Strategies applicants need to know to win scholarships

JAKARTA (JP): Are there any sure-fire strategies for winning a scholarship? The following list has been compiled from various sources and should be helpful for anyone wishing to enter the race:

1. Start looking for scholarships and planning at least one year before the scheduled time to study.

2. Consider whether you are a member of an underrepresented group, in need of financial assistance, or interested in a specialized field of study. Scholarships are also available for those with special interests in many areas, such as sports, arts, science and music.

3. Discuss your ideas with a school/university counselor to help you make the right decision.

4. Think about applying for a fellowship -- a scholarship for graduate students.

5. Recognize what the offer is, there are several types of funds, usually called financial aid, full scholarships, grants, traineeships, etc.

6. Be prepared with school transcripts, financial information and recommendation letters.

7. Be prepared for an interview, dress accordingly and be honest with your answers.

8. Supply information about the skills required by the scholarship for which you are applying.

9. Mail all the paperwork to the address listed on the application.

10. Don't miss the deadline. This is a sensitive matter for many foreign organizations.

11. Endure the weeks or months of waiting to find out whether you have been awarded the scholarship and what you will receive.

12. Beware of scams! Many applicants are taken advantage of in the scholarship scam game. Many fraudulent scholarship companies advertise in newspapers and on the web, all promising "free money for college", when all they're doing is targeting vulnerable students. Remember to evaluate the options from your scholarship institution.

The following is a list of websites established by organizations that offer scholarships:

www.more.at/nec -- masters and doctorate programs in the Netherlands.

www.nec.or.id -- masters and doctorate programs in the Netherlands.

www.fapsp.com -- about the Fujitsu scholarship program.

www.ntu.edu.sg -- about Nanyang Technical University in Singapore.

www.nippon-foundation.or.jp -- about Nippon Foundation/Asian. Public Intellectuals (API) Fellowships.

www.adsjakarta.or.id -- for ADS scholarships for postgraduate studies (masters and doctorates) in Australia.

www.usembassyjakarta.org/aminef -- Fullbright scholarships for masters in the U.S..

www.chevening.or.id -- the Chevening award for masters programs in the UK. (Nuraini Razak/I. Christianto)