Last year, by the time I got to know about Generation Google Scholarship, I had already missed it. After a considerable effort of checking the site every day and waiting for almost a year, finally, the applications for Generation Google Scholarship APAC 2021 opened around March. And in this blog, I am going to share various tips that worked for me & how you can write a good application.
We had a month to fill out the application. Even though GGS doesn’t have a “First come, first serve” basis, I’ll still recommend you not to wait till the last moment to fill your application. Read the essay questions, start thinking in advance and discuss ideas with friends and family on daily basis.
Note: The eligibility criteria to apply for GGS keeps changing every year but the criteria for the year 2021 was as follows:
The application documents for GGS can be divided into 3 parts:
- Essay Answers
- Resume
- Transcript
1. ESSAY ANSWERS
Essay answers play a crucial role in your selection so you should pay extra attention to them. The secret to writing a good essay is to weave all the points you want to mention in the form of a beautiful story. This would make the essay more readable and interesting.
- So firstly, make a rough list of all the points you want to keep in your essay.
- Then, compile all the points in the form of a story.
- You can also include:
a) Quotes/references of your favorite personalities in the beginning.
b) Facts, figures, and numbers add extra stars to an essay. So try including data from researches. This shows you know what you are writing.
c) Break your answer in points where ever possible, Google loves points!
4. No experience is big or small. You can mention anything without fearing judgment.
Example:
For the question: “Please give us one example of how you have exhibited leadership”, I shared the experience of a hackathon I participated in, with 2 of my classmates and how I motivated them to try.
5. Keep it personal: The only thing that can make your essay unique is your personal experience. Adding things you have been experiencing since childhood, how you reached your current stage etc is what makes you special and hence THAT’S your story to tell.
6. Be honest: Lying in the essay and getting selected leads to bigger disappointments in the interview.
The best applications are those which have a real story to portray. — Nikita Mallya
7. Language: There is no need to use extensive vocabulary in your essay if you don’t feel like it. The only requisite is that your essay should be readable and that the reader should get the message you are trying to convey.
8. Grammar: Though it’s not necessary to use extensive vocabulary, you should definitely get your grammar checked. You can use Grammarly or sites like hemingway.com.
9. Stick to the word limit: Obvious yet important.
10. Last but not least, get your essay reviewed by friends, family members or previous scholars, in order to make sure that the reader is getting your point.
2. Resume
The resume is important.
If you feel like saving a full day for making or reforming your resume, trust me it will be worth it! Refer here for resume tips!
Note: Add a section of volunteer experience/outreach initiatives in your resume if you haven’t already.
3. Transcripts
Google usually prefers students with CGPA≥9. It is essential yet not the only deciding factor.
Note: Try maintaining a good CGPA, especially in your first and second year of college because this is the only measure to judge students in their preliminary years.
According to me, these were the most important things you should keep in mind while filling your application. Once you are done, put yourself in the shoes of the scholarship committee reviewer. This will help you analyze your essays before you submit them.
I know you will nail it. All the Best!!
In case you don’t make it, just remember this is not the end of the world. There will a lot of opportunities ahead. Keep hustling!
If you need any aid with the application process, please feel free to ping me. I’d love to help you. In the meantime, you can refer to this YouTube Livestream for the overall timeline.
Link to the Generation Google Scholarship Blog: Click here.
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