How to get a scholarship: 5 steps to success

Scholarships are highly sought and competition is fierce, but the process doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some tips and a quick quiz to help.

School scholarships can be life changing.

The success stories spur fierce competition each year as students from across the country and overseas apply in the hope of getting their foot in the door to an education that may otherwise be out of reach.

Such strong competition means getting a scholarship is tough. The application process can also be daunting and prohibitive, especially for country families.

But if the fear factor has you or your child running for the hills, you might want to reconsider.

Your chances of success may be higher than you think especially if you are from a rural or regional area. Country kids have a unique perspective and experience that is sought by boarding schools to ensure diversity.

After chatting to the experts on how to maximise your chances of being awarded a scholarship, The Weekly Times has created a simple five-step guide to help you apply and succeed.

1. RESEARCH

THERE are a range of scholarships available at a wide variety of schools in different cities and states. Narrow down your search options by first exploring what schools are at the top of your list and work backwards from there.

Determining why those schools are at the top of your list is important.

Hamilton Alexandra College principal Andrew Hirst said while many schools were similar, each offered something unique. It was important for applicants to demonstrate why they wanted to attend the school.

“In each independent education there are some themes that remain constant but each school offers a point of difference and students need to know what that point of difference is that appeals to them,” Mr Hirst said.

Campus tours and open days are invaluable opportunities to have a sneak peek. Virtual tours have also been refined since the pandemic.

2. BE OPEN AND HONEST

SCHOOLS look for scholarship applicants with integrity who are authentic and honest.

It is important for students to drive the scholarship process, not parents. Judges on scholarship panels have generally seen it all. It is clear when students have not owned the process.

“Increasingly we see very professional CVs prepared by parents and professional organisations,” Mr Hirst said.

“We want the child to drive the process, to have an understanding of why they want to attend the school.”

He added that there were three keys to success.

“Be yourself, back yourself and know yourself,” he said.

“We want honesty and we want young people with integrity who can seize the opportunity afforded to them to receive a scholarship,” Andrew said.

3. DEMONSTRATE YOUR ARRAY OF ABILITIES

DON’T be mistaken to think that schools are looking for only the smartest, most elite athletes and school captains.

There is no denying that academic excellence is at the top of every school’s wish list. Sporting prowess, music and art are too, but community involvement and leadership ability also carry a lot of weight with schools.

Geelong Grammar admissions manager Chavaune Francis said for the school’s general excellence scholarships they were looking for sound academic attitude and achievement, good character and all around ability, involvement and engagement across a broad range of disciplines.

“Don’t dismiss anything as being insignificant,” Ms Francis said.

“There is not just one set area that we are looking for. It is quite diverse. The students need to give careful consideration as to how they can demonstrate that.”

Head of admissions at Gippsland Grammar Jemma Horan said they were looking for students who demonstrated a passion for excellence.

“We do offer academic scholarships but also scholarships that allow students who have skills, abilities and achievements in a wide range of areas. Sport, arts, music and really importantly in community leadership,” Ms Horan said.

“We are looking for students who are open to trying new things and a willingness to expand their skills and participate in a really broad range of aspects of school life.”

4. X FACTOR

THE criteria for scholarships can be strict but some are broad ranging and almost all have a degree of flexibility in how they are awarded depending on the student and what they have to offer.

Schools appreciate strong capabilities in leadership, volunteering, community, fundraising and social support but also seek out those gifted students who are able to help bring excellence to the school in other ways.

Andrew Hirst said they were looking for applicants who had “that thirst to go outside their comfort zone”.

“We are here to develop potential and we can only realise that potential if a child is willing to share their array of abilities,” he said.

St Catherine’s principal Michelle Carroll said during scholarship applications and interviews they hoped to gain an understanding of the student’s unique characteristics, personal capabilities and individual goals.

“While applicants are meeting certain set criteria for the scholarship, we appreciate each girl has her own unique approach to learning, achieving and developing in the school environment,” she said.

5. APPLY AND PREPARE

THE application process can be daunting but you have to be in it to win it.

Andrew Hirst said while the process was competitive, it was also valuable in terms of personal development.

“Just to have an interview is a major achievement in itself and they should be proud of that,” he said. “You are working against the best candidates in the state.”

Chavaune Francis encouraged everyone to try.

“The experience in itself is of value. Not everyone will be successful but unless you try you will never know,” she said.

Independent educational assessment organisations conduct scholarship tests for schools across Australia.

Scholarship tests are not curriculum based and are designed to be difficult and challenging.

EduTest general manager Fiona Sherry said the tests were designed to assess the ability of students to interpret information, critically analyse, infer and problem solve.

“They are designed to discriminate at the top end of achievement,” Fiona said.

There are practise tests available online and example questions as a means of preparation. Each school has different scholarship criteria and the exam component can make up 25 to 100 per cent of results.

“We don’t award or select the scholarships, the schools do. Schools are looking for particular things in their scholarship candidates. They have their own selection processes and often examination is one part of that process,” she said.

Academic Assessment Services executive director Robert Allwell’s exam advice was to relax and “do the best you can”.

“Remember it is extraordinarily rare for a student to correctly answer all questions on any one test,” he said.

“Work carefully and don’t rush. Use a process of elimination to arrive at your answer. Don’t spend too much time on questions you find too difficult.”

Sample questions:

Q1. Peter and Yama went fishing. For every two fish that Peter caught, Yama caught three.
They caught 30 fish between them.
How many more fish did Yama catch than Peter?
A 5
B 6
C 7
D 10

Q2. Kerry bought Christmas cards for $4 each. She was offered a “two for one deal”, so
she decided to buy 47 cards in total.
How much did she pay for all the cards?
A $23
B $92
C $96
D $98


Q3. Harry went cross country hiking for 7 days. He started on Sunday and finished on Saturday.
Each day he walked 2 km more than the day before. Over 7 days he covered 98 km.
What distance did Harry cover on Wednesday?
F 10 km
G 12 km
H 14 km
J 16 km

Answers:

Q1. B6

Q2. C$96

Q3. H14km