I want to go to IMPERIAL.
I need a scholarship.
To do well in a scholarship interview, I need to
Make these clear
1. I want to stay in Singapore.
2. I want to work in their organization. I can commit to serve the bond.
3. I am determined to thrive as an individual. My growth will add value to the organization. (My professional skills, my vision and my personality)
Convince the interviewers that
The organization will benefit if it invests in me. It’s a win-win strategy.
Sell My Strengths
Personality: curious.
My personality determines and develops my strengths.
1. I enjoy learning and can learn fast. –> The kind of person who can understand new concepts taught immediately. If any part is not clear, I will post questions until I understand.
2. I have high EQ and have leadership potential. –> therefore highly adaptable and have good interpersonal skills. –> Evidence: Integrate well with both Singaporeans and foreign students. Make friends quickly at the ISSYP.
3. I am responsive and helpful. –> Speak up in classes. Participate actively in discussions in all settings. Give constructive input. Willing to share responsibility.
From my content and expression, show them that
My thinking has breath and depth.
My speech is logical, concise, clear. –> Use short sentences. Have logical links.
I am confident, well-behaved, kind, cheerful, ambitious and visionary. –> Eye contact
I know what I want clearly. I know how to get it and can get it.
Admit my mistakes and weaknesses. Show that I want to improve myself.
Be sincere.
1. I want to stay in Singapore.
why?
a) It practises meritocracy. There is a level playing field here. I do not need to have connections to gain opportunities. I treasure this aspect of Singapore because having equal opportunities is very important to a person’s development. I would like to share my experience in scholarship applications. I took a SM1 scholarship in 2006 to studying in Nanyang Girls’ High School and Hwa Chong. In my middle school in China, that scholarship was not open to everyone to apply. Most students did not know about it at all. I learnt about the scholarship from my desk mate. Her uncle worked in the government and knew this information. However, when I asked the Dean of Student Welfare, he denied there’s such a scholarship. I called Nanyang Girls’ High School to confirm this information. But I needed to get my middle school’s nomination to be able to apply. My family had no choice but to ask my father’s ex-colleague working in the government for help. He contacted my school to ask about the scholarship on behalf of my family. That was how I got to apply for the scholarship. The other five candidates from my school have either a parent or a relative working in my middle school or in the local government.
I think that is unfair. In comparison, the scholarship and special program application and selection process here is much more transparent. I really appreciate the opportunities I got in school. I am grateful to be able to come for the interview today. I treasure Singapore’s unique meritocratic environment. I have a higher chance to succeed here.
b) This is a small but close-knit society. Evern individual can make an impact. Personally, I believe in giving back to society because it has given me a lot of resourses to grow. Hwa Chong taught me 饮水思源 –> When you drink water, you need to think about the source of the water. In Singapore, I can see the impact of my contribution clearly. For example, I volunteer at the Meet the People Sessions at Boon Lay Constituency. I sat in the interview sessions, listened to the residents’ problems and helped pass the files around after the interviewer finished writing the letters. What I did may seem insignificant. But I am involved in the process of solving people’s urgent problems. I am involved in addressing their concerns. This notion gives me great satisfaction. Singapore encourages individuals to give back to society and has such platforms in place. I can make a difference here.
c) It is a safe and secure environment. I want to live in such an environment and want my children to grow up here.
2. my interests in working in their organization
a) understanding the history and background of the organization
b) understanding the mission and values of the organization, the current measures
c) areas for improvements, and in particular, how can I contribute to making these improvements
d) the future of the organization –> where it is heading towards
2.
