Application Advice for the Academic Director’s Scholarship

Hi! My name is Andrea Asmat, and I am from Lima, Perú. I study Economics at university, and last summer, I attended LSE Summer School after receiving the Academic Director's Scholarship in the area of Sustainability and Development.

When I initially applied for LSE Summer School, I was unaware of the scholarship opportunities. However, I later learned that my course was eligible to later apply for the Academic Director’s Scholarship and decided I wanted to go for it. At that time, I was finishing my freshman year at university. I didn't believe I would stand out in such a competitive environment, especially with the large applicant pool at LSE Summer School. Nevertheless, I took a shot at it, and to my surprise, I won the scholarship! In this blog, I will share tips for addressing your supplemental essays for the Academic Director Scholarship and maximising your chances!

Although there may be differences in the application process between each year, I was asked to answer two prompts. One asked about the contributions to your community through any extracurricular or leadership activities you have undertaken, and another focused on my motivation and commitment to the LSE Summer School course I had applied to, my achievements and the impact the course would have on the future and others around me.

The first prompt had a tight 100-word limit, which made it challenging, as it forced me to be concise and focus on one specific activity and convey the depth of my involvement. Therefore, my advice here is to prioritise quality over quantity. Instead of merely listing contributions, highlight how you initiated the activity, the challenges you faced, and the measurable impact you made through the activity. For example, I talked about an activity I started back in high school, how I progressed into a leadership position through the years, and the lasting contributions I made to my community.

The second prompt focused on my motivations for attending LSE Summer School and was 300 words long. This essay allowed me to share my story and goals with the reader. I advise using this essay as an opportunity to build a compelling narrative that connects your background, aspirations, and interests to LSE Summer School and the specific course you have applied for. Think of it as your elevator pitch, answering the questions: why you, why this programme, and why now?

For instance, I began my essay by recounting a moment that sparked my interest in the subject I was applying to. Through personal anecdotes, I demonstrated how my experiences have shaped my academic and career goals. I also showed how the LSE Summer School programme aligns with my growth trajectory.

My main tip is to avoid generic statements like "LSE is a top institution". Instead, highlight specific details about the course, such as unique topics, faculty expertise, or how it complements your previous studies. Explain what excites you about the particular course and why you're eager to learn from LSE's faculty. You can find detailed information about the syllabus for all the courses on the Summer School website, which shows you've done your research. If possible, I recommend you conclude your essay by emphasising how you will use this opportunity to create positive change in your field.

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.