1. Enhancing Written Presentation Skills for Scholarship Application
Updated 31 August 2017

2. Your application form reflects who you are
Your application form reflects who you are! Be sure to make good use of it!

3. Your application form acts an important role in the whole application process. Make good use of it to :
impress the Selection Panel
convince the Panel that you really DESERVE the Scholarship
earn the chance to present yourself in person at the Selection Interview, if any

4. Important points to note
Be sure to read through the Application Guidelines and Selection Criteria
Beware of the application DEADLINE and WHERE/ HOW to submit your application
It is always best to submit your application form BEFORE deadline

5. on filling out application forms
General Tips
on filling out application forms

6. Read the form carefully before you start filling it out
ASK if you have any query
Always TYPEWRITE unless otherwise specified
List out the most relevant and major achievements/ activities/ services only
Be CONCISE and SPECIFIC
Be ACCURATE in grammar and spelling

7. How to present your achievements in words?
Achievements/ Extra-curricular Activities/ Community Services

8. Present your achievements/ activities/ services in descending chronological order, if not specified
Use ACTION VERB to summarize what you have achieved
PRIORITIZE and QUANTIFY major achievements/ activities/ services
Include activities in the recent 3 years ONLY, unless otherwise specified
Include any SKILLS that you have developed

9. Format and Examples Sample Format #1: Date DD/MM/YYYY Example #1:
02/12/2016
23/10/2016
15/09/2015
Name of Activity
<Name of Activity>
Information Day
Visiting the Elderly Home
Annual Drama Performance
Duty/ Role
<Position Held/ Major
Helper
Volunteer
Backstage Coordinator
@ Use ACTION verb to summarize what you have done
e.g. achieve, organize, publicize, promote, coordinate, contribute, etc

10. Format and Examples Sample Format #2: Year YYYY – YYYY Example #2
2015 – 2016
Extra-curricular Activities/ Community Services
<Position>, <Name of Activity>, <Major
Extra-curricular Activities/ Community
Chairman, XXXX Association
Leaded a team of 10 members to organize events for 300 students
Organized an exhibition on xxxx to promote xxxx among the public
@ Use ACTION verb to summarize what you have done
e.g. achieve, organize, publicize, promote, coordinate, contribute, etc

11. Format and Examples Sample Format #3: Month/Year MM/YYYY Example #3
05/2016
Achievements
<Award/Prize>, <Competition/Programme Name>, <Organization>, <Description of
Grand Prize, International XXX Competition, Society of XXX
A total of 100 teams from 38 universities around the world participated in the annual competition in London
6 teams were selected to proceed to the Final
@ Use ACTION verb to summarize what you have done
e.g. achieve, organize, publicize, promote, coordinate, contribute etc

12. Document your achievement/ participation
Award Certificates/ Certification Letters/ Co-curricular Achievement Transcript

13. It is always a good habit to document your achievements/ participation, since these documentations may serve as proof to support your scholarship applications.

14. Supporting Documents Awards/ Achievements Award Certificates
Awardee list on official website
Co-curricular Achievement Transcript (CAT)
Participation on Activities/ Services
Certificate of Participation
Certification Letter issued by organizer
Co-curricular Achievement Transcript (CAT)
Academic Performance
Copy of Assessment Result (via eStudent) will normally serve the purpose, unless an official transcript is required
Note:
For scholarship applications, unless required, it is not necessary to submit a portfolio. Only submitting the proof on the achievement/ participation you have listed on your application form will be good enough.

15. How to write the personal statement?
Your opportunity to “sell” yourself in the application process

16. Before you start writing
If you are requested to respond to a specific topic/ question, make sure you read the topic/ question carefully.
Think about the events in your life which you can relate to in responding to the specified topic/ question.
Think about what is special, distinctive and/or impressive about you or your life story.
Present your views by using the 5Ws and 1H (i.e. What, Why, Where, When, Who and How)

17. General Advice Respond to the topic/ question that are given
Be sure your responses fits the specified topic/ question. Do not go off the topic!
Tell your own story
Responding the topic by demonstrating through your own experience.
Be true/ realistic
Don’t over sell. Whatever you write should be logical and/or based on your specific experience.
Be specific
Figure out your own uniqueness. Find the right angle of your statement.
Make a good start
The opening sentence/ paragraph is the most important where you grab readers’ attention.
Be meticulous
Proofread your statement carefully. Type, unless otherwise specified. Be concise and do not exceed the word limits.

18. Where to find information on Scholarships?
Visit the Scholarship Webpage under Centre STARS Homepage. There are scholarships open for application by students or open for nominations by academic departments from time to time. Please click the Schedule of inviting application/ nomination for details.
Opt to receive direct marketing materials via the eStudent System and check your PolyU (both Inbox and Junk Mailbox) regularly.

19. Types of Post-entry Scholarship Available
(nomination by academic department or application by students)
Full Academic Scholarships
Scholarships for Overseas Exchange/Internship
Talent Development Scholarships
Scholarships for Hall Residents
Scholarships stipulated to academic departments

20. If you apply, you are one step closer to getting the scholarship!
Do Not Hesitate!
Treat each application process as a chance to reflect yourself. It is always a valuable learning experience.
If you apply, you are one step closer to getting the scholarship!