Getting financial support for education is a dream for many students—but understanding how to get a scholarship in the right way is just as important as applying. Every year, thousands of eligible students miss out on opportunities not because they lack talent, but because they make avoidable minor mistakes in the application process. If you truly want to learn how to get a scholarship successfully, you must first understand what NOT to do.
Below are the top five mistakes students often commit while applying—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Researching Scholarships Properly and Early
Before learning how to get a scholarship, students must explore the right types of opportunities. Many applicants only search on popular websites and ignore:
- Government-funded scholarships
- State-level and minority-based scholarships
- Scholarships for specific courses or income groups
- Institution-based or NGO scholarships
Why this is a mistake: Lack of research leads to missed opportunities that may have fewer applicants and higher chances of selection.
What to do instead: Create a list of scholarships based on category, eligibility, deadline, and benefits. This is one of the smartest steps in learning how to get a scholarship effectively.
2. Ignoring Eligibility Criteria
Many students apply randomly without checking requirements like:
- Academic scores
- Income limits
- Reservation category
- Course stream
- Age or nationality
Submitting applications blindly reduces your chances, no matter how many forms you fill.
Pro tip:
Before applying, compare your profile with the eligibility list. Knowing how to get a scholarship also means knowing which ones you actually qualify for.
3. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
This is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Students often forget or incorrectly submit documents such as:
- Income certificate
- Community/category certificate
- Mark sheets and ID proof
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Submitting in incorrect formats
Avoid this mistake:
Make a checklist and verify every document before submission. If you’re serious about how to get a scholarship, document accuracy is a must.
4. Writing Weak Statements or Essays
Some scholarships require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or essay, but many students copy content or write in a hurry.
Why this is a mistake:
Evaluators look for clarity, goals, background, achievements, and motivation. A poor essay can make you lose even if you’re eligible.
How to fix it:
Write authentically—highlight your journey, financial need, community impact, and ambition. This alone can define
how to get a scholarship successfully.
5. Not Highlighting Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Many students assume scholarships are only about marks, but most providers prefer applicants who show initiative beyond academics. Ignoring your involvement outside the classroom is a major mistake in the journey of how to get a scholarship. Your application becomes much stronger when it reflects your personality, responsibility, and contributions.
Make sure to include:
- Volunteer or community service experiences
- Roles where you led a group, team, or event
- Personal projects, clubs, NSS/NCC/NSS work, or social initiatives
These elements help evaluators see you as a motivated and well-rounded individual, which is a big advantage when learning how to get a scholarship the right way.
6. Missing Deadlines and Follow-Up
Even deserving students lose chances just because they apply late or fail to respond during verification rounds.
To avoid this:
- Set reminders
- Submit early
- Track your application status
- Check your email/SMS for updates
Knowing how to get a scholarship doesn’t end with application submission—follow-up is crucial.
Mastering How to Get a Scholarship Starts with Avoiding Mistakes
If you genuinely want to understand how to get a scholarship, start by avoiding these five common errors: lack of research, ignoring eligibility, poor documentation, weak essays, and missing deadlines. Being careful, organized, and proactive dramatically increases your chances of success.
With the right strategy and awareness of how to get a scholarship, you won’t just apply, you’ll win it.
For more details and guidance related to scholarships, contact the People Centre at obcrights.org. We will guide you.