When it comes to acing school, there is money involved, especially for third world scholars. Money aid in the form of grants and loans can really help turn the dream into a reality. However, acquiring this money does not solely rely on excellent performance in school; you also have to have an excellent personal statement in which you tell them about your personality and why you are deserving of it.
We are here to give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to write a personal statement which will be viewed by the lenders and the providers of grants, to give you some tips on how to get noticed when your application is up live online, in the case that you are posting on a public scholarship website or as a blog.
What is a Personal Statement?
Your statement is actually your chance to speak for yourself in your own voice. It’s not reading your grade and resume. Instead, it’s sharing your story—your background, why you want to be successful in school, why you need this financial aid, and where you are heading in the future. Here you can sincerely express your passion and dedication, making your application stand out.
Why Personal Statements Matter
When companies provide loans or grants, they must know their money is being used in someone who is highly committed to his or her career and education. Your statement must give them some notion of:
- School life
- Issues you faced, especially financially
- Why you require financial assistance
- How the grant or loan will assist you in your academic and professional life
- What you can contribute as a future professional or leader
How to Structure Your Personal Statement
Here is a simple guide to follow when writing your statement:
1. Begin Well: Begin well. Introduce your name, level of education, and for what grant or loan you are writing. State the reason why you are writing.
Example:
My full name is Chris John and I am in level three studying a course in mechanical engineering at the University of Lagos. I am writing to apply for [Name of Grant or Loan] since I am facing financial difficulties which can affect my studies.
2. Emphasize Your Academic Achievements: Unveil your academic achievements. Describe any award, research you have carried out, or leadership that you have embarked upon.
Example:
I graduated on merit in my WAEC exam and was admitted to my university on merit. My CGPA stands at 4.65 currently and I have conducted some research work on renewable energy.
3. Justify Your Financial Need: Tell the truth about your finances. You need to explain why this money is absolutely necessary to you without lying.
Example:
While I am dedicated to studying, my family is not affluent. My mother runs a business and my father worked in the civil service, and that does not allow us to fund rising tuition and living costs. This grant would in fact allow me to complete studying.
4. Tell Us Something About Your Future Plans: Tell us something about your future plans. Where do you see yourself in a few years’ time? Explain how the money will enable you to fulfill your dreams.
Example:
I would be thrilled to be a mechanical engineer designing green technology for rural African villages. I can finance my education and start projects that solve genuine problems for such villages using this scholarship.
5. Parallel with the Funding Objectives: Parallel your statement with the objectives of the funding agency, showing that you are genuinely interested in their goal.
Example:
I love [Organization’s Name] because they aim at opening doors to learning. That means a lot to me so much since I also dream of opening doors of opportunities to every individual to science and engineering.
6. Wrap It Up: Conclude your speech by repeating the words “thank you” and briefly state what you are asking for.
Example:
I would be grateful if you took seriously my application. You can rest assured that your grant will be used for research and to benefit my community in the long run.
SEO Keywords for Your Statement
If you are publishing your personal statement on the web, it would be useful to include some keywords of what it is so that it can be searched for. Some ideas are below:
- Personal statement finance loan application
- Writing personal statement grant application
- Personal statement university scholarship
- Tips for education grant application
- Nigerian scholars seeking finance
- Study abroad finance funding statement
- Financial need scholarship essay
- Writing tips for education loan statement
Use these words spontaneously where appropriate, especially for headings and during the work.
Do Not Make Common Mistakes
1. Generalization: Avoid using examples or copy pasting. Use your own experience.
2. Grammar Mistakes: There should not be even a single spelling or grammar error. They make you sloppy.
3. Dramatizing: Tell the truth. Avoid dramatizing your situation or sounding desperate.
4. Disobedience: Always obey instructions given to you by the funding authority, e.g., word limit and presentation.
5. Lack of Focus: Stay focused and do not give irrelevant information that serves no purpose for your proposal.
Conclusion
The ability of how to be truthful and how to eloquently narrate your story is writing a grant and loan personal statement. It is simply putting your story in order and linking your dreams to the funding needs you need. Never lose sight of the fact that your story matters, and one agency will grant your dreams a chance if you can outline your ideas in the right words.
So if you’re a Nigerian scholar or you’re even studying abroad, take a seat and write your personal statement. It could be the key to getting the funding to continue your education.
