Exchange student= WHY YOU THINK I WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A SCHOLARSHISP

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Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 31 May 2003 06:58 PDT

You will need to tell researchers quite a bit about yourself. Without
knowing any of your personal details and accomplishments, we cannot
make any determiniation on why you "might" be a good candidate for a
scholarship.

What kink of exchange program?

umiat

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 31 May 2003 07:02 PDT

Are you asking us to explain to a committee why you should be
considered for a scholarship?

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Clarification of Question by blazon-ga on 31 May 2003 21:18 PDT

I have to tell in 35 words why I think I will be a good candidate for
a scholarship?(afs exchange student).
This is my answer:
Because of my drive to achieve, as well as my energy and motivation
and a genuine interest in people and the world around me, I believe I
would make an excellent ambassador for AFS.
IF somebody from "Google anwers" can come up with something better I'm
waiting......

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 31 May 2003 22:42 PDT

Blazon,

Let me offer a bit of advice from an AFS veteran to a potential
hostee:

One of the reasons AFS asks us to write these essays (very short for
the preliminary screening) is to see how well *you* can express
yourself.  It's important beyond measure to be able to communicate
your ideas clearly, particularly in an exchange situation, where there
isn't going to be anyone to speak for you.

This is the first of *many* essays you'll be required to write in the
course of your application process - they don't get any easier, so
it's imperative that you sit down to gather your thoughts and organize
them appropriately.

It's nerve wracking, I know, but when that heavy AFS envelope comes in
the mail to welcome you to the AFS family, it will all be worth the
effort.  Living abroad on an AFS program is one of the most exciting,
challenging, scary, rewarding, frustrating, life-changing experiences
you'll ever have.

I would suggest to you that you contact your local AFS chapter and ask
them to put you in touch with a returnee.  The advice of a returnee,
someone who's not only been through the rigorous application process,
but has also completed the program, is particularly valuable as you
find your way through your paperwork.

If you don't know how to reach your local chapter or if you don't have
a local chapter but want to find a returnee to ask for advice, go
here:

Reconnect With AFS
http://www.usa.afs.org/index.cfm?method=reconnect

Register for the bulletin board and post a request for help.  You'll
find plenty of people willing to help you polish your essay there.

Good luck.

--Missy
AFS/Congress-Bundestag Alumnus
Germany, 1987-1988

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Request for Question Clarification by webadept-ga on 01 Jun 2003 09:33 PDT

Hi, 

My suggestion would be not to start it with "Because"... Start "in
motion" and present text. "My drive to achieve ..."

Also your 35 words are very "US corporate business poster child"
type.. is that where AFS puts its values? I don't know, but I would
check before deciding on this "sound" of words.

webadept-ga

Here is an observation from a member of a scholarship committee. If
you need someone write this for you - you aren't a good candidate.

As a rule, we like to award scholarships to those who are capable of
original thought. It's one of those quirks, don't you know?

Give it a try, you might actually enjoy the challenge.

Jeude