If you’re applying for scholarships, there’s one word you need to keep front and centre: impact.
Whether you’re a high school or undergraduate student—one of the biggest things scholarship reviewers are looking for is proof that you’ve made a difference.
Not just that you want to. But that you already have.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- Why impact matters so much in scholarship applications
- How to find meaningful examples from your life
- And how to write about impact in your personal statement so you stand out
What Does “Impact” Mean in a Scholarship Application?
Impact is the difference you’ve made in the lives of others or your community.
It could be:
- Tutoring younger students after school
- Helping take care of siblings or family members
- Volunteering at a food bank
- Starting a club at school
- Supporting your household while working part-time
Impact doesn’t have to mean solving world hunger.
It means showing up, doing something meaningful, and leaving a positive mark—big or small.
Why Scholarship Committees Are Focusing on Impact
A trend I’ve noticed lately is this:
Scholarship reviewers are less interested in general statements like “I want to make a difference.”
They want to see how you’ve already started.
Why?
Because someone who’s already creating impact—even in small ways—is more likely to keep doing it in the future.
And most scholarships aren’t just rewards. They’re investments in students who will go on to make a difference in the world.
Real-Life Example: Kate’s Story
Let me tell you about Kate.
When we first met, she didn’t think she had much to say in her personal statement. “I just help out at home,” she said.
But when we talked more, the truth came out:
Kate looks after her three younger siblings every day after school while her parents work late shifts.
She helps with homework. Prepares dinner. Manages bedtime routines.
She holds her household together.
That’s real impact.
We built her scholarship application around that story—something real, specific, and powerful.
Her personal statement turned out to be amazing!
How to Find Your Own Story of Impact
Even if it doesn’t feel “big,” you probably have a moment of impact in your life right now.
Ask yourself:
- Have I helped someone solve a problem?
- Have I taken on responsibility when things got tough?
- Did I create something that benefited others?
- Have I shown up for someone in a consistent, meaningful way?
Now write down a specific example.
The more detailed, the better.
How to Write About Impact in Your Personal Statement
Here’s a simple 3-step structure you can use in your scholarship personal statement:
- Describe the Situation
Start with a real moment from your life.
Example:
“Every day after school, I pick up my younger brother from daycare while my parents are still at work.”
- Share What You Did and Why It Mattered
Explain what actions you took and how they made a difference.
“I help him with his reading, prepare dinner for our family, and make sure he’s ready for bed. It’s taught me how to be dependable and manage multiple responsibilities—skills I’ll carry into my career.”
- Connect It to Your Future Goals
Finish by tying the experience to your values or goals.
“These responsibilities sparked my interest in early childhood education, and I plan to pursue a degree that allows me to support children and families professionally.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to watch for when writing about impact:
- Don’t be too general. Instead of saying “I like to help people,” tell a story about who you helped and how.
- Don’t downplay your experience. Just because it feels “normal” to you doesn’t mean it’s not impressive.
- Don’t forget your “why.” Show the reader what motivated you and what you learned.
Final Thoughts: Small Moments, Big Meaning
Your impact doesn’t have to be flashy.
You don’t need to have founded a non-profit or won national awards.
Sometimes, the most powerful personal statements come from simple stories told well.
A scholarship reviewer wants to know:
- What kind of person you are
- What you care about
- What kind of difference you’ve made in the lives of others
So when you sit down to write your personal statement, ask yourself:
What’s one thing I’ve done that helped someone else?
Start there.
That’s your story.
That’s your impact.
Christopher Grafos, Ph.D., is the founder and chief scholarship mentor at BridgesEDU Scholarships.
He’s a first-generation university graduate whose life was transformed by education and winning scholarships.
Scholarships help students financially, but they also help advance a student’s career. It’s his life’s work to champion this message and share the secrets to finding and winning scholarships.
Read more about Christopher’s journey here.
Need help finding or telling your story of impact?
I’d be happy to point you in the right direction (or help you get started).
Consultation Request Form
Original post here: Why Scholarship Committees Want to See Impact (and How to Show It in Your Personal Statement)
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