It is very unlikely that you will have to attend an interview,
unless you are applying for a very prestigious scholarship
or a graduate school fellowship. If you are invited to an
interview, it is important that you prepare for it, as if
it was for a job interview. This is your opportunity to meet
the scholarship committee face-to-face and SALE YOURSELF.
Some interview questions are based on information provided
in your scholarship application and supporting documents.
Before the interview, you should review your scholarship application
package and be prepared to discuss your educational background,
work experiences, academic achievements, extracurricular activities,
future plans, financial needs, and personal values. Researching
information about the scholarship provider and past winners
will help you prepare for any questions ask during the interview.
During the interview, the scholarship committee will observe
your overall appearance, attitude, personality, and how you
communicate. They want to hear you speak about your abilities,
career objectives, strengths, weaknesses, and more.
Provided below is a list of sample interview questions.
Relate your actual experiences by including them into your
answer(s). Do not attempt to falsify any examples or create
lies. Don't memorize your answers to these question; you
do not want to sound as if you are reading from a script.
You also don't want to be caught without an answer to basic
questions.
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Tell us about yourself? |
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What would you like to achieve in college? |
| • |
What do you see yourself doing after
college? |
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Why should we award you this scholarship? |
| • |
What are your favorite academic subjects?
Why? |
| • |
Give some examples of how you have
demonstrated leadership skills? |
| • |
How are you involved in your community? |
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What career do you plan to pursue in
college? Why? |
| • |
Why should we select you over the other
applicants? |
| • |
Where do you see yourself five and/or
ten years from now? |
| • |
What are your short and long-term goals? |
| • |
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
If asked questions about your strengths, weaknesses,
or qualifications; give a solid example of how each
item helped you achieve your goal. You do not want to
read off a list of accomplishments, qualifications,
etc. |
More specific questions may be asked depending on the
type of organization and the scholarship. If the scholarship
is designated for a particular ethnic group, club affiliation,
etc., you should expect to answer questions relating to
that area.
Ask Questions
Interviewers will expect you to ask at least one question.
Below are sample questions you may want to ask: |
| • |
What are the scholarship
recipient’s responsibilities? |
| • |
What is the selection process? |
| • |
When should I expect a response? |
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Is the scholarship renewable? |
| • |
Will I lose the scholarship, if I accept
an internship, study abroad, or attend to personal/family
matters? |
| • |
Will I lose the scholarship, if I change
majors? |
| • |
What are the renewal policies, if any,
after losing your award? |
| • |
Is there a probation period for poor
academic progress or low grade point average? |
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