Tell us something about yourself no one else knows
This question gives you the opportunity to share a piece of information that represents you in the best possible light. You can reveal something interesting or unique about yourself such as an accomplishment, hobby, talent, interest, experience, etc. as long as it’s positive and not too personal.
Example: I am proficient in sign language. This has always been a passion of mine, as I wish to work with children in a clinical setting who are deaf or hard of hearing one day. I have studied sign language throughout high school, and I plan to continue learning at university so that I can interact with these children without any language barrier.
1 What is a meaningful experience or class you’ve had in school?
This question is similar to asking you about your favorite book, but a bit more advanced. They want you to show them how the coursework has shaped your interests and shown you new perspectives on certain topics.
Example: In my senior year of high school, I took a course on Media and Society. I specifically recall the final essay assignment where we had to compare two different media elements. Analyzing the portrayal of women in video game advertisements was my topic for this project. At first, I was really nervous about the topic; would I offend some friends within my gaming circle? I didn’t want to seem like an overly-sensitive female gamer. But, doing the research provided me with a better understanding on how women are often objectified in advertising, and after talking to my friends, they ended up being really supportive of my project and we have since become more aware of the kinds of media we’re consuming.
What are your career goals?
I want to be an entrepreneur and make my own company.
1 How do you manage stress?
This question is meant to determine how you deal with difficult situations. Most students respond that they like to focus on what is happening in the present moment, but this answer will show that you do not have a strategy for coping with stressors. A better way to answer this would be by mentioning a specific skill or habit that you have developed over time.
Example: I am a very organized person, and when I have a lot of work to do, I break it down into manageable tasks. Seeing everything that needs to be done in one sitting can be overwhelming for me, but if I give myself smaller goals to meet each day then that becomes more manageable. In addition, when I feel overwhelmed or stressed about work, I like to take a few minutes and go for a walk. This helps me think through everything more clearly, and I feel much more relaxed afterwards.
1 Who do you look up to? Who is your role model?
The expectation of this question is to see which qualities you admire, and potentially who has shaped your interests or helped you become who you are today. This could be a public figure, teacher, mentor, family member, friend–really anyone. Your answer should demonstrate your values and should align with the values of the scholarship.
Example: I admire Amelia Earhart because she was a women’s rights activist and broke social barriers by being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She was able to pursue what she wanted despite harsh criticism, which helps me feel more empowered to follow my own dreams.