2 answers
Alexander
Student
Staunton, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
333 views
What can I do to get a higher chance at the scholarships that I have applied for so that I can have a better chance of paying for college so I can continue my education ?
I am going to be an engineering major and a psychology minor, specifically in sports, with athletes dealing with severe head trauma. I am also not Pell Grant eligible, so some scholarships I can't even apply for.
Login to comment
2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Alexander. Since you're not eligible for some need-based scholarships like the Pell Grant, it's even more crucial to focus on other scholarship opportunities.
First, it's important to customize each scholarship application. Many scholarships have specific goals, so instead of using the same essay or application for all of them, you should tailor each one to fit what the scholarship is looking for. For example, if the scholarship focuses on supporting STEM students or healthcare majors, make sure to explain how your career plans in engineering and psychology relate to these fields.
Another way to boost your chances is by writing a strong personal statement or essay. This is often one of the most important parts of the application. You need to use your essay to tell your story, like why you chose engineering and psychology, and what your long-term goals are, especially in helping athletes with head trauma. The committee wants to hear your passion and your vision for the future. Be sure to mention any relevant experiences, whether it's a class, a project, or volunteer work that has influenced your choice of major.
You should also make sure to get good letters of recommendation. You can ask teachers, professors, or even supervisors from volunteer work or internships who know you well and can speak about your strengths.
It's also really helpful to do your research and find as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Since you're not eligible for some scholarships, you may need to focus on merit-based scholarships, those specific to your field, or even ones from organizations related to engineering or psychology. Good luck.
First, it's important to customize each scholarship application. Many scholarships have specific goals, so instead of using the same essay or application for all of them, you should tailor each one to fit what the scholarship is looking for. For example, if the scholarship focuses on supporting STEM students or healthcare majors, make sure to explain how your career plans in engineering and psychology relate to these fields.
Another way to boost your chances is by writing a strong personal statement or essay. This is often one of the most important parts of the application. You need to use your essay to tell your story, like why you chose engineering and psychology, and what your long-term goals are, especially in helping athletes with head trauma. The committee wants to hear your passion and your vision for the future. Be sure to mention any relevant experiences, whether it's a class, a project, or volunteer work that has influenced your choice of major.
You should also make sure to get good letters of recommendation. You can ask teachers, professors, or even supervisors from volunteer work or internships who know you well and can speak about your strengths.
It's also really helpful to do your research and find as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Since you're not eligible for some scholarships, you may need to focus on merit-based scholarships, those specific to your field, or even ones from organizations related to engineering or psychology. Good luck.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Alexander,
From my experience, excellence opens doors and attracts opportunities. Excellence depends on the extent to which you realize your full potential. You need to aim really high. Be purposeful and curious. Pursue what you are good at with distinction and put more effort in areas where you need improvement. Be forthcoming in seeking help when required. Make time for practical work so you can gain experience. We learn lots of things through experiential learning.
General knowledge is good too. It helps you to better navigate your way within your surroundings and realities.
Plan well, organize yourself and your activities to improve your effectiveness and efficiency. Optimize your ability to collect, organize, analyze and critically evaluate information. Identify and solve problems - human needs are often triggers for groundbreaking solutions. Improve your ability to work with others - be engaging, respectful, assertive, empathetic and display self-esteem and self-control. Willingnesss to take calculated risks can help you break new grounds - passion, commitment, diligence and perseverance are all helpful in all your endeavors and therefore embed them into your work ethic.
Progressively, your wins will help you develop a culture of success.
From my experience, excellence opens doors and attracts opportunities. Excellence depends on the extent to which you realize your full potential. You need to aim really high. Be purposeful and curious. Pursue what you are good at with distinction and put more effort in areas where you need improvement. Be forthcoming in seeking help when required. Make time for practical work so you can gain experience. We learn lots of things through experiential learning.
General knowledge is good too. It helps you to better navigate your way within your surroundings and realities.
Plan well, organize yourself and your activities to improve your effectiveness and efficiency. Optimize your ability to collect, organize, analyze and critically evaluate information. Identify and solve problems - human needs are often triggers for groundbreaking solutions. Improve your ability to work with others - be engaging, respectful, assertive, empathetic and display self-esteem and self-control. Willingnesss to take calculated risks can help you break new grounds - passion, commitment, diligence and perseverance are all helpful in all your endeavors and therefore embed them into your work ethic.
Progressively, your wins will help you develop a culture of success.