Are You an Achiever? Here Are 9 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

Education is a valuable legacy parents strive to provide their children. However, with tuition rates continually rising, a lot of students are seeking admission to educational institutions through scholarships.

Good thing there are scholarship opportunities available to students who meet academic requirements and guidelines.

However, given that you’re not the only student in need of financial assistance, your chances of receiving a scholarship may seem slim.

If you’re in the process of applying for scholarships in your current school or different schools, here are some tips to help improve your chances of being granted one.

1. Maintain good relationships with your teachers.

Establishments offering scholarships may ask you to submit a letter of recommendation or reference from your teacher.

Doing your assigned tasks or homework, participating in class discussions, and conversing with your teachers regarding lessons will help in creating relationships that could lead to glowing, sincere recommendations of your abilities as a student.

2. Keep up your good academic standing.

Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, which means that your grades play a significant role in determining whether you’ll get accepted.

Most schools require a minimum GPA, but you’re unlikely to satisfy this if you just meet the cut-off.

If you’re having trouble catching up in a certain class, consider tutoring or getting help from your teacher. Also, ask if you can earn bonus points by completing as many extra credit tasks as possible.

3. Apply as soon as possible.

It is generally preferable to begin working on your scholarship applications ahead of time. Don’t forget that there are a lot of individuals applying, so don’t put it off until the last minute.

In most cases, applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. If they receive your application early, you will have a better chance of getting it reviewed. If you don’t apply on time, you may be obliged to make a rushed application in order to meet the deadline.

4. Don’t miss any deadlines.

You usually have adequate time to start the application procedure if you stay on top of crucial dates. You can also look for available scholarships with a longer deadline, so you’ll have enough time to apply.

Any applications received after the deadline are usually not accepted. So, make a point of collating and preparing all the documents you need to supplement your application. These include your statement of intent or purpose, references or recommendations, and so on.

Doing these things will also mean less stress for you during application.

5. Write and revise.

Whether or not you’re a native English  (or whatever language the establishment you’re applying to uses) speaker, you must demonstrate command of the language when you write your scholarship application essay.

Most establishments offering scholarships typically ask applicants to write a coherent and well-structured essay describing why they should be granted a scholarship or how getting it would help them reach their academic or life goals.

Your essay will provide the scholarship committee with information about who you are academically and personally. So, after you’re finished writing your essay, ask a friend, teacher, or anyone competent to check your essay for coherence, grammar and fluency.

Be ready to rewrite your essay several times (if need be) until you perfect it.

6. Apply for as many scholarships as possible.

At the end of the day, the scholarship selection process can be quite subjective. Sometimes, even highly eligible or deserving applicants can get denied from scholarship programs. So, rather than focusing on a few big-name scholarships, apply for those that you’re eligible for to boost your chances of receiving funding for your studies.

Consider different types of scholarships. Huge scholarships may make the most difference in terms of your tuition and other school fees but they’re also the most difficult to get. Don’t dismiss ones that offer fewer or select awards as there aren’t as many students applying for those.

Look for local scholarship funds too, as these often have a smaller candidate pool. Applying to these is another excellent method of boosting your chances of getting a scholarship.

7. Respond to all application questions, including the optional ones.

Answering scholarship applications can be a tedious process, especially if you’re applying to several establishments. You may feel tempted to skip a few items on an application that are classified as optional. However, you can stand out from the rest of the applicants by making an effort to address all the questions as it helps to demonstrate your sincerity and thoroughness.

8. Always be prepared.

Most scholarships require finalists to undergo interviews, so be sure you’re ready for this crucial step.

If you’re selected for an interview, take it as an opportunity to let the scholarship committee know who you really are. It’s your chance to discuss your aspirations in life and what you hope to achieve if you’re awarded the scholarship. You can prepare further by doing advanced studies on popular scholarship interview questions and craft sample responses.

If you’re applying for a college scholarship, make sure you research the field of study you’re interested in and be ready to explain why you want to specialise in it.

Keep in mind that any scholarship, regardless of the size of the award, counts. While each scholarship may provide a different monetary reward, whatever amount you get will help in funding your education. So, prepare well and submit only your best quality work.

9. Engage in extracurricular activities.

Most establishments providing scholarships will want to see how you relax and whether you have interests outside of academics. Engaging  in sports, volunteer work, and membership in school clubs such as those catering to students who are into theatre, literature, information technology, science, music and other interests all count.

If you want to augment the cost of school fees in Abu Dhabi or wherever your school is located, applying for a scholarship is a good move.

Just make sure you apply the tips shared here to increase your chances of succeeding in your scholarship application.