The transition from high school to college is one of life’s important bridges for millions of students each year. It can raise a lot of questions and it requires multi-faceted preparation to accomplish successfully.
College planning acts as a guide to help you navigate what lies ahead.
This article will outline what it takes to give a stand-out scholarship interview.
Get to Know the Audience
Scholarships are a common financial tool utilized by the majority of prospective students to fund their education. Since reviewers can’t afford to give everyone a scholarship, interviews are used to narrow down the best-qualified recipients.
Often, this is your first formal interview experience, so how do you prepare for it?
- Research the scholarship requirements. Having a natural knowledge of the funder creates rapport and makes your interview memorable.
- Know the mission of the organization offering the scholarship and link it to your values as a candidate.
- Look up past scholarship recipients. It will give you an eye for the type of candidate the funder is looking for.
- Show them what makes you a unique recipient choice and tie it into the scholarship requirements. This will help the interview come full circle and close on an outstanding note.
Practice Makes Perfect
College planning takes on many guises. A scholarship interview is no different. It can be difficult to predict every question the committee will ask, but having some practiced answers on hand should be part of your interview strategy.
You’ve done your research, now take action.
Draft a list of possible questions based on the scholarship requirements, your academic record, and other achievements. These are universal topics in scholarship interviews.
Practice going through your interview with family and friends once the questions are drafted. Mock interviews are a great way to learn natural delivery of your material and control your nerves.
First Impressions Matter
- An important aspect of preparation is transformation. Be sure to look the part when you walk in the door.
- Don’t be late. In fact, plan to be 15 minutes early.
- Account for wardrobe, travel, and traffic ahead of time.
- Lay your clothes out the night before. Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should wear a suit, dress, or dress shirt and skirt.
College planning plays a pivotal role in your educational future. These interview tips will help bring that future into focus and make it a successful one.