Being a Well-Rounded Student is the Only Way To Go About For University Scholarships

 

Wow, seems like you do a lot of things. You compete in sports competitions, work as a fitness instructor, have won awards in book-keeping competitions, AND you’re the top performer in class. What’s your secret? How do you manage to juggle so many things simultaneously and excel in each of your chosen fields?

 

Well, I don't really have any secrets. I try to do my best and enjoy what I do at the same time. I believe that if you’re passionate towards something, you will find time to do it. I once saw a quote online and it says " no one is too busy, it's all about priorities ." I usually try completing my homework during recess before school to free up my time to do what I want later - cycling, workout, hanging out with friends, etc. I also don't go for tuition so,this save me lots of time and money.

 

How did you become interested in cycling and how has cycling have influenced your life?

 

I was three when I learnt how to ride a bike. Since then, I’ve always love to ride my bike with my neighbourhood friends. Sometimes, we even race with each other.  At 13, I bought my first mountain bike with half my savings and joined the cycling club as its youngest member, after getting interested in it from a friend who was mountain biking. Through cycling, I got the chance to mix with people from different age groups and professions which taught me many life lessons. Having friends older than me really helped turn me from a rebellious child to a much more mature person.

 

What made you interested in pursuing degree in business and finance?

 

In high school, I chose to enroll in commerce over science because I wasn’t that interested in biology or chemistry. I really enjoyed studying business subjects and realized that I can do better in business subjects as compared to science; hence, I decided to pursue a business-related degree.

 

Do you consider yourself an ambitious person? What are your goals for the future?

 

Well, some people would consider me as an ambitious person. However, for me, I believe I am just trying my best in whatever I do. In the future, I hope to be a financial planner or a fund manager in a reputable company. My goal is to be financially free. =)

 

Who is your biggest inspirer or mentor?

I don't really have a specific mentor or inspirer. I try to learn from the elites in every field.

 

What influenced your decision to apply for the EU business school scholarship?

I’ve always wanted to study abroad even though I knew it would cost more than my parents could afford. Therefore, I decided that in order to achieve my dream of studying overseas, I needed to study hard and apply for scholarships and sponsorships. I am delighted that EU accepted and gave me this opportunity.

 

How long did the process of collecting all the necessary documents and applying to university take you?

I think it took me about month or 2 month to collect my documents. What really took more time that I expected was actually taking my IELTS test, writing my personal statement and asking my form teacher for  a recommendation letter. Lesson is, if the university you’re applying to requires IELTS, start preparing early r as you’ll need to queue to take the exam.

 

Can you offer some tips for students who want to study abroad: how to choose the school, how to write personal statement, what to do in order their application to stand out?

 

Firstly, when choosing a school, one of the most important things to consider is tuition fees. Know your parents budget so that you don't end up picking a school that your parents can't afford. Secondly, make sure the environment and culture of the country you are going to is suitable for the course you intend to study. For example, study finance in financial hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or the UK instead of say, Italy, which would be well-known for fashion. Make Google your best friend (if it isn’t already) and research about the course or school you plan to study in. You can go through education agents too, but bear in mind that they don't represent all institutions.

 

While I’m not the best in writing a personal statement, these tips worked for me. Describe the type of person you are that goes beyond your papers and qualifications; focus on what makes you unique and a great fit for the institution. Keep it short and crisp, detailing your strengths and achievements.  You can read some of examples online, but don't copy.

Lastly, I would like to share a quote my senior once told me. "Choose your results according to the university's requirements, instead of choosing the university according to your results." So, work hard to achieve the requirements of studying in your dream university, and don’t regret for not trying.