There are lot of benefits in getting a scholarship. It removes financial burden. Helps in choosing the desired course. Helps to focus on academic goals. Pays college fees. Aids in searching jobs. Therefore, it is essential to be very cautious while applying for scholarships. Avoid pitfalls. Ensure scholarship application is error free. Try not to make any mistakes. Christopher nohl once said that “The smart people learn from the mistakes others make. They are preemptive” Here are some of the common mistakes people make while applying for a scholarship.
Not answering essay question
When students are applying for multiple scholarships, they are tempted to use the same essay in all the scholarships. Or submit the same personal statement. However, the committees evaluating the applications look for prompt answers. They check if the student has answered relevantly. Not all the colleges or scholarship offering institutes ask the same questions. Right? So read the questions carefully. Understand its expectation. Do small research about the topic. Collect information. Frame the right answer. Take time and do this for every application. This will also help to get selected for multiple scholarships!
Missing deadlines
Students usually start late. This leads to missing the deadlines. Or forget to attach the required document along with the application due to last minute panic. It decreases the chances of success. The best way to avoid such problems is to start early. Research relevant scholarships well in advance. Create a schedule and organize a work load. Prioritize the applications based on their deadlines.
Spelling Mistakes in the application
Some students are of the misconception that a typo error is no big deal. However, the evaluation committee is likely to be influenced on such errors. In their point of view, students making thoughtless errors are not dedicated and focused. Therefore, fill in the applications with utmost consciousness. Avoid making spelling mistakes. Check for grammatical errors. Correct mismatched font sizes. Ask a family member or friend to proofread the filled – in application.
Making the application simple and ordinary
The evaluating committee is to scrutinize 100s or even 1000s of applications in a day. The application sent by the student should stand out and grab the attention of the evaluator immediately. May be the student has answered every question. And has created an error free and grammatically correct application. But his application should catch the attention of the evaluator amidst his monotonous tiresome repetitive job. Use compelling statements. Always use simple and easy to understand sentences with strong and deep morals and opinion. Keep the paragraphs short. Also, the paragraphs should be well connected. Quote examples and case studies. Include relevant details. Include current advancement in the topic.
Applying to ineligible scholarships
There are millions of scholarship schemes in the world. It is certainly time consuming to sift through the options and is like searching a needle in a hay. In such scenario, students end up selecting random application and apply to scholarships to which they are not eligible. To avoid this mistake, take help from seniors in school or colleges. Approach the scholarship offices in educational institutions. Select the course and college before selecting the scholarship. This helps to narrow down the options.
