experimentation and theoretical analysis. Concurrently, I am an active member of our school’s debate society, where I engage in intellectually stimulating discussions on matters of societal importance. Beyond the confines of academia, I am deeply committed to community service, volunteering my time at the local nursing home to provide companionship and support to the elderly residents. Additionally, I am an ardent proponent of environmental sustainability, spearheading recycling initiatives within our school campus. Professionally, I aspire to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, leveraging my interdisciplinary skills to innovate solutions that enhance human health and well-being.”

“Greetings esteemed educators and peers, I’m Rachel Patel, an eleventh-grade scholar at ABC High School. I’m passionate about both scientific inquiry and rhetoric. In science, I delve into biological phenomena through meticulous experimentation. In debate, I engage in stimulating discussions on societal matters. Beyond academics, I volunteer at a local nursing home and champion environmental sustainability initiatives at school. My dream? To pursue biomedical engineering, leveraging my skills to innovate solutions for human health and well-being.”

“Greetings esteemed peers and faculty members, I am Maria Hernandez, an eleventh-grade student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at LMN High School. My academic journey is characterized by a fervent pursuit of knowledge in the realms of science and societal discourse. Immersed in the study of the natural sciences, I am captivated by the intricate mechanisms governing the physical world and am driven to uncover its mysteries through empirical inquiry. Concurrently, I am an avid participant in our school’s Model United Nations club, where I engage in diplomatic simulations and foster cross-cultural understanding on global issues. Beyond academics, I am deeply committed to community engagement, volunteering my time at the local animal shelter to advocate for the welfare of our furry companions. Moreover, I am a passionate environmentalist, leading initiatives to promote sustainability within our school community. My aspirations are rooted in the pursuit of a career in environmental science, where I endeavor to apply my interdisciplinary expertise to address pressing ecological challenges and foster a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

“Hello everyone, I’m Maria Hernandez, an eleventh-grade student in the International Baccalaureate program at LMN High School. I’m passionate about science and global issues. In science, I delve into the mysteries of the natural world, while in Model United Nations, I engage in diplomatic simulations to foster cross-cultural understanding. Beyond academics, I volunteer at the local animal shelter and lead sustainability initiatives at school. My goal is a career in environmental science, where I can address ecological challenges and promote a sustainable future.”

autobiography examples for scholarships

3.2.2. High School Student Bio example about yourself in informal style

“Hey, I’m Jonathan Lee, an eleventh-grader at XYZ High School. I’m all about science and debate. In science class, I’m the one digging deep into experiments and trying to unlock nature’s secrets. And on the debate team, I’m honing my skills and diving into big discussions about the world around us. When I’m not in school, you can catch me at the local food bank, lending a hand to those in need. Oh, and I’m big on eco-friendly stuff too—I’m always pushing for green initiatives at school. My dream? To dive into biomedical research and use science to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“Hey, I’m Jonathan Lee, an eleventh-grader at XYZ High School. Science and debate are my passions. I love experimenting in science class and engaging in big discussions on the debate team. Outside school, I volunteer at the local food bank and advocate for eco-friendly initiatives. My dream? Biomedical research to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Rachel Patel, an eleventh-grader at ABC High School. I’m all about science and debate. In science class, I’m diving into experiments and theories, trying to understand how the world works. And on the debate team, I’m in the thick of it, discussing important stuff and learning how to argue my point. Outside of school, I’m at the nursing home, spending time with the elderly and making sure they feel supported. Oh, and I’m big on recycling—I’m always trying to get my classmates to pitch in and make our school greener. My dream job? Biomedical engineering. I want to use my skills to create solutions that make people healthier and happier.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Rachel Patel, an eleventh-grader at ABC High School. I’m passionate about science and debate. In science class, I’m experimenting and exploring theories. On the debate team, I’m honing my argumentative skills. Outside school, I spend time at the nursing home and promote recycling. My dream job? Biomedical engineering, creating solutions for better health and happiness.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Maria Hernandez, an eleventh-grader in the IB program at LMN High School. Science and global issues are my thing. In science class, I’m all about diving into experiments and understanding how things work in the world. And when it comes to global affairs, I’m in the thick of it—I love participating in Model UN and exploring different cultures and viewpoints. Outside of school, you’ll find me at the local animal shelter, speaking up for our furry friends, or leading sustainability projects to make our school greener. My big dream? To jump into environmental science and use my knowledge to tackle big problems and create a better world for everyone.”

“Hey everyone, I’m Maria Hernandez, an eleventh-grader in the IB program at LMN High School. I’m passionate about science and global issues. In science class, I love experimenting and understanding how things work. In Model UN, I explore different cultures and viewpoints. Outside school, I advocate for animal welfare and lead sustainability projects. My dream? Environmental science, tackling big problems for a better world.”

autobiography examples for scholarships

4. Tips for Writing an Effective Student Bio

Crafting an impactful student bio requires attention to detail and clarity. Below are some essential tips to help you write a compelling bio that captures your unique personality and achievements effectively.

4.1. Be Concise and Specific

When writing your student bio, it’s important to be concise and specific. Focus on including relevant information that highlights your achievements and goals. Avoid including unnecessary details or information that is not directly related to your academic or career aspirations.

4.2. Showcase Your Unique Qualities

Use your student bio as an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and characteristics. Highlight what sets you apart from others and what makes you a valuable asset to any academic or professional setting.

4.3. Tailor Your Bio to the Audience

When writing your student bio, consider who your audience is and tailor your bio accordingly. If you are applying for a scholarship, for example, focus on highlighting your academic achievements and goals. If you are applying for an internship, on the other hand, focus on highlighting your relevant work experience and skills.

autobiography examples for scholarships

Writing a student bio about yourself can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can create an effective bio that showcases your accomplishments, goals, and personal qualities. Remember to be concise and specific, showcase your unique qualities, and tailor your bio to the audience. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to writing an impactful student bio that leaves a lasting impression.

Ryan AIW

I’m the wordsmith behind bytes of creativity, crafting narratives that bridge the gap between imagination and technology.

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  5. 40 Autobiography Examples ( + Autobiographical Essay Templates)

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VIDEO

  1. An Example on How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

  2. How to Write an Autobiography

  3. How To Write A Short Professional Bio

  4. How To Write Scholarship Essays (2022)

  5. What is autobiography with example?

  6. How to Write an Autobiography with 3 Easy Steps!

COMMENTS

  1. An Example on How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

    Here, we provide you with an example that will help you get that scholarship. How to Write an Autobiography for Scholarship. When writing your autobiography, focus on what your grade sheets, letters of recommendation, and other additional documents you have given for your admission do not focus on. This is your chance to prove your suitability ...

  2. PDF Writing an Autobiography for a Scholarship Application

    e. Read the paper aloud to check sentence sense. 6. Type a clean copy of the autobiography and edit what you have written. 1. Use language that is direct, clear, and sounds like you. However, avoid slang and overused expressions. 2. Create a tone that shows confidence, but not arrogance; sincerity, not stuffiness.

  3. How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

    In writing an autobiography for a scholarship, it is crucial to effectively present your background and experiences. Start by outlining the major events and milestones that have shaped your life. Think about your childhood, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any challenges you have overcome.

  4. About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

    Short scholarship essay example: Tell us about yourself (100 Words) With 100 words, you can only focus on one or two elements of your life. Think about your biggest selling points - the things that show you are the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your educational status.

  5. How to Write a Biography to Win a Scholarship

    Strong Introduction. A winning biography begins with a captivating introduction. Your opening sentence serves as a way to get the reader to read more. Begin with a sentence that describes who you are and why you're an ideal choice for the scholarship. For example, if you're applying for a flute scholarship, explain when you began playing and ...

  6. How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

    That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values. Types of goals include: Career goals. Goals for personal growth. The type of friend you want to be. The change you want to make in the world. Values could include: Authenticity.

  7. How to Write an Autobiography for a Scholarship

    Some scholarships applications may require you to write an autobiographical essay, also known as a personal essay. Take your time when writing this, as it often is the key determinant of whether you receive the scholarship. Create an outline for your autobiographical essay. At the very least, include sections that describe your personal ...

  8. How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples)

    Put the reader in your shoes. Alternatively, you can choose to start your essay by placing the reader right in your shoes and show them something from your life. Appeal to the senses and show the reader what you see, hear, smell, or taste. These specific details will help your essay come to life and make it even more memorable.

  9. How to Write a College Autobiography

    5. Avoid over-used phrases. Avoid over-used phrases such as: "meant a lot to me," "I can contribute" and "appealing to me.". You also want to avoid statements that are broad and awkward such as: "I like helping people" and passive voice, such as "I will be" or "I am excited by.". 6. Use specific examples.

  10. Writing a Scholarship Biography?

    When writing a short biography for a scholarship application, it's essential to focus on the most relevant and impressive aspects of your personal, academic, and extracurricular life. Here's a breakdown of the key components you should consider including in your biography: 1. Introduction: Introduce yourself by sharing your name, current educational institution, and year/class level.

  11. Autobiography: What Is it and How to Write? (+ Examples)

    Step 4: Write with Detail and Emotion. An important aspect of how to write an autobiography for college is appealing to emotion. As you delve into each body paragraph, share your story with vivid details. Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life for the reader.

  12. 11 Autobiography Examples For All Academic Levels

    A cultural autobiography is more than just telling your life story. Your cultural identity reveals your beliefs and ideas about culture. It also shows how culture affects different cultural groups that make up who you are. You may want to write a cultural autobiography better to understand yourself and your culture's role in your life.

  13. Creating a professional bio for a scholarship?

    Hello! Writing a professional biography for a scholarship application is a great opportunity to showcase your achievements, skills, and future goals. Here are some tips and a brief outline to help you create a compelling professional bio: 1. Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence: Begin by introducing yourself with a strong statement that encapsulates your background, current ...

  14. 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.

  15. 40 Autobiography Examples (Autobiographical Essay Templates)

    Fortunately, there are plenty of innovative and well-thought-out autobiography samples that are available. They can assist you in organizing your thoughts to come up with a great autobiography. These samples can save you valuable time, especially on how to start an autobiography. Check out our extra 40 biography templates.

  16. Autobiography Examples for Students That are Seriously Inspiring

    An autobiography is one of the most important essays for students aspiring to get admitted into a college of their choice. Here is an article that will give you some examples and also tips on how you can write one for yourself. As a student, an autobiography is usually essential when applying to colleges for higher studies. It may be the ...

  17. From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Autobiography Examples & Tip

    Educational autobiography examples can provide insight into the educational experiences of an individual. It can also provide a glimpse into how they have grown and developed over time. These autobiographies are often used in college admissions essays, scholarship applications, or job interviews. Here is an example of an educational ...

  18. 15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

    One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, is an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of a young girl who is hiding during the Holocaust, aspiring writers will find inspiration in Frank's raw emotions and candor. 2. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda.

  19. Example of Autobiography about Yourself: How to Start [2024 Upd.]

    Use one of these phrases as the first sentence of your autobiography: Example: I was born in…. I was an active (or quiet, knowledge-loving, shy, curious, etc.) child. My childhood dream was…. My earliest memory is…. I am grateful to my parents (or teachers, friends, etc.) because…. My role model was….

  20. 11+ Autobiography Examples and Templates for Students

    Famous Autobiography Examples. Autobiographical essays are usually about famous people or historical figures. Just as a renowned autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tells us about his life, his unfinished records, his accomplishments, etc. Below are some examples of famous autobiographies for your better understanding:

  21. FWSF Scholarship Biography examples

    Scholarship Biography Template and Examples. We would like you to follow the instructions below when writing your bio for your scholarship application. If you are awarded a scholarship, this bio will be used on our website and in the program at the Scholarship Luncheon and we are trying to make them more consistent from the start.

  22. PDF How to Write an Autobiography For a Scholarship

    e. Read the paper aloud to check sentence sense. 6. Type a clean copy of the autobiography and edit what you have written. 1. Use language that is direct, clear, and sounds like you. However, avoid slang and overused expressions. 2. Create a tone that shows confidence, but not arrogance; sincerity, not stuffiness.

  23. How to Write a Student Bio About Yourself?

    4.1. Be Concise and Specific. 4.2. Showcase Your Unique Qualities. 4.3. Tailor Your Bio to the Audience. Conclusion. A student bio is a short introduction about yourself that is commonly used in academic settings. It is a way for students to showcase their achievements, goals, and personal qualities.