Can I get scholarship with bad grades? Contrary to popular belief, obtaining a study abroad scholarship is not limited to the academically gifted. Learn how to get a scholarship despite having low grades.
Recently, 0-65% of grants and scholarships have a GPA requirement of less than 3.5. Some do not even have a GPA requirement!
It’s understandable that not everyone completes high school and/or .
Sometimes we discover what we’re good at later in life, or maybe we’re just not wired to be “book smart” but excel in other areas.
If you’re nodding your head and thinking, “Yeah, that’s me,” here are a few things you can do to get that study abroad scholarship even if your grades are low.
Can I Get a Scholarship with Bad Grades?
Students are taught that having a high GPA is the primary requirement for gaining admission to a university.
That is simply not the case. It is not only your score that is important, but also your overall profile.
All you need is motivation and knowledge of where to look. However, there are some basic things to keep an eye out for.
1. Send Out a Lot of Applications
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” as the saying goes.
That is true in both life and your study abroad scholarship objectives. The more applications you submit, the better your chances of winning that scholarship.
Sure, you might not get the first study abroad scholarship you apply for, or you might not get 100% coverage, but help is help.
Every dollar spent is another item crossed off your to-do list.
To increase your chances of receiving that scholarship, make sure you have a polished application that you are confident in sending to a large number of scholarship providers.
Remember, it’s all about numbers at the end of the day!
2. Ace the Other Exams
Okay, so you’re not a perfect student, but universities all over the world recognize that your transcript of records isn’t an accurate reflection of your professional abilities.
To be accepted into a program abroad, you must first pass a series of tests. Take those as challenges to demonstrate your worth as a scholarship candidate.
Aim for a higher-than-average score on your entrance exam or any exams that assess your English proficiency.
So, SAT, ACT, IELTS, and so on? All of them are perfect! That puts you in the top 25% of applicants.
3. Be Extra at Something
To get a study abroad scholarship, you don’t have to be the smartest person, but put yourself in the shoes of those who provide
What do they stand to gain? If they grant you a scholarship, you must be able to position yourself as an asset in some way.
Consider it as if you were making a pitch to a potential investor. What can you do or give to entice them to invest in you?
It is advantageous to demonstrate what you intend to do with the education you provide. How will this affect not only your future but also society as a whole?
Will you end up empowering underprivileged students in rural areas? Will you start your own social enterprise to supply solar-powered lighting to homes in developing countries?
Do you possess abilities that will make them proud to call you a graduate? Are you a great athlete or a potential leader?
4. Get Someone to Send in Great Words
Do you know how they say a person’s reputation precedes them?
While you can’t control what everyone thinks of you, you can influence what your dream university thinks of you based on the you’ll send.
Choose someone who knows you well and believes in your dreams just as much as you do.
It also helps if someone has witnessed your work and mentored you in some way.
Even better if you can get a recommendation letter from an executive, a senior teacher, or someone in a higher position to help you get into your dream university!
Good grades aren’t the only way to get a scholarship to your dream program!
Now you know how to bag a scholarship abroad with bad grades, just stay consistent and hopeful.
Please leave a comment and share your thoughts in the comment box below.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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