Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying for Scholarships: A Malaysian Student's Perspective

SPM 2022 Results Day at my previous school

If I could go back in time, I'd tell my younger self to pray for scholarships—not just straight A's in SPM.

A week after the SPM 2022 results were revealed, I found myself catapulted into a whirlwind of scholarship applications, scrambling to gather my achievements and pour them into essays. With 9A+, 1A, and 1B+ (later rechecked to an A-), I was confident I’d have my pick of scholarships. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Now, as a student at KYUEM, I’ve learned that the scholarship application process isn’t just about grades—it’s a journey that demands preparation, confidence, and persistence. In this post, I’m sharing three lessons I wish I’d known earlier to help other Malaysian students navigate this challenging but rewarding path.

1. Start Early: Beyond Just Academics

Scholarships aren’t just about how well you performed in SPM. Providers want to see more than just straight A’s—they’re looking for interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and critical thinking. Being book smart alone won’t cut it; you need activities that demonstrate your abilities and passions.

Let’s compare two hypothetical students:

  • Ali, a straight-A student aspiring to study Chemistry, participates in poetry writing and volunteers at an orphanage.
  • Abu, a near-straight-A student aiming to study Economics, takes part in economic case studies and is an active member of an investment club.

Whose application stands out? Abu’s. His extracurriculars align with his chosen field, showcasing his genuine passion and readiness. Ali, while academically stellar, lacks activities that connect directly to his aspirations.

These relevant, subject-aligned activities are called supercurriculars. Supercurriculars demonstrate genuine passion and readiness for your field, helping scholarship panels identify determined and well-prepared candidates. While extracurricular activities are also valuable, it’s important to prioritize your supercurriculars first! For example, alongside your involvement in Mathematics integration bee competitions, dancing could offer a unique way to apply mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rhythm, and spatial awareness, further showcasing your interdisciplinary skills to pursue a Mathematics course in university.

If you know what you want to study, start building your portfolio early. This could mean writing blog posts, joining competitions, or founding a club. The earlier you start, the stronger your application will be.

If you’re undecided, don’t worry! Explore a variety of activities—science fairs, debates, public speaking events, and more. These experiences can help you discover your interests and showcase your versatility. Once you’ve identified your strengths, aim beyond local achievements. Seek out international opportunities, like global volunteer programs or exchange programs. (Pro tip: Embassy social media pages often advertise exciting youth opportunities!)

Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program 2023 - Malaysian Team


2. Don't Be Intimidated by Others

Coming from a daily school, I initially felt out of place competing against students from elite boarding schools and MRSM. With their blazers, shiny pins, and polished confidence, they seemed to radiate success, while I felt ordinary in comparison.

But here’s the truth: if you’ve made it to the same stage, you’re already on their level. You’ve earned your spot just like they have. Scholarship assessments aren’t about where you come from; they’re about what you bring to the table.

Take my prefect experience, for instance. At first, I dismissed it as insignificant compared to grander titles like student president or house captain. But when I framed it as evidence of my leadership and organizational skills, it transformed into a valuable asset for my application.

Whether you’re an athlete, a debater, or even a quiet observer, the skills you’ve gained—strategic thinking, teamwork, or analytical abilities—are unique strengths. Recognize their value, own them, and let them shine.

3. Rejection is Redirection

Rejection is inevitable, and it hurts. I vividly remember the sting of not being shortlisted for scholarships I was confident about (looking at you, Yayasan Khazanah and Petronas). The disappointment was overwhelming, and doubts flooded my mind: Was I not good enough? Did I lack personality? Were my achievements insignificant compared to others?

But over time, I realized rejection isn’t failure—it’s redirection.

Each “no” taught me something valuable: how to refine my essays, tackle interviews with confidence, and align my goals with the right opportunities. With every application, I grew more resilient. I stopped viewing rejection as a personal flaw and embraced it as part of the learning process.

Eventually, persistence paid off. I secured the PNB Global Scholarship, an opportunity that perfectly aligned with my dream of becoming an environmental engineer. It wasn’t just a win—it was the right win, a scholarship that matched my academic achievements, personal passions, and long-term goals.

Conclusion: Believe in Your Journey

If you’re reading this and feel disheartened by rejection, remember: putting yourself out there is an act of courage. Each application is proof of your belief in your potential. Even if you don’t secure a scholarship today, be proud of the effort you’ve put in and the lessons you’ve learned.

Keep believing in yourself and pushing forward. The right opportunity will come, often when you least expect it. And when it does, you’ll look back and realize that every “no” was preparing you for that moment. SPM and scholarships aren’t the end—they're just the beginning of your story.

SPM 2022 5Alamanda: The end of SPM, the beginning of our own stories


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