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Priya
Student
San Marcos, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to stand out when applying for external scholarships as a student?
I am looking to fund my senior year of college, but have not qualified for any of the countless scholarships I've entered.
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1 answer
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Priya. To stand out in competitive external scholarship applications, you need to:
1) Develop a clear personal story. Scholarship committees want to understand the real person behind the application. Think about the experiences that have shaped you, like the challenges you've faced, goals you're working toward, or moments that pushed you to grow. Use these stories to show your personality and motivation.
2) Tailor each application to the scholarship you're applying for. Many students use one essay for everything, but this rarely works. Read the scholarship description carefully. What does the organization value: leadership, community service, creativity, or financial need? Adjust your essay to highlight the qualities they care about most. This shows that you took the time to understand what they're looking for.
3) Have a strong recommendation letters. You should choose people who know you well and can talk about your strengths with real examples. Give your recommenders a list of your achievements, goals, and challenges so they can write a detailed and personal letter, not just a generic one.
By sharing a strong personal story, tailoring your applications, and getting good recommendations, you can stand out much more and improve your chances of funding your senior year. Good luck.
1) Develop a clear personal story. Scholarship committees want to understand the real person behind the application. Think about the experiences that have shaped you, like the challenges you've faced, goals you're working toward, or moments that pushed you to grow. Use these stories to show your personality and motivation.
2) Tailor each application to the scholarship you're applying for. Many students use one essay for everything, but this rarely works. Read the scholarship description carefully. What does the organization value: leadership, community service, creativity, or financial need? Adjust your essay to highlight the qualities they care about most. This shows that you took the time to understand what they're looking for.
3) Have a strong recommendation letters. You should choose people who know you well and can talk about your strengths with real examples. Give your recommenders a list of your achievements, goals, and challenges so they can write a detailed and personal letter, not just a generic one.
By sharing a strong personal story, tailoring your applications, and getting good recommendations, you can stand out much more and improve your chances of funding your senior year. Good luck.