How I won a full design scholarship

Getting a scholarship is easier than you think. Half the job is applying in the first place. In 2003, I completed high school (HSC). Although I was aiming to study design at University, I applied for the Diploma of Graphic Design Scholarship at a private college; Martin College, Sydney. Let’s be honest, I didn’t think I’d even be considered. It’s crazy how we self sabotage ourselves without even knowing it. The assumption for not being good enough could have jeopordised my entrance into the design industry. 


NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN:

Whether you’re in high school, tertiary education or considering studying, it pays to do your research. Find out all the institutions you would like to study at, then enquire to every single one of them regarding any scholarships they offer. You want to know:

1. Application open and closing dates
2. Application mandatories and criteria

THEY’RE LOOKING FOR ALL-ROUNDERS

I was never the smartest, fittest, tallest or most popular in school. I was however incredibly curious. Always exploring and trying new things. My parents also instilled the value of hard work. I grew up being average in most areas no matter how hard I tried. Maths, science, soccer, tennis, swiming, languages, literature, you name it. This however exposed me to massive diversity. My natural talent always lied in art. Although I was passionate about creating things, I also embraced new ideas through a broad range of activities.

Having decent grades, my involvement in extra curricular activities and a very basic portfolio to show for, all helped me make the initial in-take of scholarship candidates. However, It was the fact that I was all rounded and diverse enough to be an ambassador of the college that I was awarded the scholarship.

DON’T AIM FOR PERFECTION, AIM TO BE COMPETENT:

First of all, there is nothing perfect in this life. Take one step at a time. It’s like an Olympic high jumper aiming to break the world record in the first heat when all that is required is to jump over half that height. In the scholarship application process, If you aim for perfect before being competent, you risk the loss of sincerity. The panel of scholarship judges want a person who is relatable to his/her future peers. Someone who is very much human, but is a good example of motivation, persistence and leadership.

Many times it’s more than enough to be competent. You’d be surprised how many people can’t answer a phone call adequately and professionally. I was one of them.

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So apply and have confidence in your abilities, as average as you might think you are, you may be just what colleges or universities are looking for. There are scholarships out there for everyone. It’s not always about the smartest, but many times about the go-getters. The hungry and restless. The ones who demand the very best for themselves and their future.

Make your own luck.

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“The best way to make your dreams come true, is to wake up”
– Muhammad Ali

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For more, pick up a copy of Ram Castillo’s internationally and industry-acclaimed book ‘How to Get a Job as a Designer, Guaranteed’.

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