FRIDAY NIGHT SESSION!!

Title: Fundamentals of Securing a Scholarship.

Writer and Guest: @Jamaticulus

INSTRUCTIONS.
- Read the thread.
- Drop your questions under the thread. @Jamaticulus is ready to answer your questions.
- Retweet so others can benefit.

Fundamentals on Securing a Scholarship

Research: An enthusiast must have the flair for sourcing the right information. I used to think google searching is not a skill. However, I have been proven otherwise with tweets such as “I can’t find an MSc program/scholarship in my field

This is an important skill to have before, during, and after graduate school (for job and immigration).

2) Identification: Entails the recognition of your field and/or specialization of interest. Thinking beyond the traditional subject nomenclature and identify related

areas where your background is required (flexibility). For instance, a B. A in Yoruba could get you into an MSc program in African studies or Linguistics. It is about finding a connection.

3) Screening: It involves looking at the requirements, selection criteria, program themes

objectives, and FAQs to be sure your profile is a good fit. There are grade-centric (Commonwealth) and professional/volunteer-centric programs (Chevening). For example, if a program allocates 60% of its selection criteria to grades, having 2.2 is a long shot. No matter how

dazzling your writing or SOP is, it may not be read by the selection committee, thus, amounting to a waste of time. There are also scholarships/grad programs that are EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion)-centric. As an excellent minority or female in a male-

dominated field, please target such programs.

4) Preparation: Identify your weak points and improving them. As an undergraduate, work on your grades, especially the last 2 years. As an undergrad/graduate, you could volunteer in an institute or NGO within your field, get a

publication through collaboration, attend and present at conferences, join professional societies, take standardized tests, and improve your writing/story-telling skills. Remember, your SOP writing takes time and effort.

5) Attentiveness: There is nothing

worse than ignoring specific rules. Instructions as simple as font, spacings, CV format, word/page limit, IELTS/TOEFL (individual band requirements), and deadline are very important. You might feel adding an extra document could help your application. Meanwhile, it

could amount to ignoring of directions on the part of the reviewer. Pay attention to details!

6) Recommendations: Get recommendations from people who know you well and can speak about your abilities. In the academic sphere, it does not have to be a Prof. or HOD. It could be a

young lecturer who is ever willing to support your application. Ensure your referee comments mirror your abilities stated in your CV and SOP. Given your future applications, stay in touch with your referees and inform them of your plans. Do not assume your referees know every

detail about you. Furnish them with information about yourself.

7) Review and Apply: While D-I-Y, identify someone to review your application way ahead of the deadline. Send applications to as many programs as possible if you are eligible. Also, apply to unpopular

scholarships and destinations. At least, you will be studying for free.

8) Network: Connect with fellow applicants and past scholars on social media. Follow people who have towed the same path. Seek specific help in your applications after doing detailed research. Be

part of a community for support during your applications.

9) Digital Footprint: Tidy your online profile and be careful of your social media engagements (the case of a current Nigerian minister comes to mind). Get a professional presence (LinkedIn, Research Gate, Google

Scholar, GitHub, and website). You do not want to be denied because of inconsistencies between your CV and online profile.

10) Resilience: If your application gets rejected, sulk it up for some time. Do not be stuck in that failure mindset. Seek advice, be open to

criticisms (you will face more in grad. school), repackage, and re-apply. Your mental resilience will get you through.

Best wishes,
Olajide AKINTAYO
@jamaticulus

Thank you for reading to the end.

You can drop your questions and comments now.

@olumuyiwaayo @Dr_Adeleke @NoahAluko @particular6 @Iam_MrPackagin @arawu_samuel @james_omoboye @oulawal @adejimiadeniji @AaronAkpuPhilip @oguntuyakitimi @SamdGreat01 @matajson @Ijesha_canadian @Chilometric @ChinazaArinzec1 @Christy302 @Okafor_SC @Jamaticulus @zainab__tiamiyu