Why do YOU deserve this Scholarship? | Typical & tricky interview question

Summary

This video explains how to effectively answer the common scholarship interview question, 'Why do you deserve this scholarship?' The key to success is not only showcasing your achievements and goals but also demonstrating how the scholarship benefits both you and the provider. The video emphasizes understanding the scholarship’s objectives, connecting your past accomplishments with future goals, and being strategic in your approach. The focus should be on delivering a clear, confident answer that outlines how receiving the scholarship will create a win-win situation, rather than simply addressing financial needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the scholarship's goals and tailor your response to align with them.
• 😀 Show how choosing you is a win-win for both you and the scholarship provider.
• 😀 Highlight your past achievements and how they connect to your future goals.
• 😀 Focus on how the scholarship will help you make a larger impact, not just fulfill personal financial needs.
• 😀 Be strategic and forward-thinking in your answer by outlining both short-term and long-term goals.
• 😀 Avoid generic statements; provide concrete examples to support your claims.
• 😀 Show that you already have a clear vision of your future, and the scholarship will help you achieve it.
• 😀 Don’t overcomplicate your answer—speak with clarity and confidence.
• 😀 Tailor your answer to the specific values of the scholarship (e.g., cultural diversity, educational development).
• 😀 Make your answer not just about personal gain, but also about the positive impact you can create for others.

Q & A

What is the key question most scholarship committees ask during interviews?

The key question most scholarship committees ask is 'Why do you deserve this scholarship?' This question is asked to understand how choosing you can create a win-win situation for both you and the scholarship provider.

What are the two main things that interviewers are trying to understand when they ask why you deserve the scholarship?

Interviewers want to understand two things: First, how choosing you can be beneficial for both you and the scholarship provider (creating a win-win). Second, they want to see how you can clearly and logically connect your past achievements with your future goals, and how these align with the scholarship's objectives.

What mistake do many candidates make when answering this question?

Many candidates focus too much on themselves—highlighting their achievements, goals, and financial need—without considering how they can create value for the scholarship provider. The key to success is showing how both you and the scholarship fund can benefit from your selection.

Why is it important to understand the goals of the scholarship when preparing your answer?

Understanding the goals of the scholarship helps you tailor your answer to align with the scholarship’s values and objectives. Whether it’s a university scholarship, a country-based scholarship, or a cultural diversity-focused program like Erasmus Mundus, knowing what the scholarship provider values will allow you to show how your goals match theirs.

How can you demonstrate the value you bring to a scholarship program?

You can demonstrate the value you bring by connecting your past achievements and experiences with your future goals. This shows that you are already working towards a bigger vision, and that the scholarship will serve as a crucial step in helping you achieve these goals.

What should you avoid mentioning when explaining why you deserve a scholarship?

Avoid making generic statements like 'I am hardworking and enthusiastic.' Instead, back up your claims with concrete examples of past achievements or real strategies for achieving your future goals. Your answer should show clarity, confidence, and a logical connection between your goals and the scholarship’s objectives.

What is the secret to winning a scholarship, according to the speaker?

The secret to winning a scholarship is to present a 'win-win' scenario where both you and the scholarship provider benefit. Instead of solely focusing on your financial need, you should emphasize the positive impact you will have and how the scholarship will help you achieve your long-term goals.

What role does being forward-thinking play in answering the scholarship question?

Being forward-thinking is crucial because scholarship committees value candidates who have a clear vision for their future. By outlining your short-term and long-term goals, and showing how the scholarship will support these objectives, you demonstrate strategic thinking and the potential for positive, long-lasting impact.

What specific aspect of the speaker's personal story is shared in the video?

The speaker shares their own experience of receiving a DAAD scholarship for their master’s studies in Germany. They use this personal example to demonstrate how they framed their answer to align with the goals of the scholarship provider.

Why is it important not to overcomplicate your answer during the interview?

It’s important not to overcomplicate your answer because scholarship committees appreciate clear and concise responses. Speaking with clarity and confidence allows you to effectively communicate how you align with the scholarship’s goals and how you will contribute to a positive impact, avoiding unnecessary complexity or vague statements.