International scholarships: What you must know

Yesterday, we looked at different web sites providing information on financing an education abroad.

Today, we discuss two more aspects relating to your scholarship search -- how to apply for online awards and how to avoid online scams.

Applying for awards

Many of the awards are nearing the last date for sending in your applications (usually late May); so it's time for you to act.

Using yesterday's article, visit some of the well-known scholarship databases and search the content.

When you are examining a potential scholarship/ award, look for two key components -- the award details and the award requirements.

In the details, you'll find necessary information such as the amount of the award, the programmes it covers and the research it promotes (if any).

In the award requirements, they will list the qualifications you need to have in order to send in your application. These may deal with academic performance, geographic location, ethnicity and financial status.

When you find an award with details/ requirements that suit you, it's time to apply,

The three main points to highlight when applying are: your past accomplishments, your commitment to future excellence and your unique outlook/ perspective.

It's important to highlight your past accomplishments, including extra-curricular activities, academic performance, independent activities (hobbies) and charitable/ volunteer work.

A brief list of your accomplishments shows the award committee evidence of hard work and achievement in your past. People prefer to invest money in individuals with a proven track record.

Don't be overly boastful, but please don't sell yourself short. The key is to be brief but brilliant in the description of your past.

A good strategy is to write about your life being a journey, a journey towards fixed goals and success.

Highlight your aspirations and write what you plan to accomplish in the next one year, five years, 10 years and 25 years. This will help the committee identify with your individual struggles and triumphs, separating you from the rest of the pool of applicants.

Let's face it, each award gets hundreds of applicants, all mentioning similar achievements and aspirations. The best way to separate yourself from the crowd is to make your application as unique as possible.

If the application asks for an essay on a given topic, answer it from your own unique perspective. Describe how certain events and beliefs in your past influenced you; also, show how you are committed to learning and growing as a student and as a person.

If there is no prescribed essay or question, there will generally be space for you to emphasise your unique characteristics and what the award will mean for you personally.

Without sounding sentimental or deceptive, present yourself as a prime candidate for the award. Use anecdotes and descriptions to emphasise that you are unique and special, that the award will change your life, and in turn, you will changes the lives of others.

Don't be afraid to mention a role model from your personal life or from history; it helps give the selection committee an idea of the type of person you want to become.

Avoiding scams

One of the recent problems with online awards and scholarships has been the emergence of online scams.

Many students fall victim to online hustlers looking to make a quick buck at the expense of naive youngsters eager to get a 'good deal'.

The first and most important rule is that you should never pay money throughout the entire scholarship search and application process. Though it will require hard work, sustained effort and dogged diligence to achieve the best results. Always remember, the entire process is free.

In yesterday's article, we listed some reputed online portals that should help you with your scholarship search. If you go through these sites, you will notice there are no preliminary fees or membership dues; it's all compiled for free on the Internet for your benefit.

The two most common schemes are the application fee scam and the money up-front consultant scam

In the application fee scam, a scholarship that seems too good be true is accepting applications, but at a cost. The web site may seem rather amateur, but will use words like 'official' or 'national' in describing the award. It will be difficult to find legitimate contact details.

All or any of these points should immediately have your alarm bells ringing and cause you to look elsewhere for those much needed funds.

The other main scam is the 'expert' consultant who promises you big bucks for a small retainer. Victims often send money to these predators, usually Rs 20,000 or so, and never hear from the 'consultant' again. Completely avoid such 'private' consultants.

Please consult experts from renowned sites, especially those from universities and other well-known establishments. These individuals provide information and advice for free; they are genuinely interested in helping students.

Finally, visit the $cholarship $cam web site provided by the United States government. It has more information regarding online scams, as well as contact details for victims. Please use this site to report any fraudulent scholarships you come across during your search.

A few last words

Many students never get the opportunity to study abroad, though it is a lifelong dream. With today's overseas exchange of talent, this needn't happen to you. With hard work, patience and diligence, you will find the perfect programme and the perfect scholarship.

If you are Internet savvy and use your time wisely, you can quickly come across valuable contacts and resources. True experts want to assist driven individuals, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

And, of course, never pay money during your scholarship search. The awards and scholarships are offered in order to help financially challenged students, not to add to their financial woes.

One last tip: apply for numerous and varied scholarships, but don't go overboard. If you apply to a hundred institutes and organisations, your applications will adopt a mechanical feel; these types of applications are rejected without a second glance.

As is often the case in life, quality trumps quantity.