In
awarding scholarships, organisations and
universities look at many factors such as
your application, academic transcripts,
presentation, essays, community
involvement, leadership skills, special
talents etc.


How Do You Become a Highly Successful
Scholarship Winner?

Here are tips to help you rise above the
crowd, and get your dream scholarship.

1. Research on Essays & Scholarships

Hard work often brings the greatest
rewards. There is no easy way out. Hard
work on your part in the scholarship
research and application could result in an
easy life and transform your life, your family
and community. Do not believe in a
scholarship scam that promises to do all
the work for you.

Put effort in the research and application
process. Many applicants do not want to
put in work in research and would rather
spend hours chatting with friends or
working for an employer.

If you still do not get awarded a scholarship,
you will have refined your writing and
research skills and are therefore more likely
to succeed in similar endeavours in future.

2. Tips to Get Your Dream Scholarship -Locate Many Scholarships

In your research, look for many scholarships
and submit as many applications as
possible. Applying for many scholarships
improves your chances of getting at least
one or more.

Focus on the scholarships which you are
eligible. Apply for all you qualify for, even if
you do not think you will win. You never
know, you cannot win the lottery without a
ticket!

If you do not qualify, do not apply.
Submitting such an application is a waste of
your time. It also indicates you have not
done your homework and do not respect the
application guidelines and requirements.

3. Get Organized & Beat the Deadlines

Learn to get organised and keep track of
multiple tasks such as deadlines and
multiple applications. Have your CV,
academic transcripts, research proposal,
and other possible requirements ready at all
times.

This will help you beat the deadlines and
avoid rushed entries especially for
scholarships that are announced close to
the deadline, giving you weeks or a month
to apply. In addition, be sure to have
referees who are ready to send out
references at a short notice.

Develop a check-list with critical elements
needed for your applications such as
deadlines, transcripts, test scores, and
letters of recommendation.

4. Tips Get Your Dream Scholarship - Read
& Follow the Instructions - Completely

At school, you were told to always double
read the questions in the exam paper. The
advice still holds true. Read the scholarship
advertisement several times. Understanding
what is required is the key to fulfilling the
requirements.

The recipients of your application will get
annoyed when you submit an application for
consideration, yet it is painfully obvious you
have not read the advert or the
requirements.

If you have carefully read the requirements
and fulfilled them all, your application will
shine through. It will go straight to the top of
the pile and get a faster response.

Most scholarships require transcripts.
Others require you to write an essay or
submit letters of recommendation. Send in
what is required. Missing the requirements
can cost you a scholarship.

5. Plan, Write, Edit, and Rewrite Essays

Some scholarships ask for an essay. You
must be able to write about a wide variety of
topics. These may or may not be exciting to
you. Train yourself to write in a thoughtful
way. Be sure to demonstrate that you are a
scholar or you have the ability to be one.

In writing essays, create a compelling
portrait of yourself, your abilities, and
position your skills and strengths as
deserving the support of the scholarship
committee. Support your essay with
concrete examples that illustrate your
points and avoid unsupported statements.

Scholarship committees award funding to
candidates they can understand and who
distinguish themselves from the crowd by
their ability to communicate their ideas and
abi5. Plan, Write, Edit, and Rewrite Essays

Some scholarships ask for an essay. You
must be able to write about a wide variety of
topics. These may or may not be exciting to
you. Train yourself to write in a thoughtful
way. Be sure to demonstrate that you are a
scholar or you have the ability to be one.

In writing essays, create a compelling
portrait of yourself, your abilities, and
position your skills and strengths as
deserving the support of the scholarship
committee. Support your essay with
concrete examples that illustrate your
points and avoid unsupported statements.

Scholarship committees award funding to
candidates they can understand and who
distinguish themselves from the crowd by
their ability to communicate their ideas and
abilities well. Show your strengths and
distinguish yourself from others applicants
with similar grades.

Do not send the same CV & essays to
different scholarships. Adjust them
accordingly.

6. Tips to Get Your Dream Scholarship -Proofread

Always proofread your applications, letters
and essays. Make sure your scholarship
application is perfect. None of us is immune
from an odd error, but counter check your;

Spelling
Grammar
Sentence structure
Formality vs. informality
Essays
Contact information
Obvious errors will get your scholarship
application denied.
Proofread it several times. At times it is
difficult to see our own mistakes. Have
someone else proofread it for you.

7. Tips to Get Your Dream Scholarship - Be
Active and Always Stay Active

Sports, club and community service such as
volunteering will always better your chances
of receiving a scholarship. Be well rounded.
Participate in extracurricular and
community activities and write about these
activities in your scholarship application or
essay if possible.

8. Tips to Get Your Dream Scholarship -Take Academics Seriously

If you are still in school or college, keep your
grades up. Good results will enable you to
be eligible for more scholarships, and
increase your chances of receiving grants.