Contrary to popular to the assumption that only those with exceptional academic ability are eligible for study abroad through scholarships, those who, for some reasons, graduated with poor grades can also study abroad through scholarships. If you are reading this article as someone interested in studying abroad through scholarship but you are worried that it may not happen because of your poor grades, please pay attention as you read along. In this article, you will find out how to secure a scholarship even with poor grades.
Recently, a GPA threshold of less than 3.5 has been placed on 0-65% of grants and scholarships. Some even don’t require a certain GPA!
It’s understandable that not everyone graduates with honors from high school or college. Sometimes we find out what we’re good at later in life, or perhaps we’re just not “book smart” by nature but thrive in other areas.
Here are some steps you may do if you nod your head in agreement and think, “Yes, that’s me,” in order to receive that study abroad scholarship even with poor marks.
Can I Still Obtain a Scholarship If My Grades Are Poor?
It is drilled into students that the key to getting into a university is having a good GPA. It is just not true at all. Not just your score, but also your entire profile, is crucial. Motivation and knowing where to look are all you need. There are several fundamental things to watch out for, though.
1. Submit as many applications
The adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket“ is true.
That applies to both your goals for the study abroad scholarship and real life. Your chances of obtaining that scholarship increase as you submit more applications.
Certainly, you might not receive the first study abroad scholarship you apply for or 100% coverage, but assistance is assistance. Your to-do list gets shorter with every amount spent.
Make sure you have a polished application that you are comfortable sending to numerous scholarship providers to improve your chances of winning that scholarship. Just keep in mind that numbers are ultimately everything.
2. Do well on the other tests
Even though you weren’t the best student, colleges all over the world understand that your academic record doesn’t accurately represent your professional skills.
You must first succeed in a series of exams in order to be accepted into a program abroad. Consider them opportunities to prove your merit as a scholarship applicant.
For your entrance exam or other assessments that evaluate your English proficiency, strive for a higher-than-average result. So, SAT, ACT, IELTS, etc.? Each one of them is excellent! You now rank in the top 25% of candidates.
3. Be More Assertive
You don’t have to be the smartest person to receive a study abroad scholarship; instead, think like the people who fund free education.
Why should they benefit? You have to be able to position yourself as a resource in some way if they award you a scholarship.
Think of it like a pitch you would give to an investor. What can you offer in exchange for their investment? It is advantageous to give examples of what you want to accomplish with the education you offer. How will this impact society as a whole as well as your future?
Will you ultimately give poor pupils in rural places more power? Will you launch a social business to provide solar-powered lights to homes in underdeveloped nations?
Are you capable of making them pleased to refer to you as a graduate? Are you more of a future leader or a superb athlete?
4. Request some positive words to be sent.
Do you know the adage “a man is judged by his reputation before his face“? While you have little control over what other people think of you, you may affect how your dream university perceives you based on the letters of recommendation you give. Choose a partner that shares your passion for achieving your goals and has a strong understanding of you.
It also helps if you’ve had some sort of mentorship from someone who has seen your work. Even better if you can secure a letter of recommendation from a manager, a senior educator, or someone else in a more important role to support your application to your ideal university!
You can still earn a scholarship to your ideal program without just having good marks! You now know how to obtain a scholarship for study abroad despite having poor marks; just be persistent and hopeful.