How To Apply For Scholarships In The USA As A Nepali Student?

A Nepali student should have an above-average GPA of 3 or a B grade, with SAT scores above 1200, to gain a scholarship in the US.

However, there are some exceptional cases and types of scholarships that students with low GPAs can also gain. So, it is crucial to understand the scholarship requirements, application, and closing date in detail to avoid missing them.

Start Scholarship Search Early: Be An Early Bird

Many scholarships have deadlines that are months in advance, so it's important to start your search early to allow yourself enough time to find and apply for scholarships. Start by doing some research to find scholarships that fit your goals and needs.

Research To Keep Your Options Open: Be An Explorer

There are typically four kinds of scholarships; merit-based, need-based, need-blind, and institutional. All these scholarships are open to meritorious international students depending on their criteria, courses, and universities they are applying for.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to those applying students who show excellence in academics, athletics, or the arts. Your grades define your eligibility for this scholarship, regardless of your financial status.

Moving on, need-based scholarships are awarded to students in weaker financial sections. Yes, this scholarship program lets the student enter a specific program even when they are unable to meet the financial requirements.

Likewise, need-blind scholarships are awarded, keeping the main focus on the applicant’s academics, grades, and skills. However, there are no fixed grade criteria to apply.

Lastly, institutional scholarships are provided by certain religious groups, foundations, professional organizations, and charities. Generally, these programs award a specific number of student who meets their personal eligibility criteria.

To get detailed information on these scholarship types, follow the link>>>

Here are some of the sources to research your options: the US Department of State's Education USA website, the Institute of International Education's Scholarship, and College Board's Big Future.

Gather Required Documents: Be Application Ready

Applying for any scholarship requires specific documents; your academic transcripts, recommendations, essays, SOPs, and test scores of language proficiencies and aptitude tests. Make sure you have all the required documents gathered and ready to submit.

Meet And Match Your Eligibility Requirements: Be Worthy

Before applying for a scholarship, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. This may include having a certain GPA, being enrolled in a specific program of study, or having a specific level of financial need.

Align Your Application To Specific Scholarships: Be Relevant

When applying for a scholarship, it's important to tailor your application to the specific scholarship and organization. This may involve writing an essay or personal statement that aligns with the scholarship's goals and values.

For example, Zonta International offers scholarships specifically for women in business. You need to make sure that your volunteer experience, professional experience, and academic experience are in alignment with the specific field of study in the business. The alignment indicates you as a relevant candidate for the scholarship.  

Don't Miss Deadlines: Be Updated

Make a list of the scholarships you are interested in and their respective deadlines. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines.

Keep Yourself On Loop And Follow Up: Be Pro-active

After submitting your scholarship application, follow up with the organization to ensure that your application was received and to ask any questions you may have.

By following the above-mentioned ways and being proactive in your search for scholarships, you can increase your chances of receiving financial assistance to help fund your education in the United States. Good luck with your scholarship search! And believe you can do it!

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