There are many opportunities available for deserving Pakistani students to study in the top universities of the world through different scholarships.
Students in Pakistan have less or no knowledge of the scholarships that different universities offer though out the year for Undergraduate and Master Programs. There are many resources and guidelines available on the internet for the guidance on the study programs available to students. However students find it hard to search and fulfill the requirements of each study program offered.
Many websites and Facebook pages advertise scholarships but they fail to provide the necessary guidance and details regarding applying on the scholarship, fulfilling the eligibility criteria, writing a precise and appealing essay and motivation letter.
Unsuccessful candidates mainly fail to convince the scholarship body on why they deserve this scholarship and what do they aim to achieve after completion of the program. Unless the scholarship providing organization or body is not impressed by the application of the candidate, it is more likely that the application will result in rejection regardless of even if the eligibility criteria are being fulfilled.
Things to do before applying on a scholarship:
1. Enough research about the scholarship.
Just because you found a link to a scholarship and you apply on it, ignoring all the necessary details about the application process will result in rejection. Do your research about the awarding body, university and the course that is available.
2. Get help before you fill your application.
This is very important. There are a lot of groups and discussion forums available on the internet that is really helpful in the application process. Take your time get all the help from these discussion forums. You will be surprised how many people are there to help and guide you.
3. Selecting the right degree program.
Most students apply on scholarships and courses that do not match with their academic background. Fulfilling the application prerequisite is very important element of the application process. Do not lose hope if the scholarship offered is not according to a student’s educational background. There are many options and scholarships available.
4. Procrastination.
This trait is well known amongst students. Dragging application process to the last hour will certainly create panic and mistakes in the application. Start working on your application well before the deadline; fill in information along the way and get your attestation and translation of the documents in time. This will save time and will result in less margin of error.
5. Fill the application yourself.
Filling the application information and writing the essay yourself will certainly help the applicant in the interview. Every detail you write and information you put in your application will synchronize with your interview. It will create a good impression on your application.
6. Write Essay separately for each scholarship application.
Essays reflect student willingness and background information. It leaves an impression on the selection committee; it can help in deciding the fate of your application. Write a separate essay for each scholarship applied. Do not submit one essay with all applications. Write essay according to the scholarship program.
7. Use social media to your advantage.
Create a LinkedIn account and twitter account. Put them in your application. It has a great impact on the selectors. Maintain social media presence, not all successful applicants are considered based on the academic performance. Many selection committees assess students on other criteria.
8. Do not lose hope if you have low grades.
There are different scholarships available. Many awarding bodies are interested in the student extracurricular activities. You may have low grades but you might be a social activist, a sportsman or a climate change activist. Applying again and again will help you in becoming good at filing a successful application down the line.
9. Apply on different scholarships simultaneously.
Many students make this mistake of sticking with just one application. Apply on many scholarships. You never know where your application might get accepted. The only way to know this is by applying again and again.
Finding the right scholarship and study program is crucial. Apply only on scholarships which are relevant to the academic background of the applicant.
