One of the most frequent questions that many scholarship aspirants ask is ‘Can I get a scholarship with low CGPA?’. The right and short answer are ‘Yes’. Students can get scholarships with low CGPA if their rest of application compensate for it.
Scholarship selection committees don’t rely only on CGPA. The overall evaluation process has different factors such as your language test score, CV, Letter of Motivation, Letter of Recommendation and work experience. You can put your efforts to make all the other factors better than average students’ profiles. If you have research publications, certifications, and online courses there will be high chances that your application will stand out from the competition. In this article, you will read 6 powerful ways that will help you to compensate low CGPA.
[bctt tweet="6 Powerful Ways to Compensate Low CGPA"]1. Work Experience
The research-oriented universities are always looking for candidates with work experience related to their programs. Fresh graduate can compensate for their low CGPA with internships and training. Moreover, you can participate in workshops to get hands-on experience of the latest technologies and revise your technical skills.
2. Research Publications
No one can deny the fact research publications are one the best option to compensate your low CGPA. Together with work experience, having a research paper in a good journal or conference will make your application more appealing for admission. Research publications are also beneficial for pursuing a career in academia and getting funds for Ph.D.
3. Letter of Motivation
Letter of Motivation (LoM) is also one of the major essential elements to get scholarships and it can really help you to compensate for low CGPA. Normally, it weights up to 20-40% of the overall evaluation depending on the university and scholarship. You cannot make a perfect LoM within a night that’s why you need to spend your time and efforts to make an effective LoM that illustrates your strong motivations towards the intended program. You have to present yourself as a suitable applicant using storytelling strategies to highlight your relevant skills and capabilities.
4. English Language Proficiency Test
if you are not native English speaker, you have a provide an English language proficiency certificate to let the intended institute know that you have enough English language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking to pursue higher education in English as the medium of instruction. In the selection criteria of some university, the level of English knowledge weights up to 10%. You can attain decent points in this section if you prepare well and secure good score in language tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
5. Online Courses
MOOCs are not only important for career advancement but adding relevant online courses in CV can really help you to stand out from the other candidates. Carrying out an online course demonstrates that you have intellectual maturity, personal drive, discipline, strong willingness and indicates passion to learn new skills. All of these are important to grab the attention of the selection committee.
6. Make Your CV Stand Out
It should be clear, concise, well-structured and showcase your exceptional skills. It shouldn’t be outdated e.g. don’t write curriculum vitae on top of page. We recommend you to read our article ‘How to Make Your Academic CV Stand Out for Scholarships’ which covers CV guides and tips.
Conclusion
In case, you followed above-mentioned points but still, you got rejections. So, what? Dear rejection and failures are part of success. Even the students with the highest CGPA have to face rejection sometimes. Just don’t give up.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and fellows to let them know that they can get a scholarship with low CGPA. If you have any question about scholarships, ask your query in the comments section below.