Tips to Master the Art of Writing Scholarship Applications

Written by a Guest Contributor

Mastering the art of writing Scholarship Applications

Planning and execution are two completely opposite sides of a coin. In other words, it might be easy to plan your education in a distant land than execute the journey. However, there are certain challenges that make the planning stage, equally difficult. Some of them include successfully passing the visa interview, obtaining international scholarships, and more.

Especially in a country like the United States of America, the challenges faced by international students in terms of applying for scholarships are many. There may be funding opportunities, a range of grants and scholarships available to study in USA, the application procedure and deadlines can be a pain.

In fact, the probabilities of getting rejected are higher than that of getting approved. But, wait a minute! Hurray!! There are ways to improve your odds for almost any scholarship, whether offered by the US government, other state government, or the university. Methods are easy, only if you concentrate appropriately.

Writing a Scholarship Application? What to do now

1). Correct your grammar, wherever possible

One of the many reasons, multiple applications are rejected each year is due to lack of adherence to the strict language guidelines. A scholarship application takes candidate’s seriousness, academic qualification, eligibility for the scholarships, and reasons to study abroad into consideration. Nevertheless, in spite of everything falling into place, the incorrect use of grammar and poorly written language in the application may take away the chances of getting selected.

To avoid such circumstances, it is advised to give ample time and effort into the making of your application.

2). All face challenges while planning, mention them clearly

One of several other parameters is the hard work one puts in preparing for studies abroad. One must be able to defend one’s decision of choosing a foreign university for higher studies. It is, thus, very important to be prepared for certain specific questions that can be asked. Some of them are why you have chosen a foreign country for your academics; how are you preparing to become eligible; have you any knowledge of internships available; have you any specific career opportunity in your mind; or what are your aspirations from your study abroad journey.

What a reviewer is looking forward to is your preparation for the biggest endeavour of your life. Come prepared.

3). Why should you be chosen for this scholarship?

Every scholarship application has a section that includes the reasons for their selection. It is very easy to highlight one’s successes than shortcomings. However, in this ‘why me’ section of your form, you have to particularly mark your abilities that led to your success and also highlight the obstacles that came in your way of studying abroad.

To simplify your task, underneath are certain key points that should be in your application to avoid any shortcoming:

a). Various obstacles that you faced, academically

1. Which field of study do you belong to? Is your next endeavour similar or from a different discipline?
2. Did you analyse the advantages/disadvantages of the selected program in the long run?
3. Are you a transfer/foreign exchange student? Or have been one in the past?
4. How will your selection impact your career objectives?

b). Obstacles that you faced, financially

1. What is the current financial position of your family?
2. Will it be able to afford your study abroad expense?
3. Do you work while you study in your home country? Have you any similar plans in the future while studying abroad?
4. Do you wish to have access to any financial aid?

c). Other obstacles that you faced

1. What is your family background?
2. Do you suffer from any visible/potential disability?
3. Have you prepared yourself for the struggling journey?
4. Has your family been supportive?

Students face many obstacles, including all of the above, but that should not lessen their courage. Do not give up on the idea of getting external financial help in any form such as scholarships, grants, funding opportunities, or loans. Keep a continuous check on the university news website to stay updated.

One must give ample time to research and write the application paper. Keep a record of important dates in the procedure that may help you to evaluate the total time that your acceptance might take!

You are an international student taking your education to the next level in a distant land. It is important to stay updated, keep connected, and ready with the viable measures, in case of rectifications.

Related: Important Resources & Success Tips for International Students

Author Bio:
Priyanka is an avid reader and also a long term writer for The Chopras, noted overseas education consultants in India. The Chopras provides study abroad & career counseling services to avid students preparing for higher education abroad.