All Answers
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.
MBA Candidate at Schulich School of Business
Absolutely, you can still get a scholarship even if your grades are not the highest. Many scholarships are awarded based on more than just academic performance, so don’t feel discouraged! Some scholarships focus on unique talents or skills, like athletics, music, or art, and don’t necessarily require top grades. If you’re active in your community or have a strong record of volunteer work, some scholarships reward those qualities, too.
There are also scholarships that consider your personal story. If you’ve faced challenges or have overcome obstacles in life, some scholarships recognize students for their resilience and determination. This could be anything from family responsibilities to financial difficulties, or even health issues. Sometimes, sharing your story can make a big difference.
Another option is scholarships aimed at students with specific career goals. For example, if you want to pursue a career in healthcare, engineering, or teaching, there may be scholarships available that prioritize your passion for those fields over your grades.
And don’t forget about scholarships that reward improvement. If your grades have gone up over time, or if you’ve shown dedication to your studies, certain scholarships appreciate that growth.
The key is to search for scholarships that match your strengths, talents, or experiences. Look for options that align with who you are and what you’re passionate about. With a little research and persistence, there’s a good chance you can find a scholarship that’s the right fit for you, even if your grades aren’t perfect.