Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and a scholarship interview can definitely add to the pressure. But don’t worry - with the right preparation, you can and will impress your selection committee. You’ve already landed the interview! That means the selection committee has decided that you’re a great candidate on paper. All you have to do is convince them that you’re just as awesome in real life.
Having gone through numerous interviews from both sides of the proverbial table, and - believe me - made my fair share of mistakes, I’ve seen firsthand what works. In this article, we’ll cover some of my top tips for making a great impression in your interview and boosting your chances of success.
What are the Scholarship Interviewers Looking For?
Scholarship interviews are less about your academic prowess (which you’ve already proven) and more about who you are as a person. You can’t rely on your smarts alone to ace this interview. Simply put, interviewers are looking for well-rounded individuals who embody the following qualities:
- Genuine Passion. Whether you’re talking about an extracurricular activity, a hobby, or your future plans, interviewers want to see that you genuinely love what you do. Be ready to articulate your motivations and how these activities have impacted your life. Avoid generic responses like, “I do debating because my mum forced me”. Instead, add your own flair, such as, “I do debating because I love thinking creatively about current issues, finding solutions, and working as a team.” Such responses highlight the personal significance of your activities. Sharing a meaningful story can also help the interviewer see you as the genuine, interesting, and likable person that you are!
- Authenticity. Treat the interview as a friendly conversation with people who genuinely just want to get to know you. Relax and let your true personality shine through! Simply speaking passionately and authentically will always make a stronger impression than reciting memorised lines.
- Cultural Fit. Scholarship programs want students who will positively contribute to their community. This is where research comes in handy; if you have some background knowledge about the scholarship’s mission and values, tailor your responses to align with them. Demonstrate how you embody the qualities they’re looking for through the way you conduct yourself, your responses, and any meaningful anecdotes.
Common Interview Questions
Now we know what they’re looking for, how do we answer their questions?
- “Tell us about yourself.”
The dreaded first question. But, since it’s so common, that gives you a great opportunity to prepare well! Focus on highlighting your unique qualities, skills, and experiences. Share a specific anecdote; you might mention a challenging project you recently tackled, a volunteer experience that changed your perspective, or a personal accomplishment that you’re especially proud of. You might also mention your future goals.
For example, “I’m deeply passionate about environmental conservation. That’s why I plan to get a degree in environmental science and pursue a career in sustainable development. I’ve already started volunteering regularly with local conservation groups, and I find it really fulfilling!”
- “Why should we pick you for this program?”
The interviewer wants to see that you have a personal connection to the scholarship and that it’s not just a “give me money, please” tactic. Again - do your research! Every program is different, so try to find as much as you can about what they’re looking for. A strong response might also mention your personal goals, financial needs, and how the scholarship aligns with your future ambitions.
For example, “Growing up, I watched my brother overcome learning challenges with the support of dedicated teachers. This fuelled my passion for special education. I want to be a teacher who can make a real difference for students with similar struggles. This scholarship would help me accomplish my goal of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.”
- “What are your future aspirations?”
Look beyond high school. Be as specific as possible about your ambitions and how this scholarship will support them. Show that you’ve actually thought about your future and are actively working towards it. At the very least share what you’re currently exploring. Don’t just say “I don’t know”, say something like, “I’m really passionate about biology and chemistry. While I haven’t decided on a specific field yet, I’ve spoken with various teachers and professionals like microbiologists and dentists, and I find both areas really fascinating! My long-term goal is to use my passion for science to make the world a better place, one person at a time.” This shows that you’re actively engaged in shaping your future.
As a cherry on top, you might also mention what or who inspired you to pursue your chosen field and why! This detail helps the interviewers emotionally connect with you and remember you once the interview is done and dusted.
- “What has been one of your greatest achievements?”
Highlight a specific accomplishment or project you worked on, and explain why it was meaningful to you. Again, to make it a stronger response, tie in the scholarship program’s tenets.
- “Tell us about an extracurricular activity you’re passionate about.”
Share stories that highlight your genuine interest and commitment. Concentrate on two or three extracurricular activities that are the most meaningful to you. Go deep, and explain how these activities helped you develop specific skills or gain valuable insights.
Other Tips for Success
- Do your research. Remember how I said interviewers want to see that you’re a good cultural fit? Work out what that means for your specific interview. For instance, if key values for the organisation are “Respect’ and “Excellence”, consider what these words mean to you, and how you can demonstrate/have already demonstrated them. Learn about the scholarship and the organisation behind it - even see if you can research or talk to past scholarship winners for their advice.
- Practice, practice, practice. Review the above Common Interview Questions and plan your responses. Practice with a friend or family member by answering questions out loud, or record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Dress appropriately. Whether you’re wearing a school uniform or your own clothes, first impressions matter! Dressing well shows respect for the interviewers and demonstrates your seriousness about the opportunity. Ensure your hair is neat, your clothes are wrinkle-free, and your socks match. Yes, even if it’s for a virtual interview.
- Arrive early. Aim to be at the interview at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Plan your route and factor in unexpected delays. For virtual interviews, ensure your tech is set up and functioning properly, including checking that your internet is stable, your camera and microphone are working, the lighting is adequate, and your background is neat.
- It’s ok to take a moment. If you’re asked a question you don’t know the answer to, give yourself a moment to think before responding. If you don’t understand the question, politely ask for clarification. Keep a bottle of water nearby to stay hydrated and avoid a dry throat. You can have it next to your chair during the interview, and even take a cheeky sip to stall for a moment while you contemplate your answer.
- Body language. Non-verbal communication is just as important as your verbal answers. Shake the interviewers’ hands firmly, maintain eye contact, use gestures to emphasise your points and appear more animated, and have good posture. And don’t forget to smile! :)
- Prepare your own questions. At the end of the interview, the committee may ask “Do you have any questions for us?” Have some thoughtful, intelligent questions ready! For instance, “How does the organisation support its scholarship recipients throughout their time in the program?”, and “What would the ideal candidate for this program look like to you?”
- Etiquette and follow-up. When you get up to leave, thank your interviewers for their time and consideration, and express your appreciation for the opportunity. Afterwards, if you’re feeling brave, send them a thank-you email to further express your gratitude and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
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FAQs
How can I prepare for a scholarship interview?
The best preparation involves researching the scholarship program, practising your answers to the common questions, preparing to arrive early, and dressing professionally.
What are they looking for in a high school scholarship interview?
High school scholarship interviewers are looking for a genuine person who demonstrates passion, authenticity, and a commitment to their goals.
Is the parent normally involved in the interview?
Typically, no. Parents are not involved in the interview. But it’s best to check the guidelines or contact the scholarship organisation for clarification.
Written by KIS Academics Tutor, Celeste Thomson. Celeste is currently working as a Chemical Risk Engineer with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Master of Biomedical Engineering. She has 7+ years of tutoring experience, with a particular focus on English, Mathematics, and Science. You can view Celeste’s profile here and request her as a tutor.
