Why Apply for Major External Scholarships?
Whether you’re considering scholarships for programs domestic or abroad, major scholarships are vehicles rather than rewards—they provide training for your professional future. Being awarded a major scholarship depends less on past accomplishments and more on what you envision for your career.
As you consider what open doors to the next great professional and personal adventure to explore, ask yourself some questions:
- What do you want to do with your life? (a question you’ll wrestle with forever)
- What kind of work do you want to do in the world?
- What are you passionate about?
- What types of training and experiences will position you to do this work in the future?
- Where are the best places to study after undergrad?
- What think tanks, labs, NGOs, or governmental agencies are doing the kind of work you want to do? How can you get tapped into these great opportunities?
There are many questions to consider, which can be overwhelming. At UGA, many resources exist to help you chart your course. Connect with your professors. Conduct undergraduate research in an area you’re particularly interested in. Get involved in your community. This will help you align your professional, intellectual, and social passions.
As you start exploring the things you’re interested in and connecting with people who are doing the kind of work you imagine yourself doing, you’ll be able to determine what scholarship (if any) is a natural fit for the path you are charting.
Contact the Major Scholarships Office for additional information regarding major external national and international scholarships—including preparing applications; obtaining recommendations; preparing for interviews; and drafting a personal statement, program of study statement, research proposal, and CV.
