CFA® Exam Access Scholarship Essay: How to Write It?

Updated: March 07, 2025

CFA exam / Scholarships / ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP


CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay Example

  1. CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay
  2. CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay Example
  3. Tips to Improve Your Access Scholarship Essay
  4. Avoid When Writing Your Access Scholarship Essay
  5. Key Takeaways for CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay

CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay


If you apply for a CFA exam Access Scholarship, you are required to write an essay.

The CFA exam Access Scholarship essay is an essential part of your scholarship application. It helps CFA Institute understand your financial need and motivation for pursuing the CFA Program. A well-written essay can significantly increase your chances of being awarded the scholarship.

To make your essay exceptional, focus on your personal story. Emphasize your motivation to become a CFA charterholder and express your alignment with CFA Institute’s mission. Include specific examples, be clear, and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your career goals.

We thought that having a sample level 1 essay may come in handy because when you apply for your level 1 CFA exam scholarship, you're possibly writing your first scholarship essay ever.

So, here it comes.


CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay Example


Writing your Access Scholarship essay can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time.

Here's an example of the level 1 CFA exam Access Scholarship to guide you in structuring your own essay:


Sample CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay


I am applying for the CFA exam Access Scholarship because I am committed to building a career in finance. I developed my passion for investment management already as a student and then further during my professional path. It would be my dream to earn the CFA designation to prove my continuously growing knowledge and expertise.

University was the time when I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills by attending courses in portfolio management, financial modeling, and risk assessment. Now, as a junior investment manager, I have gained some hands-on knowledge and experience while analyzing financial statements, assessing market trends, and making some strategic investment decisions to optimize portfolio performance. I am committed to learning every day to offer the best client assistance I can.

I have always valued ethical decision-making in finance and I deeply appreciate the emphasis that CFA Institute places on ethics and professional standards. I truly believe that you should deeply care about how your professional decisions may influence your clients, colleagues, and the whole industry if you work in finance. I feel it is so true especially if you want to work in the investment management sector.

Despite my strong motivation and dedication, financial constraints have made it difficult for me to register for the CFA exam. If I was awarded a scholarship, it would allow me to focus on my studies, and not the finances, which is a luxury every CFA candidate should be able to afford. I am fully prepared to dedicate the recommended study hours to ensure I pass my level 1 CFA exam.

Thank you for this opportunity. I wish to assure you that if I am awarded a scholarship, I will work diligently to make the most of this chance and progress further in my struggle toward becoming a CFA charterholder.


It's just a sample Access Scholarship essay. You can use it as a reference but make sure to personalize your essay to reflect your unique background and motivation.

As soon as you have your essay written, you're ready to file your Access Scholarship application. If you're unsure about the whole application process, check out how to apply for CFA exam Access Scholarship for detailed instructions.



Tips to Improve Your Access Scholarship Essay


A compelling CFA exam Access Scholarship essay requires careful planning. Here are some best writing tips for creating an effective scholarship essay:

  1. Be Personal & Specific – Share your personal experiences and challenges that led you to pursue the CFA designation.
  2. Explain Your Motivation Clearly – Clearly state why you want to earn the CFA charter and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
  3. Highlight Financial Need – Explain your financial limitations and how the scholarship would help you overcome them.
  4. Showcase Your Commitment – CFA Institute values dedicated candidates, so describe your commitment to the CFA Program and exam preparation.
  5. Keep It Concise & Error-Free – Use clear, structured writing and proofread your essay for grammar and spelling mistakes.

As a strongly committed level 1 CFA exam candidate, you may also want to see some tips on how to create a good CFA exam study plan. You're invited to check them out.


Avoid When Writing Your Access Scholarship Essay


When writing your CFA exam Access Scholarship essay, you want to ensure that it's effective. Here are some don't do's of writing a scholarship essay:

  • Being too generic – Avoid vague statements and instead provide specific reasons and personal experiences.
  • Lacking structure – Ensure your essay has a logical flow from introduction to conclusion.
  • Ignoring financial justification – Because you’re applying based on financial need, clearly explain why you require support.
  • Submitting without proofreading – Spelling and grammar mistakes can make your application less credible.

Also, keep in mind that missing the application deadline means losing your chance at the scholarship. Always remember about strict CFA exam Access Scholarship dates.


Key Takeaways for CFA Exam Access Scholarship Essay


The most important thing for you to remember is to make your personal statement strong. A strong and personal essay can win the scholarship for you.

So, to keep your essay excellent:

  • Clearly state your motivation for pursuing the CFA designation.
  • Show how the CFA Program aligns with your career goals.
  • Demonstrate financial need and personal commitment.
  • Provide a well-structured and error-free essay.
  • Ensure your essay is unique and personal.

For more scholarship opportunities, also learn about other CFA exam scholarships.


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PUBLISHED: March 7, 2025



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