essay about needing financial aid

• Applying For Scholarships

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Oct 2, 2022

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

How to write financial need scholarship essays

Here are some tips for writing financial need scholarship essays:

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

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

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

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Example 1: “Provide a statement of financial need”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Word Count: 100

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

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

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

Word Count: 498

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Jennifer Finetti

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

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

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

What to include in a financial need scholarship essay

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to include: 

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

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

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

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

Example 2: 

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

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

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

Example 

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

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

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

Winning $5000 would help me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study social work and eventually work in a role to support my community. However, since these jobs are not well paid, repaying significant student loans would be difficult. Your scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually support my community, without incurring debt I can’t afford.

My plan is to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I have been admitted, and eventually pursue a career as a Nurse-Practitioner. I know that being pre-med will be a real academic challenge, and this scholarship would help me focus on those tough classes, rather than worrying about how to pay for them. The $2000 award would be equivalent to about 150 hours of working at a student job. That’s 150 hours I can instead focus on studying, graduating, and achieving my goals. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?
• How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals
• How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
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How to Write a Statement of Financial Need

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

Caitlyn Cole is a college access professional with a decade of experience in non-profit program and project management for college readiness and access organizations.

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.

Many students want to know how to write a statement of financial need since it is a challenge. Deciding what is appropriate to include or omit can make all the difference, so it’s also especially important that you use your words economically and effectively.

What is a Statement of Financial Need?

College is an investment, but for many students financial aid may not be enough to cover the cost. Because of this, students may find themselves needing to write a statement of financial need, which is a brief statement explaining your financial situation. Generally, the statement of financial need will go beyond what is captured by the FAFSA or CSS profile.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to show you how to write a statement of financial need.

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How we organized this article.

We’ll start with a “Do’s and Don’ts” list. This list will answer questions you may have about which details to include in your statement. Once you’ve got an idea of what should be included, we’ll show you a general template for writing these statements, including some examples. This will help you illustrate your points thoroughly while staying under the word limit. We also included some relevant FAQs just in case you had a few more questions. 

Related: Top need based scholarships

What to include in your statement

• A quick rundown of your family’s employment situation. This includes who in the family is working, what type of job they hold, and if you are working to help support your education or to help support your family
• Whether you are a first-generation college student
• If you or your parents are immigrants or refugees
• Whether you or your parents speak English as a second language, or do not speak English at all
• If you were raised by a single parent, or in a foster home
• Any extenuating circumstances that could be affecting your family’s finances, such as medical issues or job loss. Any recent shortfall in your family’s financial situation is worth mentioning
• If you are a member of any minority group (for many colleges, recruiting underrepresented students is an institutional priority as they seek to create a diverse community).
• Opportunities that you would be able to accept if the scholarship helped meet your financial need. An example would be if you are pursuing an unpaid or low-paying internship over the summer, but needed to earn money to help pay for next semester’s tuition

What to avoid in your statement

• Try to avoid a negative or dramatic tone. Even if your financial situation is stressful, try not to communicate that stress in your statement. It’s best to let the facts speak for themselves
• Avoid comparing your situation with the situations of others. Remember, this essay is about you, and why someone in your situation could benefit from the scholarship
• Avoid focusing too much on tangential details. Try to only include the details that are immediately relevant to your ability to further your education. For example, if your family has experienced a financial shortfall because your father lost his job, you don’t need to go into details of your father’s business or his chance of being re-hired. You need only to mention that it has led to your family receiving less than their projected income for the year, and that this impacts your ability to pay for college

Related: What’s the best scholarship essay format?

Now that you know what to include in your essay, you’re ready to start writing your statement of financial need. This can be done by following a step-by-step process:

Create an outline

Write your introduction.

• Format your essay with body paragraphs

Finish with a strong conclusion

Let’s get started with the first step…

To get started with your outline, try writing out a bullet-point list of the details you’d like to include in your essay. Include all of the details that emphasize your financial need. This includes demographic information, your parents’ employment, and any extenuating circumstances your family is experiencing. Once you have that list, use it as a guide to help format the statement of financial need.

See also: How to write a 250 word essay

In your first sentence, introduce yourself by touching on some key demographic points about yourself. For example, you could write:

“As a first-generation college student who was raised by a single parent, I have worked as a cashier throughout high school to help pay the bills.”

These are all points that do not require too much elaboration. They can be brought up together in the first sentence to give the reader an idea of what they will be reading. Use the rest of the introduction to quickly lay out the discussion points, saving the detail for later.

Related: How to start a scholarship essay

Formatting your essay with body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are your opportunity to dive into the relevant details. Elaborate on the points that you mentioned in the introduction to give a more vivid picture of why you are having trouble paying for your education. These include extenuating circumstances, parents’ employment status, and your employment status.

In addition, you can use these paragraphs to help illustrate your sense of financial responsibility. If you have a college savings account or have taken initiatives to help yourself secure the funds for college, mention them here. Emphasize that there is still a gap between what you are expected to pay and what you are able to pay.

Also see: How to write a financial aid appeal letter

Now is the time to discuss how the increased funding would create opportunities for you. You can mention the internship that you would take if you didn’t have to work all summer to pay your tuition, or describe how one of your other financial hardships would be lightened by receiving this scholarship.

The conclusion is where you make the scholarship committee realize what they could do for you by granting you the scholarship; once you’ve established your need, use the conclusion to illustrate how important this opportunity is to you. We hope that you now know how to write a statement of financial need. Best of luck!

Submitting your statement of financial need is not a guarantee of more aid

We should also mention that submitting your statement of financial need is no guarantee that you will receive more financial aid. While students can be hopeful that they will receive an adjusted aid package, they should be prepared for their situation not changing. 

In this case, students can turn to options like scholarships , student loans , or choosing a more affordable college option. 

See also: What to do if financial aid is not enough?

Key Takeaways

• A Statement of Financial Need can be beneficial for students who know they may not be able to afford college
• Always try to be positive when writing your Statement of Financial Need
• Structure your statement in an easy to read, concise way

Frequently asked questions about how to write a statement of financial need

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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

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

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes in Financial Need Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essay examples financial need | text.

• Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | Images

Financial Need Scholarship Essay FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Template to Structure Financial Need Scholarship Statement

A financial need scholarship essay contains the following parts:

1- Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

Scholarship essay examples financial need | Body:

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

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

3- Conclusion

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

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

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

Scholarship essay examples financial need | conclusion

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

Conclude in a short and Respectful Tone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Make financial Need Scholarship Statement Successful

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

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

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

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 1

[Heading (with date & address)]

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

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

Dear Mr. Smith.

[Who you are]

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

[Reasons you require financial assistance]

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

[Your background]

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

[Your academic record]

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

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

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

[How getting financial aid will help you]

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

[Career objectives]

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

[Closing statement]

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

Sincerely, 

Example of Financial Need Scholarship Essay | 2

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

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

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

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

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

 I will be very grateful for your kind consideration.

Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need | PDF/Images

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

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

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

How should I describe a financial need?

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

How should I write a financial need scholarship essay?

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

How to begin a financial need scholarship statement ?

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Express Financial Need in Scholarship Essays

How to Write a Scholarship Letter

The scholarship essay is a portrait of you and your unique situation. All of your positive attributes should shine in your scholarship essay that expresses your need for financial aid.

An emotionally moving letter that speaks to a financial aid officer features a personalized story in a positive way. Familiarize yourself with the writing process and construct a few sample scholarship essays based on a financial need to create a touching and successful essay.

The work you put into completing your financial aid letter can lead to a lucrative and life-changing college career.

How to Frame a Personal Story

Frame your story in a positive light. To do this, you may need to dig deep into difficult situations. Turn any adversity you have experienced into an opportunity.

Don’t be afraid to state your accomplishments. Discuss how you overcame obstacles or found ways to turn difficulties into victories. Edit out any negative language that brings the tone down or puts your reaction to a situation in a bad light.

Begin with a brief introduction and finish with a confident flourish. The main body of your concise letter should contain why you deserve to earn the financial aid.

Sample Scholarship Essays Based on Financial Need

Look online and you will find a slew of scholarship essay examples of financial need. While these can be helpful, they shouldn’t be copied verbatim.

Use a sample scholarship application letter for financial need as a template. Infuse it with your personal story. Be honest and insightful about why you need financial aid to attend a higher education institution.

Statement of Financial Need Example

A statement of financial need example will typically be shorter than an essay. The scholarship committee is looking for short and sweet essays. To create a moving statement, keep your sentences short and get to the most poignant part of your story quickly. Keep the statement of financial aid to less than 200 words with paragraphs of no more than thee or four sentences.

On the bright side, this concise statement of your financial need situation can serve double duty. If done correctly, then you should be able to use the statement of financial need as a cover letter for other, lengthier and more intensive scholarship application packets. It should express all of your best attributes, concisely define your goals and move the reader to understand you and your financial needs.

Write and Rewrite a Sample Letter

Admissions officials at colleges are flooded with scholarship requests. Use your specific situation to your advantage. Considering that most scholarships are based on the student’s financial need, your explanation of why you need assistance to pursue your goals can help you stand out.

Briefly describe your financial need for this scholarship sample before you give it to someone else to read over. By creating sample scholarship essays based on a financial need for each scholarship you are applying for, you take the pressure off of yourself.

It may take a few samples, or rough drafts, before you hit the correct tone you are looking for to get the attention of the financial institution offering the aid.

Before Sending in a Scholarship Essay

You’ve done all the hard work, explored ways to introduce your situation in a positive and unique light and feel good about the structure of your scholarship letter. Now comes the polish. Pass the letter on to a trusted teacher or someone with a background in grammar and editing.

Make sure every comma, period and hyphen are perfectly in place. Let as many people see it who you feel can offer beneficial feedback. Don’t rush the process in finalizing a crisp, concise and correct scholarship letter. This will ensure you put your best financial foot forward in your quest to pay for a quality education at the school of your choice.

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Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business trends and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Today’s Parent and other publications. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from UNLV. Her full bio and clips can be seen at www.vegaswriter.com.

Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Examples

Winning Scholarship Essay Examples for Students: Tips Included

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Published on: Mar 14, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many students face financial barriers when it comes to pursuing higher education. The rising costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses can be overwhelming. 

This is why the scholarships offer a lifeline by providing financial aid to students, but the competition is fierce. 

That's where CollegeEssay.org comes in. 

In this blog post, we are providing scholarship essay examples that will inspire and guide you in creating your own exceptional essay. 

These examples serve as beacons of success, offering valuable insights into the art of scholarship essay writing. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

Why this scholarship essay worked.

This scholarship essay example effectively conveys the applicant's financial need and their determination to overcome the challenges associated with it. Here's why this essay worked:

• Personal Storytelling: The essay begins with a personal anecdote that establishes a connection between the applicant's background and financial constraints. This helps create empathy and demonstrates the genuine impact of financial challenges on their educational journey.
• Resilience and Resourcefulness: The applicant showcases their resilience and resourcefulness in navigating financial hardships. They highlight their proactive approach to seeking part-time employment and actively pursuing scholarships.
• Academic Commitment: Despite the financial strain, the applicant emphasizes their commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a high GPA. This showcases their dedication and ability to prioritize their studies amidst challenging circumstances.
• Community Involvement : The essay also highlights the applicant's involvement in community service. This demonstrates their desire to give back and make a positive impact.
• Connection to Scholarship: The applicant clearly articulates how receiving the scholarship would benefit them. This demonstrates a strong alignment between their goals and the purpose of the scholarship.

Want more examples, check out these winning scholarship essay examples.

Financial Aid Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Financial Need

Scholarship Essay Examples About Yourself

Why this essay worked.

This scholarship essay worked for several reasons, such as:

• It effectively showcases the applicant's passion for mathematics, community engagement, and resilience.
• It compellingly conveyed the applicant's dedication, ambition, and potential for making a positive impact. This makes them a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
• Clear connection to the scholarship's goals and how it would further the applicant's educational journey and impact.

Here are some scholarship essay examples about yourself; get an idea from them, and create a successful essay.

Scholarship Essay Example About Yourself

Scholarship Essay About Yourself

Scholarship Essay Examples for Nursing

Why this essay worked.

This essay worked due to its compelling portrayal of the applicant's genuine passion for nursing, coupled with their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in patient care.

The essay effectively demonstrates the applicant's well-rounded preparation for a nursing career and their clear alignment with the goals and mission of the scholarship, making them a strong candidate for consideration.

Below are some more examples of scholarship essays for nursing.

Nursing Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Nursing

Scholarship Essay Examples About Career Goals

This essay worked for the following reasons:

• Clear and Specific Career Goals: The essay effectively outlines the applicant's career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health support. The clarity and specificity of the goal demonstrate a well-defined path and a strong sense of purpose.
• Demonstrated Preparation and Commitment: The essay showcases the applicant's comprehensive preparation for their career goals. It also demonstrates their readiness and dedication to excel in the field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: The essay effectively highlights how the scholarship will contribute to the applicant's career aspirations. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.

If you find difficulty writing the scholarship essay about career goals, get help from the below-mentioned examples, and submit a well-written essay.

Scholarship Essay Examples About Leadership

Three reasons why this essay worked are:

• Demonstrated Leadership Experience : This essay effectively highlights the applicant's practical experience in leadership roles, showcasing their ability to lead teams, organize events, and coordinate volunteers.
• Commitment to Personal Growth : The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to leadership development by seeking formal training and participating in workshops focused on honing their skills. 
• Emphasis on Collaboration and Empowerment: The essay emphasizes the applicant's belief in collaborative leadership. It promotes inclusivity and empowers team members to contribute their unique perspectives. 

Here we gather some good scholarship essay examples about leadership that help in your writing.

Leadership Scholarship Essay Example

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Scholarship Essay Examples About Community Service

Here are the reasons:

• Genuine Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's genuine passion for community service, highlighting their long-standing involvement and the transformative impact it has had on their life. 
• Integration of Service with Education: The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to integrating their passion for community service with their educational pursuits.
• Aspiration for Social Change: The essay goes beyond personal experiences and highlights the applicant's aspirations for broader social change.

Here is an excellent community service scholarship essa y that can help you write for community college.

Scholarship Essay Example about Community Service

High School Scholarship Essay Examples

• Clear and Convincing Goals: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's strong desire to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.
• Demonstrated Leadership and Well-Roundedness: The essay showcases the applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities. It highlights their ability to balance academic responsibilities with active participation in clubs, sports teams, and community service initiatives.
• Emphasis on Giving Back and Community Engagement: The essay not only focuses on the applicant's personal aspirations but also highlights their commitment to giving back to their community.

The following are the best high school scholarship essay examples, use this for your help, and write an attention-grabbing essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for High School

Scholarship Essay for High School

Scholarship Essay Examples for University

Why this essay works.

Three reasons why this essay works are:

• Strong Personal Motivation: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's unwavering commitment and determination to pursue a university education.
• Articulation of Long-Term Goals and Social Impact: The essay goes beyond highlighting the applicant's academic achievements and financial needs. It emphasizes the applicant's desire to contribute to their community and make a positive impact on society.
• The connection between Scholarship and Applicant's Potential: The essay effectively illustrates how receiving the scholarship would directly address the financial burden. Plus, it will enable the applicant to fully embrace the university experience.

Here are some excellent scholarship essay examples for university students that help you in writing the essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for University Students

Scholarship Essay Examples for Engineering

This essay worked because of the following reasons:

• Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's deep passion for engineering. It also shows their genuine commitment to making a positive impact in this field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: It clearly establishes the connection between the scholarship and the applicant's goals in engineering.
• Future Impact and Growth: It also communicates the applicant's aspiration to contribute to the field of engineering and make a positive difference in the world.

The following is another scholarship essay example that can help you in creating the perfect essay on your own.

Scholarship Essay Examples for Masters

This essay worked for several reasons:

• Clear Purpose and Goal: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's clear purpose and goal of pursuing a master's degree. It highlights the transformative impact that a master's degree can have on personal and professional growth.
• Financial Need and Scholarship Alignment : The essay addresses the financial challenges associated with pursuing a master's degree. It demonstrates the direct alignment between the scholarship and the applicant's needs.
• Impact and Giving Back : The essay goes beyond personal aspirations and emphasizes the applicant's intention to make a broader impact on their community and society.

Here is an example that you can use as a guide and write a perfect scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Examples

Three brief reasons why this essay worked are:

• Clear and Convincing Arguments : The essay presents concise and compelling arguments to support the applicant's case for receiving the scholarship.
• Personal Connection : It demonstrates how receiving the scholarship would directly impact the applicant's academic journey
• Gratitude and Future Commitment : It expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity and emphasizes the applicant's commitment to making the most of the scholarship.

Here is an example, take help from them for your scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Example

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples

• Compelling Personal Story: The essay effectively presents the applicant's personal story and highlights their dedication and commitment to their education
• Addressing Academic Excellence and Financial Need : The essay successfully addresses both academic excellence and financial need, which are two crucial aspects considered by scholarship committees.
• Commitment to Making an Impact: The essay goes beyond the applicant's personal goals and emphasizes their dedication to making a positive impact in their community. 

Here’s another example for this scholarship essay below:

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Example

Tips for Writing the Effective Scholarship Essay

When it comes to writing an effective scholarship essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind. 

By following these guidelines, you can maximize your chances of standing out and impressing scholarship selection committees. 

Here are some essential tips to help you craft a compelling scholarship essay:

• Understand the Prompt

Take the time to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or topic provided by the scholarship provider. Pay attention to any specific instructions or guidelines given.

• Research the Scholarship

Familiarize yourself with the organization or institution offering the scholarship. Understand their values, mission, and objectives. This knowledge will help you align your essay with their goals and demonstrate your fit for the scholarship.

• Tell Your Unique Story

Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personal experiences, like obstacles you might encounter, achievements, and aspirations. Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. Be authentic and genuine in conveying your story, like overcoming personal failures.

• Start with a Compelling Introduction

Grab the reader's attention from the beginning with a strong and captivating introduction. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement.

• Structure Your Essay

Organize your essay into a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs that support your main points, and end with a concise and impactful conclusion.

• Be Concise and Specific

Scholarship essays often have a word or character limits, so make every word count. Be concise in your writing and avoid unnecessary fluff. Focus on providing specific examples and details that support your claims.

• Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight your academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvements, community service, leadership roles, or any other relevant achievements. Link them to the values and goals of the scholarship.

• Address the Selection Criteria

Ensure that your essay addresses the selection criteria specified by the scholarship provider. If they are looking for specific qualities or skills, tailor your essay to showcase how you possess those attributes.

In conclusion, writing an effective scholarship essay is a crucial step in securing the financial aid you need for your education. 

By following the tips outlined here, you can enhance your essay-writing skills and create a compelling narrative that captivates scholarship selection committees.

Be authentic, concise, and specific in your writing. Tailor your essay to align with the values and objectives of the scholarship provider. And above all, believe in yourself and your potential to make a difference through education.

If you're seeking further guidance and support in your scholarship essay writing journey, consider partnering with our AI essay writing tools !

We also have a team of experienced and professional essay writers who can provide personal essay writing service with valuable insights. 

Hire our college paper writing service  today and take the next step towards securing the financial aid you deserve.

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Scholarship Essays

Statement of Financial Need Scholarship Essay Example

Tell us about your need for this scholarship.

The value of education is something that I have understood since a very young age. Neither of my parents had an opportunity to attend college, and faced many struggles in their personal and professional lives because of this. They made a commitment early in my life to do everything within their power to instill in me a love of learning and an understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication.

Because of their love and sacrifice over the years, I have been able to devote the time and energy necessary to academic accomplishment even though money has always been tight. In my senior year at XYZ High School, I have a 3.9 grade-point average and have been named Salutatorian of my graduating class. In addition to focusing on my own studies, I also worked as a math and science tutor throughout my years in high school as a way of contributing to my family's budget.

Additionally, I have also been active in my school and community outside of the classroom, serving on the student council as Secretary Treasurer for two years, serving as an officer in the Future Engineers of America chapter at my school, and volunteering at a local Boys & Girls Clubs of America chapter during school breaks.

My family has made many sacrifices to allow me to focus on education throughout primary and secondary school. I now have an opportunity to become the first person in my family to attend college, though I'm in need of financial assistance to realize what has been a long-term goal for me and a dream for my parents.

If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my collegiate studies as I have to this point, making education and service to others my top priority. I will represent your organization well during my years in college and beyond. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Original Source: College.Lovetoknow

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Popular scholarship essay prompts (and how to stand out when you answer them).

The scholarship search is an essential process for many college students who need financial aid for college. While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) offers aid in the form of grants, federal student loans, and work-study, students can maximize their aid by applying for scholarships offered by a variety of sources, including nonprofits and companies.

Writing endless essays to apply for scholarships may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever done a scholarship search or even started applying, you might be aware that many of the essay prompts on the applications are similar. Knowing the most popular prompts and how to stand out will help you prepare for the scholarship application process.

What is a scholarship essay prompt?

Scholarship boards review many applications every year, and your essay is one way for them to get to know you. An essay prompt is a question on the application requiring a short answer determined by the organization awarding the scholarship. Your response gives the board or awarding committee insight into who you are and why you may be deserving of the award.

Not all scholarship applications have the same prompt. That being said, many are similar, and there are certainly popular prompts. Below are some common essay prompts you might see as you’re applying for scholarships.

Popular scholarship essay prompts

Knowing what the common essay prompts are can help get you organized as you begin your scholarship search. Picking a few of these and creating outlines or rough drafts ahead of scholarship applications being released can help give you a head start.

1. Tell us about yourself

The “tell us about yourself” essay prompt is exactly what it sounds like — a way for the scholarship board to get insights into who you are, what you like to do, and why this scholarship will help you.

This is a common question on many applications. You’re likely to see this question pop up as you apply for jobs, further your education, or join organizations in the future, too.

How to make your answer stand out

Keep your answer relatively short and include essential information that might wow the board, such as:

• Your academic accomplishments and achievements
• Community service and passion projects
• What you hope to accomplish by furthering your education
• How this scholarship fits into those goals

It’s never easy to condense yourself into a few short paragraphs. So, stick to the information that is likely to make you stand out.

2. What are your academic and professional goals?

Thousands of scholarships are designed to help you achieve specific goals. For instance, if you’re going to school for computer programming to become a coder, there may be a specific scholarship for that career path, which is why this essay prompt comes up a lot.

Sit down and think about why you are choosing this career path and what you hope to accomplish throughout your career.

When you think about your ideal future, what does that look like? What do you hope to accomplish by the time you graduate college? And where do you see yourself as you start your career? Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Include the answer to these questions, and go big! You want to stand out and show your drive and determination — so don’t be afraid to include your biggest goals.

3. How will this scholarship help you?

Scholarships are designed to help students accomplish their higher education goals. But beyond that, many scholarship boards want to understand why their specific scholarship is the right fit for you.

With this prompt, you want to try and get as specific as possible. Thousands of scholarships are available, but you chose to apply for this one. Why?

As you begin to answer, consider including the following:

• What caught your attention about this scholarship?
• Why do you believe you fit the awarding criteria for this scholarship?
• How do you think this scholarship will help you accomplish your education and career goals?

By researching the scholarship and understanding how it applies to you, you can show the board your interest and dedication when it comes to furthering your education.

4. Why do you deserve this scholarship?

It’s no secret that a large number of students apply for scholarships each year, which is why determining who will be awarded one is a big job. Sometimes, hearing a student’s words about why they believe they deserve the funds can make all the difference. That’s why you’ll see this prompt pop up from time to time.

Don’t be shy about being honest. If you’ve gone above and beyond throughout your high school education to reach your goals, share that information in your essay. What have you accomplished? Better yet, what have you overcome to achieve those accomplishments?

Share your journey in your essay and tell the reader why you believe that journey is deserving of the scholarship award.

5. Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration?

Many students are inspired to accomplish and achieve their goals because of someone who inspired them — whether that’s a teacher, parent, sibling, or mentor. Those who inspire you often say a lot about who you are and why you achieve the things you do.

People inspire us for all kinds of reasons, but scholarship committees want to understand why and what you’ve achieved due to that influence. Tell your story honestly, and don’t be afraid to showcase how this person inspired you to accomplish a goal you may not have otherwise.

Final thoughts

As we mentioned above, essay prompts can help decision-makers determine if you should receive a scholarship. While they may seem like something you can power through quickly, it’s important to spend time crafting answers that are compelling, honest, and insightful.

You want to double and triple-check your work, even allowing someone you trust to read through it and provide feedback. Keep in mind this is an opportunity to help you pay for college, and you should put your best foot forward.

While essay prompts might seem overwhelming, with some preparation, time, and energy, you’ll find opportunities to help yourself stand out.

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How to Write a Financial Aid Statement

Last Updated: February 1, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Michael R. Lewis . Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 555,921 times.

The financial aid statement is a simple, short piece of writing that students may include on a financial aid letter, in an essay, or in other communications to a financial aid department. The financial aid statement may not be a full communication on its own, but rather an element of a more complex financial aid appeal. If you need to write such a statement in order to reach out to a university or college's financial aid office, follow some basic steps.

Sample Statements and Things to Include

Writing a Statement of Financial Need

• For example, you could write the following: “My parents moved to the United States from Albania in order to give us better opportunities. As their oldest child, I will be the first in our family to attend college.”

• For example, write something like this: “I have worked to help support my family since I was 16 years old. Currently, I work on the weekends as a waitress to support myself. My parents also give me what they can each month. Since my parents didn’t speak English when we moved here, it was very difficult for them to support our family. My mother worked many hours as a housekeeper in a hotel. They saved what they could, but we do not have enough savings to pay for my college education."

• For example: “My earnings from my weekend job cover my living expenses. I worked extra shifts over the summer and saved enough to pay for a portion of this year’s tuition. However, I am seeking aid for the portion of the tuition I cannot cover on my own.”

• For example: “Receiving financial aid will allow me to focus on my studies during the week without having to worry about earning extra money. I would continue to work on the weekends to cover my living expenses, but I would be able to keep the weekdays free to focus solely on my school work.”

• For example: “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my opportunities with you.”

Writing a Statement for a Scholarship

• For example: “I am applying for this scholarship in order to further my studies in education. My long-term goal is to work as an ESL teacher in an inner city environment. My academic, work and personal experiences have lead me to this career goal.”

• For example: “I graduated from my undergraduate institution with a 4.0 GPA. I had a double major of Elementary Education and Spanish, with a minor in Sociology. I applied for and received a prestigious internship working with the state government on developing educational policies.”

• For example: “My parents moved our family to this country from Albania when I was 12 years old. I did not speak any English when we arrived. The ESL teachers in my school helped me to be successful in school, and I want to do the same for other students in my circumstances.”

• For example: “Each summer, I volunteer for the Migrant Workers Education Association in Chester County, Pennsylvania. They service migrant workers who come here from Mexico to work on mushroom farms. We not only link families with community services, but we also tutor children in English and help them learn important school skills that will allow them to be successful in school.”

• For example: “My experiences as an ESL student and an English tutor have taught me the value of helping children to feel successful and empowered. I know the meaning of hard work, and I have learned how to overcome challenges in my own personal and academic life.”

Making Your Personal Statement Successful

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ http://www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/what-is-a-statement-of-financial-need/
• ↑ https://www.goingmerry.com/blog/how-to-write-a-scholarship-essay-or-statement-about-your-financial-need-with-examples/
• ↑ https://www.laguardia.edu/uploadedfiles/main_site/content/supporters_friends/docs/scholarship_personal_statement.pdf
• ↑ https://scholarships360.org/financial-aid/how-to-write-a-statement-of-financial-need/
• ↑ https://custom-writing.org/blog/financial-needs-essay
• ↑ http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships/tips/personal.html

About This Article

If you’re writing a statement of financial need, make it personal by sharing information about yourself and what's motivating you to pursue your studies. Try to be authentic, to write honestly about what you've already accomplished and what you hope to do with your education. Use specific examples if you can to reinforce the points you're trying to make. Finally, be sure to start your first draft early enough to get feedback from teachers or advisers and make revisions before you submit it. For more advice from our reviewer, including how to write a statement for a scholarship, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Admissions Essays and Financial Aid

Admissions essays are a key part of your college application. Essays can be challenging to write so here are some tips to help you. 

Generally, admissions essays will need to be 650 words or less, depending on the school requirement. Remember to include: why the particular college you’re applying to is a good fit for you, the value you bring to a school, and why this particular college should invest in your education. 

Admissions essays can go by different names. Here are some examples of other names: 

• Personal Statement
• Personal Essay
• Common App Essay
• Coalition App Essay
• University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

Colleges can require an admissions essay. These essays can also influence your financial aid package. Many colleges are generous with merit scholarships. A strong essay can boost your application so you secure a spot at a school and get financial aid.

In this guide, you will:

• Learn the types of financial aid that colleges offer
• Learn how the admissions  essay impacts merit scholarships
• Start writing your essay

Tip:  Your admissions essays do not impact your need-based financial aid. 

Types of financial aid

Before we discuss how admissions essays affect financial aid, let’s review the types of financial aid. Your financial aid package may include two award sources: need-based assistance and merit scholarships . 

• You will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for need-based aid. After your FAFSA form is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows your Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly known as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Colleges use the SAI to determine the need-based aid that you qualify for.
• Check out DecidED’s FAFSA prep guide for more information on how to apply.
• Not all colleges award merit scholarships. If they do, they may consider your GPA and test scores (if required or reported) when awarding merit scholarships. Many colleges also award merit scholarships for criteria such as high school activities, volunteer service, and demonstrated leadership. Colleges look for you to describe these qualities in your admissions essay. 

Who decides financial aid? 

On a typical college campus:

• The  Office of Financial Aid  awards need-based aid using FAFSA and the CSS/Profile, a form used by 400 private colleges.
• Merit scholarship awards mostly come from the  Admissions Office  after admissions counselors read and debrief your application. Admissions counselors decide on your candidacy and offer any merit scholarships you qualify for based on available dollars and how you compare to other students for the pool of funds.

When you understand the financial aid process from this perspective, you can see why the admissions essay has a lot of impact. 

How to boost merit scholarships

A good college essay can also give you a boost if you apply to a college that is ACT/SAT test-optional. Many colleges rely on test scores. Without those scores, your essay is the factor colleges can use to bet on your promise to succeed.

What makes a good essay? 

Successful essays read like a memoir or autobiographical sketch. You have had many lived experiences that you can write about. Choose one experience that is relevant to you and go deep. Here are some great admissions essays you can refer to for inspiration and some other good tips and examples . 

Tip: The best essays are those that zoom into one, two, or a mosaic of snapshots in time. Find your unique snapshot and write about it.

Express your experiences. Other parts of your college application contain information about your grades, test scores, activities, and coursework.  Your essay is the place to write about something personal. As you write, keep digging so positive emotions, such as happiness and hope, are palpable in your essay. 

Tip:  Before you begin writing about a particular experience, ask yourself:  “Why is this important to share?” Each time you answer, you move the reader from a  surface-level understanding of your experience to a deeper one. This helps make your essay stand out during admission and merit scholarship decisions.

Tell a clear story. Strong essays have a strong narrative and voice. 

• Story-like descriptions make your essay come alive. Show rather than tell directly. Consider yourself the main character in this story. Set up your essay with an attention grabbing beginning, middle, and end. 
• Strong essays are entertaining, both for you to write and for your audience to read. Don’t be afraid to explain your emotions, discoveries, and curiosities to show your complex layers and readiness for college-level learning.

Tip: Write a compelling story admissions counselors will want to read from start to finish. A memorable essay can help you win merit scholarship awards.

Show colleges why you’re a great fit. Your essay answers two important questions about you: who you are and why you’re a great fit for a school. Be yourself and focus on telling your story so colleges understand why you’re an ideal candidate for their program.  Unlike a Hollywood film, your story doesn’t have an end. Your script is still evolving, and where you spend the next four years will shape your story even more.

This guide is from the team at DecidED, a free tool that can help you compare college costs and other fit factors to make an affordable choice. Take the next step and create a free DecidED account today!

Did this guide help you? Share the knowledge!

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Financial Assistance Essay: 4 Useful Tips to Make It Rock

Are you about to start writing a financial assistance essay? Most probably, you are applying for a scholarship that will provide additional funding for your education or that will help you meet some special research objectives.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Anyway, no matter how you call it, a financial assistance essay or a scholarship essay , your major mission and the gist of your paper do not change. You have to ask for money and need to prove that you do deserve it.

We should warn you right from the start that neither you are supposed to beg when writing your financial assistance essay nor you have to create some lachrymose stories about your difficult childhood and lack of finance in the family. On the contrary, you have to create an interesting and engaging financial assistance essay that both describes your life experiences and sheds a positive light on you ( click here for more info on how to save your time on writing a financial assistance essay).

Let us present you some good hints that will help you write a winning financial assistance essay.

• 🤔 Frequent Questions

1. ✏️ Tip 1

A financial assistance essay should not be philosophical, preachy, or trite. It should present your life story or an episode that describes you best and explains your need for financial aid in the best way.

Your financial assistance essay should be supported with specific examples. If you say something like “I believe it is very important to help others”, show what exactly you have done to help someone.

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

Do not try to stretch the truth when writing your financial assistance essay. For instance, do not mention hobbies that you do not actually have or some activities you have never been involved into. Mind that you can be asked some unexpected questions referring to this info during an interview.

Before writing your financial assistance essay , simply try to talk about the topic aloud. It may help you concentrate and pick the best way of developing your financial need essay.

This might be interesting for you:

• Scholarship Essay Examples about Yourself
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay about Why You Deserve It
• How to Write an Essay Describing Your Financial Need
• Why i Want to be a Pharmacist Essay: Step-by-step Guide
• Why i Want to be a Teacher Essay Writing Guide
• College Application Essay Writing Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Write a 250 Words College Personal Statement

🤔 Financial Needs Essay FAQ

A financial need statement is a paper aimed at asking for money, or scholarship because its author is not capable of sponsoring themselves. For students, it usually means that they can’t work full-time yet, and so cannot afford the desired educational program.

If you are applying for a scholarship, do not necessarily focus on describing the need for money. In an essay, try to demonstrate your strong motivation and passion for learning instead. Highlight your strengths, relevant educational, and work experience, Say just a few words about your tight budget.

Financial assistance is crucial for students unable to sponsor themselves. They are encouraged to apply for scholarship programs. With the help of scholarships or other forms of aid, they can afford better educational programs. It is an excellent opportunity to get valuable experience and succeed in further development.

You should start with an outline to make sure that the structure of your paper is flawless. Write some ideas in the form of bullet points: introduction, relevant info about your background, some words about your tight budget. After that, describe the sketched points step by step.

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Dear Sir I am suffering for many years for mental disease. I need financial assistance for my proper treatment.

Shohel from Bangladesh

Dear Shohel, We are really sorry that you are going through this. If you write a financial assistance essay, you should mention your disease. Write about the hardships you’ve been through and your particular achievements. We’re sure that this will persuade the commission that you deserve the money like nobody else. Good luck with your application. Kindest regards,

Hi! Million thanks to you, the author of this post! I like the way you presented tips for writing financial assistance essays! This is how I’m going to write my financial assistance essay.

Superb tips for writing a winning financial assistance essay! This is your chance to get financial assistance essay. Bingo!

Essay on Financial Aid

Students are often asked to write an essay on Financial Aid in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Financial Aid

What is financial aid.

Financial aid is money that helps students pay for school. This can include college, vocational training, or private school. It’s like a helping hand for families who can’t afford these costs on their own.

Types of Financial Aid

There are different kinds of financial aid. Scholarships are gifts you don’t pay back. Loans need to be repaid after you finish school. Grants are also free money, often based on your family’s income.

Who Gives Financial Aid?

Governments, schools, and private groups offer financial aid. They want to help students succeed in their education and future careers.

How to Get Financial Aid

To get financial aid, you fill out forms that show what your family can pay. It’s important to apply early and read all the instructions carefully to get the most help.

250 Words Essay on Financial Aid

Financial aid is money that helps students pay for school. This money can come from different places like the government, schools, or private groups. It helps cover costs like tuition, books, and living expenses while studying.

There are mainly two types: gifts and loans. Gifts are scholarships and grants that you don’t have to pay back. Loans are borrowed money that you need to return after you finish school, usually with extra called interest.

Who Can Get Financial Aid?

Mostly, students who need money for school can apply for financial aid. You usually have to fill out forms that ask about your family’s money situation. The school or organization will look at this to decide if you need aid and how much to give you.

Why Financial Aid is Important

Financial aid is key because it can make the difference in whether someone can go to school or not. It helps make sure that if you want to learn and work hard, you can, even if you don’t have a lot of money.

In summary, financial aid is essential for helping students afford education. There are different types, like scholarships and loans, and they are available to students who show they need it. This aid is crucial because it opens doors for students to succeed in school and in life.

500 Words Essay on Financial Aid

Financial aid is money that helps students pay for school. This can be money that you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships and grants, or loans, which you do have to return. Sometimes, it can also be a work-study program where you can work and earn money while going to school. This aid is very important because it makes learning more affordable for many people.

There are mainly four types of financial aid. First, scholarships are like prizes for doing well in school or sports, or for community work. You don’t have to give this money back. Second, grants are usually given based on your family’s money situation. Like scholarships, you don’t need to return them. Third, loans are borrowed money. You must pay this back with extra money called interest. Lastly, work-study programs give you a job on or near your school, and you use the money you earn to pay for your education.

To get financial aid, you need to fill out forms that ask about your family’s money situation. The most common form in the United States is the FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Your school might have its own forms too. It’s like applying for a job; you need to give the right information so they can decide how much money to give you.

Financial aid is important because it opens doors. Without it, many students wouldn’t be able to go to school. It helps families that don’t have a lot of money send their children to college. It can also lower the amount of debt students have when they finish school, which is good because then they don’t have to worry as much about paying back a lot of money.

Things to Remember About Financial Aid

Remember, if you get a loan, you have to pay it back, so only borrow what you need. Also, keep looking for scholarships and grants because the more of that money you get, the less you’ll have to pay back later. And always fill out your forms on time – if you’re late, you might not get any money.

In conclusion, financial aid is a big help for students who want to learn but don’t have enough money. There are different types of aid, and you have to apply to get them. This aid makes sure that more people can go to school and not have a lot of debt later. So, if you’re thinking about going to college, look into financial aid – it could be a big help for you and your family.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Mood Disorders
• Essay on Montessori Method Of Education
• Essay on Monitor

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, personal statement for financial aid: what are some good examples.

Hey everyone, I'm currently working on my financial aid application and I'm stuck at writing a personal statement. Can anyone share some examples of personal statements that have worked for them? I could really use some guidance. Thanks!

Hi! Writing a personal statement for a financial aid application can be challenging, but it's a great opportunity to share your story and explain your financial circumstances. Here are some general tips and examples to help you get started:

1. Start by providing an introduction that outlines your personal background and family situation. You can mention any specific hardships your family has faced, such as job loss, medical expenses, or other challenges that have impacted your ability to afford college.

Example: "I come from a hardworking family of five. My parents have always done their best to provide for us, but over the years, financial hardships have made it difficult to meet all our needs. Two years ago, my father lost his job, which forced my mother to work longer hours at her minimum-wage job."

2. Describe your educational journey and how a lack of financial resources has affected it. This is your opportunity to show your commitment to education and explain how financial aid will be instrumental in helping you achieve your goals.

Example: "Despite the financial challenges my family has faced, I have remained dedicated to my education. I am a first-generation college student and have worked hard throughout high school, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and participating in extracurricular activities. However, I've often had to sacrifice important opportunities, such as attending college prep programs or participating in school trips, due to financial constraints. Receiving financial aid will allow me to fully commit to my college education without these limitations."

3. Emphasize your achievements and the obstacles you've overcome. This can include academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or any personal triumphs that demonstrate your determination and resilience.

Example: "To help support my family, I've taken on a part-time job while maintaining my academic and extracurricular commitments. I have also volunteered at a local food bank and found new ways to give back to my community despite limited resources. These experiences have taught me the true value of perseverance and hard work."

4. Conclude by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to apply for financial aid and reiterate how it will impact your future. Explain how receiving financial assistance will not only benefit you but also contribute to your long-term goals and aspirations.

Example: "Receiving financial aid will not only allow me to attend college but will also lessen the burden on my family and provide me the chance to focus on my studies and future career. My goal is to major in computer science and use my education to create innovative solutions that address pressing issues in my community and the wider world. I am grateful for any support that will help me achieve this dream."

Remember to make your personal statement unique to your story and circumstances. Use your own voice, stay authentic, and don't be afraid to showcase your accomplishments and challenges. Best of luck with your financial aid application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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

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Everything You Need to Know About the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Fafsa application.

You may have heard from a school counselor, financial aid administrator, or your parents that the FAFSA is changing this year. You may also be asking yourself these questions. What’s the FAFSA? Do I need it to attend college? Is it complicated? Take a breath. We’ve got you covered.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, is an application students fill out to be considered for federal financial aid. Filling out the FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal financial aid. However, states, colleges, and even scholarship providers may also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for the financial aid they provide.

Find out more about FAFSA and how you can prepare your application.

Who should fill out the FAFSA?

If you need assistance paying for college and are eligible for federal financial aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid is available for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens (like permanent residents and individuals who meet certain noncitizen criteria). The application is free, and help is available along the way. You should complete the FAFSA every year you plan to attend college. You (the student) should complete the FAFSA, but your parent/guardian will also need to create an account to provide some of the required information. For more on student eligibility for financial aid, continue reading this article.

When should I fill out the FAFSA?

The federal deadline for completing the FAFSA is June 30. However, many states and colleges have their own priority deadlines that may be much earlier. Complete your FAFSA as early as you can to ensure you don’t miss your chance to receive financial aid. Some types of financial aid are limited. Colleges may award these funds on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit your college’s website to see what their deadlines are. Find your state’s deadline here .

How do I fill out the FAFSA ?

Complete the FAFSA online by logging in with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov. An FSA ID is a username and password used by students and parents to complete and sign the FAFSA. If you haven’t created an FSA ID yet, create one at studentaid.gov .

Most families completing the FAFSA will consent to share their federal tax information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This data exchange between the IRS and the FAFSA makes completing the application easier and reduces the number of questions you must answer.

What information does the FAFSA require?

If you’re considered dependent (completing the FAFSA with your parent(s) information), you need to provide:

• General demographic information.
• High school and college information.
• Federal income tax returns.
• Current bank statements.
• Records of investments and other assets.

Do I need my parent’s information to fill out the FAFSA?

Most students are considered dependent when completing the FAFSA, meaning that parental information is required. Your dependency status determines whose information must be included when you fill out the FAFSA. If you’re considered independent by the FAFSA, you won’t be required to provide parental or guardian information.

How do I submit the FAFSA?

After filling out the FAFSA, you and your parent(s), if parental information is required, must sign and submit the application. If you complete the FAFSA online, you must sign the form with your FSA ID. If you complete a paper FAFSA, you must sign the paper form and mail it to the address listed. The FAFSA will take a few days to process if signed and submitted online. Processing will take longer if you mail in a paper form.

What happens if I don’t complete the FAFSA?

If you don’t complete the FAFSA, you won’t be able to receive federal financial aid. You may also be ineligible for certain types of college scholarships and state aid. If you can’t complete the FAFSA due to missing information or difficulty with the form, contact your college financial aid office for additional help.

Can undocumented students complete the FAFSA?

Undocumented students, including students with temporary protected status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, aren’t eligible for federal aid. You may be eligible for financial aid from your state, college, or a scholarship provider. Reach out to the financial aid office at the colleges you’re considering. Explore alternatives to federal student aid. For additional information and some frequently asked questions, look here .

How do I create an FSA ID?

Students who are eligible for and applying for federal financial aid and parents who are required to be listed on the FAFSA need to create FSA IDs.

To create an FSA ID  you’ll need:

• Your social security number (if you have one). .
• Your date of birth.
• Your full legal name (written exactly as it appears on your social security card).
• An email address you have access to.
• A mobile phone number (optional).
• A mailing address

A social security number, mobile phone number, and email address can only be associated with one FSA ID. This means you can’t make multiple accounts for yourself, and if you share an email or phone number with someone, only one person can use that information to create an FSA ID.

What happens after I submit the FAFSA?

It may take a few weeks for your selected schools to receive your FAFSA information after you submit. Keep an eye on your email to ensure you don't miss any important notifications from schools.  

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More From Forbes

5 steps to negotiate more financial aid.

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Colleges have continued to raise their prices year after year. In the past 20 years, in-state tuition at public universities has increased by an astounding 158 %. The cost of attending a university is one of the many factors students are considering when making their college choice. As May 1, "decision day," draws near, students should evaluate their financial aid offers with the cost of attendance to determine feasibility. With no relief in sight from rising tuition costs, students and their families might be wondering how they can get more financial aid from schools. Here are five steps students should follow to negotiate for more financial aid.

College has become increasingly expensive but there are ways you can potentially reduce the tuition ... [+] bill.

Step 1: Access Changes In Your Financial Situation

When schools initially send out their aid offers, they often use a formula to evaluate the family's ability to pay for college. Of course, a standardized system will always have flaws, giving the student wiggle room to negotiate with the college.

To negotiate successfully, students must prove their need is more significant than indicated on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the CSS Profile. When families fill out these forms, the information collected is based on two-year-old tax and income information. Many things might have changed since then, and these forms often don’t address those unique financial circumstances that families might find themselves in.

For example, families might have recently experienced high healthcare expenses, job loss or change in compensation, care for an elderly grandparent or a child with disabilities, natural disaster, change in marital status or family size, unusual capital gains, the loss of child support or Social Security benefits for a child, or many other factors. All of these factors and more can play a role in changing how much aid a family should get.

Step 2: Gather Relevant Documents

Once the family has accessed what has changed in their financial situation, the next step is to gather any necessary documentation to help demonstrate the changes or special circumstances. Make copies of any documents and include them in the appeal.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, step 3: compare other aid offers from comparable colleges.

The next step is to look at the other financial aid offers received. If another university offers a student a substantial amount, they can use that in negotiations with their top choice university. However, only compare similar schools—a financial aid offer from a private university isn't comparable to an offer of financial assistance from a public university.

Step 4: Write A Letter Appealing For More Aid

The student is encouraged to be the one to contact the financial aid office. Colleges like to see the student take ownership of the application journey, and it might be better received if the student is the one to write it.

In the letter, clearly state what has changed and why more aid is necessary to be able to attend college. This letter shouldn't be more than 1-2 pages—the student doesn't need to include their entire life story, but it should continue with the relevant documents to prove that more aid is necessary.

The tone of the letter should remain courteous—remember, the financial aid officers do want to help students get more aid, but sometimes, they can't help more. Remaining polite in the initial letter and any further correspondence can help make a better impression.

Before writing and sending the letter, check with the institution on how they want to receive the letter. There might be a particular form that should go with the letter or be in a certain format. Following instructions can help improve the chances of getting more funds.

Step 5: Wait To Pay The Deposit

Students can appeal for aid at any point if their financial situation changes, including after the May 1 deadline. However, it might help if they wait to submit their enrollment deposit until they have written the appeal letter. It would also give students the chance to weigh all of their options more fully once they have the final decision from the financial aid office.

What Won't Work

• Making appeals based on academic merit. When trying to bargain for more financial aid, one thing that isn't considered is the student's academic achievements. If a student's grades or test scores have improved, which might mean they can qualify for a better merit-based scholarship, the student should contact the admissions office.
• Comparing a financial aid offer from a dissimilar institution. On average, the cost for a private college in 2021-2022 was $38,185, whereas public school attendees paid $10,338 in-state tuition or $22,698 out-of-state tuition. Because of the higher sticker price, a student's overall scholarship at a private institution tends to be higher. However, because the overall cost of attendance isn't the same for private vs. public schools, students shouldn't use a financial aid offer from Drexel University to negotiate with the University of Michigan.
• Harassing the financial aid office to get a response. Colleges are not obligated to give more money, regardless of the family's financial situation. Therefore, students and parents should respect the financial aid officers' time.

This financial aid letter can be worth thousands of dollars. Even if your appeal for more aid fails, your offer of acceptance is not in jeopardy. Do your research, prepare the documents, and write the letter to make your dream school more attainable.

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Yes, FAFSA delays are a mess, but college students need to file to get their financial aid

By working together, we can ensure that the fafsa remains a reliable and accessible tool for tennessee students seeking to realize their academic ambitions..

• Steven Gentile is executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
• Krissy DeAlejandro is president/CEO of tnAchieves.
• Burton Williams is Chief Executive Officer of The Ayers Foundation Trust.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, one thing remains constant: the critical importance of financial aid.

Central to this aid lies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , a lifeline for Tennessee students who are pursuing their academic dreams. However, this year has seen extraordinary delays in FAFSA processing , complicating the aspirations of countless students.

As partnering organizations for the Tennessee Promise, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), the Ayers Foundation Trust, and tnAchieves are deeply concerned about the implications of these delays and the ultimate effect they will have on our students.

Together, we encourage all students, either first-time college students or those wishing to return and complete their degree, to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.  For those wanting to remain eligible for Tennessee Promise, the deadline to submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA is May 15, 2024.

Another view: Is college worth the time and money? Facts, job opportunities and income potential say yes

Many Tennessee families have yet to complete the FAFSA

The FAFSA is the application used by current and prospective college students to determine eligibility for both federal and state financial aid, including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect . For many years, Tennessee has been a national leader in FAFSA completion, often ranking as the top state in the country for FAFSA submissions.

However, the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to simplify the FAFSA have resulted in nationwide delays in the opening of the application period and processing of applications. Unfortunately, these delays in FAFSA processing are complicating the already stressful journey of applying for financial aid. While preliminary data indicate Tennessee continues to lead the country in FAFSA completion among high school seniors, we know many students and families have yet to take this important step in the college-going process.

One of THEC, tnAchieves, and the Ayers Foundation Trust’s main responsibilities is coordinating with high schools and colleges to ensure students are prepared for their next steps.  We’ve increased those efforts in recent months to raise awareness of these issues through targeted communications to all prior-year FAFSA filers, monthly FAFSA update webinars for school and community partners, weekly webinars for families completing the 2024-25 FAFSA, and local, in-person FAFSA workshops.

Another view: We Tennessee public university presidents all want citizens to get a four-year degree

You will still be eligible for financial aid in the 2024-25 school year

To the students and families affected by this year's FAFSA delays, it is not too late to complete this important step. We assure you that the financial aid you are eligible for will be there when you finish the FAFSA.

We are also here to help. It’s our job to ensure you never feel alone on this journey. Students can access the 2024-2025 FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov . If you have questions along the way, we are here to help. Call the THEC FAFSA Hotline at 1-800-342-1663 for FAFSA completion assistance.

To Tennessee policymakers, education leaders, and higher education advocates, by working together, we can ensure that the FAFSA remains a reliable and accessible tool for students seeking to realize their academic ambitions. To augment our efforts, we respectfully request that you reach out to your community education leaders and encourage their support of our enhanced FAFSA completion work. 

Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the pursuit of a degree or credential. By completing this critical process, students are one step closer to pursing their dreams of a college education, allowing them to get their foot in the door for the career, and future, that they want. 

Steven Gentile is executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission .

Krissy DeAlejandro is president/CEO of tnAchieves .

Burton Williams is Chief Executive Officer of The Ayers Foundation Trust .

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This year it's a slow crawl to financial aid packages for students

Sequoia Carrillo

Prospective college students are one step closer to financial aid packages this week, but the timeline is still months behind.

This "is definitely one of the stranger years that we've had," says Keith Raab, director of financial aid at Oregon State University.

That's because, this year, the U.S. Department of Education gave the federal student aid application, or FAFSA, a long-awaited makeover. The goal of the revamp was to simplify the form, and when it works, it is easier to fill out. Unfortunately, the effort has been marked by delays and bugs that have caused confusion in higher education and in high schools – not to mention the millions of students waiting to learn how much money they'll have for college.

Yet another FAFSA problem: Many noncitizens can't fill it out

Last week marked the deadline set by the Education Department to send colleges the data from the new form. Once colleges get that data, they can start the process on their end to send out aid offers. In a normal year, this step of the process happens in January.

Schools say they are getting some of the FAFSA applications from the department. But far fewer than they expected – or need – to get aid packages out to students.

"The first day," Raab says. "We received eight."

That's eight individual applications, out of the 90,000 or so that Oregon State expects to process this year. By the end of the week, Raab said, they had received closer to 20, but there's a long way to go.

"Getting 10 or 20 lets us start to look at them," he says. "But it doesn't do much for us."

Other schools are in the same boat, by the end of last week the University of Michigan had received 18 applications.

Although, things could be turning a corner: last week the University of California San Diego received 25 applications, but early this week the total grew into a few thousand. The hope is that each week the numbers will ramp up, but it's yet to be seen how fast.

A new FAFSA setback means many college financial aid offers won't come until April

While colleges wait for more data, high school students remain stuck. In past years, they would already have their acceptances, scholarship information, and financial aid offers in hand.

"It's been definitely a tough situation to navigate," says Beatriz Guevara, a high school counselor at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Md.

She works primarily with first-generation and low-income students, and says these extra hurdles have really stopped her students in their tracks

"Part of it is just students getting accepted, but also they need the money," Guevara explains. "That is going to make the school a reality for them."

Vanessa Cordova Ramirez, a high school senior in New York City says that, for her, aid is everything at this point. She's already been accepted to her top choices.

"It's really just now deciding, like, what fits best for me," she says. "What can I afford? What's going to benefit me ... in the long run?"

Cordova Ramirez is from a mixed status family – meaning she is a citizen, but her parents don't have legal status in the U.S. For a while, this year's FAFSA didn't work for them . The Education department says it's cleared up the issue, but acknowledges that for some it's still not working

Cordova Ramirez had to go back and file the old-fashioned way: "We're going to pray that everything goes well because we did everything ... through paper," she says. "We're just hoping, either electronically or through the paper, that any of them would work."

And all this confusion affects not only the students coming out of high school: Every college student who gets financial aid has to resubmit the FAFSA every year. And so, OSU's Raab has one final piece of advice: If you're going back to school in the fall, fill the FAFSA out now.

Janet Woojeong Lee contributed reporting for this story.

What flood victims need to know about applying for FEMA financial assistance

FEMA aid may assist residents in securing more long-term housing and fund rental assistance, home repairs and other costs incurred by flood damage

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San Diegans from thousands of households impacted by the flood on Jan. 22 are being encouraged to sign up for aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The aid, which has an upcoming application deadline, may assist residents in securing more long-term housing and fund rental assistance, home repairs and other costs incurred by flood damage. Residents have until April 19 to apply.

‘We’re desperate’: Confusion, miscommunication for displaced flood victims as some risk losing lodging

County workers were sent to hotels Tuesday to notify hundreds of people that they’ll soon be dropped from a voucher program and may need to find somewhere else to go

April 3, 2024

Here’s everything they need to know.

Am I eligible for FEMA funding?

The Biden administration made an emergency disaster declaration for California on Feb. 19, making federal funding available for San Diego County and allowing all qualified residents to apply for FEMA assistance.

Eligibility is based on several factors , including an applicant’s necessary expenses or needs after the disaster that aren’t covered by insurance, or if their insurance doesn’t cover enough — or any — of their expenses. Residents can submit receipts with their application to show expenses.

How do I apply?

Before applying, applicants will need to have the following information ready: a Social Security number (one per household), the address of the damaged residence, description of the damage, a telephone number, mailing address, email address for notifications, insurance information if applicable and a bank account and routing number for direct deposit.

There are several ways to apply, including online at DisasterAssistance.gov .

People can also apply by using the FEMA mobile app or by calling 1-800-621-3362, which is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with multilingual operators

Apply in person at the two disaster recovery centers in San Diego County, located at the Mountain View Recreation Center, 641 S. Boundary St., and Spring Valley County Library, 836 Kempton St. Both are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Maria Padron, a FEMA spokesperson, said that three FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams are also going door-to-door to encourage residents to apply for aid.

What happens next?

Applicants should expect to hear from a FEMA inspector within 10 days to discuss the damage. Padron said the inspector will call three times before an application is withdrawn, though rescheduling is possible if the applicant reaches out to request another appointment.

FEMA calls may appear under a “Scam Likely” or out-of-state phone number. If applicants miss the call, they can call the number back or call the helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

The inspector will verify home ownership or rental agreements, as well as check the items that have been damaged and determine the height of the watermark in the home. If residents have already started cleaning and repairing their home, the inspector will need to see photos and receipts for the work already done to verify the damage.

So far, FEMA has completed more than 4,500 inspection visits, Padron said.

About 7 to 10 days after the inspection, FEMA says the organization will send out decision letters to applicants via mail or through their DisasterAssistance.gov account. The letter will outline how a household can spend the financial assistance, which will be deposited into the applicant’s bank account or sent via check.

What can the funding be used for?

Depending on the needs outlined in a household’s application, disaster assistance grants can be used for housing assistance, including rental assistance, temporary lodging, home repairs or replacement. Households may also use the funding for other costs related to flood damage that aren’t covered by insurance, such as damage to personal property, transportation, funeral costs, medical care and child care.

FEMA encourages households to save receipts for at least three years to show how the funds were used in the case of a future audit.

How much money will I get?

The amount of funding allocated to each household is dependent on individual needs. The maximum amount of financial assistance a resident can receive is $42,500.

As of last Tuesday, nearly $18.3 million in federal aid has been distributed among flood victims. More than 6,600 individuals had registered for FEMA assistance and nearly 2,400 had been approved to get help fixing their home or finding a new one, according to FEMA officials.

My application was denied, or I didn’t receive enough financial assistance. How do I appeal?

There are a few reasons why an application may be denied, Padron said, such as if it’s missing a signature or if the applicant didn’t attach receipts for the work already done on their home.

They also may be denied if they didn’t schedule an appointment with the FEMA inspector, or if the resident did not report sufficient damage to their home. FEMA may also deny an application if officials are unable to verify a resident’s identity.

If the application is denied, flood victims have 60 days to appeal FEMA’s decision. Submit an appeal online through the DisasterAssistance.gov account; by mail to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055; or via fax to 800-827-8112 (Attention FEMA).

Along with a written appeal letter, applicants must also attach any documentation that supports their case, such as an insurance settlement or denial, receipts, contractor estimates or mechanic statements.

FEMA funding is only offered to documented citizens. What if I am undocumented?

FEMA assistance is limited to U.S. citizens, but a household may still qualify if an adult member of the household is a U.S. citizen and is able to certify their citizenship status during the registration process.

In another case, an undocumented parent or guardian of a child — under the age of 18 — who is a U.S. citizen may apply for FEMA financial assistance on behalf of the child, if they are living in the same household.

Flood victims who are undocumented can also go to one of the two disaster recovery centers and speak with a representative from Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disasters (VOAD), who can help connect them with community financial resources, identify their needs and eligibility and help connect them with construction resources to rebuild their homes.

I need help with my application or have additional questions. Who can I turn to?

There is a free legal clinic for flood victims offered every Wednesday for the next three months at 7 p.m. at The Mental Bar (6325 Imperial Ave.), where an attorney can help applicants navigate the FEMA application and appeals process, evictions, insurance appeals and small claims.

SBP, a national disaster recovery organization, is also offering free support for applicants appealing their FEMA decision letter, as well as providing support for people who applied for an SBA loan or those who didn’t have homeowners or renter insurance. Contact SBP at 1 (800) 276-9511 or [email protected] and go to sbpusa.org/gethelp for more information.

What other help is available to me?

Flood victims can access resources offered through VOAD, including free help with recovery efforts such as home clean-up, abatement and repairs.

Volunteers will be helping flood victims with clean-ups, rebuilds and more.

VOAD volunteers can also help connect residents with community resources such as food and medical and mental health support, as well as provide donated items to residents as they rebuild their homes. Register to receive services here or call (619) 673-8780.

Emily Alvarenga contributed to this report.

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