Reasons Students Don't Apply For Scholarships

I do not know where to look for scholarships.

You can find information on all the scholarships available in Bermuda right here. Also many colleges award scholarships and some of these are entry-level scholarships which the schools award based on your grades without you having to do anything. You can find out about what scholarships are offered to international students by visiting their websites or searching online.

It is not worth the trouble as no one I know has ever got a scholarship.

You would probably be surprised how many people you know have received financial help to continue their education – they just may not talk about it. Do not be defeated before you even start – there are literally hundreds of scholarships awarded every year to Bermudians and they do not (and cannot) all go to the students who are at the top of the class.

I am afraid my G.P.A. is not high enough.

Academic achievement may vary greatly between scholarships and is often based on the student’s elected career path.
In certain instances a high 3.5 to 4.0 GPA average is a prerequisite, but many scholarships do not require even a minimum GPA average; focusing instead in the students overall academic and community performance.

My parents make too much money.

Some scholarships are based on need or financial aid eligibility, but there are many merit-based scholarships, which are not based on your parents' incomes or assets - they are based on your own academic achievements and promise for future success.

I do not have the time to look for scholarships or fill out applications.

You need to make time. Treat your scholarship application process like an extra course you are taking and give it at least an hour a week during your final year at high school. And do not forget that you can apply for most scholarships even after you have started college. It is never too late.

I cannot write a good essay.

Writing an essay, especially if it is about yourself, isn’t easy. In most cases, this is how a scholarship committee gets to know you, so you need to represent yourself in a positive manner without boasting. After you have drafted an essay and you feel comfortable with it, have several people, such as your guidance counselor, English teacher or parents review it for grammar, style and content.

I am embarrassed to ask people to recommend me.

This may feel a bit uncomfortable. The people you ask to write a letter for you should know you well and believe you will be successful in college and your future career. Develop relationships with teachers, community leaders and others. They may volunteer to be a mentor and recommend you for college admission, scholarships, internships, education abroad, and jobs. Start talking to people now. Seek advice on what scholarships to consider. Research what careers are in demand, identify those that suit your interests, talents, and abilities, etc. We are all worthy of the opportunity to learn and grow, and to contribute the best we can to our community and society-at-large.