KTH Master’s Challenge

October 31st, 2013 by Jonathan Frankel

swedish currency179988402KTH Master’s Challenge
Deadline: November 12

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is hosting the KTH Master’s Challenge! The competition is open to those who have been accepted/will be into their chosen KTH Royal Institute program at the time of entry. For each master’s program there will be a first, second and third place prize awarded. The awards are as follows:

First: A full scholarship for one of the three programs at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, a VIP invitation to the prize ceremony in India- domestic travel and lodging expenses covered, a winner’s certificate and the university application fee waived.

Second and Third: A VIP invitation to the prize ceremony- with domestic travel and lodging expenses covered, a winner’s certificate and the university application fee waived.

Winners may also receive additional prizes from ABB- including work projects and a cash prize.

To enter the competition, follow the steps:

  1. Sign up to enter
  2. Take the short IQ quiz
  3. Take a short quiz on Sweden-India relations, Swedish innovation and KTH
  4. Choose your program
  5. Take a short quiz based upon your chosen program
  6. Write a personal statement

Each step must be completed by November 12th, the winners will be announced December 18th and the prize ceremony will follow in January.

Find more information on the KTH Master’s Challenge and how to apply here.


The Green Store Challenge

October 29th, 2013 by Jonathan Frankel

greenrecycle178442930The Green Store Challenge
Deadline: January 7

DO School fellows who are looking for a challenge, experience, and to save some cash, here’s one that you might want to check out. The DO School and H&M have teamed up to establish this challenge, to help the push toward creating stores that are sustainable in terms of materials, construction, energy and operation. The Green Store Challenge will allow fellows to create a green store prototype that is scalable to H&M stores world-wide.

Fellows will have the opportunity to first connect with leading experts on various environmental aspects relating to the construction and operation of stores, including construction materials, recycling systems and sustainable interior design. Fellows will then conduct research to ensure they firmly grasp the vision that H&M has when it comes to finding a sustainable design and operation.

Individuals at the DO school between the ages of 18 and 28, from around the world are able to apply to participate in this challenge. Twenty fellows will be selected to participate in the Green Store Challenge and receive a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition. Each of the fellows will live and work together during the 10 week incubation phase. After this, fellows will return home and begin the 10 month implementation phase of the program through an online platform.

You can find more on the Green Store Challenge and how to apply here.


5 Tips to Avoid on Your Scholarship Essay

October 27th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel

girl with computer146789416

Read our newly updated post about scholarship essays here.

Arguably the most important part of applying for a scholarship is the essay. Your essay is your opportunity to really give the scholarship organization an idea of who you are, and tell them exactly why you are the person who most deserves their scholarship. Here are 5 tips to avoid on your scholarship essay:

1. Procrastination – Many students believe that they “work best under pressure,” but no one is at his or her best when rushed and stressed. Make sure you start your application early, giving yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas. It’s generally a good idea to use school breaks to write your essays, so you’re not also juggling homework, sports, and extracurriculars.

2. Not knowing your audience – Take some time to get to know the organization that sponsoring each of the scholarships to which you are applying. Research their vision, history, and programs, and think about how you can make your essay appeal to their missions. Also, remember that there are actual people reading your essay, with the ability to recognize sincerity. Appeal to their sensibilities and try to give them a real idea of who you are.

3. Unnatural writing – It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying too hard. Make sure you write in your own voice, and try to avoid “thesaurus words.” Admissions committees can tell when you are writing in your own voice—it will feel more natural and comfortable. Not to mention it will be easier to write!

4. Uncreative topics – Remember that the admissions committee will read hundreds of essays every year, often about many of the same topics. Try to make your essay stand out by picking a topic that is unique and interesting. One helpful tip is to search for “popular scholarship essay topics”…and then avoid those like the plague!

5. Humility – Generally speaking, we are raised to be modest, and it can feel unnatural and uncomfortable to talk about ourselves. However, a scholarship application requires you to talk about yourself and your achievements frankly and honestly. Admissions committees want to hear about what you’ve achieved, so don’t downplay what you’ve done for fear of boasting.

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5 Reasons Why Studying Abroad Can Help Your Career

October 20th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel

interview135895794In today’s economy it is getting harder and harder for recent college graduates to differentiate themselves from the herd. Despite the fact that potential employers see application after application with a strong GPA, solid test scores, and positive recommendations, though, there is one thing you can do to help yourself stand out: study abroad. That’s right, studying abroad is not just about having a fun adventure – although, of course, it can be – it can also help your chances when you enter the job market. Here are the top 5 reasons why studying abroad can help your career:

1. Language Skills
Even if your classes are in your native language, immersing yourself in a second one by living abroad has been proven to be the most effective way to learn (or polish) the must-have language skills needed in modern international business.

2. Communication Skills
There is more to getting your point across than the words you use, however, and employers know that applicants with study abroad experience can work with people from different backgrounds – be they in the classroom or in the boardroom – a crucial skill in today’s global economy.

3. Independent Thinking
Because studying abroad, by definition, means leaving home – and the usual support network it entails – behind, employers know that students with international experience are more capable of making well-reasoned decisions on their own.

4. Multi-Cultural Exposure
Because more and more business is being done across national borders (but less and less time is being dedicated to on-the-job-training), hiring managers are eager to find employees who already have hands-on experience in a particular international market. With such experience employees can begin to contribute to bottom-line from day one.

5. International Experience
The piece de resistance, of course, is international work experience. Above and beyond the normal practical experience such opportunities impart, internships and jobs abroad are proof positive that you have developed the skills listed above and can use them in a useful context.


Console and Hollawell Legal Leaders Scholarship

October 17th, 2013 by Jonathan Frankel

redhand170597209Console and Hollawell Legal Leaders Scholarship
Deadline: July 15

The Console and Hollawell Legal Leaders scholarship is open to those pursuing pre-law, paralegal studies or a juris doctorate with any concentration in law. To apply for this scholarship you must mail or email a 500 word essay on how you plan to impact your community through your legal work along with your valid transcript, and an official document from your school that states acceptance or enrollment in an accredited college or university.

You must also meet the following requirements:

  • Be a US citizen
  • Obtain at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Attend an accredited college or university full time or intend to with the acceptance of entrance into your choice institution

Console and Hollawell have been personal injury trial attorneys throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 1994.

Eligible students must apply before July 15th and will be notified on the winner around August 15th. You can find more information on the Console and Hollawell Legal Leaders Scholarship here.


3.8 Million International Students by 2024

October 13th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel

students globe167543508In a British Council report, international students are on the rise and are projected to hit 3.8 million students by 2024 – up over 3 million students just two years ago. Most of the growth is coming from China and India, where the report conclude that these two countries make up 35% of the global growth of international students. In fact by 2024, current forecasts show that China will have 855,000 international students abroad and India will send 376,000 students – together, they will make up a third of the world’s international student population.

Where are they studying?

Most international students are studying in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. With more countries trying to get some of the market, there are other countries looking to attract the best and brightest. Countries like China, Malaysia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia are just a few named in the report. According to this study, however, the majority of international students in 2024 will continue to be Chinese and Indian students primarily studying in the United States and the United Kingdom. Additionally, the British Council forecasts that the major destinations for international students will continue to be studying in the United States, Britain, Australia, Germany and Canada.

Read the rest of this entry »


MyProjectorLamps Australia Scholarship

October 3rd, 2013 by Jonathan Frankel

Australia _ Map 82090038 (1)MyProjectorLamps Australia Scholarship
Deadline: October 12

Twice a year MyProjectorLamps.com holds a scholarship competition for eligible students to have a shot at winning $500. To apply for this award students must submit a one page essay based upon the following topic as outlined by the MyProjectorLamps Australia Scholarship:

“Your ideas about the use of multimedia and data visualization in K-12 classrooms. Explore modern teaching methods and propose specific ideas for visual and interactive presentation in K-12 classrooms for improved knowledge retention.”

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Currently attending an accredited Australian high school, college or university program
  • Be a high school senior or college/university undergraduate student
  • Have “good standing” at the educational institution you attend
  • Have a 3.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative GPA

Individuals must type then mail their essay and transcript to the address listed in the scholarship details. Find more information on the MyProjectorLamps Australia scholarship and how to apply here.


Top Colleges Offering International Students Financial Aid

October 2nd, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel

Many international students dream of studying in the US. However, the cost of such an education is quite high, and many international students end up having to pay that full cost, as international students are not eligible for federal aid programs such as Stafford and Perkins loans or many local scholarships. Some schools in the US offer need-based aid to international students, but such aid is generally offered on a very limited basis. For this reason, many international students believe that it will be impossible for them to study in the United States.

However, international students with a dream of studying in the US shouldn’t despair; US News recently conducted a survey of nearly 1,800 colleges and universities for their 2013 survey of undergraduate programs, and found that nearly 345 ranked US colleges offered financial aid to at least 50 international undergraduate students during the 2012-2013 school year, with the average scholarship totaling $17,721. The study found that some of the top ranked schools in the United States proved to be particularly generous to international students.

Williams College, the number one ranked National Liberal Arts College, awarded scholarships to 80 international students for 2012-2013. The average award was $54,671. Harvard University, which ranked at number two among National Universities, awarded scholarships averaging $52,578 to 530 international students.

Both of these schools are among the ten schools that offer the most financial aid to international students. All of the top ten schools placed in the top 50 in their respective categories in the 2014 Best Colleges rankings, and awarded an average scholarship of $52,764 to international undergraduates.

Students should bear in mind that getting into one of these highly elite schools is no easy task; the University of Chicago, which offered the highest average award to international students, accepted 3,345 students of 25,273 applicants for fall 2012.

International students should also bear in mind that admission to one of these schools doesn’t guarantee a scholarship. Only 57 of UChicago’s undergraduate international students received financial aid during the 2012-2013 school year—less than 11% of all international undergraduates.

It is important that international students not let a lack of funds discourage them from pursuing receiving an education in the US. Make sure you thoroughly research all of your options so that you know how to go about financing your education in the United States.

If you are interested in seeing the full list of schools that offer financial aid to international students, you can access the U.S. News College Compass to find financial aid data, complete rankings and more.

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