Guys, congratulation! you`ve done extremely well. At least you are part of the shortlisted applicants for the SONSOL Scholarship initiated By the School`s Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson. If you are able to make it through the interview, HURRAY! you are going to receive a free Laptop from KNUST through this initiative.
The SONSOL initiative has really helped a lot of brilliant but Needy students since its emergences. Most of the time, people loose scholarships, jobs, and internships offers because they didn’t do well during the interview. That shouldn’t be your story, that’s why we are here. NewsBit Gh has taken the initiative to help students on how to go about the SONSOL interview.
NewsBit Gh would like to state emphatically that this article is in no way to say these are particular questions you may be asked during the SONSOL interview. these are just likely questions we believe one may be asked during the SONSOL interview.
We Understand all the shortlisted applicants are first years. And honestly, most of them have no idea about how an interview looks like, some students might have never even attended an interview. We are here to help such students ace the SONSOL Interview.
These students may have a good story to tell, but how to say it is very key, that`s why we are here, we help them tell their story appropriately.
Below are some DOs and Don’ts No One Is Going to Tell You before the SONSOL Interview
DOs for SONSOL Scholarship
1. Greet the Panelists
this is a sign you are respectful. you can`t enter the room and not greet people who shall be considering you for a laptop Scholarship, you have to win the heart of the panelists. Come On, make sure you don`t forget! No go do make some panel tell you say you no geh manners bruh.
2. Do listen
Listen clearly to the panel, it`s quite pissing to be asking the interview panel to repeat a question continually. it can get you disqualified; you look annoying to the panel if you continually ask for a repetition of the same question.
3. Dress appropriately
We understand you are a top shatta/ badddest Btch on KNUST camp, but yo, you`re not going to the club for f sake. the panel would disqualify you if you dress indecent. you can even be sacked! I know you wouldn`t like to embarrassed. No, we are not saying wear a suite and put on a tie like a second-coming KNUST Agenda boy. Dress descent, I know you understand me. Black belt-black shoe, No Gucci-Versace drip bia. For the ladies, cover your body!
Guys, striking the right balance in your attire is crucial for the SONSOL interview. Avoid overdressing, as it may come across as overly formal or out of place. Similarly, underdressing can give the impression of a lack of professionalism. Dress appropriately, adhering to a neat and well-groomed appearance, ensuring that your outfit aligns with the expectations of a formal setting.
4. Be on time
Go early, if the interview starts at 8 a.m. be there at 7 a.m., set your alarm so you wake up early. Don’t rush there sweating profusely because of some oversleeping you did. No one cares, you slept at 4 am because of an assignment so what? Don`t get caught!
5. Wear clothes that fit well, you want to be able to sit and move comfortably
Wearing well-fitted clothes for a scholarship interview is important to ensure comfort and ease of movement. Properly fitted attire portrays professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing your overall presentation and leaving a positive impression on the interviewers.
Wearing clothes that make you feel confident is crucial for the scholarship interview. When you feel comfortable and self-assured in your outfit, it positively impacts your demeanor and performance. Choose attire that reflects your personal style while adhering to appropriate professional standards, ensuring you present your best self during the interview.
6. Prepare to make a good first impression and eye-contact
Preparing to make a good first impression and maintaining eye contact is vital for a scholarship interview. A positive initial impact demonstrates confidence. Engaging in eye contact conveys attentiveness, interest, and respect, fostering effective communication and leaving a lasting impression on the interviewers.
7. Do prepare a concise and professional “Tell me about yourself” answer
Here’s a sample concise “Tell me about yourself” answer for the SONSOL interview:
“I’m [Your Name], a dedicated and driven individual pursuing [Your Field of Study]. I have a passion for [Specific Interest/Research Area]. I’m motivated to contribute to society by [Your Aspirations/Goals]. I am the 3rd of my parents` children. my mother is the sole provider of our academics which has caused a financial constraint and why I am unable to purchase a laptop. We live in [your town]. I believe this laptop will enable me to further develop my skills and make a meaningful impact in my chosen field.”
or
“I am [your name], a hardworking ambitious person who believes you only get out of life what you are ready to put in. Outside academics, I love reading books on self-development which I try to put in practice, so I become a better version of myself as I grow. I am the 3rd child of my single mother. My family resides in Kumasi, where my mother works as a market woman/Her Job at ….. I believe my hardworking and ambitious self, coupled with my financial constraint makes me a better candidate for this laptop scholarship/ I believe this laptop was made for brilliant but needy students like me. ”
8. Do use professional language, avoid the use of slang
Using professional language and avoiding slang is crucial for maintaining a polished and credible image. Instead of saying “Hey, what’s up?” opt for “Hello, how are you?” Instead of “cool” say “excellent”, when you are being offered a seat, instead of saying ”Sure”, say “Thanks”. Employing appropriate terminology and respectful language elevates your communication and fosters a more professional environment.
9. Do be aware of your body language
Being mindful of your body language is important in the scholarship interview. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use gestures that convey confidence and engagement. Avoid fidgeting, crossing arms, or slouching, as they can indicate nervousness or disinterest. Your body language should align with your words to create a positive impression. This saves you from making the panel think you probably brainstormed answers to tackle their questions.
DON’Ts for SONSOL scholarship
Below are some Don’ts No One Is Going to Tell You before the SONSOL Interview
1. Do not try to “wing it” and enter your interview without practicing answers to interview questions
every serious person does it, why shouldn’t you. you need to practice and imagine how the interview is going to be like. The panel has prepared questions for you in your absence, same should you prepare certain answers to their likely assumed questions.
2. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification (if you need it)
3. Do not appear distracted or tensed
Presenting a calm and focused demeanor during a scholarship interview is essential to make a positive impression. It showcases your ability to handle pressure, conveys confidence in your abilities, and ensures effective communication, ultimately increasing your chances of securing the scholarship. Don`t keep a hard face too, smile.
4. Do not speak poor or bad about parent
Speaking poorly about parents is disrespectful. It reflects negatively on your character and may raise concerns about your attitude and interpersonal skills. Maintaining a respectful tone shows maturity, gratitude, and a balanced perspective, which is crucial in personal and professional interactions.
most of the interviewers are parents too and would not like it if their kids are to badmouth them to get help in their absence. Maintain a positive and appreciative tone when discussing your family, emphasizing the support and guidance they have provided throughout your journey as a student.
5. Do not lie
Lying undermines your integrity and credibility. Honesty is highly valued by the scholarship committee and fosters trust. Present yourself authentically and maximize your chances of securing the scholarship. If on your SONSOL forms you stated your mother has five kids, don`t say otherwise to the panel. you are lying! (no one cares about you forgetting about a vital information you should have known to secure you a free laptop). and remember, the panel would always ask you questions based on what you have presented i.e. your proof of need and details on the SONSOL forms. Go through your proof of need if you have them now.
6. Don’t wear wrinkled or dirty clothes
Don’t wear clothes that is distracting, avoid loud prints, clothes with company logos, and/or clothing that can be considered provocative. Because the SONSOL is for Brilliant but NEEDY students does not mean you should dress all needy and shabby. Iron your clothes man. Don`t assume dressing shabby would make the interview panel sympathize with you.
7. Do not have your phone on
During the SONSOL scholarship interview, it is best to avoid having your phone on or bringing it if possible. Having your phone can be distracting and give the impression of being uninterested or disengaged. Focus on the interview, giving your full attention to the conversation, and demonstrate your professionalism by keeping your phone out of sight.
8. Do not get/act too emotional
Maintaining emotional composure is important during the scholarship interview. While it’s acceptable to express passion and enthusiasm, getting overly emotional can hinder effective communication. Stay focused, composed, and articulate in sharing your experiences and aspirations, striking a balance between conveying your genuine emotions and maintaining a good demeanor.
9. Do not wear scented products to an interview
Avoid wearing scented products, such as perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented lotions, to a scholarship interview. Strong fragrances can be overwhelming and may cause discomfort or allergies for interviewers. It’s best to keep your scent neutral to ensure a professional and distraction-free environment for everyone involved in the interview.
10. Do not forget to say “Thank you” when leaving the room of offered a seat.
11. Don’t be overconfident
Maintaining a balanced level of confidence is important during a scholarship interview. While confidence is valued, being overconfident can come across as arrogant or dismissive. Strike a balance by showcasing your achievements and abilities while remaining humble, open to feedback, and demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow.
12. Don’t be rude to any of the interviewers
Remaining respectful and courteous towards all interviewers is crucial during a scholarship interview, regardless of their demeanor. It’s important to handle any challenging or difficult questions with professionalism and poise. Remember that the interviewers may be evaluating your ability to handle pressure and maintain composure. Responding politely and constructively showcases your maturity and interpersonal skills.
13. Don’t make yourself at home, you can`t be chewing gum during the interview
Creating a professional environment is essential during the scholarship interview, and making yourself at home is not appropriate. Chewing gum during the interview can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. Treat the interview setting with the same level of respect as you would in a lecture or any other formal setting, maintaining proper decorum and focusing on the conversation at hand.
14. Presenting a well-groomed appearance is important for the SONSOL scholarship interview.
Consider trimming your bushy hair and beard to maintain a neat and polished look. This demonstrates attention to detail, and respect for the interview process. Ensuring your hair and beard are well-kempt enhances your overall presentation and leaves a positive impression on the interviewers. Putting on a wig/make up as a lady? I won`t advice it is right. DON`T!
15. Refrain from wearing necklaces, wristbands, expensive watches, and excessive rings.
Minimizing jewelry reduces potential distractions and keeps the focus on your qualifications and communication. opt for a clean and professional appearance without flashy accessories. NewsBit Gh advice you don`t. In the minds of the panel, “oh you have this expensive jewelry and can`t afford to buy a laptop to better your academics? then you don`t have good priorities, why should help you then”. “What if it was a gift” -someone might ask. well, no one cares, even if that`s the case, sell your expensive jewelry, it could get you a slightly used laptop at Kumasi Adum.
LIKELY SONSOL SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS
SONSOL’s full meaning is Support One Needy Student with One Laptop. it is an initiative by our noble vice chancellor to help needy but brilliant students like me get access to a laptop.
- why are you here?
I applied for the SONSOL Scholarship and by the grace of God I was shortlisted, I am here to plead with the SONSOL committee to consider me secure a laptop as it would go a long way to help both in my academics and outside my academics.
OR
I applied for the SONSOL scholarship and by the grace of God I qualified, I am here to be accessed more for this laptop scholarship.
- why do you think you deserve the laptop most?
1. Exemplary answer: Due to the nature of my course, Packaging Technology, we shall be using laptop in our studies to design prototypes of our packages or packaging ideas. If there’s an instance where I don’t have some, I will lag behind in class.
2. I will also utilize the laptop by partaking in online classes. there was an instance where I missed an online class last semester, and if this is to continue, my academics would go bad.
3. I will also use it for assignment and research when the need arises. We most of the time do presentations, I believe I will need the laptop to complete tasks such as these.
4. Also, outside academics I will need the laptop to acquire skills such as digital marketing, Photoshop/Excel manipulation, blogging, etc. which can help me to have a side hustle as a student and also make me job-ready for the job market after graduation.
- How is the laptop going to help you?
The laptop will be a valuable asset to me in both academics and various aspects of my life. In academics, it will provide access to essential research materials, allow for efficient note-taking, and facilitate collaboration with peers. Outside academics, the laptop enables me to stay organized, pursue personal interests, engage in online learning, and develop crucial digital skills necessary for the modern world. Its versatility and functionality will enhance my overall productivity and enable me to excel in various endeavors.
NOTE: NewsBit Gh advice you compile in a great way and give all these reasons, this will make you a competitive candidate for the SONSOL scholarship.
- Why? can’t you use your phone for online classes?
- For me, a bigger screen means less stress on eyes especially that school activities require much text reading. Our virtual lectures use slides, Using a laptop means the texts would be bigger that I wouldn’t have to stress my eyes seeing what is on the screen. I can easily take notes if I am to have a virtual class using the laptop.
OR
- there usually are no distractions when using a laptop for online studies. that’s very unlikely for phones, WhatsApp messages would be coming through, calls, SMS and other. I wouldn’t love to be distracted.
“I wish my parents could buy me the laptop but due to our finances we cannot afford. we are children of …….. and my mother is the sole provider. All my siblings are in school causing financial pressure.”
SHARING IS CARING, PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FRIENDS TOO.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful to your interview preparation! Do you have any questions? Or maybe there is something I didn’t cover. Let me know in the comments.
Also, there are many other articles we have put up to help you in your education and career.
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