The Last Phase of the Scholarship – Interviewing
The interview is the final phase of the review to determine who will be awarded with the scholarship. Anyone making it this far should congratulate themselves on being considered as a great candidate and worthy recipient of the scholarship. The interview allows the scholarship selection committee to meet with the finalists and judge the applicants based on their personality, maturity and poise. The interview process is a daunting one, particularly when unsure of the questions to be asked.
You’ve Made it This Far…Keep it Together!
The most important thing to remember is that you have already been reviewed by this selection committee. They’ve seen your traits and accomplishments on paper, now they want to see those characteristics and achievements in person. You should be thoroughly familiar with your application and the background of the organization sponsoring the scholarship. If you are, then you’re off to a great start and already well prepared for the interview. Anyone can get nervous and forgetful when faced with a judging panel, and the fear of “blanking out” or forgetting your responses is common. Write a list of questions you think the panel might ask you. Continue to review what you know about the sponsoring organization and be prepared to answer any questions about it. Reread your application and responses. Be prepared to discuss your personal goals, both for your education and your future.
Try to Anticipate
If can anticipate some of the questions you think you will be asked, you’re already ahead of the game. Review boards want to know who has influenced you in the past, what events have inspired you, how you have reached your goals and what has made you who you are and who you want to be. Always keep in mind the purpose of the organization sponsoring the scholarship. Remember, the organization is looking for an applicant whose goals can be correlated with the mission of the organization. Try to relate your answers to the organization and its purpose if possible. If the scholarship is based on a particular theme, such as student leadership or community involvement, make sure your answers are tailored to that theme.
Let Your Memory Serve You Best
If you are comfortable speaking in front of strangers or do not feel nervous about answering questions you are unprepared for, then you are ahead of most other applicants who will be interviewing. However, keep in mind that the power of preparation and practice can make anyone into a good speaker who is clear and concise and able to deliver well thought out responses to new questions. Practice with a friend or parent. Prepare questions you think you might be asked and have a friend prepare some as well. If you’re asked a question you do not know how to answer, or start feeling nervous, relax, keep yourself calm and your voice strong and answer with a simple, confident answer. The judges do not want you to be uncomfortable and keeping your composure and a confident attitude can help avoid any awkwardness.
It’s Time!
Finally, be prepared on the day of the interview itself. Be sure you know how to reach the interview site and where to go once you have arrived. Try to get there ten or fifteen minutes early. Bring a few notes to review which you can quickly stash. Dress in clean, presentable attire. Keep your confident attitude, smile and keep eye contact with the interviewer. Remember, you’ve made it this far in the scholarship competition and a great interview could mean the difference between being chosen as the scholarship recipient and being dismissed as a close finalist.