When submitting for a scholarship, your CV is frequently used as the first screening tool, ensuring that you meet the call’s fundamental standards, that your experience is relevant to the program to which you are applying, and that you are a candidate with academic, professional, and personal promise. The academic CV for a scholarship is ought to be concise and focused. To show relevant information to the reader, use Times New Roman font with bullets, bold, and capital letters. The data must be presented in chronological sequence. Don’t be a victim of clichés; instead, show off something distinctive about yourself.
Role of an Academic CV
The purpose of the academic CV is to catch the scholarship provider’s attention so that the Motivation Letter can finish persuading him that your candidacy is the most qualified among all others. A sloppy academic CV can lead to scholarship denial. As a result, the CV is one of the most crucial documents in the hiring process. We’d like to share some advice based on our own experience earning scholarships and successfully assisting others through the application process.
What should you do before writing a CV?
Before you begin writing your resume, you must examine yourself and decide which aspects of your professional, academic, and personal background to include on paper. To get a comprehensive picture of what you have to provide, start by gathering as much information as possible, and then pick and choose which ones to exhibit and how to do it. Keep in mind that the scholarship sponsor has the final say, so learn everything you can of him and the profile he’s looking for. Select and emphasize the most relevant talents and experiences in your curriculum vitae based on this. You might begin your research by thoroughly reviewing the scholarship description and criteria. You can also go through the profiles of other scholarship recipients. Scholarship providers frequently provide articles or institutional films in which other academics discuss their experiences, allowing you to assess their profile.
Tips for writing an academic CV
- Consider the length. Academic CVs, unlike resumes, can be any size. This is since you must list all of your relevant publications, conferences, fellowships, and other accomplishments. Of course, if you’re applying for a specific scholarship, check to see if there’s any information about a page restriction for your CV in the scholarship listing.
- Consider who you’re writing for. Be sure to adapt your CV to your target audience, just like you would a resume. Consider the university or department to which you are applying.
- Make it as simple to read as possible. Allow enough margins and space between each section to keep your CV tidy. To make your CV easier to read, use bullet points in some areas (for example, when listing the courses you taught at each university). You improve the odds that a scholarship sponsor will read your CV attentively if you make it straightforward and easy to understand.
- Edit with care. Your CV should reflect your professionalism and polish. As a result, your document should be clear of errors. Check your CV for any spelling or punctuation issues before sending it out. Request that a friend or family member review it as well.
- Consider the structure. The structure is more important than length. Put the most crucial information at the front of your CV while composing it. This will usually include information on your schooling and your grades. To make your CV stand out, consider including a personal statement. List your experiences in reverse chronological order within each section.
- Speak with a professional in your field. Request feedback on how to organize your CV from someone in your profession. Every academic area has its own set of requirements for a CV. Ask those who have already applied for and received a scholarship if they would be willing to share an example CV with you. This will assist you in creating a CV that will impress scholarship committee members.
- Consistency is key. Whatever format you choose, stick to it. If one section title is bolded, all section titles should be bolded as well. People will find it easier to read and follow your CV if you are consistent.
Format
Contact details, education, and professional experience are required on all CVs. However, I propose that you include Certificates and Acknowledgements, Volunteering and Other Experiences, Software Skills and Languages to help the reader find essential features. Following is the format to be followed:
1. Contact
You must include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the page or in the header.
2. Education
It usually comes first since it allows you to demonstrate that you meet the minimum entry criteria.
3. Work experience
Include your accomplishments and measurable results, rather than just summarising the activities you completed. You’re showing the reader that you leave a trace wherever you work and that you’re conscious of the effects of your job by doing so. Write it in the first person, but without using the pronoun “I.” Note that it’s about what you’ve done; thus, you’re the central character in your presentation.
4. Languages
Show which languages you speak and what degree you speak: native, basic, intermediate, or advanced.
5. Personal skills
Mention your personal abilities together with your technical capabilities. This area is critical so that the reader can quickly see if you have the profile that he is looking for.
6. Other key sections
You can organize them in a section to emphasize your achievements if you have produced publications or been given prizes or certifications that are not related to your formal academic training. If possible, include links to your publications. Similarly, if you have participated in extracurricular activities or volunteered, I recommend including them in a separate area to show your initiative and social consciousness.
Example
Name
Address
Phone #
Email – if Available
College Major/ Career Goal: G.P.A.: (only if 3.0+)
(include this only if you have one) ACT: (if top 25%) SAT: (if top 25%)
Education
Rogers Senior High School Rogers, Arkansas
Graduation date: May 2008
Weighted GPA:
AP courses taken:
College courses taken:
Honors and Awards
- National Merit Semi-Finalist, (11)
- Lamp of Learning Academic Achievement Award (9, 10, 11)
- Missouri All-State Choir, (10, 11)
High School Activities
- Pioneer Yearbook Staff (10, 11, 12)
- Editor in Chief (12)
- KHS Swim Team (10, 11, 12)
- Varsity Team Captain (12)
- KHS Choir (9, 10, 11, 12)
- Spanish Club (9, 10, 11)
Community/Volunteer Activities
- Meals on Wheels Volunteer (Summers, 2003-Present)
- Deliver 3-5 meals to senior citizens every Saturday throughout the year.
- Church Youth Group (9, 10, 11, 12)
- Coordinated over 100 youth members for a 2-week mission trip.
Awards
- National Merit Finalist
- Who’s Who Among American High School Students
- Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary Youth Leadership
Work Experience
- Kirkwood YMCA Summer Gymnastics Camp Instructor (2003-Present)
- 20 hours per week during the school year and 45 hours per week in the summer.
- Kirkwood Library (2000-02)
- Approximately 10 hours per week during the school year.
Interests
- Diving – Greenbriar Pool Dive Team (6 years)
- Dancing – Ballet, tap, jazz (10 years)
NOTE: The information needed for a resume will be provided by each university/scholarship. Always go to the list and enter the same order as it appears on the list.
FAQs
Is it necessary to add a professional profile to my academic CV to be considered for a scholarship?
Some people choose to begin their CV in the form of a presentation with the professional profile section. It may, however, become a rehash of what you will undoubtedly mention in your personal statement. I would not put it on the CV for this reason and the fact that a CV should be as simple as possible. If you do decide to utilize it, limit yourself to one paragraph or five lines.
Is it necessary for me to add a photograph to my academic CV to be considered for a scholarship?
The photo you submit will be heavily influenced by the call, the institution, and the nation to which you are applying. However, in general, I recommend include a professional photograph in your CV to give the reader an impression of who is speaking. You should appear in the shot-making a pleasant and joyful gesture. Strive to avoid artificial grins and solemn expressions.