Do’s and Don’ts – Tips to Apply for Scholarships

2:50 AM

Tips to Apply for Scholarships

There are many scholarships available, and not all of them require you to prove you’re the most academically gifted person on earth. But they are incredibly competitive. So how do you make sure you get the scholarship or bursary you deserve?

• Apply for as many as you can

• Be confident

• Avoid scholarship scams

• Allow plenty of time

• Keep a record of all the documents

Avoid these mistakes:

• Not knowing the type of scholarship you are applying to

• Not following instructions properly

• Not answering the essay question properly

• Forgetting to do a spell-check and proofreading the form and essay

• Sending sloppy applications

• Not including information such as transcripts or recommendations

• Missing the deadline

Scholarships checklist:

 Are you eligible?

 Do you know the deadline?

 Have you got all the necessary information?

This will vary depending on the scholarship application, but usually includes: academic records, proof of financial circumstances and confirmation of your study plans.

 Do your referees know what scholarship(s) you are applying for?

 Have you and a friend/family member proofread your scholarship application?

 Have you submitted your application before the deadline?

Remember that you are not the sole applicant for a scholarship; numerous applicants apply for the same scholarship and only the most suitable applicant wins it. Hence it is important that you apply for all relevant scholarships. Also remember to apply for a bank-offered student loan as a back-up plan.

All the best for your studies!