How to increase your chances of securing a scholarship
Hi hi hi to add credibility to this post let me just say that I have applied for 4 scholarships, got to the last round (interview) for all 4, and was offered a scholarship by 2 organizations! Um my A levels results was pretty decent, I got 4 As and a C!
1. Decide on what you wanna do in the future
Only aim for scholarships in organizations that you are interested in, it will make a difference. Some of the scholarship process will require you to write a short essay on why you want their scholarship, and your passion will show if you’re genuinely interested in it. Don’t just do it for the free education and allowance, do it because you think you can make a difference in the organization. This is for you as much as it is for them. They want a committed dedicated individual, you want a work that is meaningful and enjoyable for you.
1.5. IF YOU ARE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AND STILL HAVE ABOUT 1-2 YEARS LEFT IN SCHOOL - BOLSTER YOUR RESUME
ORGANIZE EVENTS. Companies love this shit! It shows your time management skills, teamwork, determination, ability to think on the spot etcetc. Take up internship or go to events that are relevant your desired organization. If you want to apply for a science related scholarship, enter science fair, volunteer to help your science teachers, volunteer to mentor your younger peers. Anything that shows your passion. If possible, try to apply for internship with your desired organization. This will give you a huge advantage bc you have in-depth knowledge of the organisation. But remember not to screw it up, show hard work and sincerity.
After you have narrowed down your scope to selected organizations that you’re interested in, it is now time for you to research on what they do exactly. This will provide you with a better understanding of how the company works, and whether it will be suitable for you. Things to take note of:
Scholarship criteria
Application Deadline (SUPER IMPORTANT)
Scholarship selection process: some just require an essay and interview, others have IQ tests and simulation test, so it’s best to make sure.
Relevant websites and where to apply for scholarships
Documents needed (Do you need testimonials? It is best to inform your teachers early if you require testimonial so that they can craft a nice one for you!!)
3. Commence application process
Take one whole day, sit down and craft your resume. Find out if there is some scholarship application portal. Note down all your achievements (don’t have to be comprehensive, just major ones in recent years, not the class monitor position you got at 10 year old). Write a short essay talking about yourself and your ambitions. What are your interests and why. How do you think your interests can help your further your career, talk about any role models if it is relevant to the organization. (ie if you are applying for a teaching scholarship maybe you can talk about how your teacher had inspired you greatly etc.) What did you learn from your activities in school, or any setbacks you have encountered that changed you for the better. Remember that the interviewers know that you are just human, 18 or 19 years old. It’s ok to make mistakes and not have super good achievement. They are looking for potential and interest.
Make sure your essay is crafted to individual company, don’t send the same essay to ALL organizations. Make it detailed, make it relevant! It shows effort and interest.
MAKE IT RELEVANT TO THE ORGANIZATION AND YOU. Ok this will help you in both your essay and interview. Talk about why you like the organization and what they stand for, but also point out areas where they can do better AND SUGGEST OPINIONS. Companies are looking for people who will add value to the company, don’t be afraid to offer suggestions that will better their workings.
Also, since the company is planning to invest tons of money on you they will want to reap the benefits long term. So don’t be afraid to talk about your big ambitions.
In one of my interview essay, the question was “where do you see yourself in 15 years time?” and I wrote about how I want to rise to a position influential enough to direct changes. I got that scholarship offer. Don’t be afraid to show your drive, this is what they are looking for. They are not going to spend $50k on your education and expect you to fetch coffee.
5. Check your application, and double check. Make sure you got all the documents required, check your essay. Get someone to check it.
6. If you got through the first round, then congratulations! If you didn’t, it’s ok, there are other scholarships! And you can always apply for it during university!
7. After that, just go with the flow, depending on the number of selection rounds. I had one scholarship application where there were 4 rounds: written essay, IQ test, simulation process, interview. But here are a few tips for the interview, which will definitely happen.
Always be yourself. Make jokes, show your insecurities, show your drive, show your passion.
Even though you are yourself, don’t make jokes at the expense of the company. One time I was asked why should they give me the scholarship and I joked about how they don’t have enough people and they should hire me bc I was present and available. Well guess who didn’t get that scholarship.
If you have applied for multiple scholarships and interviewers ask you about which is your favourite, ALWAYS PICK THEIR ORGANIZATION. Don’t hint that they are your backup plan, that is the ultimate deal breaker.
Always research the company, and know what the position you are gunning for entails. Another time I was asked about my job scope and I could not give them a good answer. Well, I didn’t get that scholarship, even though that was my favourite. But I guess I left an impression good enough that they specifically offered me an internship for me to understand the company better, so that I can apply for their scholarship next year. But I have already accepted my current one, which I love too!
8. Questions to prepare for
Tell me about yourself?
Why should we give you the scholarship?
What do you know about us and the job scope?
Where do you see yourself in 15 years time?
Super no-brainer. You don’t have to be super formal like suit and tie (you’re only what, around 20?) but it has to be formal and decent. Stick to monochrome, or fancier if you’re applying in the arts field, for girls no mini skirt or stilettos or tank top. For guys no polo tee or khaki or slippers, no matter how informal it seems. Show your respect.
10. GO IN FOR THE KILL, ACE IT
ALWAYS REMEMBER THEY ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO FURTHER THEIR COMPANY, IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, SAY IT. THAT’S WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR. But don’t say it in a condescending or rude manner, what is more important than innovation is your ability to work with others. Always show that you are an amicable and easy to work with person, but not a pushover. Be fluent, be coherent, be confident. You don’t have to be eloquent (though it helps) but make sure your ideas are communicated clearly. But don’t be a pushover, if they try to make things difficult for you, stay calm. Understand their point of view and evaluate your argument and theirs. Don’t reject theirs totally (unless it’s ludicrous), pick up solid points from their argument and agree with it, then come to a compromise.
DON’T BE LATE
BE POLITE. TO EVERYONE, FROM RECEPTIONIST TO THE COFFEE HELPER OR ANYONE. BE POLITE.
Smile
janainaart
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2087
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