Applying for a scholarship is challenging. With so many students competing for the same grant, you’ll find yourself coming up against other applicants with equally impressive academic backgrounds. What can you do to improve your chances of getting picked for the grant? Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Watch Out for Scams
There are plenty of scholarships out there. But make sure you’re applying for a legitimate one. Do your homework. What does your research say about the programme? If information about it is sketchy, that’s a red flag. Some programmes are just a bid to steal student information. Be careful not to fall for those traps. If the scholarship asks you to pay for anything, walk away.
Know the Application Details
Before you move forward with anything else, find out as much as you can about the application details of the grant. What kind of information does the scholarship ask for? If you aren’t quite sure about some of the instructions, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school or organization for additional details. Also, get the know the company organization, or school that is sponsoring the grant. What are its philosophy, mission, and background? The more you know, the more details you can add to your application.
Check If You’re Eligible
Are you eligible? That’s one of the first things you need to check. Look over the terms and conditions thoroughly before you apply for scholarships at CBSE school Dubai. You wouldn’t want to start working on an application only to find out that you aren’t eligible. Go over the information on gender and age as well as nationality. Are there any special group restrictions? If you’re not sure, check with the programme.
Be Personal
The people who make up the scholarship screening committee don’t know you. They don’t know that you’re great at chess or that you love sports, or that you excel in math. It’s your job to let them know. That’s why it’s best to be personal when you write that essay. Describe yourself in a way that will make it easy for them to get a great impression of you. Don’t just give them facts and figures about yourself. Give them a story. When you think about answering questions in the application form, consider telling an anecdote that will give them a glimpse of who you are, your values and beliefs, what you stand for, your background, and more.
Write a Great Essay
What do you want to achieve with the grant? Don’t just focus on how the grant will help you fulfill your personal goals. You want to show them what you are capable of. What’s your dream project? What outcome do you want? What kind of training and experience do you hope to achieve and what kind of difference will you set out to make in the world? How will you change not only yourself but also your community?
Engage in Extracurriculars
A lot of educational grants don’t only focus on academic credentials. With plenty of students with academic strengths, that’s not the only factor they consider. Many programmes emphasize the importance of balance, which is why they look at your extracurricular record as well. If you are a great leader, or if you have exceptional leadership qualities, put those instances in your application. That will help you stand out.
Prepare Early
If you already know that you’ll be applying for a grant, plan for it. Start preparing as soon as possible. For instance, even when you’re just starting high school and you already have plans to apply for a junior and senior scholarship, then start joining clubs. That will look good on your portfolio. You can start building up your experience now. Also, some programmes require you to apply for a scholarship a year ahead. The sooner you start working on your application, the better.
Try More Than One
Don’t put all your eggs into one basket. Apply to more than one scholarship. However, that will mean more work for you. Make sure you’re able to manage everything. It wouldn’t make sense to send out applications that only force you to spread yourself too thin. Manage your time wisely and take on only what you can handle.
Keep Trying
If this is your first time to try for anything, don’t be discouraged if your application is rejected. Learn from your mistakes and then keep trying. There are so many scholarships that can cover a portion of your tuition fees for every year you’re in school. Don’t give up trying. Besides, with more applications you send out, you’ll improve. You’ll get better.
Applying for scholarships isn’t easy. But with these tips, you’ll know what you’ll be in for and that should help you get into the right mindset for overcoming whatever hurdles and challenges will be in your way.