If asked to write a study plan for a scholarship, you may not know where to start. Basically, a study plan describes the course of study you will study and the reasons for choosing it. One of the general scholarship committees that request study plans is the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Start by setting the main educational goals, then explain how to achieve these goals. After that, end the study plan and set aside time to improve the writing.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting Goals and Interests
Step 1. Describe the main purpose of education
Start by telling the desired major and the reason for choosing that major. For example, you could discuss the degree you want to earn while in China or the course you want to study.
For example, the main goal of studying in China might be to earn a bachelor's degree in business and learn Chinese, which has become a global language. You might write, "My two main educational goals were to get a business degree and to learn Chinese. I felt the need to learn it because it has become a global language."
Step 2. Explain the reasons for choosing a particular school or program
It's not enough to explain the school you want to go to and how good it is. Also write down the reasons the school is the best fit for you or the topic you want to study.
- Personalize answers. Is there anything that inspired you to study business? What's that? Discuss the reasons the school chosen is best suited for studying business.
- For example, write, "I was born in the United States, but my grandparents are Chinese. I chose the business program because I wanted to connect with my cultural heritage, improve my Chinese language skills, and ultimately, help build better relations between China and China. the United States by enhancing trade relations."
Step 3. Discuss future research if you are a graduate student
If you are going to pursue a Ph. D. then research the things that will be researched, especially if you are doing scientific or sociological research that requires a trial subject.
For example, write, "As a PhD candidate, I plan to do research on how ancient traditions and rituals influence contemporary Chinese culture, which will include a literature review and extensive interviews with historians and a small sample of the Chinese population."
Step 4. Refine research to show seriousness
PhD students often take too many variables into their research. You don't need to cover all aspects. Narrow down to the most important and integral variables for the chosen topic. It will help show that you know how to do research well, which makes you a better candidate.
- Drawing a conceptual model can help. Start with the antecedent (cause) and the mediator (the process of changing the antecedent). Then, end by explaining the results. Draw a line between the two to help see which variables are more problem-centered.
- Consider asking a friend or professor to look at a research proposal. They may be able to help you narrow down your research.
Step 5. Tell us how the study will benefit your long-term goals
After setting immediate goals, discuss how the program will help you achieve future goals. That way, the scholarship committee understands you better and the reasons for choosing the study program, school, location.
For example, you might write, "One of my long-term goals is to open an import business from China to the United States, and learning about business in China is essential to the success of my endeavor."
Part 2 of 3: Discussing the Implementation of the Goals
Step 1. Set a plan to achieve each goal
The scholarship committee doesn't just want to hear about your goals. They also want to know that you have a plan to achieve all of those goals so you don't get stuck without having a way to reach the goals you've planned. Write a plan for one goal at a time to help the scholarship committee see your readiness.
For example, if you are planning to do a PhD involving research respondents, discuss how to find these people for the study. You might write, "I'm planning to create an advertisement to get focus group participants, as well as contact historians by phone and email for interviews."
Step 2. Tell me how to overcome obstacles
With any study plan, there are bound to be obstacles or challenges that stand in the way. The scholarship committee will be impressed if you can anticipate some of these challenges and offer short solutions to them.
For example, write, "I anticipated the language barrier would be a problem at first. However, I planned to work hard early to learn the language and I'm currently taking intensive classes."
Step 3. Determine the methodology to be used
If you are applying for a PhD program, you will need to be more specific about research than other levels of study. Enter the methodology you want to use for the research. The scholarship judges want to know that you have detailed plans and are serious about the project.
To help choose, do a thorough literature review. Pay attention to the research that has been done in the area you want to study. Write down the main methods used in the research, along with their pros and cons. Choose the potentially most successful method for your research
Step 4. Create a sampling strategy if you want to include samples
Sampling strategy is a plan to select several people to represent the entire population in research. The strategy chosen is usually determined by the type of research being conducted. The scholarship committee wants to know this to make sure you have a plan for the research.
For example, using simple or systematic random sampling when the entire population is similar based on the research variables. On the other hand, stratified random sampling is often used when the respondents involved differ greatly according to research variables
Part 3 of 3: Ending and Correcting the Post
Step 1. Close the study plan with a short summary
At the end of the study plan, reiterate why you want to study in the chosen program, and reiterate the importance of that in realizing your goals. Also, add a few words about how the scholarship can help you reach your goals.
For example, write, "Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. If selected, I can fully focus on my studies. I will work hard to implement my goals of studying Chinese and getting a business degree at a Chinese university, and your trust in me will not will be worthless."
Step 2. Write clearly and eliminate jargon
The study plan should be understandable even to people who are not in your area. This means that you need to avoid using jargon and try to explain the research as simply as possible.
This is not to say that writing is like speaking to a child. However, write it down so that others outside your area can easily understand the plan
Step 3. Write down as much detail as possible
You may not write a dissertation in your study plan, but provide as much detail as possible about the course you want to take and plans to start it. That way, the scholarship committee understands you better as a student, which can help you stand out from the crowd.
The space to write a study plan in the CSC application is only a few lines. However, you can add additional paper if needed
Step 4. After self-checking, find someone who can correct the study plan
After thoroughly checking the study plan for misspellings, find someone to check it too. They will most likely find things you missed. It's helpful to have your professor or teacher check it out, as they've most likely read a similar study plan before.
