Mastercard Scholar Shares Essay Secrets For Mastercard Edinburgh Scholarship Part 1 | How To Write

Summary

Amir Khayalabi, a MasterCard Foundation scholar at the University of Edinburgh, shares his scholarship experience and offers guidance on crafting compelling essays for applicants. He emphasizes reflecting on life experiences, academic achievements, and overcoming educational barriers. Amir advises using the STAR method to highlight leadership in community projects and explains how the scholarship can support personal and professional growth. He also discusses aligning academic interests with future goals and managing online study commitments.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Amir Khayalabi, a MasterCard Foundation scholar, shares his experiences and insights on applying for the scholarship program at the University of Edinburgh.
• 📝 The scholarship application process involves reflecting on personal life experiences and academic achievements, as well as discussing barriers faced in education.
• 👩‍🎓 The MasterCard Foundation particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced individuals, and those with disabilities, aiming for diversity and inclusivity.
• 🌟 Applicants are expected to demonstrate qualities such as transformative leadership and a commitment to community development.
• 💡 The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) is recommended for structuring essay responses effectively.
• 🔗 It's crucial for applicants to connect their personal stories and aspirations with the scholarship program's values and the University of Edinburgh's academic environment.
• 🌐 The scholarship aims to support individuals who will benefit most from the opportunity, emphasizing the transformative impact of the program on both personal and professional levels.
• 📈 The program seeks to understand how the chosen degree aligns with an applicant's future goals and how the course will be useful for their career progression.
• 🏆 The MasterCard Foundation scholarship provides not only financial support but also access to mentorship, networking, and opportunities to engage in impactful research and projects.
• 💼 For those applying for online degree programs, showcasing the ability to manage part-time study alongside other commitments is essential, highlighting time management and commitment to personal growth.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Amir's video?

The main purpose of Amir's video is to share his experience with the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program at the University of Edinburgh and to provide guidance on how to write strong essays for the scholarship application.

What are the key selection criteria for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program?

The key selection criteria for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program include the giving back principle, community development principle, transformative leadership principle, and being a talented African young person who lacks resources for higher education.

How does Amir suggest reflecting on one's life in the scholarship essay?

Amir suggests reflecting on one's life by discussing academic achievements, barriers to education faced, and how these align with the selection criteria of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

What is the STAR approach mentioned by Amir and how does it apply to essay writing?

The STAR approach stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Results. Amir suggests using this method to structure responses to essay questions, particularly when discussing leadership experiences and projects.

Why is it important to align the essay content with the course one is applying for?

Aligning the essay content with the course one is applying for is important because it demonstrates the applicant's understanding of how the course will support their personal and professional development, as well as their future goals.

How does Amir recommend demonstrating the impact of the MasterCard Foundation scholarship on one's personal and professional development?

Amir recommends demonstrating the impact of the scholarship by discussing how it will provide credibility, inspire others in the community, and create opportunities for career progression and social mobility.

What does Amir suggest when discussing future goals in the essay?

Amir suggests discussing future goals by clearly outlining short-term and long-term career plans, and explaining how the chosen degree program will help achieve these goals.

How should applicants address the question about managing part-time study with other commitments if they are applying for an online degree program?

Applicants should discuss their ability to manage part-time study by providing examples of how they have successfully balanced work and education in the past, and how they plan to continue this during the online program.

What is the significance of the 'giving back principle' in the context of the MasterCard Foundation scholarship?

The 'giving back principle' signifies the expectation that scholars will contribute to their communities and society at large, reflecting the Foundation's emphasis on social impact and leadership.

How does Amir's personal story relate to the barriers and achievements he discusses in the video?

Amir's personal story of growing up in slums, losing his mother, and facing academic challenges directly relates to the barriers he discusses. His achievements, such as founding an NGO and excelling academically, demonstrate his resilience and align with the transformative leadership principle.