Everyone wishes to be the person to get the scholarship as it will help a lot to bear the expenses of his/her education at school and college level. But not all are lucky! To be honest, luck isn’t a matter here, rather it depends on the application that one submitted. Many students miss their chances by making some common mistakes and by not trying to make it remarkable.
Here some guidance and tips will be given regarding helping the student to make an errorless application that will ensure to crack the scholarship.
Demo: Ava’s STEM Scholarship Application Journey
Background:
Ava, a high school senior with a keen interest in computer science, decided to apply for a prestigious STEM scholarship designed for female students pursuing careers in technology and engineering. The scholarship offered a significant award and an internship opportunity at a leading tech company.
1. Incomplete or Late Submissions
Mistake:
Ava initially missed the scholarship deadline because she didn’t account for the time needed for her letters of recommendation and personal statement to be completed and submitted.
Solution:
Ava set a timeline for her application process, breaking it into manageable tasks with specific deadlines. She started working on her application at least three weeks before the deadline, ensuring all required materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and her personal statement, were gathered and submitted on time. By submitting her application a few days early, she also avoided any last-minute issues.
2. Lack of Attention to Eligibility Criteria
Mistake:
Ava almost applied for the scholarship without verifying if her intended field of study—computer science—aligned with the scholarship’s focus, which was on engineering disciplines.
Solution:
Ava thoroughly reviewed the scholarship guidelines to confirm that computer science fell within the scholarship’s scope. She ensured that her application would be considered by aligning her interest with the scholarship’s focus. If the scholarship had been limited to specific engineering fields that didn’t include computer science, she would have looked for other opportunities more suited to her field.
Also, she can look for some scholarships that offer STEM scholarships only to girls which will increase the chance of her being the one.
3. Poorly Written Personal Statements or Essays
Mistake:
Ava initially wrote a generic essay about her passion for technology, which did not specifically address the scholarship’s prompt about how the applicant plans to use their STEM education to address societal challenges.
Title: My Passion for Technology
Throughout my high school years, I have developed a strong passion for technology. I have always been fascinated by how computers work and the endless possibilities they offer. I have taken several computer science classes, and my grades have consistently been high. I have participated in a few tech clubs and even built my own computer from scratch. I spend a lot of my free time exploring new programming languages and trying out different software applications.
Technology excites me because it is always evolving, and there is always something new to learn. I am eager to pursue a degree in computer science so that I can deepen my knowledge and skills. My dream is to work for a major tech company where I can contribute to developing innovative products and solutions. I believe that technology has the power to change the world, and I want to be part of that change.
I am applying for this scholarship because it would provide financial assistance to help me achieve my educational goals. I am dedicated to my studies and committed to a career in technology.
Thank you for considering my application.
Solution:
Ava revisited her essay, tailoring it to address the scholarship’s specific prompt. She highlighted her unique project—developing a coding workshop for underprivileged youth—and how this project demonstrated her commitment to using technology for social good. This customization made her essay more compelling and relevant to the scholarship’s goals.
Title: Empowering Communities Through Technology Education
My passion for technology began with a curiosity about computers, which evolved into a commitment to making technology accessible to underserved communities. As a high school student, I launched a coding workshop for underprivileged youth, partnering with local organizations to provide laptops and software. This experience showed me the potential of technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be left behind.
Pursuing a degree in computer science will enable me to continue this work by developing educational programs and tools for underrepresented groups. My goal is to create a platform offering free coding tutorials tailored to the needs of various communities worldwide.
This scholarship will support my education and enhance my ability to develop innovative solutions addressing societal challenges. By empowering others through technology, I aim to contribute positively to society and inspire future generations to pursue STEM fields.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further my education and continue making a difference through technology.
4. Lack of Attention to Details
Mistake:
Ava submitted her application with formatting errors and overlooked the specific word count limit for her essay.
Solution:
Ava carefully read through the application instructions and used a checklist to ensure she followed all guidelines. She used formatting tools to keep her essay within the specified word count and proofread her application multiple times to avoid any errors.
5. Disregarding the Importance of Recommendations
Mistake:
Ava initially asked a teacher who was not familiar with her recent achievements in STEM to write her letter of recommendation. The letter lacked specificity and did not highlight her recent projects.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend Olivia Smith for the STEM scholarship. I have known her for a few months, and she seems to be a diligent student. She attends classes regularly and performs well in her assignments. I believe she is a good candidate for the scholarship.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Math Teacher
Solution:
Ava selected a teacher who had supervised her independent coding projects and was familiar with her achievements. She provided this teacher with a detailed summary of her accomplishments and goals, ensuring that the recommendation letter was strong and tailored to highlight her relevant skills and experiences.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to recommend Olivia Smith for the STEM scholarship. I have had the privilege of teaching Olivia in Advanced Physics and serving as her advisor for the Science Club over the past two years. Olivia is an exceptionally talented student with a passion for STEM subjects that is both inspiring and contagious.
Olivia's academic achievements are outstanding. She consistently ranks at the top of her class, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of complex concepts. She developed an innovative project on renewable energy that won first place at the state science fair, showcasing her creativity and problem-solving skills.
Beyond academics, Olivia's leadership in the Science Club has been transformative. She organized workshops to mentor younger students, fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages others to pursue STEM. Her dedication and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively make her a standout candidate for this scholarship.
I am confident that Olivia will excel in any academic endeavor she pursues. Her commitment to STEM and her ability to inspire others are truly remarkable. I highly recommend her for your scholarship program.
Sincerely,
JohnDoe
Math Teacher
6. Ignoring Optional Materials
Mistake:
Ava overlooked the option to include a portfolio of her coding projects, which could have strengthened her application.
Solution:
Ava included a well-organized portfolio showcasing her coding projects and their impact. She provided links to her projects and explained how they aligned with her goals and the scholarship’s focus.
7. Not Following Instructions
Mistake:
Ava did not follow the specific formatting instructions for the personal statement, which was supposed to be double-spaced but was submitted single-spaced.
Solution:
Ava ensured she followed all formatting requirements by reviewing the application instructions carefully. She used a standard word processor to adhere to the required formatting and double-checked her document before submitting it.
8. Lacking Persistence
Mistake:
After receiving a rejection from this scholarship, Ava felt discouraged and almost gave up on applying for other scholarships.
Solution:
Ava used the feedback from her rejected application to improve her future submissions. She continued applying for other scholarships and sought advice from mentors to strengthen her applications.
9. Neglecting Proofreading
Mistake:
Ava submitted her application without thoroughly proofreading it, which led to minor grammatical errors that affected the overall quality.
Solution:
Ava allocated time to proofread her application and asked a trusted mentor to review it for any errors or improvements. This additional review helped ensure her application was polished and professional.
10. Forgetting to Update Contact Information
Mistake:
Ava changed her email address but forgot to update it on the application form, which is missing important follow-up communications.
Solution:
Ava updated her contact information promptly and verified that the scholarship committee had the correct details. She also checked her email regularly for any updates or requests from the committee.
11. Lack of Personalization
Mistake:
Ava used a standard CV format without emphasizing her specific achievements and experiences relevant to the scholarship.
Solution:
Ava customized her CV to highlight her most relevant experiences, including her leadership role in a coding club and her internship at a tech startup. She focused on accomplishments that matched the scholarship’s goals.
If you ensure you have completed all the above, you will have a good chance to get the scholarship. So, best of luck!