A Guide to Scholarship Applications
Scholarship applications can be extremely complex and confusing.
Not only does every different scholarship body want something
different, but none of them seem to set the deadline dates for the
same week, which no doubt would confuse you even more! When you are
applying for scholarship, it can seem like you are going round in an
endless circle, trying to finish tasks that you have already
started but seemingly getting nowhere. It can be a chore just to
finish one application, let alone fill in several for
scholarships as well. However, help is at hand and you can make
life easier for yourself with these basic tips:
Read every application carefully.
Every scholarship requires something different because no two are
the same, so you cannot just fill out one for them all and hope
that you will get a measure of success. It does not work like that.
There will always be something different expected of you, whether
there is a word limit on your personal statement or fewer letters
of recommendation. If you do not read it and comply with the
guidelines then your application will be discarded straight away.
Prepare in advance.
Before you even begin to research scholarships in depth, you should
practice your personal statement. Style is extremely important so
you should write it out before you plan to apply to
ensure you get it completely right. If a personal statement
reflects you then it is perfect for your applications. Keep the
copy of the draft you wrote and then use that as a foundation on
which to build your actual personal statements when it comes to
applying for real.
Work with the space you have.
Try to keep all of the information
to a minimum but include as many activities as you can in your
list. You could even add a few into your personal statement if you
run out of space. However, if you do not have enough space then
leave out the ones that are not important, and plan this out in
advance because there is nothing worse that Tipp-ex marks on an
application.
Look at what they want.
You should always look at what the provider of the scholarship is
asking for and give them what they want. Never ever lie on an
application form but tailor your own personality traits to your
advantage. If they are looking for someone with character then
communicate that in your writing style. If they are looking for
integrity then mention an example of it. Always back up what you
have to say by just tailor what you know about yourself to what
they are looking for in you!
Always give your reasons why you want to study a certain subject.
Many individuals fall down at this step because they do not justify
their reasons for wanting to take a certain subject. There must be
a reason behind your choice but failing to communicate it or
failing to put your reasons across in a logical and well-reasoned
way can ultimately ensure that you fall at the last hurdle!
Read it through.
Never send an application form for a scholarship without reading it
through first. Make sure that you have said everything that you want
to say and in a clear, concise and logical way so it is easy to
read. If it passes your critical eye then it should pass theirs!
