So it's that time of year again: the deadline for Chevening Scholarship applications is fast approaching.Every year, I verbally give potential applicants tips on applying to universities, and the scholarship. I've compiled a few here, just in case anyone is interested:
1) Before Applying to Universities, Check Out the 'University League Tables' Online. You can literally type that in Google and you'll find two (2) websites that host league tables for the universities in the UK: 'The Guardian Online', and 'The Complete University Guide'. Essentially, the league tables rank UK universities from the "best" to the "worst", according to specific criteria (student satisfaction, graduate prospects, pass rate, etc.) Why is this important? Well, quite often, if you graduate with C's from a university that's ranked within the top 10, you can still end up getting a job a lot quicker than someone who's graduated with A's from a school that's ranked #120+. You can also filter the league tables so that you can determine the top ranked schools in your field, or the top ranked schools in a specific region. Don't underestimate the importance of choosing a good university.
2) Research the Programme Content in the Universities You are Interested In. Don't just choose a school because it says it offers the degree you are interested in. Some schools tend to have a particular focus on a specific area of the field. For example, there may be some Architecture schools that focus more on theory, while other schools focus more on structural design, and yet others may focus on computer aided design within their programmes. At the end of the day, you will still graduate with the same degree, but you may end up being miserable studying in a programme for a year, in a particular area of your field that you were not exactly interested in.
3) Work on Your Personal Statement/Admissions Essay. This is very crucial. I call this the "make or break" aspect of your application. Your personal statement is the time when you really get to tell your university or Chevening about YOU. Don't be humble, and don't hold back. Tell Chevening who you are, what you've accomplished, and what you hope to achieve when you're finished studying. Tell them how you plan to use your degree to develop your nation, and why you think that studying in the UK at your particular school of choice, is important to you and your country. Don't replicate your CV/Resume, and don't write a a long report about what is happening in your country. This personal statement is about you, what your vision is for progress, and what you're currently doing to get there. Many times I've even told potential applicants that this is their time to be arrogant. Also, don't assume that Chevening or your university of choice know about current affairs in your country, nor anything about your field of study. Try to avoid using technical jargon, acronyms, or terminology that is only popular where you're from. Presume that those who read your application and personal statement are not in your field nor have a clue about your field. Also, don't write an epistle. The personal statement section is not for you to write your life story. Remember: both Chevening and your university of choice are probably reading thousands of applications just like yours, from applicants who are just as qualified as you are. Try to narrow it down to about a page, and make sure your content stands out. Get across your leadership skills in both your profession and your extra curricular activities, and align them to how these skills are being used to benefit your country and helping you on your pathway to professional and national development. Write a draft, read it, rewrite it, reread it again, and keep refining it till you're satisfied.
4) Check Deadlines for School Applications. Most masters programs tend to request that applicants apply to schools at least a month prior to the start date, however, some medical programs do have early application deadlines (sometimes in January). Apply early. You don't have to have acceptance from a university at the time of your Chevening Application, but start to apply around that time. It would be advised however, that you try to garner your acceptance letters by the time interviews are called (usually around February-ish). It's helpful to walk into an interview and confidently state that you've been accepted to XYZ university.
5) Apply to More Than One University or Programme. It can be either 3 different programmes in the same university, or the same programme that's hosted in 3 different universities. Yes, you may have your heart set on attending a particular school with a particular programme, but still apply to multiple. If you can gain acceptance to about 3 schools or programs, that'll be great.
6) Know What Chevening is About and Who They are Looking For. Research research research! Don't just apply to this scheme as if it's a typical scholarship programme. Chevening is looking for leaders, influencers, innovators, and motivators. Ensure to frame your application to display these qualities.
7) Start the Online Application Process EARLY. You may discover that you require certain documentation (either for your university application or your Chevening application), that you may not have on hand. Log in to the online application, and browse through it to get an idea of what questions you'll have to respond to, and what documentation you'll need to submit. Don't wait until a few days before the deadline to discover that you will require the academic transcript from your bachelors studies, and that the typical waiting period to receive this transcript from your previous school is 2 weeks. Start the process early.
8) Finish the Online Application Process EARLY. There are a number of different random acts of fate that can prevent you from clicking "submit" on your online application form before the deadline. Electricity may go, your internet may give trouble, you may have a personal emergency, you may have inclement weather, an asteroid may hit - anything can happen. Don't let Murphy's Law strike and leave you without a submitted application before the deadline. Submit early.
9) Don't Panic. Sometimes it takes a while for Chevening to get back to you. Don't think that your world is coming to an end because you were expecting them to respond by 2pm and it's now 2:01pm. Relax, and try to be patient.
10) If You're Not Selected for an Interview, Don't Fret. Apply again another year. Not every Chevening Scholar was selected the first time around. It's not a reflection on your capabilities - it may just mean that you need to strengthen how you get your thoughts and ideas across. Review your previous application, apply again, and go in stronger than before.
11) If You're Selected for an Interview, Be Confident. The questions will be about you and framed around your application. Re-familiarize yourself with your application form and your personal statement. Ensure you can expound more on the content of your application, if asked. Respond to every question with confidence, and frame each reply as if you're a leader and you're aspiring to expand your leadership abilities. If you're asked a question that you're unsure about, respond in the best way that you can, but don't make up information because you don't know.
12) If You're Awarded a Chevening Scholarship, Start Your Preparations Early. Secure your accommodation, start planning your travels, inform your employers, and tie up commitments at home. Try to avoid leaving loose ends frayed when you're away studying.
13) Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket. Also consider other scholarship schemes that may be available to you. There's also the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme for UK masters studies, the Rhodes Scholarship scheme for masters studies at the University of Oxford, OAS Scholarships for masters studies at universities in the USA, Rotary Club Scholarships (for particular programs), as well as scholarships and grants available from your universities of choice. You can get scholarships for being from a developing country, for being black, for being a female, for being from the Caribbean....or even for being a black female from the Caribbean. Look for scholarships in the name of iconic professionals in your field who have gone down in history. Explore the multitude of funding opportunities available.
Linda A.S. Dias, 2013 Chevening Scholar for the British Overseas Territories
Apply here at: www.chevening.org/apply
Image 1: https://i0.wp.com/www.wemakescholars.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Chevening-Scholarships-1024x614_c.jpg
Image 2: Facebook Frame of my display image on the Geothermal Drilling Site in Montserrat.
