sample admission essay

Pursuing higher education can provide you better opportunities and a more rewarding career, but it can also be expensive. In fact, the cost of tuition and other expenses is among the major factors that keep others from going to college or graduate school. Fortunately, there are ways by which you can still go to school without having to pay for all the expenses with your own money. Below are just some types of student loans that can help you deal with the financial demands of going to school.

* Federal loans

The government offers different types of loans, such as Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and federal Plus loans. You can get Stafford loans from financial institutions such as credit unions or banks. You can also obtain this kind of loan directly from the government. Depending on your financial need, Stafford loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The federal Perkins loan, on the other hand, aims to provide financial assistance to students who exhibit extreme financial need. This kind of loan has very low interest rates. Another type of federal loan is the federal Plus loan, which is offered to parents of students entering college. The credit history of the parents is taken into account when giving Plus loans.

* In-house loans

Many colleges and universities offer in-house loan programs that you can apply for. These student loans are often granted based on the student’s academic performance and financial need. Inquire about  different sources of financial aid and ask about the requirements for the program.

* Other forms of student loans

Private lenders also offer students with many financial aid options. Although loans from private lenders typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, these are still a good way for you to pursue your education. If you’re already working, you may also inquire at your company’s HR department whether or not they have tuition reimbursement programs.

What to keep in mind when getting student loans

Be sure to read all the terms and conditions stated on the agreement before getting a student loan. Take note of interest rates and loan limitations. You should also get the contact information of individuals whom you can call or ask help from in case you need to ask questions or encounter financial aid issues.

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Writing a scholarship essay can be a breeze as long as you follow a theme around which your essay will revolve. Having an outline will also help put structure in your scholarship essay and make it easier for you to write in an organized manner. You know how much work people put into writing their their admission essays and personal statements? Well, for a scholarship essay, you might have to put in more work because your aim is to convince people that you’re worthy of their investment.

How to start your scholarship essay

Writing a scholarship essay requires effective storytelling skills, concise writing skills, and a convincing tone. You can start your scholarship essay by stating your name, and the specific scholarship program you’re applying for. Then, give a backgrounder on who you are before you discuss your career goals and objectives in applying for a scholarship. The backgrounder part in your scholarship essay should be written in a personal, sincere manner. Let the committee get a glimpse of who you are as an individual and as a student.

In this part of the scholarship essay, you can include your extra-curricular interests and hobbies, or any interesting tidbits about your personality that would make you stand out. From here, you can then insert your academic accomplishments, the subjects you’ve taken, and a brief mention of your stellar GPA. Be careful when talking about your accomplishments, you don’t want to sound like you’re simply bragging and showing off in your scholarship essay. Instead, state your achievements in a clear and concise manner. Try to connect this part of the scholarship essay to your educational objectives, and how you came to the decision of choosing your particular major.

Other types of content of your scholarship essay

Once you’ve stated your chosen major and your reasons for choosing it, your scholarship essay should then also touch on the topic of what you intend to do once you get a degree in that field. What are your long-term goals and how will that degree help you realize these goals? As much as possible, give concrete plans of action so that the committee will get a clear idea of where you’re headed in terms of career. It would also help if you elaborate in your scholarship essay how you think these plans of yours will benefit other people in the community.

Once you’ve covered all the mentioned bases, your scholarship essay should now discuss your financial situation and why you need the scholarship. Paint them a picture of what your everyday life is like, and explain how a scholarship grant would make a difference to you and help you fulfill your long-term goals. If you’re employed, tell them about the kind of work you do and the number of hours you spend working. You must be able to tell your story in your scholarship essay in a way that would make them listen. Your scholarship essay should appeal to their logic, and not pity. Don’t whine about how you’re having financial trials. Instead, write your scholarship essay in a  way that shows them your determination to get that degree and why you deserve their scholarship grant.

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