Competing for a scholarship to medical school is challenging work says Dr John Manzella. You’ll have to put in a considerable amount of time and effort, but the payoff can be huge. Scholarships can give you the opportunity to attend a prestigious school at an affordable price, with no debt after graduation. The best way to maximize your chances of winning one is by following this guide:
Plan ahead.
The best way to win a scholarship is to start early and be prepared.
First, you should do your research and plan ahead. You will want to work with an organization that has the resources for you to succeed in winning a scholarship—one that can provide the l
materials and advice needed for you to make it happen. The earlier you get started on this process, though, the better off you’ll be!
Know the steps.
In any scholarship competition, you need to know the steps involved. Make sure you understand how the process works and what your responsibilities are as a competitor. This will help avoid confusion and wasted time at every step of the way.
- Know when applications open
- Know when scholarship deadlines fall
- Know what materials you’ll need to submit
Follow instructions.
You can’t win a scholarship if you don’t follow the rules. The application, interview, and essay are all part of the same process.
- List all scholarships you’re applying for on your applications.
- Proofread your essays and make sure they’re within the word limit set by each organization.
Write a personal statement.
The personal statement is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are. You should write about something that has happened to you, or something that is central to who you are. It can be an essay, a poem or a short story.
This piece should not only demonstrate why applying for medical school is important for you but also what makes you unique among other applicants!
Get letters of recommendation.
When applying for scholarships, it helps to start early. One way to do this is by requesting letters of recommendation from people who know you well. You’ll want to ask for at least two letters, but don’t be afraid of asking for more than three if appropriate. Some schools will require more than one letter from each professor or mentor who knows you best; others will only want one in total.
Prepare for the interview.
The interview is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know you better. That may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that there are many people who are vying for a spot at this school—and your interviewer will want to be sure that you’re one of the best candidates for their program. To do that, they need to have an idea of who YOU are and what makes you different from everyone else.
Conclusion
There are many ways to find scholarships and grants for medical school. From applying directly with your school, to seeking out external organizations that provide funding for the best candidates. The key is planning ahead so you can get started on the right foot.
