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Written statements

There are three written statements that are required. This includes the personal statement, purpose statement, and financial need statement. These essays assist reviewers in getting to know applicants and determine their needs. Minimum of 200-300 words and a maximum of 400 words are considered sufficient responses for each written statement before the application can be submitted.

Personal Statement: Tell us about your journey and experiences that shaped who you are. Highlight key moments that influenced your personal growth.(300-400 words are considered sufficient responses; approximately 2/3 of a page, single-spaced).

  • What motivates you (why will you be successful?)
  • Share your commitments: work, volunteer, family, community, church, campus activities (emphasize leadership roles and long-term commitments.
  • What are key events in your life that have influenced who you are today?  
  • What are your passions?  
  • Who are people in your life who have influenced you character?  
  • What experiences in your life make you unique?  
  • What inspires you?

Purpose Statement: Tell us about a time you showed determination and progress toward your educational goals. (200-300 words are considered sufficient responses; approximately 1/2 of a page, single-spaced).

  • Share your area of study and why (do not let the reviewer make assumptions – explain your thinking)
  • Share future plan(s) – what are you planning to do when you complete your studies (and how will you give back?)
  • Share your personal history, if relevant (do you have a special connection to your area of study? have you experienced significant experience and overcome them?)
  • What is your dream post degree career?  
  • What impact do you want to make in your field?  
  • What are that steps you plan on taking to achieve your goals?  
  • Who are people you look up to in your field?  
  • Who are people in your life that inspired your goals?

Statement of Financial Need:   
Share your current financial situation and explain how receiving a scholarship would affect your life. Think about how your daily life would change and/or the larger impact a scholarship would have on your finances, your academics, your motivation, etc. Additionally, please share if there are any foreseeable changes or unknown elements regarding your ability to afford college.  (200-300 words are considered sufficient responses; approximately 1/2 of a page, single-spaced).

  • What are your current financial circumstances and/or challenges?  
  • Talk about who you support financially or talk about how you independently support yourself.  
  • Has there been changes in your financial circumstances? If so, what are they? If not, what has been a persistent challenge?  
  • How will this scholarship support you in reaching your goals?

Need Assistance on your written statements? If students need help with their written statements, the CLUE (Center for Learning & Using English) will be providing writing assistance via email. Students can send their essay drafts with instructions attached to:

Watch: Written Statements & Scholarship Workshop Video