It is not in a night that you apply and run to Canada to study using scholarships. It is a process that begins many months before you fill the final form. Nepali students are not missing opportunities due to the lack of talent, but they fail to prepare on time, and they have no idea what is most important in the process. The checklist is aimed to ensure that you cover all that you need, both in terms of the mindset and in terms of papers, not to leave anything significant behind.
1.
Clear Your Intention Before any
other thing
Anyone
before opening any application portal is to take one honest moment and ask
yourself a question; Why Canada and why this course? Confusion does not receive
scholarship funds. They subsidize students with some idea of where they are
headed and why it is important. Know what you want to accomplish academically,
career and how studying in Canada would relate to what you will do when you go
back to Nepal or the world at large. This will subsequently define your
Statement of Purpose essays and even interview responses.
2.
Select the Right Scholarships (Not
Popular Only)
Most
students spend time in filling in applications to the scholarships that they
are not eligible. Rather, attentively read the eligibility criteria like level
of education, area of study, leadership skills and nationality.
There are
scholarships that are research based, scholarships which are leadership based,
community service based or need based. Choose scholarships that really fit your
profile. The more applicable scholarships that you apply to, the better chance
you have of success, since it is better to apply to a few and relevant scholarships.
3.
Academic Documents
Your
application is based on your academic records. Ensure that all certificates and
transcripts are present and include SEE to +2, Bachelor and Masters.
Check that:
•
There
is a complete match of names in all documents and passport.
•
The
grading is done appropriately (percentage, GPA, or CGPA).
•
Transcripts
are formally printed and stamped.
In case of
the need of translation, certified translators should be used. Any minor
mistakes can postpone or de-qualify your application.
4.
Personal Statement or Statement of
Purpose (SOP)
The good SOP
describes your past, present, and future and answers why it is important to
you. Academic boards desire enthusiasm, integrity, and focus, and not
recitations. Never copy templates. An actual tale is invariably shone through.
It should be
included in your SOP:
•
Academic
history and inspiration.
•
Career
objectives and vision.
•
Leadership,
problem or life turning points.
•
Why
Canada and why this scholarship.
5.
Essays on Scholarship
Some
scholarships will require supplementary questions regarding leadership,
engagement with the community, innovation, or international impact. Don't mix
up one essay with another, treat it as an independent assignment.
Be concise,
on-point and ensure that whatever you write relates to what the scholarship
values you have. In case the scholarship discusses social impact, demonstrate
your previous practice of making one, even in minor ways.
6.
Recommendation Letters
Give them
your CV, SOP draft and scholarship information as early as possible. A hasty
decision is usually generic and that can be detected by a committee.
Select
professors or supervisors or mentors who can discuss your:
•
Academic
ability
•
Work
ethic
•
Leadership
and character
•
Growth
over time
7.
Evidence of Language Proficiency
The majority
of Canadian scholarships demand the evidence of English proficiency. In case
you score a bit lower than it should be, a few universities will offer
conditional offers but scholarships tend not to. Therefore, be prepared. Make
sure:
•
TOEFL,
Duolingo, or IELTS (score) will satisfy the minimum requirement.
•
The
test is valid (normally a period of 2 years)
•
Scores
are uploaded appropriately.
8.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or Resume
Education is
not the only aspect that should be reflected in your CV. Make it neat, properly
organized and truthful. It is what counts is quality and not length.
You must include:
•
Academic
achievements
•
Research,
projects or publications.
•
Internship
and working experience.
•
Leadership
and volunteer work.
•
Skills,
certifications and awards.
9.
Financial and Supporting Documents
Although
there are scholarships, there can be some financial stability evidence that is
needed. Prepare documents such as:
•
Bank
statements
•
Financial
support letters
•
Sponsor
letters or affidavits.
Other scholarships
require evidence of income or financial need, particularly need-based
scholarships.
10. Keep
a Track of Deadlines, Your Future Depends on It
Deadlines in
Canadian scholarship are usually months earlier than admission deadlines of
universities. Keep a spreadsheet or a calendar to monitor:
•
Scholarship
deadlines
•
Document
submission dates
•
Deadlines
on the referee submission.
11. Getting
Ready to Interviews
There are
scholarships that do interviews either over the internet or otherwise.
Interviewers do not want perfection but they seek genuineness and intent.
Prepare by:
•
Looking
over your SOP and essays.
•
Exercising
honest and clear answers.
•
To
know the mission of the scholarship.
•
Being
confident, not memorized.
12. Reviewing
Before Submission
Check spelling
and grammar, your required documents and proper name of the files before
clicking on Submit.Get somebody to go through your application. A second set of
eyes will help to spot the errors that you overlooked.
Application
of scholarship may be daunting, but all the successful scholars once sat in the
same position as you are; uncertain, hopeful and trying.Plan, practice and feel
that your story has to be listened.
