Thread by @WisdomAWW

If you have just been rejected by #Chevening or any other #Scholarship, then this #thread is for you.

I understand how sad it can be receiving the "we regret to inform you.." email, especially when you were confident about your application.

This is what you can do. Please RT.

Personally, I was rejected twice by Chevening. In those applications, I felt I was extremely qualified with my experience & skills, & had submitted great applications.

Alas, I didn't get to the interviews on both occasions. Chevening felt they didn't need me!!!
It was so sad!!

Two things made it really sad.

1) I had put in so much effort, and thought I deserved it. I think many of us feel this same way when applying. But, when rejections come, we feel terrible.

2) Other people were winning even on their first try. Others winning even multiple awards.

I had a friend who was selected for 5 different scholarships, all of which I applied, the year I got my second Chevening rejection.

And then this started to mess with my mind. I started to feel like I was not good enough. I started doubting my abilities.
Was I even good enough?

If you've just been rejected by Chevening or any other scholarships, here are some tips that could help you move forward & eventually succeed in your next attempt.

1) DONT BLAME YOURSELF: if you put yourself down, then you might not be able to pick yourself up &make another try.

The truth is, the success of your application does not solely depend on you & your merit. So many factors are out of your control e.g policy priorities, the strength of other applicants & of course the reviewer's state of mind when assessing your application. surprised? it's true

I have mentored & reviewed hundreds of applications since winning Chevening & I wonder how sometimes strong applications (in my opinion) were rejected & "weaker" ones selected.
I believe there's a time & season for everything but you've to be there when it's your time- try again.

2) REFLECT ON YOU & YOUR CHOICES: if you give up on your dreams, you give up on everything else. Failure should enable us to reflect on our life & directions alongside our goals & strength. Think deeply about what you're passionate about. Does it align with what you're pursuing?

The program you're applying for, does it benefit you, your work & your goals?
One thing that scholarship assessors are looking for is the coherence of your application.
Do your plans/goals relate to what you have done (your experience) or what you will be studying?

Some things don't work out if they're not right for each other. Self-reflection somehow connects you with your true passion or interests because these are reflected in what you have done or love doing. You'd also figure out your strengths & your weaknesses. Be true to yourself &

3) IMPROVE YOUR PROFILE AND APPLICATION: talk to mentors (scholars & alumni) & schedule sessions. Be polite & don't be entitled to their time. Read informational materials & blogs on how to improve your academic writing using effective techniques like the SMART & STAR approach.

Tbh, this made the difference in my third application. You can as well. But, you have to prepare for the next application early enough. The best time is immediately after your last rejection.
Improve on your relevant skills & experience -take online courses if need be, dedicate..

..more time to volunteering in causes that you're passionate about. Assist with projects in your sector & take up leadership roles. You have to keep making progress with your life besides the rejection. Soon, they will consider you too strong to ignore.

4) CAST YOUR NET WIDELY:

There are lots of scholarships to apply for. Many people restrict themselves to Chevening & Commonwealth because they are popular. There is the mastercard foundation scholarship, Erasmus mundus (EM) & scholarships in many other countries & specific fields, if you research widely.

As a Chevening alumnus, I'd say Chevening is good for you for networking & professional dev't. Very competitive but winnable. However, other scholarships will still advance you professionally since they will also be funding your studies. EM will give you travel tourism experience

Treat the scholarship experience like a real business. Like your life depends on it. It's like finding a job -your dream job. You will not be losing anything if you keep applying &getting rejected. Just one YES can change all of that. A "yes" you'll never have if you stop trying.

Remember, rejection is also part of the process. It doesn't make you less than who you are. Some of us still receive rejections until this moment, as long as we have not reached the peak of our careers. We still keep trying new opportunities & knocking on new doors.

Most of all is
5) keep praying & believing. If you believe in God, that is good enough. There is so much that a divine connection can offer you that you can't yourself.
keep friends & family close, & a strong support system. You will need their support when you meet the setbacks.

I wish you the very best.

Kindly RT if you found this useful.