Many of you have been limited to schools and options because of specific documents.


If you truly need that scholarship, please invest in these few things, they will pay off eventually.

Mind you, it’s not compulsory, but essential to give you more options.

🙏 Please TAKE ALL (or at least one) of the language proficiency and related exams:
Make sure you write IELTS or TOEFL and the GRE. You can also write SAT & GMAT, but the first two are often enough. These exams will open more opportunities and prevent limitations. Dedicate 6 months to 1 year to excel in them…it’s worth it.

🙏 If you have a local degree, do a WES evaluation:
This will not only boost your HND results but also show how equivalent it is to a degree. Credential evaluations like WES convert your qualifications to U.S. or Canadian standards, making it easier for schools to assess.

🙏 Read instructions and eligibility requirements:
Understand every detail of what you are applying for. Missing small details can cost you big opportunities.

🙏 Personal statements and SoPs:
Keep your focus clear and consistent. A narrow area (not a variety of areas) of focus means you can use one SoP or personal statement across applications, saving you time and energy. You cannot be interested in Chemistry, Law, Mass communication, computer science and Mechanical engineering at the same time 🙄.

🙏 Build good relationships:
Be active, behave well, and network. You will need recommendation letters! Good grades with bad recommendations can ruin your chances.

🙏 Strengthen your skills:
Take relevant courses on Coursera, edX, and Udemy. Volunteering roles also show your commitment to growth and learning. This is important for all but even more important if you have low grades (you need to prove yourself).

🙏 Tailor your CV/resume:
Highlight experiences relevant to the scholarship or program. Make it count!

🙏 Don’t rely solely on CGPA:
A high CGPA is great, but not enough. Many first-class students miss scholarships because they lack other key factors like strong recommendations, good test scores, or clear goals. Nonetheless, work hard to get good grades so that you won't be limited by options.

At the same time, a low CGPA doesn’t have to limit you. With the right strategy (as mentioned above), you can still present yourself as a competitive candidate.

Don't forget to ask relevant questions, do some findings yourself (before questioning) and have a few good heads review your documents before submission.

When you are done with all these preps, go ahead to reach out to professors and start throwing in those applications. You will surely excel.

Cheers 🤝


Categories: Scholarships