How to Write a Scholarship Essay With No Experience (17 Examples)

Applying for scholarships as a Nigerian student can feel overwhelming. You've got the grades, the ambition, and the dream of studying at home or abroad—but when it comes to writing that scholarship essay, many brilliant students freeze up.

Here's the truth: Your essay is often more important than your grades.

While many Nigerian students have excellent academic records, scholarship committees use essays to understand who you really are. They want to see your unique story, your resilience, and what sets you apart from hundreds of other qualified applicants.

This guide presents 17 real winning scholarship essay examples from students who successfully secured funding. You'll see exactly what scholarship committees are looking for, learn proven writing strategies, and discover how to adapt these lessons to your own experiences—without copying a single word.

Why Scholarship Essays Matter for Nigerian Students

The Competition Is Fierce

Whether you're applying for NNPC/SPDC scholarships, MTN Foundation awards, Chevron scholarships, or international opportunities like Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you're competing against thousands of exceptional Nigerian students. Everyone applying has strong academics. Your essay is your chance to stand out.

Essays Level the Playing Field

Many Nigerian students come from schools with limited resources, have faced financial hardship, or lack connections. Your essay gives you the opportunity to show scholarship committees your potential, determination, and unique perspective—things that don't show up on transcripts.

Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make

Based on feedback from scholarship reviewers, here are the most common pitfalls:

Being too generic. Essays that could apply to anyone rarely win. Committees want to know about YOUR specific experiences, not general statements about wanting to help Nigeria.

Copying examples word-for-word. Plagiarism gets you disqualified immediately. These examples are meant to teach you structure and approach, not to be copied.

Focusing only on financial need. While your financial situation matters, committees want to see what makes you exceptional beyond needing money.

Writing what you think they want to hear instead of your authentic story. Authenticity resonates far more than trying to sound impressive.

Ignoring the prompt. Many strong candidates lose out because they don't directly answer the question asked.

How to Use Scholarship Essay Examples the Right Way

Before diving into the examples, understand this crucial point: these essays won won because they were authentic to each student's experience. Your job is NOT to copy them, but to learn from their techniques.

Learn Structure, Not Content

Pay attention to how these essays are organized. Notice how winners:

Open with compelling hooks that grab attention
Use specific details and stories rather than vague statements
Connect personal experiences to larger goals
Show growth and reflection
End with forward-looking statements

Extract Themes and Storytelling Techniques

Look for patterns in how successful students:

Turn challenges into strengths
Use dialogue and descriptive language
Balance vulnerability with confidence
Show rather than tell their qualities
Make every sentence count

Adapt Lessons to Your Personal Experiences

As a Nigerian student, your experiences are unique. Maybe you've:

Helped your family business to support your education
Overcome challenges in underfunded schools
Participated in NYSC or community development projects
Navigated strikes and educational disruptions
Balanced schooling with caring for siblings
Led initiatives in your church, mosque, or community

These are YOUR stories. Use the structure from these examples, but fill them with your authentic Nigerian experiences.

17 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples

Example 1: Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship – $7,500

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

Why This Essay Won: This essay succeeds by opening with a vivid scene that immediately shows (not tells) the writer's experience with discrimination. The writer demonstrates deep self-reflection about identity and shows how study abroad connects to both personal growth and community impact. The specific mention of Mezipatra film festival shows genuine research and planning.

"Oh well look at that one," my uncle leans over and says about my brother-in-law in the living room wearing a dress. "I'd always had my suspicions about him," he jokes with a disapproving sneer and leans back in his chair, a plate of Southern-style Christmas dinner in his hand.

I was hurt. Why would my own uncle say that like it's such a terrible thing that my brother-in-law is wearing a dress? That it was the worst thing in the world if my brother-in-law were gay or effeminite.

"I think he looks beautiful," my oldest brother Ethan chimes in. At that moment, I wish I could have hugged Ethan. No, not because he was defending my brother-in-law (who actually isn't gay, as my uncle was suggesting), but because Ethan was defending me. My uncle has no idea that I recognized earlier this past year that heterosexuality wasn't meeting all of my needs for intimacy with other people and that I've come to define myself as queer. It all started when I took a hard look at how my upbringing in Miami had taught me that the only way that boys are supposed to connect with others is by having sex with "beautiful" girls — that intimacy with other guys or "ugly" girls isn't as meaningful.

After freeing up that block in my brain that told me that I shouldn't look at guys in a certain way, I could embraced the fact that I'm attracted to men (and people in general) in a lot of different, new ways. My growth as a person was exponential. I rewrote so many areas of my life where I didn't do things I wanted because of social conditioning. Within two months, my world expanded to include polyamory. I looked back on my past relationship with my girlfriend and realized that I wasn't jealous (angry, yes. hurt, yes. But not jealous) when she cheated on me. I realized that people's needs — whether they are for sex, someone to talk to, someone to engage intellectually — don't necessarily all have to be met with one person. It can be easier sometimes with one person, absolutely. But that's not the only way. As someone who is both polyamorus and queer, I feel like parts of my family and large parts of my community marginalize me for being different because society has told them to. I want to change that.

Since I will be studying for an entire year in Prague, I will have the opportunity to attend the annual Mezipatra, an international film festival in November that screens around a hundred top-ranking films on lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer themes. I feel really connected to going to this event because I crave being in an environment of like-minded people who strive to do that same thing I want to: balance the images of people typically portrayed through cliché and stereotype.

When I came out to my sister-in-law, she told me that people who are really set in their ways are more likely to be tolerant to different kinds of people after having relationships with these people. If my uncle can learn to love me, to learn to love one queer/poly person, he can learn to love them all. If I can be an example to my family, I can be an example to my classmates. If I can get the opportunity to travel abroad, I can be an example to the world. Not just through my relationships, but through my art. Give me a camera and a screen and I will carry the message of tolerance from the audiences of Mezipatra in Prague to my parent's living room.

Fade in: Two men with thick beards kiss — maybe for once they aren't wearing colorful flamboyant clothing. Fade in: A woman leaves her house to go to her male best friend's house and her husband honestly tells her to enjoy herself. Fade in: A college student wanting to study abroad tells his conservative parents the truth…"

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Opening with dialogue creates immediate engagement and shows rather than tells
Personal vulnerability, when handled well, demonstrates courage and authenticity
Connecting personal identity to academic/career goals shows purpose beyond just getting money
Specific details (like naming Mezipatra film festival) prove you've done research
Ending with a creative flourish that ties to your field of study leaves a memorable impression

Example 2: North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship – $1,000

Essay Prompt: "Why I Should Be Selected"

Why This Essay Won: This essay effectively demonstrates leadership, family responsibility, and clear career goals. The writer shows how personal values translate into action, both at home and in school. The combination of starting clubs, volunteering, and maintaining academic excellence while managing family responsibilities paints a picture of a well-rounded, driven student.

"As a child of immigrant parents, I learned to take responsibilities for my family and myself at a very young age. Although my parents spoke English, they constantly worked in order to financially support my little brother and I. Meanwhile, my grandparents barely knew English so I became their translator for medical appointments and in every single interaction with English speakers. Even until now, I still translate for them and I teach my grandparents conversational English. The more involved I became with my family, the more I knew what I wanted to be in the future.

Since I was five, my parents pushed me to value education because they were born in Vietnam and had limited education. Because of this disadvantage, I learned to take everything I do seriously and to put in all of my effort to complete tasks such as becoming the founder of my school's Badminton Club in my sophomore year and Red Cross Club this year. Before creating these clubs, I created a vision for these clubs so I can organize my responsibilities better as a leader. The more involved I became, the more I learned as a leader and as a person. As a leader, I carried the same behavior I portrayed towards my younger cousins and sibling. My family members stressed the importance of being a good influence; as I adapted this behavior, I utilized this in my leadership positions. I learned to become a good role model by teaching my younger family members proper manners and guiding them in their academics so that they can do well. In school, I guide my peers in organizing team uniform designs and in networking with a nonprofit organization for service events.

Asides from my values, I'm truly passionate in the medical field. I always wanted to be a pediatrician since I was fourteen. My strong interest in the medical field allowed me to open up my shell in certain situations — when I became sociable to patients in the hospital as a volunteer, when I became friendly and approachable to children in my job at Kumon Math and Reading Center, and when I portrayed compassion and empathy towards my teammates in the badminton team. However, when I participated in the 2017 Kaiser Summer Volunteer Program at Richmond Medical Center, I realized that I didn't only want to be a pediatrician. This program opened my eye to numerous opportunities in different fields of medicine and in different approaches in working in the medicine industry. While I may have a strong love for the medical field, my interest in business immensely grew as I soon discovered that I didn't only have to take the practical approach in the medical field. With this interest, I plan to also become a part of a medical facility management team.

In the future, I hope to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor by attaining an MD, and to double major in Managerial Economics. I intend to study at UC Davis as a Biological Sciences major, where I anticipate to become extremely involved with the student community. After graduation, I plan to develop a strong network relationship with Kaiser Permanente as I've started last year in my internship. By developing a network with them, I hope to work in one of their facilities some day. Based on my values, interests, and planned future, I'm applying for the NCS Foundation scholarship because not only will it financially help me, but it can give motivation for me to academically push myself. I hope to use this scholarship in applying for a study abroad program, where I can learn about other cultures' customs while conducting research there."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Family responsibilities (like being a translator) show maturity—Nigerian students often help with family businesses or care for relatives
Founding clubs or initiatives demonstrates leadership that committees value
Specific program names (Kaiser Summer Volunteer Program) add credibility
Evolution of goals (from pediatrician to medical facility management) shows depth of thinking
Concrete future plans strengthen your application

Example 3: New York University College of Arts and Science – $39,500 Scholarship

Essay Prompt: Explain something that made a big impact throughout your life.

Why This Essay Won: This essay beautifully uses ice skating as a metaphor for overcoming challenges. The writer transforms what seems like a "useless" passion into a demonstration of resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurship (tutoring Spanish). The essay shows how one passion can develop multiple valuable skills.

""If you can't live off of it, it is useless." My parents were talking about ice skating: my passion. I started skating as a ten-year-old in Spain, admiring how difficulty and grace intertwine to create beautiful programs, but no one imagined I would still be on the ice seven years and one country later. Even more unimaginable was the thought that ice skating might become one of the most useful parts of my life.

I was born in Mexico to two Spanish speakers; thus, Spanish was my first language. We then moved to Spain when I was six, before finally arriving in California around my thirteenth birthday. Each change introduced countless challenges, but the hardest part of moving to America, for me, was learning English. Laminated index cards, color-coded and full of vocabulary, became part of my daily life. As someone who loves to engage in a conversation, it was very hard to feel as if my tongue was cut off. Only at the ice rink could I be myself; the feeling of the cold rink breeze embracing me, the ripping sound of blades touching the ice, even the occasional ice burning my skin as I fell — these were my few constants. I did not need to worry about mispronouncing "axel" as "aksal." Rather, I just needed to glide and deliver the jump.

From its good-natured bruise-counting competitions to its culture of hard work and perseverance, ice skating provided the nurturing environment that made my other challenges worthwhile. Knowing that each moment on the ice represented a financial sacrifice for my family, I cherished every second I got. Often this meant waking up every morning at 4 a.m. to practice what I had learned in my few precious minutes of coaching. It meant assisting in group lessons to earn extra skating time and taking my conditioning off-ice by joining my high school varsity running teams. Even as I began to make friends and lose my fear of speaking, the rink was my sanctuary. Eventually, however, the only way to keep improving was to pay for more coaching, which my family could not afford. And so I started tutoring Spanish.

Now, the biggest passion of my life is supported by my most natural ability. I have had over thirty Spanish students, ranging in age from three to forty and spanning many ethnic backgrounds. I currently work with fifteen students each week, each with different needs and ways of learning. Drawing on my own experiences as both a second language-learner and a figure skater, I assign personal, interactive exercises, make jokes to keep my students' mindset positive, and never give away right answers. When I first started learning my axel jump, my coach told me I would have to fall at least 500 times (about a year of falls!) in order to land it. Likewise, I have my students embrace every detail of a mistake until they can begin to recognize new errors when they see them. I encourage them to expand their horizons and take pride in preparing them for new interactions and opportunities.

Although I agree that I will never live off of ice skating, the education and skills I have gained from it have opened countless doors. Ice skating has given me the resilience, work ethic, and inspiration to develop as a teacher and an English speaker. It has improved my academic performance by teaching me rhythm, health, and routine. It also reminds me that a passion does not have to produce money in order for it to hold immense value. Ceramics, for instance, challenges me to experiment with the messy and unexpected. While painting reminds me to be adventurous and patient with my forms of self-expression. I don't know yet what I will live off of from day to day as I mature; however, the skills my passions have provided me are life-long and irreplaceable."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

You can write about any passion, even if it seems unrelated to your field of study
Sensory details ("ripping sound of blades touching the ice") make writing come alive
Showing how you turned a passion into income (tutoring) demonstrates resourcefulness
The "500 falls" detail makes the essay memorable and shows perseverance
Connecting one experience to broader life lessons strengthens your narrative

Example 4: Going Merry Scholarship Success Story

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

Why This Essay Won: This essay uses a specific moment—watching a World Cup game in Germany—to explore themes of belonging, acceptance, and cross-cultural understanding. The writer then shows how this experience changed their behavior back home, demonstrating genuine personal growth and application of lessons learned.

"There were only a few minutes to go and our eyes were glued to the screen. On the edge of our seats, clutching whoever happened to be next to us, we watched as the referee blew his whistle and the German players took their free kick. The ball was hit with precision and skill; it flew up over the Swedish players, past their goalie, and was caught safely in the back of the opposing team's net. We all jumped up and screamed, a mixture of German and English, of excitement and relief, of pride and anticipation.

We stood, enraptured, for the last several minutes of the game as Germany kept its 2–1 lead over Sweden. The horde of us, Germans and Americans alike, hugged and cheered and made our way out onto the balcony, where we chanted "Deutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!" for the whole village, the whole country, the whole world to hear. Never have I felt so accepted while being an outsider, so proud of a country that isn't even mine, so part of something I didn't really belong to.

My German friends didn't care that we were from different countries; they didn't care that we would only be staying for three weeks. They accepted us into their homes and their daily lives, their traditions and their celebrations. In watching that World Cup game, it didn't matter that we were from different places; we were all cheering for the same team. The acceptance I felt in Germany extended beyond that living room. I came to the country on a three week exchange with ten other students from my school.

We each stayed with host families and attended the Wildermuth Gymnasium, which was surprisingly accommodating to a gaggle of loud American teenagers. The teachers were friendly and welcoming, the students treated us like ordinary peers, and even the people I interacted with in public were understanding.

Before coming to Germany I feared judgment based on my level of the language (which is nowhere near as good as the German students' English) and American politics. It was intimidating to be in a country with limited knowledge of the language and the customs, even though everyone was welcoming. People did ask myself and the other students about the US's political climate, but no one blamed us for it. They recognized that we were outsiders, that the place we came from had flaws, and they accepted us anyway.

Since that trip, I've found myself trying to provide that acceptance to people in my own country. For example, I work at a canoe livery and we receive a lot of visitors with limited English. Some of my coworkers will avoid such customers because they don't want to take the time to explain things, to exercise patience with someone who may not understand them. If people had done this to me in Germany, my time there would have been much less enjoyable; in fact, I would have been offended.

So now when someone walks up to me at the livery and asks a question in English that isn't perfect, I smile and welcome them. I take my time to make sure they understand, that they can have a good time, and that they feel accepted. It's a small action, but I know firsthand that it can make a big impact, at my place of work and in the world."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

A single specific event can be the foundation for an entire essay
Showing how an experience changed your behavior proves genuine growth
Cultural exchange experiences are valuable essay topics for Nigerian students applying to study abroad
Connecting personal lessons to how you treat others demonstrates maturity
The essay shows rather than tells through specific scenes and actions

Example 5: Who is a "Good" Doctor? Medical School Essay

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

Why This Essay Won: This powerful essay uses the writer's personal experience as a patient to answer a professional question. By sharing his vulnerability and recovery journey, he demonstrates deep understanding of the doctor-patient relationship. The essay balances medical knowledge with human compassion.

"Had you asked me the same question one year ago, my answer would have been vastly different to the one I will give today. In the summer of 2012, with my first year of medical school completed, I embarked upon my last official summer vacation with two things in mind: a basketball tournament in Dallas and one in Atlanta. My closest friends and I had been playing in tournaments for the past 10 summers, and it was a sacred bond forged together in the name of competition. However, two weeks before our first tournament, I became instantly and overwhelmingly short of breath. Having been born to Korean immigrant parents, I was raised to utilize the hospital in emergency cases only, and I knew this was such a case. A few scans later, doctors discovered numerous pulmonary emboli (PE), caused by a subclavian deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and just like that, I was lying in a bed of a major hospital for a life threatening condition.

Fast forward a few months, and I am lying in a similar bed to treat the underlying cause of the subclavian DVT: a first rib removal. There is little that can adequately prepare someone physically, emotionally or spiritually to undergo surgery; and my thoughts continued to race in the days following. In addition to the expected physical pain, isolation, fear and frustration were a few of the emotions I experienced in the four day ordeal. The procedure went according to plan thanks to a skilled surgeon and his team, but the attributes that made the doctor "good" went far beyond his ability to operate.

"Wow. I'm glad you are feeling better" and "I can't believe you went through that" are common reactions people have when they see the scars on my upper chest. Quite frankly, the past nine months have been difficult, literally full of blood, sweat and tears. But through it all, I have been able to maintain my positivity and gratitude knowing that I have gained the invaluable experience of being a patient and discovering the vulnerability and trust that patients give their doctors. Patients indulge information to doctors that they may have never told anyone in their life and in doing so, place a great deal of trust and responsibility in the hands of a doctor. Many patients will not understand the mechanism of disease behind their condition and anticipate that the doctor will explain to them and their family why it is that they are feeling the way they are and ultimately heal them. And that is precisely what my surgeon understood: the privilege of being able to care for patients and the intimacy of the doctor-patient relationship. And as I awoke to the care of my worried parents, the first thing they wanted to discuss was the details of the procedure that was methodically and patiently explained to them by my "good" doctor.

In study after study, patients have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care, not because of lack of knowledge or health outcome, but because their doctors did not show enough warmth in the encounter or listen to the patient's questions and concerns. There are few times where a patient and their loved ones are more vulnerable and in need of compassion than when dealing with a hospitalization. And for some doctors, a patient may be another item on a checklist, but that patient is someone's mother or father, son or daughter, sister or brother. My "good" doctor understood this and would often say "If you were my son…" when discussing treatment options, reflecting on the type of care he would want for his family and treating me similarly. Such ideals are rooted in love and compassion for patients, not as clients in the health care system, but as fellow human beings striving to make something of themselves and the world around them (I).

Unfortunately, the ordeal of living with a chronic illness or undergoing a major operation extends beyond the confines of the hospital. Whether it is creditors harassing patients for medical bills, prescriptions that need to be refilled, or lifestyle modifications that need to be made, the health care experience doesn't end when a patient walks out of the hospital doors. It often takes merely a minute, as in the case of the "good" doctor who told me that as a student I could apply to get the procedure financially covered by the hospital. Such foresight in anticipating financial concerns and directing me on the next steps to be taken provided relief in the surmounting stress.

Lastly, the "good" doctor understands that as our patients are human, so are we. This means we will make mistakes, some of which can result in life-threatening consequences. With that said, the "good" doctor practices humility and honesty, apologizing and sharing as much information with patients as possible. Although no one strives to make mistakes, they will happen, and how one reacts to them is a distinguishing feature of the "good" doctor (II).

Of all the qualities I tried to explain in what makes a "good" doctor, there was no emphasis on skill and knowledge. And while being able to fulfill the duties of making the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans is expected, the intangibles of love, compassion, foresight and honesty is what makes a doctor, "good". I learned such lessons in the purest manner possible, by being a patient myself, and will use them to guide me in all future patient encounters, as I strive to be a "good" doctor."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Personal challenges can become powerful evidence of qualification for your field
Medical terminology used correctly shows competence without being overwhelming
The repeated phrase "good doctor" in quotes creates a thoughtful motif
Acknowledging financial concerns in healthcare shows real-world awareness
This structure (personal story → professional insight) works for many professional programs

Example 6: Life Happens Scholarship

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

Why This Essay Won: This deeply emotional essay succeeds because it balances grief with practical realities. The writer shows vulnerability while also demonstrating maturity and sacrifice. The specific details about working hours and balancing responsibilities make the struggle real rather than abstract.

"When I was seventeen years old, my father lost his battle with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. As long as I shall live, I do not believe that I will ever forget the first moment I saw my father's once vibrant face in that cold and unforgiving casket. I won't forget his lifeless and defeated hands, or how his pale lips would never utter another joke or speak to his grandchildren. Even though the day of his funeral was undoubtedly the worst day of my life, I wish I could relive it just to be with him one more time. Since that moment, I have felt as if all of my grief and longing resides underneath my skin with nothing to relieve the pressure. On September 8th, 2016, I lost my voice of reason, my confidant, my cheerleader, and my best friend.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had lost so much more. Upon my father's passing, he left us with funeral and medical expenses that his insurance would not cover. Because he did not have any form of life insurance, the financial burden of his death was now the responsibility of my mother and me. Even though my mother works night shifts as a neonatal nurse and her commute is nearly two hours, she was forced to pick up extra shifts to support my family. Though I already had a job and I worked about ten hours a week, I now work anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five hours a week, and I am also a full-time high honor student. Even though the death of my father forced me to realize the importance of cherishing time with my family, I do not see them very often because of our busy schedules. I also sacrificed my social life and the joy that every senior in high school should experience. Instead of football games and homecoming, I had to deal with mourning and the possibility that I would not attend college because of my family's financial troubles.

If my father had a life insurance policy, we would not have to work ourselves to the bone and sacrifice our physical and emotional well-being to keep up with expenses. I would not have to worry so intensely about the future of my education on top of the crippling grief that I have felt over the last five months. If this devastating experience has taught me anything, it is this: financial planning for these situations is absolutely invaluable. I will not soon forget the stress and despair that I have experienced, and I now realize that to have a life insurance policy is to throw your surviving family members a crucial lifeline. Though no one can ever prepare you for the trauma of losing a parent, life insurance allows you to grieve without the constant stress of financial burden, and for that reason, it is an absolutely essential precaution.

I love and miss you so much, Dad. Thank God I will see you again."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

When writing about hardship, specific numbers (10 hours to 25-35 hours) make struggles tangible
It's okay to show emotion, but balance it with concrete impacts and lessons learned
The closing line addressing the deceased parent is powerful and deeply human
For scholarships asking about hardship, connect emotional and practical impacts
This essay directly answers the prompt while remaining deeply personal

Example 7: Going Merry DACA Scholarship Success Story

Essay Prompt: What differentiates you from the hundreds of DACA students who apply to our scholarship? Use one of those opportunities to tell us something else we cannot see just by looking at your grades, test scores, and transcripts.

Why This Essay Won: This essay transforms immigration status from a potential weakness into a demonstration of resilience and determination. The writer uses specific achievements (graduating first in class, Kansas Scholar) to prove their work ethic, then shows how DACA changed their opportunities while acknowledging ongoing uncertainty.

"I always knew I was different than my friends in some way. Growing up, I struggled to speak English while everyone else had little to no problems. I needed extra help in school while my friends coasted by with ease. My friends would hop on planes and travel all around the world while I had to stay at home. At the age of 13 all of my friends started driving while I still couldn't.

I built up the courage and asked my mother why I did not have access to the simple liberties everyone else did. My name Is Jesus Adrian Arroyo-Ramirez, and I was illegally brought to this country when I was just six years old. At the time I had no clue that I was breaking any laws, and I did not realize the fact that my life was going to change forever. Growing up with a different citizenship situation than my peers was and still is the biggest challenge I have to face in my life.

Looking back there is not a single thing that I would change. Knowing that I had to work harder than everyone else lead me to be the person that I am today. I took that fire inside of me, pushed myself, graduated first in my class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA, became a Kansas Scholar, and graduated High School with a semester's worth of college credit. In November of 2016, everything began to look up for me. I received a work permit and a social security card all thanks to the DACA program. I was finally able to get my license, get a job, and most importantly attend college.

I plan to continue my success in the classroom and do everything to the best of my ability as I know that under my current circumstances it can all be ripped away from me at any moment. Growing up with my situation has taught me to not take advantage of a single opportunity. There has been continued support around me past and current and I know there are people out there rooting for my success. I will strive to be the first generation in my family to graduate from an American University and I will set a stepping stone for my future family so they will not have to struggle as I did. My citizenship is not a setback, it is a mere obstacle that I will always learn to work around if it means giving my future children a better life, just like my mother did for me."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Opening with what makes you "different" creates immediate interest
Listing specific achievements proves your claims about hard work
Acknowledging uncertainty while staying optimistic shows maturity
The phrase "not a setback, it is a mere obstacle" reframes challenges powerfully
First-generation narratives resonate strongly with scholarship committees

Example 8: Why College Is Important to Me Essay

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

Why This Essay Won: This essay works because it shows evolution in thinking. Instead of a cliché response, the writer admits they once took college for granted, then describes what changed their perspective. The specific mention of their school (Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering) and class size shows authenticity.

"As a child, my life had structure. Coloring books had lines, letters took on very specific shapes, and a system of rules governed everything from board games to the classroom. I found comfort in the fact that my future had an easy-to-follow template: elementary, middle, and high school, college, job, family retirement, "happily ever after" ending. When I graduated from elementary school I was told I completed 25% of my education. During my middle school graduation, I was told I was halfway there and I know I'll be told I'm 75% done when I throw my cap in the air this June. College was always factored into the percentage and the overall formula for life. And I never questioned its importance. I always figured it is important because it is necessary.

Going to college makes sense. From helping my parents land stable jobs after coming to America to giving my brother the chance to gain work experience at some of the top financial firms, college educations have shown their worth in my family. Yet I didn't think about what actually goes on inside the magical universities until I entered high school. Applying to the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering was the first time I had actively made a decision in my education. With the encouragement of my parents and favorite science teacher who recognized that I would excel in the challenging environment of like-minded students, I applied. Four years later, I can confidently say they were right.

My class of twenty-six has shown me the benefits of a collaborative rather than a competitive environment, especially the impact that camaraderie with my peers has on our collective learning experience. Each student has an inspiring level of passion and motivation that made me excited to learn, work on projects, and participate in discussions both in and out of the classroom. I used my education to gain skills and open doors for myself such as an internship at my local hospital. I gained confidence in my abilities to communicate with individuals from strangers my age to practicing professionals. I was thinking longer and harder than I ever had before to solve individual problems and large-scale challenges. In all honesty, I was having fun.

Looking back on my years at the Academy I realize how big of an impact the school made on how I view education. I wasn't coming to school to mark another day off my calendar and inch closer to finishing the next 25%. I came to school to learn and question and push myself. Now, as a senior, I'm excited. I'm thankful for the sample that my high school gave me of what learning is supposed to be like and thankful that it left me wanting more. I'm entering college in August with a new understanding of its importance. It is important because it is what I want for my future."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

You don't have to pretend you've always been passionate about education—growth is compelling
The "25% complete" metaphor throughout creates unity in the essay
Collaborative rather than competitive learning shows emotional intelligence
Mentioning specific experiences (hospital internship) grounds abstract claims
The final line circles back to the opening, creating satisfying closure

Example 9: National Association of University Women Scholarship Essay

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

Why This Essay Won: This essay powerfully connects personal identity as a first-generation Mexican-American with community service. The writer shows how understanding their own struggles led to helping others in similar situations. The specific examples of translating for parents and organizing presentations demonstrate concrete action.

"I didn't really understand my community until I was forced to see it from the outside; sort of like when you see a picture of yourself someone else took that you weren't aware of. It took a 3,000 mile flight for me to gain a different perspective of the world, of my world. When I landed in Maine it was nothing like the place I called home. There was no traffic, there were lots of trees, and absolutely no spanish to be heard anywhere. I missed my people, my home, and my community the most as I saw the ways in which other communities fostered creativity, advocacy, and community involvement.

I talked about my community every chance I got, writing a public backlash to Donald Trump and reading out to the group of parents to show them my unique struggle. The election of Donald Trump has forced me to come to terms with the harsh realities of this world. The lack of respect he has for women, minority groups, and factual evidence are alarming. This presidency makes me want to prove wrong all of his perceptions of people like me, the poor, the immigrant, the woman. I left people in awe, leaving me empowered. I had people come up to me and explain that they can relate to my poem about not fitting in, being Mexican American and not feeling like you can consider yourself American or Mexican because you're both. I emphasized that I, like many others, am in between and we have the same platform that anyone else does to succeed. I explained that many of us, hold this pressure of first generation children of immigrants to prove that we are the proof that our parents sacrifices of restarting in a new country was worth it. I was the visible representation of a first generation child of immigrants, branching out into a new environment despite where I had come from and shocking everyone with my prosperity.

If I was the only visible representation available, I was going to use my voice to echo the feelings of my entire community and make it known that we are all here– all of our struggles, our efforts, and our passions, are not absent from places where we are not seen.

Maine helped me branch out in my own community now as a Student Ambassador. From this experience, I've learned that I can represent my high school and have the responsibility to assist staff at events for prospective students and organize presentations for parents. I spend a lot of time interpreting for parents at meetings and explaining the current events that are ongoing and new educational opportunities that students should take advantage of. I have had the privilege to work alongside office staff and the Principal, where I get to positively dedicate my time to parents who have general questions regarding the schools upcoming events. By dedicating my time as a Student Ambassador, I have allowed myself to excel at communicating with others and improving my customer service skills. I want my education to change the negative stigmas surrounding my community, by showing that it's possible to expand your access to the world and allow you to leave, by choice, through receiving a post-secondary education. I am someone who has grown up in an area with limited resources fostering limited mindsets. My neighborhood has 4 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and a strip club feet away from a library. What message does that send to children? It's normal in my community to have pregnant classmates in high school. People aren't aware of the world outside, they aren't encouraged to ever leave.

Through my experience as a volunteer that communicates a lot with parents, I have learned that the American Dream does not simply belong to first generation students like myself. I have found that our accomplishments are stacked upon the sacrifices of our parents. I used to think that growing up was like the passing of a baton where you're the next runner and it's your turn to run your best race, but I now see that this is a team effort, as you expand your horizons your family also gets to experience the benefits. I want to demonstrate to my community that there can be a female, bilingual, Latina doctor. I want to showcase that one's zip code, doesn't determines one's success. One of the most common questions I get at these parent meetings is "what's better college or university"? This question didn't make sense to me at first then I realized that parents wanted to know the difference between community college and a four year. Concepts like financial aid, grants, loans, are all foreign concepts as most of our parents never went to college. They want to be able to help but do not know where to begin. As a student ambassador I helped bridge that gap. We often held meetings where we explained to parents within our community what resources were out there and available and what the difference were among the different options for each student. Being the student face for Animo, I've learned that I as a student and daughter, can provide assistance to my own community through the knowledge that I have gained. I am the communication that is needed in my community that's necessary for further successes by using my personal knowledge and experience to help uplift and educate others in similar situations."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Travel or exchange experiences provide excellent perspective for essays
Speaking up for your community shows leadership and courage
The "baton passing" metaphor evolves into "team effort"—showing growth in thinking
Specific questions parents ask ("what's better college or university") make the essay real
Nigerian students helping parents navigate education systems face similar experiences

Example 10: Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship – $7,500

Essay Prompt: The Rainbow Scholarship is awarded to a deserving LGBTQ student who aims to participate in a high-quality, rigorous education abroad program. If you would like to be considered, please explain why you would be a strong candidate for the Rainbow Scholarship. What will this scholarship enable you to achieve for yourself and your LGBTQ community?

Why This Essay Won: This essay succeeds by clearly connecting study abroad plans to specific career goals. The writer names institutions (FAMU), events (Mezipatra), and learning objectives. This level of detail proves genuine interest and planning. The essay shows how personal identity informs professional ambitions.

"It is my life goal to make films that will change the way society see groups of people typically defined by stereotype and cliché. By immersing myself in Prague's culture through the American Institute of Foreign Study year-long program, I will gain the cinematic and philosophic tools to create films that will help others to better understand the LGBTQ community. I've been making movies since I was old enough to hold a camera, but now I'd like to take it a step further.

While abroad, I'll visit the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague. The Hollywood Reporter puts FAMU at the top of the list of best film schools in Europe. I put it at the top of my list of prospective graduate schools because it was the center of Czech filmmakers' during communist rule in the 1960s. FAMU was where rebellious film makers broke the bonds of censorship by creating films that depicted the perspectives of marginalized people. I want to do the same thing today. I ask: What can the Czechoslovak New Wave filmmakers and their struggle for social equality teach me about making films that will help to free the LGBTQ members in my own community? I will find my answers here:

In November, the international film festival held in Prague called the Mezipatra will screen around a hundred top-ranking films on lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer themes. What better place for a queer filmmaker obsessed with Czech New Wave film to meet people to learn and collaborate with?

I'd also like to volunteer to work on a photography project at the Lobkowicz Palace and Nelahozeves Castle, 15km from Prague, where I will find one of the world's largest private collections of world-famous artworks, artifacts, and a library of over 65,000 volumes. I hope to hone my skills with a camera and take a zoomed-in look at the Prague history. I'm going to wear my Canon t2i like a glove.

And finally, I hope to better understand Czech culture as it pertains to film making by studying at Charles University and taking classes like "Central European Film: Search for Identity" and "Hollywood and Europe". I will get more in touch with the performance and character elements of film by taking the theater class "Prague Theater Scene: Performance Analysis." Finally, I'll learn to better listen to what my community in Prague has to say (literally and figuratively) by taking Czech language classes in a two-week intensive course that includes two language-focused events where students engage with the local area.

Through traveling abroad in Prague, I give myself to a new perspective and open myself up to influence. I want to use my experience to create films that will convince others to do the same — as a representative of the LGBTQ community, I want to send the message of acceptance and tolerance to the world, from the screens of Mezipatra in Prague to my conservative parents' television sets."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Research specific programs, schools, and opportunities—committees can tell when you've done homework
Naming specific courses shows you've thoroughly investigated the program
Connect your identity and experiences to your professional goals
Equipment details ("Canon t2i") add authenticity
The closing line creates a powerful full-circle moment

Example 11: OppU Achievers Scholarship, Berklee College of Music – $2,500

Essay Prompt: In 500 words or fewer, please tell us why you're an achiever. How have you created opportunity for yourself? How have you created opportunity for others? Did you start a small business? Are you the founder of a community program? How did you overcome the odds and make your dreams — or the dreams of others — come true?

Why This Essay Won: This essay transforms physical disabilities into evidence of achievement through music. The writer uses vivid descriptions of their medical challenges alongside their musical accomplishments. The metaphor of turning "woes into wins" is memorable and shows resilience that committees value.

"I am an unlikely achiever. I stumble daily — literally from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and seizures, metaphorically from autism, dyslexia, and a mood disorder. Every moment is unpredictable; I balance precariously. I fight to regulate my senses, emotions, and body in space. It is only once I fall that I can pick myself up, rebalance from my misstep, and move forward.

Through my music composition I steady myself. Rooted on the piano bench, rapt in sound, improvising melodies and harmonies, quickly notating ideas, I am in command. My dysregulation, stress, anxiety, instability — my obstacles — become music. I work my tension into minor triads or uncomfortable intervals, possibly a tritone. Gaining calm and control, I conclude the Largo movement and the music develops into a brighter Allegro, or Vivace. I might boldly attempt triplet passages, with accelerando.

My musical expressions, the embodiment of my challenges, have won awards nationally and internationally. I am an ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award winner. Concert halls in Boston, Manhattan, St. Louis, Honolulu, Canada and Italy, have echoed with sounds of my compositions. I have received commissions from members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Canada and had my work played by members of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. My pieces have been performed at renowned venues such as Old South Church in Boston and Lincoln Center in New York. At each performance and with every award, I recall my unsteady journey to this blissful moment. I relish and savor the present.

My goal is to be a professional classical music composer. When I compose, I am at my best. I am smiling. I feel capable and confident. Since becoming a teen, my parents have instilled in me the need to develop self-advocacy skills, and work toward independence and financially supporting myself. Through music composition, I know I can succeed. I have already laid the foundation from which to build a career. For these reasons, I choose to pursue a degree in music composition.

Tomorrow I may wake up feeling physically or emotionally insecure. My joints or ligaments might feel particularly tight or abnormally loose, I may be overwhelmed by assignments, struggle with hearing loss I experience with seizures, or simply be over-stimulated by fluorescent lighting. Yet, I will seep into the piano bench. I will start anew, equipped with blank staff paper and a pencil. I know I can achieve; I've done it before. I will right, and write, my woes into wins.

Through my music I hope to bring beauty and joy to others, and inspire strength in them to confront their challenges. My dream is that one day a child will be so moved by my music that she will say, "I too want to write music!" Or, when someone needs cheering up, he will hear my music and say, "I feel much better." Most of all, I hope that a person with similar struggles to mine will listen and say, "Wow, I now know that one day I too can achieve and excel at my passion!""

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Medical conditions or disabilities can be written about powerfully when connected to achievements
Technical terminology (Largo, Allegro, tritone) shows expertise
Listing specific prestigious venues and awards provides concrete evidence
The wordplay "right, and write, my woes into wins" creates a memorable phrase
Ending with impact on others shows you think beyond yourself

Example 12: OppU Achiever Scholarship, Kearny High School – $2,500

Why This Essay Won: This essay about overcoming foster care and abuse is powerful because it balances pain with triumph. The writer shows how adversity built character, then proves it with concrete achievements: keynote speeches, $2 million raised, mayoral appointment, and founding an organization. The Samuel Johnson quote frames the essay perfectly.

"William Samuel Johnson once made a statement, "He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity." I have spent one-third of my life in foster homes due to abuse by my parents. My mother had me at 15, and punished me for "ruining" her life. When she left, my father was a single parent and high school dropout with few opportunities, thus his anger was directed at me. My second trip to the child protective system was my last and I ended up in a loving home.

In looking back at the person I was at age 12, turmoil surrounded me. I heard that I wasn't college material, I had no mother in my life, I had a father that was angry at me, I thought little of myself, and I had no contact with my little brother for a year. The easiest path would have been to choose anger and bitterness, and give up. Instead, I volunteered to help those agencies that helped me along the way. My character and strength developed out of my struggles.

During this time, a lot of agencies offered me support, so at age 13, I contacted them and offered my support. At first, I was nervous, but suddenly my problems started fading as I started volunteering. The community servant in me was born. I joined a panel of foster youth to help recruit advocates. I gave keynote speeches at fundraising events that raised more than two million dollars. Suddenly, community leaders wanted to speak to me and my story of triumph inspired others. At age 14, the mayor of San Diego appointed me to the San Diego Youth Commission. I founded my own organization, "Elevate Foster Youth," which is designed to provide referrals or resources to foster youth. My current project is developing a music studio where foster youth can record their own music, expressing their innermost feelings about their lives. I was one of five students nationally to receive a $2,000 grant towards my work through a Power of Children Award. Later, I was interviewed by a local news station as a Voices for Children advocate.

My experiences have made me a better person. I have developed a keen sense of humor, which not only helped me through tough times, but it helps me each day in my interaction with others. I have worked with and met diverse groups of people from all walks of life, polishing my communication skills at every turn. When faced with obstacles that may seem impossible to many, I feel little trepidation and I am happy to meet the challenges. Personally, I have compassion for others and a desire to help those less fortunate. Finally, I am determined to succeed. I am excited to begin college in the fall of 2019 and work towards a career in a management field that will utilize my strengths. In thinking of that Samuel Johnson quote, I have met adversity and I am stronger because of it."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Starting with a powerful quote can set the tone for your essay
Specific numbers ($2 million raised, age 14 mayoral appointment) make achievements credible
Founding an organization shows initiative that committees love
Turning pain into service demonstrates exceptional character
Circle back to your opening quote to create structure

Example 13: OppU Achiever Scholarship, University of Florida – $2,500

Essay Prompt: In 500 words or fewer, please tell us why you're an achiever. How have you created opportunity for yourself? How have you created opportunity for others?

Why This Essay Won: This essay powerfully addresses gender inequality and cultural challenges in The Gambia. The writer shows achievement by overcoming stereotypes, advocacy work against FGM, and excellence despite obstacles. The international perspective (growing up in Gambia, moving to America) adds uniqueness.

"Being born in America to West African parents meant that I had to grow up in West Africa as my parents didn't have legal residential status. Growing up as a young West African girl in The Gambia, I experienced numerous stereotypes emphasizing what a female cannot educationally achieve.

This has always motivated me to pursue an education which will enable me to break such stereotypes. I've always been influenced and inspired by humanitarians all over the world, however, nothing inspired me more than being brought up in a country with a healthcare system that was as deteriorated as that of The Gambia's. I was raised in an environment where the simple flu or stomachache took one's life within a matter of days. I saw my sister experience two stillbirths simply because prenatal care is almost nonexistent in The Gambia. All these things motivated me.

The thought of young Gambian girls facing female genital mutilation (FGM) and confirming to early marriage plays a significant role in my life as I am only lucky to have escaped these circumstances. I have worked with the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) to raise awareness about FGM. RVTH frequently sent young educated girls like me to form a friendly relationship with underprivileged girls who were susceptible to FGM. My role during such missionary trips was to enlighten families about the medical risks and emotional trauma that FGM poses on girls.

At the age of 16, my parents raised enough money to be able to send me back to my country of birth, America. Upon arrival, I beat the odds of being another girl without a post-secondary education. While completing my high school education, I took seven AP classes every semester, competed in student congress debate (as I was fascinated by American politics), and I joined the student government in order to implement a non-profit cause; The Water Project. As the founder of The Water Project, I raised over $500 in order to enable access to clean water to a needy village in The Gambia.

As I speak today, I am a very proud African-American Gator studying public health with pre –med at the University of Florida where I continue to heavily indulge in community service work. As the treasurer of the African Student Union, my main purpose is to skew funds towards the needy in Alachua County. Every other weekend, we partner with the Ronald McDonald members to feed the homeless and needy.

As a college junior taking 18 credits and juggling two jobs my main goal is to pursue my best academic capabilities as I get ready for the real world. My mission in life will always be to join the helping hands of today as I contribute to a better tomorrow as I work relentlessly towards becoming a gynecologist to help underprivileged women all over the world.

I wish I could entirely express my life goals and experiences in only 500 words, however, one thing I can say is that I wouldn't change my journey for any other as I am more than grateful for every learning experience that I have overcome in my life."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

This essay is especially relevant for Nigerian students—similar cultural context
Addressing serious issues (FGM, healthcare challenges) shows maturity and awareness
Founded initiatives (The Water Project) demonstrate leadership
Juggling 18 credits and two jobs proves work ethic
The closing acknowledges word limits while emphasizing gratitude—good technique

Example 14: Multiple Scholarships Totaling $4,000

Essay Prompt: Various achievement-focused prompts

Why This Essay Won: This essay tells a compelling story of financial struggle and family responsibility. The specific detail (biking 35 minutes to work wearing a fedora and apron) creates a vivid image. The writer balances work experience with academic involvement and shows how poverty became motivation rather than a barrier.

"Fedora? Check. Apron? Check. Tires pumped? Check. Biking the thirty-five minutes each evening to the cafe and back to work a six-hour shift was exhausting, but my family's encouragement and gratitude for the extra income was worth it.

A few years earlier, my family of nine had been evicted from the home we had been living in for the past ten years. With nowhere else to go, we moved into our church's back room for three months, where I shamefully tried to hide our toothbrushes and extra shoes from other church members. Right then I made a commitment to my family to contribute financially in whatever way I could. My sacrifice translated to a closer bond with my siblings and deeper conversations with my parents, helping me understand the true meaning of a unified family and the valuable part I play in that.

With the financial stability that my part-time jobs provided my mother could stay home to raise seven children, my learning-disabled older sister could attend college, my younger sister could go on a mission trip to Korea, and my twin siblings could compete in national math competitions. I've seen that even as a high school student, I have so much potential to impact my family and beyond — how one small act can go a long way.

Through the successes of my efforts, I also realized that poverty was just a societal limitation. I was low-income, not poor. I was still flourishing in school, leading faith-based activities and taking an active role in community service. My low-income status was not a barrier but a launching pad to motivate and propel my success.

To additionally earn more money as a young teen, I began flipping bicycles for profit on craigslist. Small adjustments in the brake and gears, plus a wash, could be the difference between a $50 piece of trash and a $200 steal. Seeing how a single inch could disarrange the lining of gears not only taught me the importance of detail but also sparked my fascination with fixing things.

When I was sixteen I moved on to a larger project: my clunker of a car. I had purchased my 2002 Elantra with my own savings, but it was long past its prime. With some instruction from a mechanic, I began to learn the components of an engine motor and the engineering behind it. I repaired my brake light, replaced my battery, and made adjustments to the power-steering hose. Engineering was no longer just a nerdy pursuit of robotics kids; it was a medium to a solution. It could be a way to a career, doing the things I love. I was inspired to learn more.

Last summer, to continue exploring my interest in engineering, I interned at Boeing. Although I spent long hours researching and working in the lab for the inertial navigation of submarines, I learned most from the little things.

From the way my mentors and I began working two hours earlier than required to meet deadlines, I learned that engineering is the commitment of long hours. From the respect and humility embodied within our team, I learned the value of unity at the workplace. Like my own family at home, our unity and communal commitment to working led to excellent results for everyone and a closer connection within the group.

What most intrigues me about engineering is not just the math or the technology, but the practical application. It is through engineering that I can fix up my car… and facilitate submarine navigation. Engineering, in fact, is a lifestyle — instead of lingering over hardships, I work to solve them and learn from them. Whether the challenge is naval defense or family finances or even just a flat tire on my bike before another night shift, I will be solving these problems and will always be looking to keep rolling on.

Success is triumphing over hardships — willing yourself over anything and everything to achieve the best for yourself and your family. With this scholarship, I will use it to continue focusing on my studies in math and engineering, instead of worrying about making money and sending more back home. It will be an investment into myself for my family."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Small entrepreneurial efforts (flipping bicycles) show resourcefulness—many Nigerian students have similar experiences
The progression from bicycles to cars to Boeing internship shows natural interest development
"I was low-income, not poor" reframes circumstances powerfully
Connecting engineering to both personal and professional applications demonstrates passion
Family as motivation is universally powerful across cultures

Example 15: The Gates Scholarship 2017

Essay Prompt: "The secret of our success is that we never, never give up." — Wilma Mankiller. Tell us about a time when you failed at something. What were the circumstances? How did you respond to failure? What lessons did you learn? (No more than 400 words)

Why This Essay Won: This essay succeeds by being honest about failure (ribbons untying during a performance) and showing how the writer overcame both the failure and their fear. The specific location change (moving to Port Saint Lucie) and new dance company shows how fresh environments can restart passions.

"I've danced ballet since I was seven-years-old. But, even after almost eight years, I could still barely extend my legs as high as my peers nor could do as many pirouettes as them. My flexibility was incredibly subpar and I easily wore out my Pointe shoes, making them unwearable after a couple of months. Where the average lifespans of my peers' pointe shoes extended into months, mine could barely last ten classes. I was the weakest of my class at Ballet Etudes, and I was too absorbed in my insecurities to do anything to better myself to become the dancer I aspired to be.

After a humiliating recital, wherein my pointe shoe ribbons untied in the middle of our group performance, I all but gave up on dance. I was in the middle of doing a Changement de Pieds (Change of feet jumping step) when I glanced down in horror to see my beautiful ribbons untied as I forgot to tape them with clear tape as I usually did before my performances. Glancing to my right, I saw that my ballet teacher backstage had also taken note and was rushing me to get off the stage, her hands beckoning me in a frantic manner. After berating me for not having properly tied my laces, I was not allowed to finish my part. Later, I could barely get back on stage that evening for our final performance as I didn't want to fail myself and my team again. But, because of my move to Port Saint Lucie in the summer before sophomore year, I was able to rekindle my passion for ballet and pointe at South Florida Dance Company. South Florida Dance Company was my saving grace, a place where I was able to restart my experiences in dance and renew the joy I once felt in my art. It was an incredible feeling regaining my confidence and surety in my abilities, as a result of the additional help that I received from my dance teacher, Ms. Amanda.

Presently, I always remind myself to be the best that I can be and to positively use my dance role models, like Misty Copeland, as encouragement to be a better dancer. From this experience, I learned that to overcome personal failures, I needed to move forward and think positively because change doesn't happen when you sit still."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Admitting weakness ("weakest of my class") before showing growth demonstrates honesty
Technical dance terms (Changement de Pieds, pointe shoes) show expertise
Describing a specific embarrassing moment makes the failure real
Mentioning role models (Misty Copeland) shows you seek inspiration
The final lesson is simple but powerful—change requires action

Example 16: Gates Scholarship Essay

Essay Prompt: "Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures." — Cesar Chavez. What does it mean to you to be part of a minority community? What challenges has it brought and how have you overcome them? What are the benefits? (No more than 400 words)

Why This Essay Won: This essay addresses the immigrant experience with nuance, showing both empowerment from community and pain from cultural loss. The writer's volunteer work helping other Haitian students shows how personal growth translates to community service. The salutatorian achievement validates the work ethic discussed.

"Being part of a minority is very conflicting for me as I feel both empowered as a part of a Haitian minority community but also disconnected from my non-immigrant peers. Coming from a background of poverty in Haiti, I knew that, even at a very young age, I had to be a good student in order to succeed. This work ethic–found throughout my Haitian community–has been very beneficial in my life as we all came here to pave ourselves a better future. As my mom held two jobs, went to college, and was temporarily homeless just to secure me a better future, I feel invigorated to be part of such an indefatigable community. And, it is because of this strong work ethic, central to my community's core values, that I am now the salutatorian of a class of 679 students.

As I was so young when I came to the US, I didn't know how American society functioned, specifically elementary school. I was the only immigrant in a class of forty, barely spoke English, and had no friends because of these limitations. Every day of those first few years, I felt an almost physical divide between my peers and myself. I never experienced a sense of belonging, despite my efforts. Already a double minority as a woman and a Black person, I tried to relinquish my language and culture in favor of American language and values to better fit in the crowd. By doing this, however, I almost completely lost my cultural identity as both a Haitian and an immigrant, and also my language.

It was in the halls of my first high school, International Studies Charter High School, that I realized the enormity of what I had lost. Where my peers retained their cultural identities and language, I had almost lost mine. It was there, I learned to embrace a part of me that was virtually buried inside, as I was encouraged to be more open: speaking Creole with my Haitian math teacher and peers. As a senior, I now volunteer weekly helping Haitian ESOL students with their homework. I am both a teacher and a student in that small classroom as I help them with their homework, and, in return, they help me in perfecting my use of Creole. They are my daily reminder of what unites us as Haitians — our ability to triumph in the face of adversity."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

Acknowledging complexity ("conflicting feelings") shows emotional maturity
The phrase "indefatigable community" demonstrates strong vocabulary
Describing what you nearly lost (cultural identity, language) creates stakes
Volunteering that benefits you too (improving Creole) shows authentic motivation
Nigerian students can similarly discuss balancing Nigerian and Western identities

Example 17: The Gates Scholarship Essay

Essay Prompt: "It is very important to know who you are. To make decisions. To show who you are." — Malala Yousafzai. Tell us three things that are important to you. How did you arrive at this list? Will these things be important to you in ten years? Why? (No more than 400 words)

Why This Essay Won: This essay works because the three priorities (family, success, legacy) are clearly connected to the writer's experiences. The Haitian earthquake reference provides powerful context. The progression from personal goals to community impact shows thinking beyond oneself.

"The three things that are important to me are my family, being successful, and leaving a legacy. As a result of my past, I keep these three crucial things at the forefront of my mind every day to help myself be successful.

Above all, my family is the most important thing in my life. The meaning of family may differ for everyone, but for me, my family is life. I almost died in the 2010 Haitian earthquake, as Jacmel was one of the worst damaged areas, had it not been for my grandmother and my mom. Later, if it was not for my uncle, my mom would not have been able to come to America to give me a better life. Without my family, I wouldn't be here. I am forever indebted to their sacrifices, and I am so grateful that I have their eternal love and support.

Success is also very important to me. I hope to accomplish many things in my life, but most importantly, I would like to make my family proud so that they know that all of their sacrifices were worth it. Success to me is having a career that I love and allows me to help my family members financially. I hope to no longer experience hardships such as homelessness, poverty, and economic difficulties, as I had in my young life.

Ultimately, however, I would like to grow into someone who is loved and remembered by people who aren't my immediate family members and my friends. I do not wish to be glorified, but I want to be more than a nonentity in this big, vast world. I hope that if I can inspire the change that I want to make, I can leave a legacy that continues to influence and shape the landscape that follows me. After coming to the epiphany that if I died today, nothing would change except for the lives of those extremely close to me, I find myself unwilling to be just another Jane Doe. I want to leave a part of myself behind, whether it is a building or a popular hashtag, that is meaningful and permanent once I die."

What Nigerian Students Can Learn:

The three-part structure directly answers the prompt
Major life events (Haitian earthquake) don't need lengthy description—mention them and move on
Defining success in your own terms (not traditional metrics) shows independent thinking
The "Jane Doe" reference makes the desire for legacy relatable
Ten-year perspective shows you've thought long-term about values

Common Scholarship Essay Prompts Nigerian Students Should Prepare For

Understanding common prompts helps you prepare stories and examples in advance. Here are the most frequent types you'll encounter:

Tell us about yourself / Your background This open-ended prompt appears in many Nigerian scholarships including PTDF, NNPC, and Shell scholarships. Have a compelling 400-500 word version of your story ready that highlights your unique background and aspirations.

Why do you deserve this scholarship? Popular in MTN Foundation, Total E&P scholarships, and many private scholarships. Focus on achievements, future potential, and specific plans rather than just financial need.

Describe a challenge you've overcome Common in Gates, Mastercard Foundation, and many international scholarships. Nigerian students have unique challenges: ASUU strikes, underfunded schools, family financial struggles, or balancing education with family responsibilities.

What are your career goals and how will you impact your community? Nearly universal in African leadership scholarships (ALF, Tony Elumelu, etc.). Be specific about your field and how it addresses Nigerian development needs.

Why do you want to study abroad? / Why this program? Essential for study abroad scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD). Research specific programs and show you understand what makes them unique.

Describe your leadership experience Key for Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI, and youth leadership programs. Nigerian students should highlight SUG positions, community development projects, church/mosque leadership, or student clubs.

How have you contributed to your community? Important for service-oriented scholarships. Discuss NYSC projects, volunteer teaching, healthcare outreach, or environmental initiatives you've led or participated in.

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips That Actually Win

Start Strong With a Hook

Your opening sentence determines whether reviewers engage with your essay or skim it. Avoid these weak openings:

"My name is..."
"I am writing to apply for..."
"Education is important because..."

Instead, open with:

Vivid scenes or dialogue
Surprising statements
Meaningful quotes (if highly relevant)
Compelling questions

Show, Don't Just Tell

Weak: "I am a hard worker and very determined."

Strong: "During the six-month ASUU strike, I woke at 5am daily to study in the only library that remained open, walking four kilometers each way because I couldn't afford regular transport."

Use Specific Numbers and Details

Generic essays could apply to anyone. Specific details make YOUR story unique:

Not "I helped my community" but "I organized medical outreach that served 247 people in three villages"
Not "I'm a good student" but "I maintained a 4.5 GPA while working 20 hours weekly at my family's shop"
Not "I started a program" but "I founded a tutoring initiative that helped 15 students pass JAMB in 2024"

Address the Prompt Directly

Many strong candidates lose because they don't answer the actual question. If asked about failure, write about failure. If asked about community impact, focus on community impact. Don't submit a generic essay.

Balance Confidence With Humility

You need to advocate for yourself without sounding arrogant. Show achievements proudly while acknowledging others who helped you:

"With guidance from my mentor Dr. Okonkwo, I developed..."
"My team and I successfully launched..."
"This award validated years of effort..."

Edit Ruthlessly

Most first drafts are too long and contain unnecessary words. Cut:

Repetitive points
Obvious statements
Overly formal language
Clichés and generic phrases

Get Feedback From Multiple Readers

Have your essay reviewed by:

Someone who knows you well (to verify authenticity)
Someone who doesn't know you (to test clarity)
A teacher or mentor (for quality and grammar)
A peer who won similar scholarships (for strategy)

Proofread Multiple Times

Grammar errors and typos suggest carelessness. Read your essay:

Out loud (catches awkward phrasing)
Backwards (catches spelling errors)
After waiting 24 hours (fresh perspective)
One more time before submitting (final check)

Mistakes That Get Nigerian Scholarship Essays Rejected

Copying These Examples

Scholarship committees use plagiarism detection software. Copying even a paragraph from these examples will get you immediately disqualified. Learn from the structure and techniques, but write YOUR story.

Generic Essays About "Helping Nigeria"

Many Nigerian students write vague essays about wanting to "develop Nigeria" or "help my country" without specific details. Committees have read thousands of these. Instead, identify specific problems and explain your specific planned contributions.

Focusing Only on Financial Need

While financial challenges are real, committees know most applicants need money. What makes YOU worth investing in beyond needing funds? Highlight achievements, potential, and plans.

Poor English Grammar

Scholarship essays require excellent English. Common mistakes that hurt Nigerian applicants:

Tense confusion (switching between past and present)
Subject-verb disagreement
Wrong prepositions
Run-on sentences
Spelling errors

Have a teacher or educated mentor review your grammar carefully.

Exceeding Word Limits

If the prompt says 500 words, submit 450-500 words, not 650. Committees disqualify essays that ignore instructions. Every word must earn its place.

Submitting Without Proofreading

Typos, formatting errors, and incomplete sentences suggest you don't take the opportunity seriously. Always proofread multiple times.

Being Too Humble or Too Boastful

Nigerian culture often emphasizes humility, but scholarship essays require advocating for yourself. Find the balance: state achievements clearly while acknowledging support from others and showing gratitude.

Not Following Instructions

Some scholarships want PDF, others want Word documents. Some want specific file names. Some require certain fonts or margins. Follow every instruction precisely.

Writing What You Think They Want to Hear

Reviewers can detect inauthentic essays. They're not looking for perfect students with perfect lives. They want genuine people with real experiences, clear goals, and strong potential.

Can Nigerian Students Reuse Scholarship Essays?

Yes, but strategically. Many scholarship prompts are similar, so you can adapt essays. However:

Never submit the exact same essay to different scholarships. At minimum, customize the introduction and conclusion to reference the specific scholarship.

Adjust for different audiences. An essay for Shell might emphasize engineering and energy sector impact. The same story for a medical scholarship should emphasize healthcare applications.

Modify length carefully. Don't just cut paragraphs from a 750-word essay to meet a 500-word limit. Revise the entire essay to work at the new length.

Keep a master document. Save paragraphs about different experiences (leadership, challenges, community service, academic achievements) that you can mix and match for different prompts.

Update for new experiences. As you gain more achievements, update your stories with more recent, impressive examples.

Track what you submit where. Keep a spreadsheet of which essay version you sent to each scholarship to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

Winning scholarship essays are not written by perfect students with perfect lives. They're written by real people who can articulate their experiences, growth, and goals compellingly.

As a Nigerian student, you have unique stories that committees want to hear. Your experiences navigating Nigerian educational challenges, your resilience through ASUU strikes, your family responsibilities, your community service, your determination to succeed despite obstacles—these are powerful narratives when told well.

The 17 essays in this guide won because they were:

Authentic and specific
Well-structured and clear
Honest about challenges while emphasizing growth
Focused on impact beyond the individual
Carefully proofread and professionally written

Your task now is not to copy these essays but to learn from their techniques and apply those lessons to your own unique story. Start early, write multiple drafts, seek feedback, and revise until every sentence adds value.

Remember: these examples show what's possible when students invest time and effort into their essays. You have stories worth telling and dreams worth funding. Now you know how to tell those stories in ways that win scholarships.

How to Write a Scholarship Essay With No Experience (17 Real Examples)

Why Scholarship Essays Matter for Nigerian Students

The Competition Is Fierce

Essays Level the Playing Field

Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make

How to Use Scholarship Essay Examples the Right Way

Learn Structure, Not Content

Extract Themes and Storytelling Techniques

Adapt Lessons to Your Personal Experiences

17 Winning Scholarship Essay Examples

Example 1: Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship – $7,500

Example 2: North Coast Section Foundation Scholarship – $1,000

Example 3: New York University College of Arts and Science – $39,500 Scholarship

Example 4: Going Merry Scholarship Success Story

Example 5: Who is a "Good" Doctor? Medical School Essay

Example 6: Life Happens Scholarship

Example 7: Going Merry DACA Scholarship Success Story

Example 8: Why College Is Important to Me Essay

Example 9: National Association of University Women Scholarship Essay

Example 10: Fund for Education Abroad Rainbow Scholarship – $7,500

Example 11: OppU Achievers Scholarship, Berklee College of Music – $2,500

Example 12: OppU Achiever Scholarship, Kearny High School – $2,500

Example 13: OppU Achiever Scholarship, University of Florida – $2,500

Example 14: Multiple Scholarships Totaling $4,000

Example 15: The Gates Scholarship 2017

Example 16: Gates Scholarship Essay

Example 17: The Gates Scholarship Essay

Common Scholarship Essay Prompts Nigerian Students Should Prepare For

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips That Actually Win

Start Strong With a Hook

Show, Don't Just Tell

Use Specific Numbers and Details

Address the Prompt Directly

Balance Confidence With Humility

Edit Ruthlessly

Get Feedback From Multiple Readers

Proofread Multiple Times

Mistakes That Get Nigerian Scholarship Essays Rejected

Copying These Examples

Generic Essays About "Helping Nigeria"

Focusing Only on Financial Need

Poor English Grammar

Exceeding Word Limits

Submitting Without Proofreading

Being Too Humble or Too Boastful

Not Following Instructions

Writing What You Think They Want to Hear

Can Nigerian Students Reuse Scholarship Essays?

Conclusion

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