Dos and Don’ts for Aspiring Scholarship Applicants. Winning a scholarship can make all the difference, relieving you of having to shoulder educational costs and brightening new horizons ahead. However, there are so many scholarships and the application process is usually very competitive. How can you know what to do–and not to do?
sources: google search
Dos
- Start Early: Don’t leave scholarship research to the last minute. So start researching early and allow yourself sufficient time to hunt for material, then prepare your application with persuasive eloquence.
- Tailor Your Applications: Scholarships vary widely in selection criteria and procedure. Carefully read through the requirements and tailor all your application materials to a particular opportunity. Emphasize skills, experiences or achievements that prove you are suited for the job.
- Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t be bashful of your achievements. Where it is possible, try to quantify your achievements in academic achievement and performance (especially grades), extracurricular activities, leadership roles and community service. Back everything up with data and concrete examples of what you can do.
- Seek Strong Recommendations: A good letter of recommendation can make all the difference to a successful application. Have a teacher, mentor or employer who knows your talents state them in writing on your behalf. Give them concrete goals and adequate time to produce impressive letters.
- Proofread Meticulously: Inconsistent formatting, typos and grammatical mistakes may also leave a poor impression. Carefully proofread your application materials and have someone read them over for you.
- Meet Deadlines: But remember to send in your applications early. It’s a good idea to set reminders and make plans so there is no need for last-minute rushing about.
Don’ts
- Apply for Every Scholarship: It’s a lot of work just to apply for every scholarship you can find. Pay attention to opportunities that truly relate to your academic objectives, interests and values. As for scholarships, prefer those that have the largest amounts of money and are also in accord with your capabilities.
- Fabricate Information: Don’t fall into the trap of padding to make yourself look good (and better than others). Be honest and truthful on all parts of your application. Providers of scholarships are easy to identify dishonesty and it is harmful for your reputation or future.
- Neglect the Essays: Many scholarships require essay submissions. Don’t consider all these as if they were secondary. Take time and effort to write persuasive essays that reveal your character, ambitions, interests–your individual doubts. Your story must tell why you are deserving of this scholarship in a way which is meaningful to the selection committee.
- Give Up Easily: Applying for scholarships is sometimes very competitive, and it’s not unusual to get a certain amount of rejections in the process. Don’t get discouraged! You just have to keep applying, then adjust your approach next time and learn. Perseverance is key to success.
- Forget to Express Gratitude: Winning a scholarship is indeed an immense blessing. Be sure and write a personal thank-you letter to the people who offered you this scholarship. It is a small courtesy that demonstrates your appreciation and professionalism, leaving people with warm feelings for you.
Conclusion
If you adhere to these dos and don’ts, your chances of receiving scholarships and realizing your educational dreams will be greatly enhanced. remember, you must be prepared and strategic but also sincere. Good luck!
I hope this blog post provides you help in your quest for a scholarship! Put your questions in the comments section below.
