Research Proposal Writing for Scholarship Application
While applying for admission at University for the postgraduate studies, there are several documents that you must provide. When it comes to scholarship applications, several documents may help boost your position in the university’s candidate priority list, such as a statement of purpose. One such document is the Research Proposal Plan for Scholarship Application.
An Introduction to a Research Proposal Writing For Scholarship Application.
A Research Proposal for a scholarship is a formal academic document that proposes a scientific project with background literature research, objectives, execution plan to achieve milestones, supported literature review, valid scientific citations, time requirement, and funding grant. If your Research Proposal for Scholarship Application is impressive and convincing, then you are bound to secure that scholarship that you are aiming for.
A research proposal is not an easy document to prepare. It is a complex, detailed, and tough document created by an applicant with the intent to convince the board to give them the award. There are numerous students all around the world applying for the same scholarship opportunity as you are. If you want to secure your desired scholarship, it is vital that you stand out. To achieve that, you need an outstanding research proposal.
Here are some tips that you must remember while creating your research proposal for a scholarship.
- Follow the given format.
- Draw an outline first.
- Create a rough draft of pointers you want to add.
- Know your audience and target them accordingly.
Moving forward, many applicants are usually confused about formats. Some universities have a standard format that applicants must follow. Most of the time, a specific format is not given by the university. In that case, here is a general format that is mostly followed for a winning research proposal for scholarship application.
Format and Composition of a Research Proposal.
Most of the research proposals have the following sections. Although named differently, all parts cover almost the same things.
#1 Cover page.
On the cover page, you include the title of your project, your personal introduction, and the institute you are applying to. If your research proposal is lengthy, it is advised that you add a “table of content” on the cover page as well. This will help the readers open relevant and preferred sections easily. The funding body has several other applications to review. With a table of content, you save their time and hence leave a good first impression.
#2 Introduction.
An introduction should only be a couple of paragraphs long. Do not stretch the introduction with unnecessary information. Usually, the introductory part of the research proposal covers the introduction of the topic of the research, the background, the objectives, and the context of the paper, and usually introduces the problem statement.
A well-composed research proposal covers the following points in the introduction.
- The problem statement.
- The background of the problem.
- What are you bringing to the project?
- How will your research help solve the problem?
The introduction must be convincing. You need to convince the funding committee that your research is worth investing in. Your introduction should be fascinating and engaging enough to grab the attention of the reviewer.
#3 Literature review.
The literature review is a very significant part of your research proposal. The section will establish understanding and familiarity with your research topic. A literature review section gives detailed information about the problem’s history and what is already known about the problem.
Your literature review section must be strong and convincing to let the reviewing committee know that the foundation of the research is strong. Additionally, it clarifies that you are doing your own research and not repeating what is already known.
In a literature review, make sure you include the following information.
- A short summary.
While giving a short summary, discuss the theories about the problem. What are the controversies, discussions, debates, and assumptions about the problem?
- Elaborate on different approaches.
Outline the strengths of the different researches on the problem shortly. Emphasize the weaknesses the unknown factors about the problem.
- Your solution proposal.
Transition subtly into your research proposal. How you build your case, what challenges can your research help, how your research may answer some problems, etc.
#4 Research design
Now that you have composed a well-written literature review, now you provide proof of your objectives. In this section, provide facts and figures of your research. This section ensures the reviewing committee that you are well aware of how to carry out the research and that your research methods are right. This is a very factual and most important part of the research proposal. A well-composed research design convinces the reviewing committee single-handedly to award you the scholarship. To be precise, include the following in your research design section.
- How you collected your data.
- Research design in use or to be used.
- Aims and approach.
- Criteria for sampling.
- Sampling methods.
- Data analysis method.
- Data collection procedure.
#5 Reference list.
The reference list consists of citations and sources. A good research proposal must have proper and valid citations to be considered. You must give information such as the name of previous scientists who worked on the project, books, papers, etc. In some rare cases, there is a requirement for a bibliography. In the case of a bibliography, you will have to provide a precise list of citations.
The reference list proves to the reviewing committee that there is a wide range of literature that supports your area of interest.
Word limit of Research Proposal
Usually, a word limit is given by the institute for composing a research proposal document. If none is given, you can assume the standard limit of 800-3500 words. Your research proposal can be spread across 4 to 6 pages. Remember to not succeed the word limit. The reviewing committee appreciates the quality of the content, not the number of words.
Is It Mandatory To Provide A Research Proposal For Scholarship Application?
To secure a scholarship or funding, it is mandatory to submit a detailed research proposal. The document helps the funding body assess whether your research is worth their time and trust. Therefore, be very mindful when you compose your research proposal.
