Reasons why you shouldn’t apply for the Chevening
Dear readers,
You shouldn’t apply for the Chevening if you don’t understand my sense of humor and sarcasm weaving together in the above title.
Before you freak out, please hear me out.
I love double negative sentences. And I’m more of a pessimist who would point out obvious mishaps than being an optimist, beaming rainbow and sprinkling flowers by giving false hope.
So, I am saying it now.
There are reasons why you shouldn’t apply for the Chevening.
Reason 1: You shouldn’t apply for the Chevening if you know nothing about the Chevening.
My jaw dropped to see the audacity of those who just straight up asked where they could find basic information about the Chevening, the winning essay samples, and the ultimate GUIDE to help them through every step in the application process while they didn’t even bother to google “CHEVENING” in the search box. If you can’t research this much, you shouldn’t apply for the Chevening.
Reason 2: You shouldn’t apply for the Chevening if you want the exact scholarship-winning essay samples.
You can simply google Chevening essays’ questions and answers. There are a couple of sample essays on the internet especially on Youtube, uploaded by the alumni and former applicants, being chosen or not. Reading several essays will give you ideas on how to outline the essay questions and answers regarding your own personal experience.
Reason 3: You shouldn’t apply for the Chevening if you rely on someone to guide you through the whole application process.
Of course, you would say that there are supportive groups on Facebook such as “Chevening Aspirants 2024/2025” which contains about 181.2K members across the world and several guides who sell their education service for a couple of dollars. But, you have to keep mind that you only know yourself. Guides and consultants can only help you think and write what makes you YOU.
Looking back, I had different writing style compared to my friend who helped me with my application. But, hey, if I listened to my friend and changed the flow of my essays, I wouldn’t be shortlisted for this year’s Chevening award. That’s one thing to think. Plus, can you imagine the pain and irony of writing leadership essay while you couldn’t even lead yourself to apply for the Chevening?
I can list more but I’m not here to discourage you. In fact, I am here to help you with your application process… if you think you should and would apply.
First of all, here is your first step:
Second, check if you are eligible:
Third, know the application timeline. Applications will be opened on 12 September, 2023!
Fourth, there’s guidance by none other than the Chevening organization!
Finally, know thyself.
Know who you are.
Know what you want.
And there you go. Seek which courses are available for you.
Universities’ applications are different and separate processes but should be applied at the same time you are preparing for the Chevening.
I am writing this article out of frustration because I am also in the above mentioned Facebook group, getting tired of seeing repetitive questions which wouldn’t even exist if you’d just googled.
As for the essays, I am planning to post my essays on this website in the future but I don’t know when. Follow me here to read my essays. I’m also going to write detailed guidance on writing 4 essays in my next articles.
Last but not least, this whole article is just a rough idea of whether you should apply for the Chevening or not. If you think you can, you can. Just try.
Thank you for reading this far. Oh and remember, I’ll be here, on Medium, via my writing to help you with the application process.
Good Luck! From a Chevener to the future Cheveners!
