For all prospective students apply for
scholarships, it can look like a daunting and difficult process and although
the requirements for every scholarship will not be alike, many of the
guidelines are usually the same. We gathered some tips to make the scholarship
process easier.
What to expect
By this time you will know that students have
to compete for a scholarship and if you want to be a successful candidate you
should commit yourself to the process. Initially it is important to learn all
you can where the application process is concerned and put in the necessary
time and devotion.
Be organized
As stated above, scholarships have different
requirements and to help you to keep track and be organized in the application
process we advise you to create a system for yourself. We suggest a calendar
and a tracking tool which can list the specific scholarship you are interested
in as well as application requirements and eligibility. The deadlines of the
scholarships can be stated on the calendar and can serve as a reminder to
revisit the closed scholarships later again.
Make the time
The applying and finding of scholarships are
time consuming, so you should make time if you want a scholarship. Obviously
the first application will take more time, afterwards its more plain sailing as
you have all the needed information ready.
Search everywhere
Never limit yourself to one or two resources.
Act like a real entrepreneur and try all avenues like newsletters, newspapers,
social media, libraries, foundations in your community, scholarship databases,
professional associations, even your neighbour and church.
Seek on a regular basis
The most opportunities will be found from
January to April, but keep looking through the year as scholarships can open
and close at any time. For closed scholarships, set a follow-up date on your
calendar and revisit such a scholarship in four to six months whilst making
sure that you still qualify according to the eligibility criteria.
Only apply if you qualify according to the
eligibility criteria
As every scholarship have eligibility
criteria, make sure that you qualify and never make assumptions. Contact the
provider of such a scholarship if you have questions. Don’t waste your time if
you don’t meet the criteria.
Start to prepare for the process of
application
Prepare yourself and touch up on the areas
which you need to improve in. Assess your written communication skills, GPA,
networking and your involvement in the community etc.
“Polish” your online image
Scholarship providers and donators will do an
online search to find information about the applicants. We suggest you Google
your name and take off anything that can spoil your chances to acquire a
scholarship from all applicable social media sites. Fill out the applications
by using a professional email-address.
Follow instructions
Carefully read all instructions when filling
out the application. Ensure that the application is professional as it is a
reflection of you. You will be disqualified if you don’t follow directions.
Proofread
Applications, resumes, essays and all relevant
documents must be mistake-free. Ask a friend to do the proofreading to
eliminate any errors. Use a student website like CWE (Centre for Writing-Excellence)
to render assistance to create a perfect application.
Apply for various scholarships
Apply for an abundance of scholarships. This
will increase your chances to obtain an award and will improve your skills by
repeatedly filling out scholarship applications. We recommend you write essays
and ask for recommendation letters.
Find your “plus factor”
Find your “plus factor” which makes you stand
out from the crowd and then flash it! We suggest that you make a list of skills
or things which are special or unique about you. This is needed to create a
bright image of yourself for the providers or donators.
Taking into account common characteristics of
students acquiring scholarships, responsibility is a major feature which
permeates in their profiles.
We believe that if you take the
above-mentioned tips into consideration when you apply for scholarships, you
will be successful, indeed.
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