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Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Scholarships 

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A SCHOLARSHIP

Lisa Jones

With the price of education skyrocketing all over the world, the need to get a good scholarship to get admitted to a renowned university is becoming increasingly high. Many students who have good academic records and a zest for further education end up not pursuing higher education due to a lack of funds. Following are some of the ways to improve your chances of getting a scholarship.

  1. RESEARCH

After deciding what type of scholarship, you need, either a fully funded one or a partially funded one, do proper and thorough research on every place that offers such scholarships. Check university websites for their scholarships. It is wise to apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for. Don’t forget to look for local scholarships as well. Check with your professors, guidance counselors, and even your school website.

  1. APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Many students leave applying for scholarships till the last minute. This is wrong. Apply as early as you can as this gives you an extended period to get everything right. You are also less stressed and less likely to miss an application deadline. It also gives the scholarship providers ample amount of time to contact you if anything else is needed or if you missed something.

  1. PERSONALISE YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION TO INCREASE Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

The more involved you are while writing your scholarship essay, the better it is and the more it shows the scholarship providers how much you want it. No one likes copy-paste essays. Even if the scholarship questions seem similar, do not copy and paste, rather customize each application so that the reader will feel as if you have put time and effort into it.  Research your fund provider and incorporate that information into your writing. It shows that you have done your research.

  1. EXTRACURRICULARS

While a great academic record is necessary for scholarships, most universities also look for people who have a lot of extracurriculars in their credentials as well. These extracurriculars highlight your other character traits in addition to your academic records. For instance, sports show them that you are a team player, and debates show them that you are good at communication, persuasion, and effectively arguing your points.

  1. BE AUTHENTIC 

Authenticity is very important while writing for your scholarship. Mention your niche interest, reasons why you need that scholarship, and any interesting information about yourself or any particular hobby you have. Search for the funds based on your past, present and future circumstances. Write about your strengths, passions, talents, and specific personality traits. Don’t skip the optional questions on your application as they provide the scholarship providers with extra information on your goals and aims and also allow you to write more about yourself.

  1. CHOOSE RECOMMENDATION LETTER PEOPLE WISELY

Make sure the people you choose to ask for your recommendation letter put in time and effort in writing one. A good recommendation letter that highlights your character traits and your academic and extracurricular achievements sets you apart from your peers. The university will be calling to verify with the people who write your recommendation letters so be sure to choose people who will reply timely.

While no one can guarantee you a scholarship, these tips help you stand apart from the crowd and increase your chances of getting one. Thus, you can get your ideal education without having to spend your life paying off debts.