Debunking scholarship myths - How to ace your application
UNSW Women in Engineering scholarship recipient Nomi shares her tips and tricks on acing the application and interview process
For many, applying for a scholarship can be a daunting and overwhelming process.
This experience is all too familiar with student ambassador Nomi, a second year renewable energy engineering and chemistry student, and Tidswell Family Women in Engineering scholarship recipient. Nomi has penned this piece to help debunk some common myths and doubts about applying for a scholarship, and provides some useful tips and tricks for doing your best throughout the application process.
Myth 1: I must be a top academic student to be awarded a scholarship
While academic merit is one of the selection criteria, applicants are also judged on their leadership potential, extra-curricular activities and interest in pursuing engineering. It's a great opportunity to show off who you are as a person!
Personally, in my application I drew from experiences outside of studying – for example I was a part of the debating team, volunteered online, and also worked part time in hospitality. My main tip would be to highlight specific experiences within your extra curriculars that really showcased or developed your leadership potential. I remember talking specifically about a very busy shift at my work during which I trained two new employees at the same time, and discussed how this experience challenged but also improved my leadership skills.
Remember that positive leadership is something that you can display in everyday scenarios, so your experiences don’t need to be extraordinary – focus on being authentic instead.
Myth 2: The application process is too complex and time-consuming
Application questions can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it all in one go. For me, the hardest part of the application process was just making a start. To help get over this, I put all the application questions into a Google doc and did a brain dump of everything that came to mind, as messy as I wanted, without worrying about writing nice sentences. This helped me get over that initial hurdle of starting, and from here you might find that actually answering the questions doesn’t take as long as you think.
I also definitely recommend starting early, as you want to be able to write out some responses, and then come back in a week or two with a fresh mind to edit and review. Ultimately, the application will take some time to complete (I think for me it was probably a few hours spread out over a week or so), but I can say that it will be worth it in the end!
Myth 3: I don’t have enough engineering experience to apply
For these scholarships, passion is more important than experience. I recommend asking yourself why is it that you want to study engineering, and let that authentic passion shine through in your application and interview. What technologies and future innovations excite you? What types of projects would you like to work on? What kind of impact do you hope to make?
For me, I love science and maths, and I knew that I wanted a career that enabled me to help both people and the environment, and it was these combined passions that led me to renewable energy engineering. If you've been involved in the UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club through workshops, challenges or the Pathway Program – these are also great experiences to draw on when talking about your interest and passion in engineering!
Myth 4: The interview process is scary
Okay, this one is less of a myth. Interviews can be scary. Personally, I was very nervous – it was my first big, proper interview.
However, I can speak from personal experience and say that I did not need to be that nervous. The interview panel was really nice and they did their best to help me feel as comfortable as possible. To be prepared, I recommend familiarising yourself with your written application before the interview, so that you are ready to answer any questions about your academic achievements, life experience, activities or interests.
I actually also had a really fun time on the day! UNSW orgnises a breakfast and runs a chill-out zone throughout the day. Although I must admit that I was too nervous to properly enjoy the food, it was a great experience to meet so many new people. Fun fact – I actually met one of my current best friends during the scholarship interview day!
Final Thoughts
For me, receiving the scholarship has been absolutely amazing. I come from the Central Coast, so personally the scholarship has enabled me (financially) to live on campus. So far, that has been an awesome experience, not only in terms of becoming more independent, but it also allows me to really make the most out of my university experience through joining clubs and societies and participating in all the exciting events run by the university.
Also, as I type this, I am two weeks away from departing for the Netherlands, where I will be studying for the next six months on exchange. I am super excited to start this next adventure, and it wouldn’t be possible without my scholarship.
My top advice is to just apply! I never thought of myself as the sort of student who would get a scholarship, but I did, and I’m so thankful that my parents and teachers encouraged me to apply. You’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain. Remember to be yourself, as cliche as that sounds, being authentic and passionate in your application and interview is so important!