Question: I am currently looking for a scholarship, and I found multiple scholarship opportunities that I’m interested in. Should I apply for all of them or should I just focus my efforts on one application?
Answer: The short answer is: yes, you should apply for multiple scholarships if you want to.
There is almost no reason that you shouldn’t do so, however there are some things you should take note of before you go ahead and start firing off applications.
Let’s start off with the reasons why you should be applying for more than one scholarship.
Why You Should
The only way to have a shot at winning a scholarship is to apply. Sending out more applications simply allow you to have more chances. Casting a wider net equates to a higher chance of getting something that you want.
Moreover, it is not too difficult to apply for scholarships. Some organisations may require you to put in some time, but once you've completed an application or two, you will be able to get into a groove and take less time with each additional application. Furthermore, the BrightSparks portal makes it easy to do so – all you need to do is fill up a single form and you will be able to apply to multiple scholarships at once.
What You Need to Be Aware Of
The application to multiple scholarships may sound easy, because it is. What you need to worry about though, is what comes after. There is a chance that you will be shortlisted for more than one scholarship. At this point in time, you will be forced to split your attention between the different scholarships. Without focus, you may not be able to demonstrate your best to the assessing organisations, so you risk losing it all.
Also, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Even if you qualify for a scholarship, there is no point in applying for it if you are not interested in the organisation that is providing the scholarship. You may just wind up accepting a scholarship offer just for the sake of having one. Most scholarships come with bonds, meaning that you may have to spend several years of your life working for an organisation that you have no interest in.
Concluding Advice
Applying for multiple scholarships is definitely something you should consider doing. However, make sure you are prepared for what’s to come. For every application you make, start your preparation early and get organised so that you won’t be blindsided when you get shortlisted. It will definitely help if you have a folder on your computer dedicated each scholarship provider you applied for, with the relevant resources and notes carefully documented and filed away.
On top of that, only apply for multiple scholarships if you’re legitimately interested in all of them. Do not get a scholarship just for the sake of free education or prestige. If you do so, you are doing it for all the wrong reasons. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get a scholarship. But the consequences are dire if you end up accepting a scholarship that you have no love for.
And finally, make sure to prioritise properly – you may end up with multiple scholarship offers after all. So be certain of which scholarship truly appeals to you, so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes.
