Scholarship Interview - What to expect?

I agree with all of the above...good advice. Also, have some questions ready for the panel.

I had a funding interview a week ago and wore a smart jeans (black) with a formal shirt and nice shoes...no blazer or tie. The panel had no problem with my attire and I met a few other interviewees on the day and non of them were suited up either.

If you want to stay on the safe side, you can suit up...its up to you. Just make sure you are well-groomed :wink:

All the best.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 3

Pherenike

Original post by alleycat393

Be prepared to talk about your application, why you would like to study in the UK, what you hope to gain from the experience, sell yourself really well. Talk about why you want to study the degree you're applying to study and why at at that particular institute, what your future career plans and how the scholarship and degree will help you in achieving those plans.

I would go formally dressed if I were you-suit and tie.

Good luck!

This is very good advice (along with that by VENIVIDIVICI of course). I had a scholarship interview and all of the above advice applied.

I'd say dress on the smart side - again it shows that you think this is worth making an effort for.

As everyone ALWAYS advises too: be enthusiastic and try and relax.

Also, it can help to bear in mind that you may be asked about past work: so make sure you review any research projects/long essays that you might have done particularly if you use them in your application.

I'd try and get across some of your personality too if you can - I think unis like to know that there's a real person beneath the facade :biggrin:

Reply 4

OP

Thanks for the advice guys. Really appreciate it. One more question. Should I discuss my financial position or will they bring it up? Also, do I need to look like I am in a difficult financial position to be considered as a viable candidate?

Reply 5

Original post by kaidranzer

Thanks for the advice guys. Really appreciate it. One more question. Should I discuss my financial position or will they bring it up? Also, do I need to look like I am in a difficult financial position to be considered as a viable candidate?

Hmm, I don't think that's necessary. Unless it is a need-based one. Is yours a merit-based or need-based scholarship?

In my interview that wasn't discussed. The only thing we talked about was how much the scholarship was worth. In my case, we were assessed on our potential, academic ability, achievements (personal and professional), etc and not on how "needy" we were. If that was the case, they would have just given the scholarship to the "poorest" applicant being interviewed.

Merit-based scholarships aren't like need-based ones, its normally awards to help gifted students whilst studying and also as a sort of a reward for their previous/present efforts. Normally only the best applicants (as assessed by the panel or committee) gets these scholarships.

Others may have a different view on this, but that is just my opinion. Please correct me if I'm wrong. :smile:

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 6

alleycat393

21

Original post by kaidranzer

Thanks for the advice guys. Really appreciate it. One more question. Should I discuss my financial position or will they bring it up? Also, do I need to look like I am in a difficult financial position to be considered as a viable candidate?

I've had a brief look at the webpage for the scholarship. The eligibility criteria don't mention financial need. There is mention of 'access' to UK higher education, the scholarship is supposed to be an opportunity to fund education for people who would not normally be able to study overseas. So it looks like there is some element of need maybe. I would be prepared to talk about finances but don't feel the need to make yourself appear 'needy'.

Reply 7

anjul_a1

hey kaidranzer, When actually is your inteview and in which indian city it is? you applying for science and technology

Reply 8

OP

Original post by anjul_a1

hey kaidranzer, When actually is your inteview and in which indian city it is? you applying for science and technology

Its in Mumbai. 11th June. Am applying for Information Security. Do you have an interview as well?

Reply 9

OP

Thanks VENIVIDIVICI and alleycat393. Ill keep my financial statements ready. Just one last question. I have really long hair. More than shoulder length. Do you think it would look unprofessional to go without a haircut? I mean its a scholarship interview, not a job interview. Is it alright if I just get them neat and clean?

Reply 10

Original post by kaidranzer

Thanks VENIVIDIVICI and alleycat393. Ill keep my financial statements ready. Just one last question. I have really long hair. More than shoulder length. Do you think it would look unprofessional to go without a haircut? I mean its a scholarship interview, not a job interview. Is it alright if I just get them neat and clean?

No worries :biggrin:

.

Regarding your hair. I'm assuming that you a guy, so if you can't afford to have your hair cut or prefer not to, just make sure its well-kept and I would tie it back (like a ponytail or something) so your face is visible and clear.

I wouldn't think that they would have a problem with long hair, but its difficult to say as people are varied in their views. If your overall look is smart or smart-casual, you should be ok.

Reply 11

sampi

Hey kaidranzer ,

Can you tell me when were you called for submission of the references and other documents, and when did you receive this interview call?

Reply 12

AKB84

Original post by sampi

Hey kaidranzer ,

Can you tell me when were you called for submission of the references and other documents, and when did you receive this interview call?

It is a bit strange for a scholarship to start calling for interview even before submission of the references. Probably the references were just a formality.

Reply 13

sampi

Original post by AKB84

It is a bit strange for a scholarship to start calling for interview even before submission of the references. Probably the references were just a formality.

Have you been called as well? Didn't you submit the references before the interview call was made ?

Reply 14

OP

Original post by sampi

Hey kaidranzer ,

Can you tell me when were you called for submission of the references and other documents, and when did you receive this interview call?

I was asked to submit my references on 16th May and got the interview call on 31st May.

Reply 15

OP

@VENIVIDIVICI: I mailed them asking for the dress code. They replied saying 'Formal/Smart'. I dont need to get that haircut now, do I?

Reply 16