HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?
This is that time of the year again. The semester ends. The holiday is here. But, this time something is different. Yes! You are finally a senior which means one thing, you need to start thinking about your university choices. From the glorious university applications to the beautiful thoughts of growing up and becoming an adult with responsibilities, there are so many things to think about. Among all of these things, one thing you should also not forget is scholarships. By applying for scholarships, not only it can save you a lot of money, it can also boost your resume showing that you are one competent individual with lots of potentials and skills.
Applying for a scholarship can be tricky and complicated but it does not have to be with all of these tips. So, take your pen and paper (or just bookmark this post ;)) and start taking notes.
- Start your research EARLY
It is never too early to start finding available scholarships to your dream universities. Pay careful attention to the requirements and the application deadline so you will not miss it or not be fully prepared for it.
- Make a LIST
While doing your research, you may find that there is not just one scholarship available to enter to your dream university – good news! However, you can be overwhelmed from all of these scholarship opportunities. Making a list of every scholarship for which you are eligible and qualified will help you get organized and narrow down your choices.
- ASSES each opportunity
It is easy to feel overwhelmed with all the scholarship requirements and not reading them carefully. However, it is important to assess various aspects from the deadline, the preparation difficulty, to the award amount. Make sure you understand all the requirements well. If you need to, read them over and over. Some scholarships are reasonably less competitive, such as the essay contests and those with smaller awards. Remember that small things DO add up, and they will look good on your resume too! Bonus Tip: Scholarships with more work or more complicated requirements have fewer applicants which mean better chances for you to win!
- Build NETWORK
“If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who has already been there” – Robert Kiyosaki. This quote couldn't be any further from the truth. If you want to win that scholarship, talk to the people who have won scholarships before. Ask them questions. Find common themes or qualities among them and try to develop those qualities in you. Bonus Tip: Make sure you stand out from the crowd by developing a unique personal brand since scholarship process is a selection process, not an evaluation process.
- Make sure you have EVERYTHING ready
When applying, make sure you are fully prepared with all the documents needed. Always check the requirements twice or more to avoid forgetting one of the documents needed. Some of the documents asked are your year 12 or equivalent transcript, English proficiency test (IELTS / TOEFL), an acceptance letter from your destination university, an essay / personal statement, recommendation letters and co-curricular activities and achievements. Bonus Tip: Make sure you read all the requirements carefully and check whether there is service bond or other responsibilities you are bound of in accepting the scholarship.
- APPLY
So, what are you waiting for? Go and fulfill your dream! Apply for that scholarship you have been eyeing for! There you go. Hopefully all of these tips will be able to help you in applying for a scholarship. Do not be discouraged when you are not offered the scholarship. Try applying for other scholarships and keep moving forward! Keep dreaming and taking actions for your dream. The road may not be easy and smooth but you will definitely grow and learn from it #daretodream Want to know more on how to apply and WIN a scholarship? Leave your details below, and we will contact you! [ninja_form id=11]
