Have you ever applied for a scholarship that you qualified for but you just didn’t get it and you kept questioning why that happened? Well, there are several reasons why that may have happened.
Scholarships serve as a great opportunity for applicants to further their education but then there are salient mistakes that one can make as an applicant that need to be corrected in order not to miss these lifetime opportunities. These mistakes are common but yet overlooked. In order to improve your chances of success in your scholarship application we have put together this article which contains 10 common mistakes applicants make and how you can avoid them.
1. Assuming one application for both program and scholarship
One of the major mistakes many applicants make during the scholarship application process is to assume that the scholarship and program both have the same application. This is not always so because many scholarship bodies have separate applications from that of the degree program. So you may have to first apply for admission for your choice degree program, wait to get an offer of admission before proceeding to applying for a scholarship. Another thing to note about this is that the scholarship application and program application both have different application timeline, so if you focus just on the scholarship, you may miss that of the program application and if you focus on the program you may also miss that of the scholarship.
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Scholarships have different application processes and procedures. Some require you to apply first to the degree program, then the scholarship. While others require you to apply to the scholarship first. While for some others, the scholarship application covers the program application. Some institutions may require your scholarship application alongside your program application, while some scholarship bodies may require your offer of admission in order for you to proceed with your scholarship application. You can help yourself from being entangled in this situation by reading all instructions carefully and note exactly what the application criterias are and also take note of all deadlines. Check if the scholarship requires you to have an offer of admission first, and apply accordingly.
2. Submitting Incomplete Applications
Some applicants assume that some requirements are not compulsory or necessary to the application process so they ignore them. This could be Submitting an incomplete form, submitting incomplete documents, etc. You have to thoroughly check if you have completed all the requirements before submitting your application. Don’t assume the insignificance of any requirements. This shows seriousness from you and that you are one who pay attention to details. Failure to do this may cost you the chance to winning the scholarship.
3. Missing the Deadline
Many applicants may learn about a scholarship early but may still miss the deadline because they assume the deadline is far, so before they start putting their documents together the application deadline is already fast approaching. This may also make an applicant to submit an incomplete application because of the pressure associated with submitting scholarship close to the deadline.
4. Ignoring eligibility criteria
Some applicants apply for scholarships without carefully going through the eligibility criteria. Also for the degree program they have chosen especially if they have to apply separately for both.
5. Using a generic essay for every application
Each scholarship application is unique and so each application should be treated so. You may feel the essay already contain all the details about you but what about the specific details of the scholarship which may be part of their requirements. You have to edit your essay to include all the necessary details required of you. This show you are well detailed and that the essay is tailor for that particular scholarship.
6. Poor grammar and spelling
Poor grammar and spellings can show a lack of thoroughness in your application. This can also give you off as being unserious. So do your best to proof read your application thoroughly before submitting it.
7. Not following instructions
Every Scholarship body provides its own set of rules and instructions all applicants should follow. Assuming your own instruction can lead to one being disqualified or not being able to submit at all. You should do your best to ensure your application meet all the requirements provided by the scholarship body.
8. Weak personal statement
Your personal statement should be well detailed. This is the opportunity you have to impress the scholarship body. To tell them about yourself, your career journey, your work experiences, and other things that should be included. You should present yourself in the most positive manner in order to stand out. Also, do not use one personal statement, check to be sure if there any guidelines provide by the scholarship body.
9. Forgetting to highlight extracurricular activities
Sometimes, you never can tell what will stand you out. So do your best to highlight your extra curricular activities in your personal statement and essay accordingly. Some scholarship bodies may specifically request for it but even if it’s not explicitly stated you can add it in a good way in your essay. This also showcase your leadership ability and involvement in other activities.
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10. Failing to seek recommendations early
Recommendation letters are also part of the documents you will need to submit alongside your application. So do not wait until the last minute to request for them from your boss or professor. Infact you should have these ready way before you submit your application. The good thing is you can use one recommendation letter multiple times unless there is a specific requirement for it. This way you don’t have to make multiple requests for a recommendation letter.
Conclusion
Sometimes, doing everything right may still not get you your desire outcome of getting a scholarship, and so you may not know the exact reason why you did not get one. This is also the reason why you need to apply to multiple scholarships in order to increase your chances of winning one. Don’t forget one win can cancel one hundred declined applications.
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