In a couple weeks I have a scholarship interview over the phone?? Has anyone ever had an interview over the phone, if so how was it? I’m super nervous :)]
Yes, people have had scholarship interviews over the phone. They have probably ranged form really good to really bad.
Search this forum for “Scholarship Interview” as this question was asked recently and rec’d some great responses, one of which I’m posting below.
Here are some suggestions on how to most effectively present your case. 1) Research the founders/sponsors of the scholarship fully so that you have a very clear idea about what they care about. You cannot hit the target if you don’t know where the bullseye is. 2) Based on your understanding of the sponsors’ values and priorities, make an honest (i.e., not phony or exaggerated) inventory of your values, aspirations, character traits, talents, and accomplishments that are in alignment with the sponsor’s purpose in offering this scholarship. For each element in your inventory, have at least one solid illustration or story that provides evidence of your claim. 3) Make up some probing questions and follow-up questions that you can expect to be asked. Recruit a trusted friend to ask you these questions in person, and tweak your answers. Pay special attention to how you weave specific examples (i.e., stories) into your answers. 4) Keep in mind that in most cases, for high-value scholarships, the committee is not giving a “reward” for what you have done so far in life, but an investment in what you are likely to accomplish in the future. Of course, they have no way of knowing for sure, and past performance is all they have to go on. So slant your answers towards the future, describing not only your goals, the sources of those goals, and how you developed your passion for them, but also the steps you have taken and plan to take to accomplish them. Without saying so directly, convince them that you will provide a great return on their investment.
Rehearsing answers does not mean memorizing them as if they were scripted. The more you practice, the more confident you will be, and the more fully present you can be during the interview itself. Show up as your best true self. Researching what they care about does not mean pretending to be who you think they want you to be.
Use your paid and volunteer work experience to document how you have developed certain life skills that will help you succeed in college and career, like time management, leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills. If there is a need-based component to the scholarship and you have had to earn money instead of being more heavily involved in school activities, be sure to work that fact into your answers.
Finally, in your question you focused on your stats. Great stats are part of what has gotten you to this finalist stage. However, what will distinguish you from the other finalists is not your stats but your overall story. Focus on the aspects of your story that are unique and compelling.