Expert Tells You How to Fill Out A Winning Scholarship Application

Let’s face it. Repayment of educational loans is hard. Everyone likes free money, especially when it comes to funding their education. If you are thinking of applying for scholarships in Canada, we’re here to boost your application to the top of the pile.

How? Well, by giving you tips from education experts, of course. Check them out below –

Know What’s Out There

“First, many students do not realize that now – the first term of the school year – is the time to apply for many leading scholarships, and second, many have the misconception that they are not eligible for scholarship awards,” said Dr. Jane Thompson, Executive Director of the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. 

So don’t be deterred. Find out the scholarships available to you and apply for as many as you can!

Be organized

Being organized can help you manage your applications. Katie Zeppieri, who won thousands of dollars through the TD Scholarship in 2007, advises treating scholarships like an assignment. You do one after the other, methodically and meticulously so you don’t mess anything up. 

Keep track of the deadlines 

“Check the deadlines for each scholarship for which you will apply, and build them into your calendar along with school work, projects and homework,” said Zeppieri.

“Then work ahead towards the deadline to avoid a last-minute rush, the risk of submitting a less than stellar application, and the embarrassment of hurrying references.” Golden words to stick by, to be honest.

Make an impressive argument in your favour

Of course, the essay is always important too. The judges are looking for something inspiring, so inspire them. Instead of describing an experience in an essay, paint a more compelling picture by talking about your feelings and motives.

“Avoid simply detailing the activities in which you participated. Make sure you bring your story to life by describing your motivations, goals and the learning experience,” said Dr. Thompson.

Handy tips, aren’t they? If you stick to them, we’re sure your application will be accepted and you’ll be well on your way to college in no time! 

Alternatives To Scholarships

Think you don’t qualify for a scholarship you want? Or perhaps you didn’t get the one you wanted? Don’t worry. There are other ways to fund your education. One of the best alternatives to scholarships is bursaries. Handed out to aboriginal students of Canada across all provinces, these government-aided bursaries can be really helpful in funding your education. 

Student grants are another option. Non-repayable in nature, grants are awarded to students who have proven financial need and can be really helpful in covering a huge chunk of cost when it comes to your education. 

Lastly, student loans are also available to you. Though you have to repay a student loan, the Canadian government offers flexibility in that regard so you don’t feel the pressure so much. For example, currently, the federal government has waived off the accrual of interest from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2023, on student loans in the light of COVID. 

As they say, when there’s a will, there’s a way. So even if you don’t get a scholarship, don’t lose heart. Just find another way to fund your education.