Scholarship Interview Preparation Tips

Key Advice

• Bring All Paperwork: Ensure all necessary documents are prepared for the interview.
• Self-Awareness:
  • Know yourself in and out. This will help answer questions confidently and naturally.
  • Internalize, Don’t Memorize: Understand your experiences deeply instead of memorizing scripted answers.

Answering Questions Effectively

Common Questions

• Tell Me About Yourself:
  • Start with gratitude for the opportunity.
  • Briefly introduce yourself, your studies, and your passions.
  • Include personal experiences that showcase your interests and skills.
    • Example: "My name is Alice, a fourth-year international relations student passionate about international development."
• Strengths and Weaknesses:
  • For strengths, provide specific examples of how you used them in the past.
    • Example: Highlighting organizational skills through club leadership.
  • For weaknesses, show humility and how you're working on them.
    • Example: Taking criticism personally but learning to view it as growth.

Setting Clear Goals

• Articulate specific career goals that link back to personal experiences.
  • Example: Desire to empower women in Indonesia through a non-profit after experiencing gender inequality firsthand.

Research the Scholarship and University

• Understand the mission, values, and priorities of the scholarship program you are applying for.
• Match your skills and experiences to what they are looking for.
• Research the university’s courses, faculty, and specialties.
  • Example: Interest in specific courses like Digital Social Entrepreneurship to aid career goals.

Highlight Community Contributions

• If applying for government-funded scholarships, emphasize community service and contributions.
  • Example: Showcasing leadership in club activities and community initiatives.

Justifying the Scholarship

• Explain why you deserve the scholarship with clear evidence of academic excellence and leadership potential.
  • Example: Mentioning GPA, leadership roles, and specific contributions to community.

Prepare Questions for Interviewers

• Always have two or three questions ready to ask the interviewers to show research and curiosity.
  • Example: "What advice would you give me if I were selected for this scholarship?"

Presentation

• Dress appropriately for the interview—better to be overdressed than underdressed.