J.P. Morgan || LSR’ 19
Scholarships are generally granted on two bases: need and merit. The criteria for both, as the name suggests is, need-based scholarship is granted to those who have proven financial constraints but have excellent profile and are well-deserved based on the set criteria. The merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated excellent merit and regardless of their financial condition. The merit-based scholarship can be provided to students even with an excellent financial situation.
So you can get a need-based scholarship for yourself if you have slightly low grades but other aspects of your profile show that you are well-deserved and also if you can demonstrate your financial condition to be low.
Also, different scholarships cater to different courses and countries so please elaborate on the course that you wish to pursue and if you have any country preferences.
Having low grades doesn't necessarily disqualify you from scholarships. Scholarship committees evaluate applications holistically meaning they look for a well-rounded profile rather than just academic performance.
Characteristics like community service, work experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular achievements (if you can highlight them well on your profile) can compensate for your lower grades.
Moreover, many private organizations or local community groups, provide financial aid to students under special circumstances. These need-based scholarships can be easier to qualify for, given you have a solid reason.
So, what should you do? Present a compelling personal story through your application or scholarship essay to demonstrate your value beyond academic scores. Get recommendations from teachers or mentors highlighting your qualities, dedication, and positive impact to make your application stand out.
Also, explore more non-academic and need-based scholarships, and make sure to put effort into building a narrative that showcases who you are beyond your grades. Good luck!
Sr. Consultant
Yes, you can still get scholarships even if your grades are on the lower side. While high academic scores do boost your chances, many scholarships consider other qualities too.
Think about what else you bring to the table—extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership roles, or even your personal background. These factors can help you stand out.
Some scholarships specifically support students with financial needs or those who demonstrate strong community involvement or unique talents. So, focus on applying to scholarships that align with your strengths. Highlight your story—your challenges, what you've achieved beyond academics, and what makes you unique.
Remember, applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances. Look for opportunities from universities, private organizations, and community groups.
And don't forget, some universities offer need-based financial aid, which might be a better fit if your grades aren't good.