Secrets for successful BWPA scholarship applications
Applications for the scholarships we offered this year closed at 20:00 on 26 September 2023. We shared our tips to give applicants the best chance of success.
Top tips
- Apply online – our application forms steer you through the information we need to carefully assess you against other applicants.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements – this includes making sure your BWPA membership is current! Log into the website to check your subscription and contact our Membership Coordinator if you have any questions.
- Check your details are correct – especially your name, email and phone number. Without these, if you are shortlisted, we won’t be able to contact you to let you know.
- Carefully read and think about each question – be as accurate and relevant as you can, as this will help the panel get to know you and your ambitions more than a general answer would.
- Sell yourself and highlight your achievements – tell us about anything that could be relevant or important. If you are not sure, include it anyway.
Remember…
- Tell your unique story – do not submit a generic, one-size-fits-all application.
- Be passionate – communicate about who you are and why you are the best candidate. Help the scholarship panel get to know you, and help them feel your passion.
- We cannot extend the deadline, so be sure to submit your application as soon as you can. For new members, please allow time for your membership application to be processed.
- Most importantly, if you were to be successful, remember to tell us how you plan to support the BWPA and give back to support other women in aviation.
- While we would love to award a scholarship to all our applicants, remember that you can apply again next year. Many of our previous winners were successful in their second or third year of applying, so keep trying.
FAQs
Who assesses the applications?
A panel, usually made up of three people, assesses applications for each scholarship. There is a different panel for each one, and it typically includes a scholarship sponsor, and BWPA members with relevant experience, such as a flying instructor or a previous BWPA scholarship winner.
How are applications assessed?
Set criteria for each question give a score for each answer. The criteria may differ depending on the requirements of each scholarship, but generally cover:
- Meeting the eligibility requirements.
- A demonstrated passion for aviation, including a commitment to being a good ambassador, and sharing your skills and experience with other women.
- A demonstrated desire to develop your flying skills.
- A clear plan of what you aim to do and how you would use the scholarship. This should include a realistic idea of time and costs involved and how this would fit alongside other commitments.
- A demonstrated desire and commitment to support the BWPA.
- A suitable referee (who may be contacted if you are successful).
If you have any questions about our scholarships, please contact us.
Good luck to all applicants!
