Scholarships are not just for students with high GPAs. One can apply for athletic and creative scholarships too. SWATI BHARGAVA tells you how
It’s no secret that international universities add valuable experiences to a student’s life. It is never easy to win a scholarship at a renowned institution. While scholarships are free money, you must know they won’t cover everything. So before applying for them, let’s understand what most scholarships cover.
Scholarships can be both full or partial and even if you are granted a full scholarship, you’ll still have to pay for your travel, food, and books. Students often have a misconception that scholarships are only available for the smartest students with the highest GPA’s. However, students can also apply for athletic, creative, community service scholarships and more. Regardless of your grades, your interests and background can help you win a scholarship.
Tips for bagging a scholarship.
Only apply for the scholarship that interests you: Many students apply for scholarships that don’t include subjects or courses they are interested in, which defeats the very purpose of vying for one. Do not rush into the first scholarship program that accepts your application. Looks for what's right for you! You can find scholarships through Fulbright Scholarships or the Department of Education of your host or home country. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, based on your area of interest and of course your eligibility. Also, beware of the ‘Guaranteed Scholarship’ programs. These programs may be led by some deceitful companies that may take your money and vanish.
Draft an honest and amazing statement of purpose: State your experience, talents, core skills, extra-curricular activities, community services and most importantly your financial aspects in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). You must ensure your SOP helps put your case forward in the best possible way. I would recommend getting feedback on your SOP from a few people and rewriting it till you're confident about it. I'm listing down a few more things that can help with a good SOP.
Use a formal yet conversational tone: Be unique and build your SOP in a way that distinguishes it from the others. Use real-life examples. For instance, stating: ‘I am very passionate about the course’, may not make it conversational. Stating: ‘My grandfather was a motor mechanic. I learned the basics from him which led me to pursue Mechanical Engineering’, sounds conversational. Personalisation is key.
Convey how you can add value: Mention your past achievements, talents, community service, sports, and any other stand out skills that can add up to your SOP. Describe how motivated you are to showcase your talent that can benefit the university. Talk about how passionate you are about what you excel in whether it's sports or academics and express how determined you are to win this scholarship.
Proof-read all document: Proof-read all the documents/emails and especially your SOP multiple times. Ensure everything is well-written and edited to make a good impression on the reviewer. You can even ask your friends and family to grade it.
Add financial proof: Your Statement of Purpose must be backed by financial proof. This may include the bank account statements, bank letters, loan capability certificates, your credit score and other requisites required by the scholarship program. So, do your due diligence and get all your paperwork in order before you send your application.
Always be aware of the deadlines: Adhering to deadlines is crucial because it shows professionalism and dedication. Simple things like punctuality are critical when applying for scholarships. It is important to follow basic guidelines and timelines in order to bag that coveted scholarship.
