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Learn how to stand out in scholarship applications and interviews with tips on preparation, interviews, non-verbal communication, CV writing, and more to secure funding for your academic journey.
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How to prepare for a successful Scholarship Application and Interview Academic Advising Office March 2015
What the Interview Panel Looks For • How well you meet the selection criteria • How do you stand out among other applicants • How you conduct yourself at the interview meeting
How to Prepare • Study the background of the Scholarship • Vision and Purpose • Qualities of the successful applicant • Do a Self-audit • Matching strengths & qualities • Evidence of contributions • Vision and Aspiration • Relevance for your future career and contribution
Tips for interviewing • Review your application materials and scholarship information thoroughly • Be able to tell your story to demonstrate your self-understanding and dedication • Prepare evidences of achievements and strengths
Tips for interviewing • Anticipate and prepare for difficult questions • Show sincerity, modesty and enthusiasm • Stay abreast of the current affairs in the specific field • Be confident and stay calm
Non-verbal Communication Eye contact Direct, natural and confident Smile Voice Sound enthusiastic, right pace and voice level Gestures Avoid nervous gesture Postures Stand and walk up-right
Project a Good Image • Well-groomed • Professionally dressed • Be punctual, pleasant and polite • Turn off mobile phone • Send a thank you note
Scholarship Application Tips • Personal Statement • CV with full records of achievements in academic, extra-curricular and other relevant areas • Application form • Reference letters • Transcripts • Proposal (e.g. Research Scholarship)
Writing a Personal Statement • Describe how your strengths, achievements and passions make you a strong candidate • Describe intellectual and personal experiences critical to the development of your interests/goals • Explain how your goals are related to the scholarship
Writing a Scholarship CV • Focus on experience that aligned with criteria of the scholarship e.g. research, service leadership • Highlight sustained effort to demonstrate commitment and dedication • Reverse chronological order • Achievements: use action verbs and show results • Professional presentation: clear and consistent format
Filling in Application form • Follow instructions • Professional presentation, typed and in consistent format • Use bullet points • Economical use of words • Show results, rather than process • Make use of “Additional Information” to give yourself an edge over other candidates e.g. Other contributions to society, leadership experience
Getting a Great Reference • Testimonial of your character and strengths • Find the right referee • Ask early and provide useful information to the referee to get a useful reference • Follow up and inform referee of the result • Show gratitude and stay in touch • Build relationship with professors, tutors and advisers
Additional Resources at HKU Preparation for Scholarships • Academic Advising Office http://aao.hku.hk • CEDARS (Careers and Placement) http://cedars.hku.hk • Centre for Applied English Studies http://caes.hku.hk Search for Scholarships • http://www.scholarships.hku.hk/news/detail/76