11 Tips for a Successful Scholarship Interview

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If you have applied for a scholarship, you may be invited to an interview as part of the application process. Being selected for an interview proves that the scholarship committee was impressed with your application, it piqued their curiosity, and they want to know more about your interests, ideas, and aspirations. This final, crucial step is the opportunity to demonstrate you are an eligible candidate.

Face-to-face interaction is an excellent chance for applicants to express their individuality and share other pertinent information not captured in the application process. This interaction is also an opportunity for the scholarship committee to get to know the applicant better and decide whether they are eligible for the scholarship.

Although attending an interview can be stressful, there is no need to be alarmed. You should know what to expect in order to aim for success.You must consider the interview a challenge that will prepare you to gain the confidence to face more interviews in the future.Being well-prepared for interviews is essential for a better chance of being accepted in a scholarship application process.

The Western International School of Shanghai wants to share some tips to help you prepare for your scholarship interview.

1 Be on time.

Arrive before the scheduled time. Promptness is a sign of seriousness and shows respect to the interviewers. By arriving early, you will give yourself some time to settle down and think again about what you want to say.

2 Dress to impress.

Leave your jeans and T-shirt at home and find a professional outfit. Dark-colored clothes are the most suitable attire for an interview. Your physical appearance is what the scholarship committee will see first hence make a good first impression by dressing properly.If your school has a uniformdress code, make sure that you follow the guidelines.

3 Review your application.

Before your interview, review your application and ensure you know all the details and information you submitted.

4 Bring your portfolio.

If the scholarship you are applying for requires you to submit a portfolio, make sure you have your best work ready and available for viewing.

5 Be yourself.

Consider talking about your interests, activities, and passions, and don’t forget to mention what makes you stand out from the crowd. Committees are also looking for multi-faceted candidates with many interests.

6 Be honest.

Talk about your achievements and success but do not lie about them.

7 Think Before you speak.

It is important not to anticipate questions. Once the committee asks you a question, respond clearly and concisely.

8 Practice.

Interviews are all about communication. Before the interview, prepare a simulation and practice with a friend or a family member.

9 Be prepared for the unexpected.

Take time to prepare for less-common questions and control your reaction to unexpected ones. Sometimes how you act when replying is more important than what you say.

10 Prepare your list of questions.

It’s recommended to ask questions about the organization offering the scholarship. Prepare your questions in advance, and if you get a chance, share them with the scholarship committee at the end of the interview.

11 Send a Thank-You Note.

Regardless of the outcome, send a thank-you note to the scholarshipcommitteefor their consideration.

The Western International School of Shanghai Scholarship Programme is the hallmark of excellence and leadership. Our merit-based scholarship program is for highly motivated and talented students from around the world. These scholars strive toward greatness and display excellence across a range of disciplines, including creativity, critical thinking, leadership skills, and team spirit. To learn more, click here.

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11 Tips for a Successful Scholarship Interview

Apr 14, 2023