Scholarship applications can be a lot like blind dates — if they don’t know who you are, they’re not going to pick you. And let’s face it: when you’re competing with hundreds of high-achieving students for just a few government or university-sponsored scholarships, it’s your personal statement that can make or break your chances.
So how do you convince a scholarship panel that you’re not only qualified, but the right fit? Simple: write in accordance with our 10 Ps. These are tried-and-tested tips tailored for Singapore’s scholarship scene to make sure you score that coveted offer.
1 Prepare
Preparation is the foundation of creativity. Check the boxes: know your deadlines, check the prompt, research the sponsor’s website, keep up-to-date on news.
Remember to look into interviews of past scholars to get a sense of what an organisation is looking for.
2 Plan
Don’t jump into writing without a clear plan. Think about the key points you want to communicate and how you’ll structure your essay. Most strong personal statements have a few main ideas tying together a single
overarching theme.
Make it bold: structure your story around how you overcame adversity, the value of self-discipline, or something that resonates with you and your audience. Plan an attention-grabbing introduction and a conclusion that ties your story together powerfully. A solid structure will make your essay easier to write and more compelling to read.
3 Personal
The scholarship committee wants to get to know you, not just your achievements or grades. Include a personal anecdote in your essay, or detail your philosophies and thoughts. This way, you’ll stand out from the crowd with your unique voice. However, remember that when sharing your personal experience, always tie it back to the scholarship values and maintain a positive tone.
Never send out a one-size-fits-all essay to multiple scholarship providers. Each essay should be customised to the scholarship and that particular provider.
4 Passion
Passion shows. Let your enthusiasm permeate the essay in the words you choose and the stories you tell. If you’re aiming for a scholarship in the social sciences, talk about a volunteering experience that transformed you. If data gets you going, describe how these numbers changed your world.
5 Perspective
An independent viewpoint is a sign of a scholar in the making. Share your thoughts on the latest trends or developments in the field or provide a thoughtful critique of a current issue. Stand out from the crowd by suggesting solutions, alternatives or areas of improvement.
6 Potential
Every scholarship is an investment in someone’s future. That means you need to show where you’re headed. What do you want to do after university? How will this scholarship help you grow and contribute to your community, sector, or country? Don’t just talk about your dreams, explain how you plan to achieve them, and be realistic and specific.
7 Persuade
The personal statement is really a personal advertisement. Your goal is to persuade the sponsoring organisation to grant you a scholarship. Keep your focus on that goal and argue your case with evidence and examples, avoiding the vague and general.
8 Promote
This is not the time to be modest. Promote yourself! This is your only chance to convince the reviewing committee that you are a deserving candidate.
Important: you don’t have to list every accomplishment. Instead, highlight the ones that matter and serve to strengthen your case.
9 Proofread
Once you have your final draft, wait a day before reviewing it. You might also want to get someone else to proofread your essay. And before submitting, take a last look at the guidelines to make sure you’ve checked all the boxes.
10 Personalise
Finally, never reuse the same essay for multiple applications. Every scholarship has its own focus and values, and your essay should reflect that. Tweak your examples, goals, and tone to match what each provider is looking for. A generic statement won’t get you noticed — a tailored one might just land you an interview.
IMPORTANT
You don’t have to list every accomplishment; instead, highlight the ones that matter and serve to strengthen your case.