Have you applied for a scholarship in the past and been unsuccessful? Don’t be discouraged! Scholarships are highly competitive, but there are opportunities to reapply.
Our tips on how to prepare a stellar scholarship application are a great place to start when applying for a scholarship for the first time, but if you’ve been knocked back before, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Keep reading for our advice on how to make your application stand out, the second time around…
Tip #1 Find creative ways to stand out from the crowd
You can meet all of the eligibility requirements for a scholarship and still be unsuccessful. Like many other application processes, there are only a certain number of places available. To be successful, you need to compete!
Give yourself the best possible chance by submitting a creative, quality application that reflects who you are and the effort you put into your study. Use humour, images, and storytelling to show us what makes you unique.
Pro tip: Everyone’s textbooks are expensive. Tell us how your story is different, and make sure you stick to the word limit.
Tip #2 Selection criteria matters
You must directly address each selection criteria. It’s a good idea to start with this – write a sentence or two for each criteria, highlighting your best examples and ambitions, then come back through and perfect your prose and insert your creative flair.
And don’t skip over the ‘community involvement or leadership’ section. Here is some inspiration for what you might include:
- A first aid certificate
- Donating blood
- Involvement in children’s’ school through reading groups, tuck shop, etc.
- Participating in sports as a player, coach or referee
- Involvement in children’s’ sports or other activities
- Holding an admin role for community social media forums or groups
- Joining Student Mentor, Leadership or Student Ambassador programs
- Participating in a Campus Life Committee
- Being a past or current member of the Student Representative Council
- Working with church or charity organisations
- Previous military service
- Current or previous involvement in emergency services
- Involvement or previous involvement in community groups, clubs, societies or committees
Supporting documents for community involvement or leadership could include:
- A Certificate of Participation
- A Certificate of Appreciation
- A letter of support (from organisation or volunteer group, supervisor)
- Photos of activities
Pro tip: You don’t need to submit multiple documents for each criteria. Only include the most relevant or best examples of supporting documents.
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Tip #3 Increase your chances
The online scholarship application form is also used to assess eligibility for low-income scholarships (previously known as equity scholarships). Students can elect to be considered for scholarships designed to assist low personal or family income, or where they can demonstrate financial need. There is a specific ‘financial details’ section of the form for students to complete if they would like to be considered for these scholarships.
We strongly encourage students who juggle work and study, those with dependent children and those who receive Centrelink assistance to answer ‘Yes’ in this section of the application form.
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Tip #4 Pay attention to detail
Make sure all of your documents are attached, named and in PDF, JPEG, or Word formats before submitting your application. Check and double-check.
Don’t risk being ruled out early in the selection process because you’ve forgotten a document or missed something as simple as a spelling mistake.
Correct grammar and spelling can make the world of difference! Give yourself enough time before the application deadline to have someone proofread your entire submission.
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Tip #5 Be ready to respond
Finally, remember to check your student email, as we may need you to supply further information before the deadline.
Now that we’ve shared some insider secrets on how to improve your scholarship application, it’s time to give it another go. Don’t miss out, apply today!
Great article!
Thanks for your valuable thoughts. This will really helpful!