Write a Scholarship Essay “Tell Us About Yourself” (3 Samples) (2023)

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A popular scholarship essay prompt is “tell us about yourself”. This question is relatively open, which can make it difficult to answer at first glance. What should I tell them about me? My struggles, my goals, my passions...? Depending on the scholarship, these can all be suitable topics. We show you some examples of scholarship essays about yourself as well as writing tips to guide you along the way.

what they want to know about you

As you prepare to write, keep in mind the topics that the grant committee may be interested in. This can include:

  • Your current degree in relation to your overall career goals.You can explain why you have chosen your current educational path and what you want to do with it.
  • Your short- 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 ambitions.
  • Past experiences that sparked your passions.You could be talking about an influential person in your life, but make sure the bulk of the essay is focused on you. At least you're talkingabout you.
  • Something about you that relates to your organization.With any scholarship essay, you should try to connect with the organization providing the funding. Don't force a connection. Find one that fits naturally. Mention hobbies, experiences, and goals that align with what the review board is looking for.
  • Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants.This can be voluntary experience, professional features, situation-related differences (growing up in an area that did not promote education), etc.

Write a Scholarship Essay “Tell Us About Yourself” (3 Samples) (1)

Note that you don't have to throw all of this information into one essay. Select the items that best fit the scholarship. If you were on the selection board, what would you like to know 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 a lot of information to include in a scholarship essay about yourself. However, there is just as much information to avoid. Some topics to keep out of your essay are:

  • Wrong information.Don't make up stories or fabricate goals to match the prompt. The scholarship committee can spot when someone is lying and will immediately disqualify you.
  • Past struggles not related to the subject of the essay.You can briefly mention struggles from your past as long as you mention how you learned from them. Don't make your essay one long story about the hard life you've led. Focus on your successes, not your obstacles.
  • Vague goals and desires.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 prefer.
  • Cliche stories most people tell.There is something that sets you apart as a person. Use this to your advantage. Don't rely on generic information you find on other applicants.
  • Independent elements of your personal life.In most cases, you should not mention your significant other in the essay. You might mention a spouse when you need to refer to your children or a turning point in your life, but those personal details don't fit into most essays. Any information that seems frivolous or inappropriate should be removed from the essay.

Read your essay carefully. If you stop at one point and say, "Why did I mention that? remove the relevant information. Present the best elements about yourself in a fluid and cohesive manner.

Sample Short Scholarship Essay: 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 upOfare the ideal candidate. Start by introducing yourself and your level of education. Then jump to the main topic of the essay. You may not have space to mention how the scholarship will help your education. Instead, mention how your education can help your career. The other information is implied.

My name is Christian Holz. I am a high school senior who will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. I want to be an online journalist. My goal is to work for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Huffington Post or any other news outlet with a strong online presence. Most people already do their research online, and by the time I graduate, the industry will be even bigger. Studying journalism with a focus on digital media prepares me for a fulfilling, fast and future-oriented career.

Word count: 96

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Medium Scholarship Essay Sample: Tell us about yourself (250 words)

A medium-length scholarship essay gives you more space to explain how your past influenced your current and future goals. You should have room for an introductory paragraph, a couple of main paragraphs, and a conclusion (possibly integrated into the last main paragraph). Think of a few main points you want to make and write them down first. If you have space, you can add more details about yourself.

My name is Sarah and I have spent the mostmy childhood with the wrong medication. I had a problem that is common in clinical psychology - misdiagnosis. Professionals make inaccurate diagnoses for many reasons – ffrom outdated testing methods to limited education. I want to open my own psychological testing facility and help change that. Therefore, I am aiming for a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because I had trouble concentrating in school. The drug My doctor prescribed me just made itme numb to the world around me. I couldn't think or process emotions, or had no emotions at all. AfterA few years ago, my parents finally decided to get a second opinion.

I saw a specialist and she concluded that I don't have ADHD, but a combination of dyslexia and dysgraphia (difficulty reading and writing). She sent us to a therapist who helped me learn how to manage my illnesses and my life improved tremendously. I went from a lifeless student with barely passing grades to an honor roll student filled with joy and excitement.

Unfortunately, my story is not unique. There are countless children in America who are being administered mind-altering drugs that do not adequately meet their needs. I can't help all of these children, but I can offer a better alternative to those around me. With proper training funded by financial support, I can learn about psychological assessments and make the most accurate diagnoses possible.

Word count: 249

Sample Long Scholarship Essay: Tell us about yourself (500 words)

With scholarship essays of 500 words or more, you can tell the whole story. You can fully discuss your past, present and future. Avoid excess and make sure each topic contributes to the overall essay. If a part feels out of place, remove it and focus more on the elements that are there. By the end of the essay, the reader should have a complete understanding of who you are and what you are trying to achieve.

My name is Sierra Breault and I am a junior at Murray State University. I'm majoring in criminal justice and forensics and will graduate in 2024 with two bachelor's degrees. My professional goal isin social justice so that I can contribute to criminal justice reform. I want to make sure those who commit crimes are treated fairly.

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I come from a small town where there is often excessive violence and even deaths at the hands of police officers, especially against minorities. A few years ago, one of my relatives was charged with a crime despite the improper collection, cataloging and analysis of crime scene evidence.

This experience played a big part in my desire to study criminal justice. I started to think more deeply about my career when I decided that a desk job wasn't for me. Throughout high school, I struggled with the routine nature of it all. I saw the same people and attended the same classes every day. I knew I didn't want a job that was stagnant like that. That's when I got the idea of ​​working in law enforcement because there would always be new challenges for me. After researching the area even further, I focused on investigating crime scenes.

I did far better academically in college than I ever did in high school. That's because the experience has no routine. Every week I have new projects to complete, tests to study, and activities to try. I was involved with the Crime Stoppers organization on campus for all three years of college and was elected President for the next term. This allows me to work closely with law enforcement to complement my college education and advance my career.

After graduation, I apply to work as a dispatcher in a state organization, such as the State Criminal Police Office. While my ultimate goal is to work as a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator, these positions are typically only available to individuals within the organization. Dispatch is the most direct way to start my career and offers me the best chance of pursuing my dream job.

I am applying for this scholarship to help me finish the last two years of my studies. As a college junior and soon-to-be senior, my scholarship opportunities are limited. Most awards are reserved for freshmen. I took advantage of this early on, and I have a recurring scholarship that covers half of my tuition. However, I need additional financial support to cover the rest of my study costs. I appreciate your attention and I hope you can help me pursue a career 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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Write a Scholarship Essay “Tell Us About Yourself” (3 Samples) (2)

Jennifer Finetti

Director of Public Relations and Advocacy

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As a parent who has recently helped her own children begin their college journey, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She genuinely enjoys engaging with students - helping them build the confidence, knowledge and insight they need to pursue their educational and career goals, while providing them with the strategies and skills they need to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit study costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and fairer - this desire to support underserved populations is what led her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has taught students from around the world as well as personally with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, primary selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship advising, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are among the best in their class as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can be successful 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 the University of California, Santa Cruz.

FAQs

How do you answer tell me about yourself for scholarship? ›

Tell us about yourself.

Highlight your achievements, personality traits, skills, and experiences that will make you an ideal candidate for the scholarship. You can start with a brief bio or highlight key points on your resume.

How do I write a scholarship essay about myself? ›

What they want to know about you
  1. Your current degree, as it applies to your overall career goals. ...
  2. Your short-term and long-term professional goals. ...
  3. Past experiences that sparked your passions. ...
  4. Something about you that relates to their organization. ...
  5. Something unique that sets you apart from other applicants.
Sep 28, 2022

How do I tell myself about a scholarship? ›

When introducing yourself in a scholarship essay, start by introducing yourself and your educational status. Then, discuss how the scholarship will help your educational pursuits and how your education can help your career.

How do you start a Tell us about yourself essay? ›

To get started, check out these 9 tips on how to write an essay about yourself:
  1. Create a List of Questions. ...
  2. Brainstorm and Outline. ...
  3. Be Vulnerable. ...
  4. Use Personal Examples. ...
  5. Write in the First Person. ...
  6. Don't Be Afraid to Show Off…But Stay on Topic! ...
  7. Show Personality. ...
  8. Know Your Audience.
Jan 14, 2020

How do you start an essay about yourself examples? ›

Start with a strong introduction, such as an anecdote or specific example of your personality. Follow this with details that help the reader really understand who you are. In a longer essay, you have time to show your skills at descriptive writing.

What do I say in a scholarship essay? ›

A typical scholarship essay topic will likely ask students about their career goals and their plan to achieve those goals, Matthews says. Other essay prompts might ask students what they've done to make their community a better place or to describe a personal achievement and how they overcame challenges to reach it.

What is a good hook for a scholarship essay? ›

You can use two types of quotes here: literary citations and inspirational quotes from famous people or influencers in the field. A literary quote would be a perfect hook for your application essay, while quoting influencers helps to support an argument you represent in your paper.

What is a good sentence for scholarship? ›

Example Sentences

She got a scholarship to Yale University. The organization is offering five $5,000 scholarships. The essay is a work of serious scholarship. The book is about his life and scholarship.

What is a good personal statement for scholarship? ›

A personal statement should showcase who you are and what you care about, not what you believe the readers want to hear. Remember that those reading your application will be reading many other applications as well and will be able to tell right away if what you are writing is honest and authentic.

How do you make yourself stand out in a scholarship application? ›

A scholar's tips for a standout scholarship application
  1. Start early and don't rush. The best thing you can do for yourself when applying for scholarships is to take it slow. ...
  2. Be strategic. ...
  3. Be confident! ...
  4. Ask for help if you need it. ...
  5. Be authentic. ...
  6. Don't limit yourself.

How do I tell about myself examples? ›

My Strengths are I am self-motivated, hardworking, a quick learner and I am a good team player. My long-term goal is to achieve a good position where I can build my career and help the organization too. Thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to introduce myself.

Why am I deserving of this scholarship? ›

You Deserve This Scholarship Because You Have Passion and Persistence. Letting your passion show through in your answer allows the committee to see your dedication. You deserve this scholarship based on your love of learning, your enjoyment of your field, or your passion for growth.

How do you write 5 sentences about yourself? ›

How To Answer, “How Would You Describe Yourself?”
  1. I am passionate about my work. ...
  2. I am ambitious and driven. ...
  3. I am highly organised. ...
  4. I am a people person. ...
  5. I am a natural leader. ...
  6. I am result oriented. ...
  7. I am an excellent communicator.
Sep 16, 2019

How do you write a 500 word essay about yourself? ›

500+ Words Essay on My Self
  1. My Family and My Childhood. I'm from a middle-class family of Bihar, I am Naresh Shukla. ...
  2. My Education. I am studying at the best school in my city. ...
  3. My Strengths. In compare to studies, I am good at sports. ...
  4. My Weaknesses. As every man have weaknesses, so have also. ...
  5. My Ambitions in Life. ...
  6. Conclusion.

What is a good first sentence for an essay? ›

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader's curiosity. The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you're writing about and why it's interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

How do you write a 250 word essay about yourself? ›

How to write a 250-word essay
  1. Write it short, but clear. You know that your essay should contain no more than 250 words, so it is obligatory to mention all the important points first. ...
  2. Answer the main question only. ...
  3. Create an outline of the essay. ...
  4. Spend more time to make corrections.

What should you not say in a scholarship essay? ›

Don't use words like “finally”, “in sum” or “in conclusion”. Don't repeat or sum up in any way. Don't start too many sentences with the word “I”. Don't tell the reader explicitly, “I am a unique and interesting person.” Instead, let the reader glean this from your unique and interesting essay.

How do you write a 250 word scholarship essay? ›

How to Write a 250 Word Essay
  1. Outline your essay in bullet points.
  2. Only answer the question being asked.
  3. Don't worry about the word count in your first draft.
  4. Proofread.

How to write a 500 word scholarship essay? ›

The format of a 500-word scholarship essay is similar to a shorter essay. Each paragraph is about 75-125 words, and it consists of 3-5 well-written sentences. If you are writing a story or personal anecdote, the formatting can be more like a novel than a news article. It is ok to use 10% less or more words.

How do you start a scholarship paragraph? ›

Introduce yourself and why you're applying

Begin the first paragraph of your application letter by introducing yourself to the scholarship review committee. Include information such as your current or prospective college major, your professional goals and what potentially receiving the funding means to you.

What are the 5 easy steps to get a scholarship? ›

How to Get a University Scholarship
  1. Explore Options. Start by exploring the scholarships available to you. ...
  2. Contact Colleges Directly. Along with online searches and database searches, be sure to contact colleges directly. ...
  3. Apply Early. ...
  4. Continue Applying During College. ...
  5. Be realistic.

How do you start a scholarship writing? ›

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
  1. Read and re-read the essay statement you are being asked to respond to, and identify the key themes. ...
  2. Understand the meaning of the key themes. ...
  3. Fill your scholarship essay with keywords/synonyms of keywords used in the scholarship statement. ...
  4. Make an engaging start to your essay.

How do you write a strong scholarship profile? ›

Showcase what you have achieved by playing on these strengths. It is always a good idea to diversify your profile. You can do this by doing certifications, online courses, volunteering, participating in competitions, etc. Mention all these things in your application.

How many words are good for a scholarship essay? ›

You will be asked to type your essay as part of your scholarship application. indicated. Your essay should be around 500 words or less. want it to be too long where you may lose the interest of the reviewer assigned to reading your essay.

How do you end a scholarship essay example? ›

Your Conclusion:

This should make the essay feel finished. Wrap it up with just a couple of sentences. You can show how your education has made a difference so far, thank the committee for considering your application. Avoid anything too lofty or idealistic like "with this scholarship, I can change the world."

Should you use all the words in a scholarship essay? ›

Make Every Word Count

If it's 500-1,000 words, try to keep it no more than 100 above to 100 below and so on and so forth. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors will not accept an essay if it's too far above or below the word limits they've set.

Why do you want this scholarship sample answers? ›

Receiving this scholarship will boost my self-confidence, knowing that I not only completed a very important task, but also took the responsibility of creating a foundation for getting me closer to my career goals. I believe in the importance of earning a college degree.

What are 3 things you should establish in your scholarship file? ›

In general, the following five items should always be kept up-to-date and included in your scholarship portfolio.
  • Résumé ...
  • Transcripts. ...
  • Financial Reports. ...
  • Identification. ...
  • Personal Statement. ...
  • Other Things to Consider.
May 29, 2015

What are 3 things you can put on your college application that might make you stand out amongst other people applying? ›

If you want to make your college application stand out memorably, take a look at these 16 tips.
  • Choose Your High School Classes With Intention. ...
  • Strive for Good Grades. ...
  • Tell the Story of Who You Are. ...
  • Participate in Extracurricular Activities. ...
  • Volunteer. ...
  • Keep Accurate Records. ...
  • Manage Your Social Media Presence.

How do you start a sentence in Tell me about yourself? ›

Sample answers:

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.

How do you introduce yourself and tell me something about yourself? ›

Self Introduction in Interview
  1. Dress Appropriately. ...
  2. Prepare What To Say. ...
  3. Begin By Greeting the Interviewer. ...
  4. Include Your Educational Qualifications. ...
  5. Elaborate on Professional Experience (if any) ...
  6. Mention Your Hobbies And Interests. ...
  7. Be Prepared For Follow Up Questions. ...
  8. Sample 1.

How do you answer something interesting about yourself? ›

You could talk about:
  • An interesting hobby.
  • A less common instrument you play.
  • A weird sport you practice.
  • An interesting language you're learning.
  • Your biggest achievement at work.
  • Your biggest achievement outside of work.
  • A unique life experience.
  • A hidden talent.
Aug 23, 2022

How do you introduce yourself in a scholarship application? ›

Introduce yourself and why you're applying

Begin the first paragraph of your application letter by introducing yourself to the scholarship review committee. Include information such as your current or prospective college major, your professional goals and what potentially receiving the funding means to you.

How do I explain why I qualify for a scholarship? ›

Here are tips for writing a “why I'm deserving scholarship” essay:
  1. Explain how the scholarship money would contribute to your long-term goals. ...
  2. Focus on the purpose of the scholarship. ...
  3. Don't be afraid to promote yourself. ...
  4. Use a thesis statement, just like you would with any other essay.
Aug 3, 2022

Why do you consider yourself a good candidate for a scholarship? ›

Share what you plan to do with the scholarship award

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

How to write an essay about yourself for college application examples? ›

10 Tips for Writing an Essay About Yourself
  1. Choose a topic that's meaningful to you. The foundation of a great essay is selecting a topic that has real meaning for you. ...
  2. Show your personality. ...
  3. Write in your own voice. ...
  4. Use specific examples. ...
  5. Don't be afraid to show off… ...
  6. 6. … ...
  7. Be vulnerable. ...
  8. Don't lie or hyperbolize.
May 6, 2021

What is an example of a statement of need for scholarship? ›

Briefly Describe your Financial Need for this Scholarship

I am in need of financial assistance in order to attend college because I am a low-income student. I am the 1st child to attend the college. Although my parents gave me many supports, I received a limited financial assistance due to low family income.

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