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.
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
Nice read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information
Thank you so much for this insight. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome and very informed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr MaryJane
Thanks for the information.God bless you nne
ReplyDeleteThank you for this concise article. I suddenly feel like re-writing the application I sent in a few weeks ago
ReplyDeleteIncredibly insightful story!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for choosing to share this, Doctor MaryJane. I'm encouraged by your success.
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 😉
ReplyDeleteUplifting indeed. Thanks sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, would definitely do this wen my time comes
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThis for this concise but unique information.
ReplyDeleteI 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