Question

Why do you think you should receive SCHOLARSHIP? In your response, please include supporting details about how you achieved excellence in the following student qualities: Self Discipline, Participation, and Academic Standing.

Answer 1

The student should have the following qualities for getting a scholarship

1. Passion

We bet you saw this one coming. It is hard to deny that grades matter less than passion to serve. A straight ‘A’s student without genuine dedication will eventually lose his sense of purpose and notice his energy levels flagging in the process of serving his bond. Scholarship providers are aware of this, and only shortlist individuals who are able to let their desire to contribute shine through during scholarship interviews.

2. Confidence

It is important that you put on a confident front at your scholarship interview, in spite of the heart palpitations and endless flutter of butterflies in your tummy. Scholarship providers must be able to sense that you are an individual of confidence, for this will assure them of your positive conduct during uncertain times.

3. Composure

During your scholarship interview, maintain your composure even when you find yourself caught in difficult situations. If you are thrown a challenging question, pause to reflect on it before conveying your thoughts in a composed manner. It is better to ask for some time to ponder on a question than to vomit out your initial thoughts like a bullet train and come across as hasty and disorganised.

4. Enthusiasm

If you are passionate about something, you naturally become enthusiastic about the tasks that await you. Enthusiasm is at the root of pro-activeness and willingness, and every employer loves a cheerful contributor. Be sure to reveal your enthusiasm at the prospect of a scholarship, but be careful not to go overboard – you don’t want to appear pushy and overbearing.

5. Ability to be a Team Player

One will be dumbfounded if they perceive the workplace to run on individualistic mindsets and personal gains. In any organisation, goals can only be met if a collaborative culture is nurtured among team members and members of other departments. It will thus be good to highlight your participation in CCAs and project work at your scholarship interview, as well as the results you have attained as part of a team.

6. Analytical Skills

Analytical skills encompass qualities such as the ability to identify and solve problems. You’d be surprised – these are not skills restricted to engineers, IT technicians and mathematicians. Even policy-planning requires strong analytical abilities. For scholars who might be put on the track of policy-planning, it is imperative that they understand public concerns, identify the root issue from which they stem, and make sound decisions with information available to them.

7. Foresight

Coupled with analytical skills, good foresight will ensure that work plans can be implemented with minimal disruptions. If you were to be given a scenario to maneuver during your scholarship interview, ensure you exercise good foresight and think at least five steps in advance. Foresight is, after all, an earmark of a good leader, and a quality that scholarship providers seek in their applicants.