Applying for Fashion School Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be daunting! In total I’ve received three scholarships while I was studying, and it’s a lot of work before you’ve even started the actual studying part! Here are some important things you need to know.
Read the brief
It’s so important to read about what exactly the school is looking for from their applicants. Is it an academic scholarship? A research scholarship? Has it got a focus on designing or creating something? There are so many types of scholarships out there, so you need to understand which type of scholarship you want to apply for, and if it’s something that will line up with your skills, experience, talent, financial needs, and career goals.
Honesty
In my opinion, this is the most important part of the scholarship process. Be upfront about why you’re applying for this scholarship. Show your personality. Show your tenacity and drive, and how this scholarship is going to impact your life. Don’t lie about what you’ve achieved! Because if you get asked in an interview, and forget what you’ve written in your application, that’s going to be a lot more awkward vibes than it’s worth! Academic fraud is also a thing, and looked on VERY badly. A lot of the time, the people making decisions about scholarships will care about more than just academics, they are likely seeing this as an investment in you and your future. They want to find someone who they can nurture into a successful learning experience, and career later on down the track.
Sell Yourself
I know this sounds weird, but it’s definitely something that a lot of people in the “real world” do! Don’t talk yourself down, being humble is fine, but not at the expense of making yourself look bad. Think about it this way – if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to? If there’s something that you need to work on, such as a skill that you need to improve or learn, be honest about that. Talking about yourself in a positive light is a really useful skill to learn.
Prepare for the Outcome
Remember that the outcome of your scholarship application might be a yes or it might be a no. This isn’t a reflection on you as a person, it doesn’t mean you’re any better or worse than anyone else - it’s about who fits the brief the best. What’s for you won’t pass you by!