Tops Tips in Applying for Scholarship

Tops Tips in Applying for Scholarship

One of the most frequent questions that I received from some of my friends and former classmates is how to successfully apply for scholarship. Most of the times I am at a loss on giving them a piece of advise on how to go about the process of applying for scholarship. But after some time, I was able to sum up my personal experience in applying for scholarship and share it to them. I consider my application for scholarship as an exciting voyage that took me to various places. In order to get to your point of destination safe and sound, it is important that you embark as a seaworthy warrior ready to take sacrifices along the way. There is no sweet without sweat at all. 

In this article, let me discuss to you shortly some of the essentials for successful scholarship application, particularly those which are competitive in character.

Tip Number 1: The Internet as Source of Information

Use the internet as your primary source of information for scholarship opportunities. There are a great number of websites that post scholarship opportunities from time to time. A few decades ago before the advent of the information superhighway, only a few enterprising and well-connected people are able to access scholarship opportunities, but with the dot.com explosion, these opportunities have become "common" to all. The internet leveled the playing field when it comes to information access regarding scholarships. It has democratized in a rather unprecedented magnitude the flow of information about scholarship opportunities for all people in the different parts of the globe.

If you are to use the web in looking for scholarship opportunties, be sure to visit the organizational websites of the scholarship sponsors because the detailed information and the procedures to be undertaken are spelled out in their  websites. Scholarship opportunities are everywhere. The United States of America has Fulbright scholarship for deserving students; whereas the United Kingdom has its own counterpart, the Chevening scholarship. The European Union offers Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Countries in Europe such as Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, France, among other states offer generous scholarship for students around the world.

Be sure to take note of the eligibility requirements of the scholarship opportunity. There are some scholarship opportunities intended for a certain group of nationalities only. In some instances, the scholarship requires some experiences along certain areas or fields; others have age restrictions. So you should give particular attention small details such as those mentioned in order not to end up wasting yout time and effort.

There are a great number of roads that will take you to the right scholarship for you. Be sure to take the right one for you. A number of factors will come into play but in the end it is for you to decide which one is the best fit for you. This proverbial road towards scholarship success is surely to steer you in the right direction.

Tip Number 2: Get Your Documents Ready

After having studied the eligibility requirements of the scholarship and if you deem yourself qualified to apply, it is time to prepare all the documents needed in order to launch your application. Be sure to give sufficient allowance of time in the preparation of documents as it usually takes time to gather all the required documents. Sometimes, because you are busy gathering your documents, you eventually missed the deadline for application without being aware of it.

Having said that, it is vital that you have a timetable that will help you keep track of your application progress. Among the usual documents which are required of during the application process include duly-filled up application form which is usually done online, transcript of records, diploma, curriculum vitae or resume, personal statement, evidence of English proficiency and sometimes the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Test (GMAT).

It would be wise to keep in mind that in some instances there are separate applications for scholarship and university admission. So it is really crucial to always keep tab of the application deadline both for the university admission and scholarship application. For universities that require the presentation of evidence of English proficiency, let it be borne in mind that it takes time to apply for language proficiency test, take the exam and finally obtain the result. So as a sort of advice and speaking on my personal experience, it is extremely important to take the languae proficiency test as earlier as possible. Some schools in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada only accepts the International English Language test (IELTS) as proof of English proficiency, although a few schools likewise accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as equivalent of the IELTS.

However in order to assure that you are submitting the proof of English proficiency specially required and accepted by your target university, it is important to refer to the University Department where you seek admission. In very rare instances, you may be granted a language proficiency test waiver eventhough English is not your native or first language.

Another equally important document which some schools require particularly for doctoral degree (Ph.D) admission is the GMAT or GRE. As to which between GRE and GMAT should be submitted for scholarship application and university admission, it is prudent to consult or refer to the university department where you are applying. Some accepts only the GRE; others only insists on the use of the GMAT. As to which of the two should be accepted is basically a discretion of the university.

Aim high and get inspired. These standardized tests may prove difficult to some but with a great amount of efforts and the burning desire to study abroad through scholarship opportunities, you would surely go places. Be like an eternal spring, a fountain of dynamism and energy and you would definitely ace the hurdles in your application.

Tip Number 3: Spend Adequate Time in Your Application

Your application can make or unmake your dream to study abroad. Hence, it is really very important to spend some time reviewing your application before clicking on the sent tab.

Why most people are very successful in their application is essentially for the fact that they do not mind spending a great number of hours going over the their application documents. They wanted to assure that all the documents were properly complied with. You will eventually reap the fruits of your labor investing sufficient time for your application.

Some people were denied application just because they failed to submit one document. You do not want to miss the admission deadline and scholarship application deadline merely because of not having spent enough time going over your checklist of documents.

So there you go folks!. The list may not be exhaustive but it gives you at least some of the essentials for scholarship application. Once you are ready and the scholarship package knocks to your door, get packed with your baggage and get ready to embark to a whole new experience. The plane that will bring you to your next destination is just awaiting for your next adventures!

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