Studying abroad, particularly in the United States, has numerous advantages. You get to encounter a variety of cultures in addition to receiving a high-quality education. However, without proper planning, the expenditures of studying in the US might quickly deplete your cash. A scholarship to study in the USA can be extremely beneficial in this situation since it ensures that students pursuing higher education have the financial support they require.
However, obtaining a scholarship to study in the USA is not as simple as it may appear. As per the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) research, only one out of every ten college applicants can secure a scholarship to study in the USA. Furthermore, 40 percent of all scholarships issued in the USA are restricted based on location, nationality, and citizenship, 37 per cent are determined based on the field of study, 6% are confined to a specific race, and 5% are gender-based.
Even though things look bleak, not all hope is lost. There are specific steps you may take to improve your chances of receiving a scholarship to study in the USA. Here are the top suggestions to help you improve your odds.
Eligibility criteria for getting the scholarships to study in the USA
The first and foremost thing is to check the eligibility criteria to get a scholarship to study in the USA for which you are going to apply. It can be your academic score, profile, subjects chosen to study, or your study destination. Various USA scholarships are based on your home country i.e. given to students from a particular region or country. Whereas for some scholarships, candidates need to have proven skills other than academics, it can be in sports or any extracurricular activities. If it is a research-based scholarship then you need to showcase your previous work or assignments. Apart from this, if the scholarship to study in the USA is provided by the university then do contact the University for any Query regarding the scholarship.
Types of scholarships available
Majorly, there are two kinds of scholarships:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to candidates with excellent academic or extracurricular profiles. Whereas, need-based scholarships to study in the USA are given to candidates who are from weaker sections.
Documents required to apply for scholarships to study in the USA
The first thing to do when you decide to study at an american university is to start making a list of all the important documents. You need a lot of documents for applying for a scholarship to study in the USA. There can be different types of documents for different kinds of scholarship. However, there are certain documents that you require for applying to every kind of scholarship. Below we have mentioned the list of some of those documents.
- Academic scores copy (GPA)
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT score)
- Photo ID/Passport (Aadhar card in certain cases)
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS, or TOEFL exam score)
- Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letter
6 tips on how to get a scholarship to study in the USA
1. Don't limit yourself when applying for scholarships
When studying in the US, most applicants concentrate solely on applying for scholarships at A-list universities. The selection process for scholarships to study in the USA can be rigorous and thorough. You should apply to every scholarship you are eligible for to boost your acceptance chances dramatically.
This includes applying for smaller-award scholarships to study in the USA, which are more likely to be awarded because they're less competitive. While lesser awards may not be sufficient to cover all of your tuition costs, they can assist you with ancillary expenses such as books and living expenses.
2. Apply as soon as possible
The deadlines for scholarship applications are not the same at all universities. Also, in most situations, university admissions and scholarship application dates do not necessarily coincide. In rare situations, the deadline for applying for a scholarship to study in the USA may fall before the admissions deadline.
Many students, however, make the error of applying for scholarships at the same time as they apply for university admissions. You will almost certainly miss the scholarship application deadline if you make this mistake. Because the demand for scholarships to study in the USA is constantly increasing, it's never too early to begin researching the application procedure.
3. Inquire for assistance
First and foremost, don't be hesitant to ask for support from those around you. Inquire with your university's study abroad office, teachers, the financial aid office, and academic advisors about any available scholarship to study in the USA. Go in person to these offices to ask for help on receiving a scholarship to study abroad.
This will ease your instructors or study abroad office to assist you in discussing financial aid in person. Finding study abroad scholarships is the most challenging component, so be sure to ask professionals if they know of any!
4. Create a well-written scholarship essay
Almost every application for a scholarship to study in the USA requires applicants to write an essay explaining why they deserve an award. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight your skills and set yourself apart from the competition. You can refer to these tips on how to write a scholarship essay.
Not only must your essay be devoid of grammatical faults, but it must also make an emotional connection with the reader. The language should be lyrical, free-flowing, and simple to read and comprehend. Furthermore, the essay should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course you wish to follow and how a scholarship might assist you in achieving your objectives.
5. Include letters of recommendation
Universities in the United States value recommendation letters. Excellent letters of recommendation are sometimes the deciding factor in a student receiving a scholarship to study in the USA. These letters, on the other hand, are usually only valuable if they come from professionals or academic specialists.
As a result, it's preferable to approach a professor or teacher that you see as a mentor and get a recommendation for your scholarship application. An excellent letter of reference usually succeeds in highlighting a student's capabilities, academic achievements, and other abilities.
6. Keep track of deadlines
If you're applying for a variety of scholarships to study in the USA, as well as the study abroad programme itself, it might be challenging to keep track of all the deadlines and application criteria. Making a calendar specifically for your study abroad scholarship applications, with each deadline indicated, may seem apparent. When applying for multiple scholarships (or even just one), it is essential to stay organized.
Checkout scholarships on GyanDhan Portal
To get information about scholarships to study in the USA. Visit GyanDhan Scholarship page and filter the type of scholarship as per your requirement. You will find a comprehensive list of scholarships in the USA and also the link of the page where you can go and apply for the scholarship.
If you ever wonder about how to get a scholarship to study in the USA , the above suggestions can greatly improve your prospects. In addition to these suggestions, you can make your case for a scholarship by including your accomplishments and publications in your application. And, because there is no limit to the amount of scholarship programmes you can apply for, it's ideal for applying for each one you qualify for.
Even if you do not receive as many scholarships as you had hoped for, there are other ways to fund your studies abroad, including finding tutoring and some jobs. At the same time, you are in the USA and (a great way to immerse yourself in the culture you are studying in!). You may go all out and seize every opportunity this way.
