By Ying Phwe Lao Khay
Have you ever wondered what makes someone deserve a scholarship?
Based on the experience throughout the scholarship application journey, Julia Win came up with the five essential strategies that supported her to scholarship success.
Juila tried many strategies and methods to get a scholarship and she learned a lot along the way.
Here are her TOP 5 tips to think about before you begin the application process in her own words!
1. Be well-prepared by doing thorough research about the kind of scholarships and scholarship organizations you are applying for. For instance, is it merit-based or need-based? Is it for only refugees, migrants, or anyone? Are they focused on marginalized groups? Genders and age are also needed to be checked. This will help you prioritize and focus your efforts on scholarships that best match your qualifications. However, don’t hesitate to apply for scholarships that might not be a perfect fit, but be prepared for potential rejections.
2. A positive mindset is really important. Students tend to misunderstand that they have to put sad stories in the essay to get the scholarship. But I would encourage students to focus more on your empowering things, like, instead of saying your hardships, mention how you overcame them. Your essay should reflect a positive and empowering narrative, showcasing your resilience and determination. A powerful and optimistic essay can leave a strong impression on the scholarship committee.
3. Write Your Own Essays: Avoid using AI tools to write your essays. As there is an increase in AI writing assistance, like Chat GPT, many students use it to write their assignments and works, including scholarship essays. While AI can assist, it can also reduce the authenticity and credibility of your application. Scholarship committees can often detect AI-written content, which can lead to plagiarism concerns. So, it’s best to write by yourself, and if you’re worried about the essay’s flow or grammar mistakes, lend a hand from your teachers or advisors to read it for you and ask for suggestions from them. You can also contact scholarship winners to read your essay and ask for suggestions from them.
4. Have ethics! Being ethical and honest in your applications reflects your integrity and respect for the process. As I mentioned, there are different types of scholarships: some are merit-based, some are need-based, and some are a mix. However, if you are not in financial hardship, it is better to give a chance to those who really need it and apply for scholarships that fit your criteria. At the end, it’s your worth and your stories, so be a better person for a better future.
5. “Rejection is not a failure, so never give up until you reach your goal.” Please remember this phrase when you start applying for scholarships. If you got rejected, please remember how you tried your best. If you don’t receive a scholarship, it doesn’t mean you’re not deserving. Scholarship organizations have their own criteria and reasons for selection. If they give the scholarship to somebody else, it is because they have their own reasons, and it is not a failure on your part. Instead of falling down, learn from the experience, refine your approach, more practice and keep applying.