Many students miss out on exciting opportunities due to their misconceptions when it comes to scholarships.  Here are the truths behind some oft-repeated myths.
Fiction:
I must be a genius or be amazingly talented to get a scholarship.
Fact!
While being the ‘perfect’ student can be an advantage, it is not the only thing that scholarship providers look for.
Apart from the usual merit-based scholarships, there are numerous scholarships with different criteria. Some benefactors seek individuals who are passionate about a particular subject or have specific characteristics. There are even scholarships for those who may not be as academically inclined but who are determined and willing to learn.
Look out for the ones that best fit your talents instead of sticking to the few popular ones. 

Fiction:         
I can only have one scholarship at a time.   
Fact!
Each scholarship is unique, with different degrees of funding and benefits. There are scholarships that cover all of a person’s education needs while others only cover the fees or provide a monthly stipend to help reduce the burden. In some cases, one scholarship is not enough.
Believe it or not, there is technically no limit to how many scholarships a person can be granted. Having another form of financial aid such as grants or loans does not reduce your chances of getting one either.
Although many benefactors prefer to reserve awards for those who have not received any financial assistance, there are exceptions.
If your current scholarship is not enough to cover your expenses, you can apply for other scholarships as long as your current scholarship does not restrict you from doing so.

Fiction:
There is a scholarship for everyone. (As long as they fulfill the criteria.)
Fact!
Unfortunately, the number of scholarships is limited. Hence not everyone who qualifies will get one. After the few initial screenings, it is fair to say that the prospect of getting a scholarship can boil down to luck or personality.
Nevertheless, don’t give up hope. While there is tough competition for the popular scholarships, there many others out there for those who are willing to search hard. So send out applications for as many as possible. Just make sure that you choose the scholarships that interest you.
Also, make your application more convincing by tailoring it to highlight the qualities that are favoured by the benefactor.

Fiction:
I can only qualify if I come from a low-income family.
Fact!
Not all scholarships are based on financial capacity. While some are reserved for those who really cannot afford to pay for school, there are many merit-based scholarships awarded to all-rounders who do well in their studies and consistently participate in extra-curricular activities. So don’t worry if you are from a middle-income family – you still have plenty of options.
 

• Application and interview tips