Scholarships play a pivotal role in making higher education more accessible. They can alleviate the student loan debt of tuition and other associated expenses, but they are often competitive and time-consuming.
Now that the school session is in full swing, a lot of students are applying for the incomparable scholarship positions available. Imagine taking time from your tight schedule to submit a scholarship application and not getting a response, even after a follow-up. This has been a rising issue among applicants.
The first major challenge of applying for a scholarship is standing out amongst the rest and the other challenge is making mistakes in your application. Most times, you don’t even know you are making a mistake, yet the mistake could be costing you.
It is possible to be the best fit, yet some missing documents or errors in your application rid you of the opportunity. It is crucial to avoid the common mistakes that can lead to this and tarnish your scholarship application.
We will be delving into the most common mistakes students make in scholarship applications and how you can avoid them to increase your chances of winning scholarships.
You can take a practical step by jotting down all the common mistakes stated in a checklist and comparing them as you progress with a tick.
9 Common Mistakes that can Ruin your Scholarship Chances and how to Avoid them
Mistake #1: Inadequate Research
This is a no-brainer. Once there is an error in your research, many other application factors get affected. Many applicants make the mistake of not understanding a scholarship well before applying. They only look at the basic information about a scholarship and don’t dig deeper. This leads to the accumulation of wrong steps in the scholarship application process.
It is essential to do a thorough check on the scholarship and university of choice. This research can provide valuable insight into the preferences and priorities of the scholarship committee and your chosen university alumni.
It can also help your application to have an edge over the other applications vying for the reader’s attention by enabling you to understand the selection process and how to best position yourself as a candidate.
Another important reason why you should do research before applying for a scholarship is the ability to find additional scholarship opportunities or a more suitable scholarship that you may not have been aware of or is less competitive. it can also help you build a network of like-minded, and this can make sourcing relevant information easier.[1]
Lastly, inadequate research can lead to applying for an illegitimate scholarship. There are many fraudulent scholarship opportunities that prey on students who don’t do their research. By being aware of these scams, you can protect yourself and your personal information.
Solution: Perform in-depth research on the scholarship type, university of choice, and eligibility criteria amongst others. Don’t rely on the first few results that show on your search engine. Verify the accuracy and authenticity of information by reading reviews and Cross-referencing information from multiple sources.
This will not only sharpen your scholarship application but also help you focus your search and identify the best options for your needs. Make sure you research all options thoroughly.
Mistake #2: Missing the deadline
This is one of the most prevalent mistakes applicants make and it is one of the easiest to avoid. A high number of applicants submit late applications, because of unorganized plans and ignorance on how.
Many scholarship applications have different deadlines. Being able to meet up early enough for the scholarships you wish to apply to, is essential. Scholarship committees typically receive a high volume of applications and late submissions are often easily disregarded.
It is also important to keep in mind that even if a scholarship is open, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your application will be considered. In some cases, Scholarship is awarded first come, first serve, it is possible that the funds have already been allocated to the applicants who applied within the first 48 hours of application.[2]
Another reason why you should avoid late applications is that some scholarship organizations might re-adjust the deadlines internally, without publicizing this change. This is done to narrow down the application to the most diligent.
Solution: Create a scholarship application timeline or calendar and set reminders for yourself. Start early to ensure you have ample time to gather documents, write essays, and complete all requirements before the deadline. Apply more on scholarships with a longer deadline from your submission date, as it is easier to be among the first applicants to submit and be considered.
Mistake #3: Failing to meet the eligibility
There are thousands of scholarship opportunities around the world and millions of individuals applying for them. It is important to align with their requirements to get a chance. Some applicants fail to filter through the various scholarship options they have to select the best fit, and this might pose a problem because your application will not be reviewed by the scholarship committee if you don’t meet the requirements.[3] For example, if a scholarship requires only Final year undergraduates and graduates as applicants, you are not the best fit if you are a second-year or third-year undergraduate.
Note that each scholarship has its own specific requirements or eligibility criteria. What a Fullbright foreign student program requires is different from what a Erasmus Mundus scholarship will require. Neglecting to review or meet up with them might lead to disqualification.
While it’s a good idea to apply for multiple scholarships, quality over quantity is key. Instead of applying to dozens of scholarships that you’re not particularly qualified for, focus on a smaller number of opportunities that are a good fit for you. Make sure you meet the minimum requirements and that your application is as strong as possible. By targeting more quality opportunities, you will improve your chances of success.
Solution: Carefully read the scholarship guidelines and ensure you are a good fit before investing your time and effort. Align your qualifications with the scholarship’s criteria to increase your chances of winning the scholarship.
Mistake #4: Neglecting proofreading and formatting
A scholarship application with grammatical errors and formatting issues can leave a poor impression on your application. It sounds so untidy and unprofessional. It can go as far as ridding you of the opportunity.[4]
Remember the goal is to make the reader read to the end. With so many grammatical errors and formatting issues, the reader might find your application letter boring and toss it over to the bin. Not double-checking your application can be the difference you need all this while. When applying for a scholarship, make sure every single detail counts. Make sure your application is error-free and includes all the required information.
Additionally, It’s important to know that the Scholarship committee that reviews scholarship applications is often reading through hundreds or even thousands of submissions. Even small errors like grammar and spelling mistakes can seriously affect your chances of success. That is why you should avoid these mistakes at all costs.
Therefore, it is essential to proofread your application thoroughly and adhere to any formatting guidelines provided by the scholarship committee. Failure to do this might lead to disqualification.
Solution: Always proofread, edit, proofread, and edit your application before submission, especially your essay.
Make sure to format it properly. Most scholarships use the guidelines below.
- Font size: 10 – 12
- Font style: Times New Roman, Ariel.
- Spacing: 1.5 or single spacing.
- Page margin: 1.25 – 2.0 cm
It’s also a good idea to have someone else proofread it, maybe a friend or even a family member can help out, as a fresh set of eyes can often catch mistakes that you may have missed.[5]
You can make use of Grammarly while typing your application letter to help you detect grammatical and spelling errors that you unconsciously omitted.
After all, you want to put your best foot forward when applying for a scholarship. By taking the time to make sure your application is perfect, you can give yourself the best chance at earning money for college.
Mistake #5: Poor written personal statement
This mistake is made in several ways. Some applicant have a general essay they submit to every scholarship they are applying for, no personalization, no specificity to the prompt, while some other applicants write their essay so casually, with no iota of professionalism and some other keeps writing and writing with the wrong positioning not showcasing the strength and accomplishment that could make them stand out.
The essay is called a personal statement because it is the only aspect of your scholarship application that is strictly unique to you, all other scholarship application processes are almost generic. It is a chance to thrill the reader, evoke emotions, and make the reader know you better. It is an opportunity to showcase how much you are the best fit for the scholarship position.[4]
Another reason why your essay needs to be specific and personalized is how the scholarship committee reviews your applications, they run them through advanced software programs that detect plagiarism. [2] They take plagiarism very seriously.
READ ALSO: How to Write A Winning Scholarship Essay (With Examples that have Worked)
Solution: There are various factors to consider to avoid these mistakes such as:
- Personalize your scholarship essay: Don’t submit the same essay for different scholarships. Tailor each essay to the scholarship requirement.
- Don’t veer away from the prompt: Focus on the prompt, don’t keep writing irrelevant points that are not required, and write strictly on the prompt.
- Emphasize on our achievements and success: Especially when you meet only 80% of the Requirement, emphasize strongly on the 80% you met showcasing all the relevant achievements and skills that prove it.
- Format and proofread your essay severally.
- meet the criteria.
- Don’t plagiarize
- Focus your writing strictly on the prompt.
- Use applications such as Grammarly for grammar corrections Quillbot for Smarter writing and Turnitin for plagiarism check to sharpen your essay.
Mistake #6: Incomplete required documentation
This is a common mistake that can instantly disqualify you from receiving a scholarship. It is beneficial to know that the scholarship committees have specific criteria for eligibility and selection, they have specific information they require of you. It’s also important to provide all the requested information and ensure your application is complete because incomplete applications are often immediately disqualified. Sometimes the committee tries to contact you for missing information, but there’s no guarantee that they will do so. [6]
Therefore, before hitting the “submit” button, double-check that you’ve included all the required materials and that your application is complete.
Another documentation mistake is Filling out forms incorrectly or omitting information. Some applicants hurriedly fill in their application leaving several mistakes here and there. This is improper and can easily disqualify you.[1]
Solution:
Never submit an incomplete application!
Take the time to ensure that your application is completely and accurately filled out. Also, make sure to double-check for spelling and grammar errors before you submit your application.
If possible organize your documents before time. You can also create a checklist of all the documents required of you and tick as you fill in.
Taking your time to ensure everything is in order will increase your chances of success. Don’t let small mistakes cost you a valuable opportunity!
Mistake #7: Weak recommendation letter
Strong recommendation letters provide valuable insights into your character, skills, and potential. If you fail to secure a compelling recommendation letter, it can negatively impact your application. Recommendation letters are purely meant to be sent by your supervisors, professors, or employers.
Another mistake is that the applicants sometimes with the intention of cutting corners, try to recommend themselves because the aforementioned persons are either busy or do not have cordial relationships with them. This is detrimental to both the application and the studentship of such applicants.[2]
It’s never a good idea to submit a letter that you’ve written about yourself. Not only is it considered dishonest, but it’s also unlikely to be as effective as a letter from someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. Instead of taking shortcuts, applicants should focus on developing positive relationships with people in their professional network.
Solution:
- Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your qualifications.
- Approach your chosen recommenders politely and well in advance of the deadline, so that they will have plenty of time to write it.
- Build strong relationships over time with your supervisors, professors, and employers.
Mistake #8: Applying for only popular scholarships
When it comes to scholarships, many people tend to focus their efforts on the most well-known and highly popular options. This has made these scholarships too competitive, while there are other less competitive scholarships.
While there’s nothing wrong with aiming high, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of other scholarship opportunities out there. If you narrow down your choices and preferences better, you will attain faster success applying for smaller, lesser-known scholarships rather than applying for a scholarship or a university just because of popularity.[2]
These smaller, lesser-known scholarships may not be as well-known as you want, but they can still offer great funding opportunities, most times full funding. Their eligibility criteria are more friendly, because they don’t have as much competition, and your chances of winning are higher. So don’t be afraid to explore other options beyond the most popular scholarships. There are many gems found in Germany, Norway, and China.
Solution: Channel your efforts to lesser-known universities that will offer you the funding and yet quality education.
Ensure to write down your preferences and expectations while searching for a scholarship to apply. This will help you know the Scholarship or university that suits you better, to avoid stalling with your good grades, while counterparts with lower grades are getting scholarships.
Mistake #9: Not applying to enough scholarship
Applicants make the mistake of applying for just one or maybe two scholarships. When they get a response they either give up or feel like the system is against them. Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more applications you submit, the better your chances of being awarded one.
Even if you’re a strong candidate, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be selected for a particular scholarship.
Another mistake under this category is that only final-year college students can apply for a scholarship. You Can apply for a scholarship, whether you’re starting out as a freshman or sophomore, or you’re a senior on the verge of graduation, there are plenty of opportunities for you. All you need to do is to apply for the scholarships that best suit you. They are out there.
Solution:
- Submit a variety of applications, you’ll increase your chances of success.
- Apply only to scholarships that best suit you.
- Don’t be afraid to explore your various options
Conclusion
Scholarship applications are highly competitive, and avoiding common mistakes is essential to increase your chances of success. By planning, reviewing, and tailoring your applications, you can improve your prospects of securing the financial support you need for your education. Remember that scholarships are not just about your academic achievements but also about your dedication and commitment to your educational goals.
Start applying for a mistake-free scholarship. Remember, that every scholarship is different to suit various individuals. There’s always a chance to find one that’s a good fit for you.