Skip to main content

My Oxford Scholarship Story

 


Ever desired to study abroad? Or even win an International Scholarship to prestigious Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge or Yale? Then you are reading this just in time. You can learn a few tips that would help make your dreams become a reality. Dr MaryJane Nweje shares in this piece some tips that helped her secure a scholarship to Oxford University.

 Introduction

The experience of the past few months has honestly been surreal, and I will be summarizing how I scored 3 fully-funded scholarships and 9 Admission Offers across top Universities in the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden.

Over the course of 2 months I received notifications of securing 3 fully-funded scholarship offers; I first got reserved for the Commonwealth shared, then I got provisionally selected for the Commonwealth Masters and then lastly, I received and chose the Exxon Mobil Global Health Scholarships to study at the University of Oxford (which I chose).

Dr MaryJane

Since I received these offers, I’ve been met with several messages asking me different questions which is why I decided to write this, and If this helps just one person with acing their applications, I will be over the moon. Towards the end of my 1-year mandatory internship at National Hospital in 2018, I made up my mind that I was going into the development field as a public health specialist. I didn’t understand the field yet, I didn’t even know what aspect of public health I wanted to focus on, I just researched some schools and decided to apply, all of which I was unsuccessful. I was distraught; and this led me to speak to some people and get some feedback from the universities and it was clear that I was not nearly half-prepared to take on a master’s degree course.


 Recently, I came across my personal statement from my first MSc application and I said to myself that even I wouldn’t have given 2018-me an offer of admission not to mention a scholarship! In retrospect, I am glad I didn’t get the admissions/scholarships because I clearly lacked the requirements to be awarded an MSc offer. So, I became more intentional about my personal and professional engagements and network; I engaged in multiple voluntary community service projects, applied myself, took several courses both paid and unpaid, read and researched tips about writing award winning essays, all in a bid to upgrade my skills and experience to that adequate for a master’s degree student. September 2019 came and I started working on my essays, I wrote what I could and sent the essay to my mentor, the first review was brutal, and I remember thinking what does this person what from me. But I didn’t give up, I made the corrections and sent the essay back, of course, he made more corrections and we went back and forth with it for a few weeks until the essay was ready.

On the day of the final correction, I looked at my essay and I was proud of how much it had evolved. Several people say or believe that they are not good at writing essays, however the truth is, if you have put in the work in personal and professional development, everything you need for your essay is right inside you, and all you need is someone who will challenge you to be the best version of yourself.


Tips for writing an award-winning Essay

Let me start by saying that if you know any successful scholars, do not ask to see their essay; Not only is it unethical, it may also confuse you. The essay is a vital aspect of your application and is an extensive display of who you are, which is why authenticity is crucial. Treat your essay like a long-term project; stagger the elements of your application.


General:

1. You must obey word/character/page limit; These institutions receive thousands of essays every year, and the first elimination process is for those who don’t obey the rules. So, your essay may never be read if you decide to be defiant.

2. Since most essays have a word count limit, avoid making vague statements /repetition. Every sentence you make must be strongly-worded towards conveying your intended message.

3. The tone of the essay is also very important, do not write the essay like you are talking to a friend, remember it is a formal essay.

4. Proofread your essays as many times as you can, ask other people to also help you. I have found reading my essays out loud to be very helpful.

5. It has been proven that people generally relate better to stories; when trying to send a message in your essay, use a story in sending that message. When discussing stories using the S.T.A.R principle can be very helpful in covering the bases;

S- Situation

T- Task

A- Action

R- Result

6. Recommendation Letters: Some institutions highlight key points which should be included in your reference letters and it is your responsibility to give guidance to your referees.



Specifics

Part 1: You

- Talk about yourself; your previous studies, achievements, experiences from; work, research, volunteering and other qualities that will make you an asset to the organization.

- Highlight your commitment to public service and potential for leadership.

- “Sell yourself” as people will say, it’s okay to brag.


Part 2: The Institution and You

- Research the department and course modules.

- Link some specific modules to your own previous and/or future activities.

- Highlight some modules and discuss how they directly benefit a problem you want to solve and /or your post-study career plans.

- What will you bring to the institution; passion, research abilities etc.

- Mention how attending the university / receiving the scholarship benefits the

school/organization as well as your career goals.


Part 3: Post-study plan

- What do you want to do afterwards?

- They are looking for candidates with CLEAR CAREER PLANS; a person

who already knows exactly what they want out of their professional life.

- When discussing your post-study plan, it will be beneficial to divide them

into 3 categories; immediately after studies (1-2 years), 5 years and 10 years.

- It’s okay to dream big, that being said, as much as possible be realistic.

- Discuss projects / programs that are feasible.


Best Wishes to you all.



Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this article are mine and do not reflect those of any institution or scholarship awarding organization.

Connect with Dr MaryJane via

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/DrNwejeMaryJaneIjeoma

Instagram – @DrEmjjae

Twitter - @DrEmjjae

Best Wishes

Dr Nweje MaryJane Ijeoma

Comments

  1. Nice read.
    Thank you for the information

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much for this insight. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is awesome and very informed.
    Thank you Dr MaryJane

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the information.God bless you nne

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for this concise article. I suddenly feel like re-writing the application I sent in a few weeks ago

    ReplyDelete
  6. Incredibly insightful story!
    Thank you so much for choosing to share this, Doctor MaryJane. I'm encouraged by your success.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The magic is in constant reviews of the first draft, you will be amazed at how much corrections you have to effect after many reviews. Write, reread, reread again, and again then send it to a mentor for further review 😉

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you so much, would definitely do this wen my time comes

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much, God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This for this concise but unique information.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have already secured masters admission to study MBA Public Health Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich. in conjuction with university of Cumbria Uk. guide me on how to get scholarship to pay my tuition fees as 2020 academic session is starting this october. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Success Tips for your Chevening Scholarship award application

Dr Cassandra Akinde, Team Lead TNCI and beneficiary of Chevening Scholarship  How do I begin? Well, let me start with a little background 😊 Chevening is a UK global scholarship award which is merit based and identifies talented individuals who have shown potential through their academic and professional work to become future leaders ,decision makers and opinion formers at local, regional and global level . It is funded by Foreign Common Wealth Office and  other various global partners. I heard about Chevening Scholarship from a friend who also happens to be an alumni  in 2016 . He invited me for the pre departure ceremony  which I, unfortunately, could not attend. He told me about how this particular opportunity aligned with my humanitarian work and encouraged me to apply the following year. My curious nature got the better of me and I began researching about it and the opportunities for professional and personal development it could give me . What I found was

Meet Dr Cassandra Akinde, a Social Entrepreneur with Real passion for Health Advocacy and Youth Capacity Development.

                    In a recent interview with Attain, Dr Cassandra Bolanle Akinde, Team Lead, The Nigerian Child Initiative talked about her passion for Health advocacy and capacity development of young people in Nigeria. Pl ease tell us about yourself? My name is Cassandra Bolanle Akinde. I am a young medical practioner and social enterpreneur with a real passion for health advocacy. I also teach and promote Sustainable Developmental Goals . I am currently the Team Lead of The Nigerian Child Initiative, a non profit organisation which promotes Child Health and Sustainable Education. I love to read, meet new people,spend quality time with family and friends, scrapbooking and volunteering . On an average day when I am not working at the hospital or volunteering I love to chill at home engaging social media or watching movies.   Tell us about your Non-profit Organization? The Nigerian Child Initiative is a non profit driven by a group of vibrant young people pa

Chidinma Okoli's Financial Education Company is teaching us what Schools won't

Chidinma Okoli, Founder, Financially Literate Africa shares in this interview with Attain  her vision to educate millennials on excellent money management..  Please kindly tell us about yourself? My name is Chidinma Okoli, I'm the founder of Financially Literate Africa, a millennial-focused company that provides easy-to-understand financial educational content, in order to help young Africans live their best live financially, and ultimately achieve financial freedom. I am also a Content Creator on themes around Finance and Investment, and have had my articles published on multiple magazines and websites, including BellaNaija and BusinessDay. Asides my work with Fin Lit Africa, I'm also a practicing Investment Professional with a technology-focused Venture Capital firm in Lagos, Nigeria. I hold a Bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Lagos, and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and Women In Finance Nigeria.

Meet Chukwuonu David, CEO Davis Exotic Homes

This week on Attain, we share the story of Chukwuonu David Chidozie , CEO, Davis Exotic Homes.  Here is one story you would learn the importance of starting from where you are and then building on from there. So sit back and enjoy. Please kindly tell us about yourself? I am Chukwuonu David Chidozie, a native of Awgu, Enugu State from a family of 4 boys. I am the 3rd son. I was born and brought up in Lagos Nigeria. I obtained my first degree in Architecture from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, a diploma in Environmental Design from University of Lagos and also a member of Nigeria institute of Architects (NIA) Lagos Chapter. Tell us about your business Brand(s)? As a building developer, we discovered that people prefer a classic, royal house that is affordable and built on their own land within a short timeline that was how Davis Exotic Homes was born. Right now, we have helped families also in diaspora build Superb, quality, and affordable homes within 6

Meet Damilola Matty and her inspiring Artworks

Recently on Attain , we interviewed Damilola Matty, artist and CEO Gosperalla Art, a brand with interests in music, writing and artworks. Please kindly tell us about yourself? I am Damilola Matty. An indigene of Lagos State. The fifth among now children. And an OND holder in mass communication. Tell us about what your Profession and brand? Gospella art is a brand that consist of music, writing and my artist skill. The brand (although still under construction) is not just built up for the aim of selling artworks. It's also a brand that's set up to encourage and reach out to people all over the world, in terms of building a self confidence in what ever field you choose. And according to it's name "Gospella" which is extracted out of the name GOSPEL... Is also aimed at bringing good news through Christian music and books. What Inspired your venturing into this profession? Well, I would say GOD Inspired me. Because I've got so many ex

"My greatest achievement will be ... to help another person earn a decent living"- Emeka Samuel, CEO Meks Bespoke

Today on Attain, we share the story of Emeka Samuel Uduma, CEO of Meks Bespoke, a premium menswear brand in Nigeria. K indly tell us about yourself?  My name is Emeka Samuel Uduma, I'm from ohafia in Abia state. From a family of 3; 2 boys and a girl. Was born and raised here in Lagos. Tell us about your business Brand(s)?  I run a menswear brand called Meks Bespoke. We're a premium menswear brand dedicated to cater for the sartorial needs of the quintessential gentleman. When and what brought about your business vision  My passion for fashion started from my childhood days as my dad happens to be a tailor and that sparked my interest in fashion. Back then I loved how clients come to the showroom, try their clothes on on beam with smile. Initially I wanted to become an accountant as I went ahead to study accounting but fashion kept calling me so here I'm a fashion designer What were the main challenges you faced early on in your busine

Meet this Smart and Beautiful Founder and her amazing Non-profit: Vertopia

Stella Nwaekpe, Founder of Vertopia, shares with Attain her Vision to promote virtue and godliness through her non-profit brand; Vertopia. Please kindly tell us about yourself? I am Stella Nwaekpe, an ambitious lady who is also passionate about God and people. I am friendly, smart, very analytical, purpose driven. I have my first degree in Veterinary medicine. I'm now a Chartered HR professional and also rounding up my MBA in HR Tell us about Vertopia? Vertopia was coined from 2 words: Virtue and Perfection. It's first a ministry as our focus is to promote virtue and godliness via our write ups (Priceless magazine) and projects like the Beautopia Teen Girl Project. When and what brought about the Vertopia Vision ?  It started in September 2015. I had actually been involved in charity projects unofficially since 2013 but I thought to put a system in place to make it sustainable over time. I'm also good with writing and I thought to use those writings as a

Attain Brand of the Week: Banking Industry

Attain Brand of the Week  Banking Industry  Dec 30 2018 - Jan 5 2019 How would you rate the services of these brands? Which one meets your expectations the most? Vote for your favourite brand in the  Attain Business Brand of the Week and tell us what you like about them in the comment section below: Selected Brands - Zenith Bank - GtBank - First Bank - Access bank - UBA - Fidelity Bank - Ecobank - Skye Bank - First City Monument Bank - Sterling Bank   Click here to Vote Voting ends 11:59pm on January 5, 2019 Don't forget to share to ensure your favourite brands wins. Click the Share button below to share. Click here  for Inspiring stories on Attain Connect with Attain:   Facebook   Twitter

Meet this amazing Founder creating sustainable solutions for Reproductive, sexual and maternal health problems

Olajumoke Adebayo, Founder Reprolife Nigeria shared in an interview with Attain about her vision to create sustainable solutions for Reproductive, sexual and maternal health issues in Nigeria. Please kindly tell us about yourself? My name is Olajumoke Adebayo, I am a Nurse-midwife, reproductive health enthusiast,  a current carrignton youth fellow(2018), sexuality leadership development fellow(2018), Leaving no Nigerian Behind(Lennib) champion 2019 and a gender equality advocate. I am the Team lead/founder of Reprolife Nigeria and the Director of programmes for the Nigerian child initiative. I design and create sustainable solutions for Reproductive, sexual and maternal health problems.  I enjoy reading and seeking new adventures. Tell us about your Non-profit? Reprolife is a youth-led social enterprise with a focus on achieving optimal health and wellbeing for young people  women and children. Reprolife started a  blog and eventually evolved into a social enterpri