Scholarship Interviews: Suggestions

If you have applied for a scholarship and submit all necessary documents (thesis, expose, resume, letter of motivation, reference letters, academic publications) and called to an interview then remember that most have been through. Yes, it is an exaggeration. A little pre-Interview analysis and preparation will certainly land you into the graduate/undergraduate school you have always been dreaming for with a laudable scholarship that will help you cater to your academic requirements.

The Pre-interview Research
1. It is always better to know the venue of the interview, exact location in advance. Plan your transportation accordingly.
2. Know the names of the persons interviewing you.
3. Get to know the in and out of the scholarship. The duration of the scholarship and other stipulation. Know the names of the sponsors and their accomplishments in the field.
4. Visualize a compelling future that would ensue after the grant of the scholarship. This will keep you highly motivated.
5. Indulge in a few mock-interviews and have your confidence levels evaluated and heightened from time to time.

Why Scholarship Interview is Important?
The Interview process usually determines and confirms your eligibility and suitability for a scholarship grant. The interviewer sees your genuine interest in the Subject you are seeking. Besides your academic enthusiasm for the subject the interviewer will also predict your possible contribution to the field. Hence going to the scholarship interview chiseling your core-competence, i.e., thoroughly prepared in the subject will be highly beneficial.

During the Interview
Be prepared to face questions like these:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why this scholarship?
3. What do you know about this scholarship?
4. What are your short-term, long-term goals?
5. What are your strengths, weaknesses?
6. How your academic achievement so far will cater to your career aspirations?
7. Why have you chosen this field? Do you know the strengths of the field you aspire for?
8. What are the other financial sources available to you?
9. Where do you see yourself ten years down the line?

Points against the interviewee
1. Poor grooming
2. Lack of genuine interest and enthusiasm
3. Lacks attentiveness, not alert, poor listening skills
4. Nervousness
5. Not answering to the point, trying to be evasive
6. Answering before the question is asked
7. Showing desperation to bag the scholarship
8. Lacking tact and courtesy

Lastly, all through the interview stay focused and vociferate your case and need to avail the scholarship in a professional, polite and responsible way. Show commitment to your goal and talk very enthusiastically and positively. Don’t show dejection and desperation whatsoever.
Thank the interviewer for giving you time to present yourself effectively. Consider this a great learning experience!

If you are interested to submit a sugesstion in to this list please refer to Student Network Contact Page, also make sure to chek our list for European Union Scholarships for Master and Ph.D