to get accepted to #UGRAD essays were the first step and the main one probably.

and here are some tips, I learned after becoming a finalist and helping a couple more Uzbek students to win UGRAD as a mentor:

- Get Help

It is okay to ask for help from those who have written successful essays. They can tell you the basic needs and requirements and mistakes to avoid.

- Understand

UGRAD is neither a merit-based nor a need-based scholarship. it is, as it states, a cultural exchange program.

Telling them the challenges you have faced may not help.

Telling them how smart you are may not help.

Show your problem-solving and leadership skills and how much you care about your community.

This is what they need.

-Prepare Beforehand

Familiarize yourself with the usual Essay Questions and collect some ideas. You can pick them up from some speeches, books, or even movies. As long as you actually feel them, and you can relate, you can write them.

- Keep It Simple!

Remember, it is NOT IELTS. Do not show off your language, instead use simple words and basic grammar if you have to.

Only focus on delivering your message and expressing yourself. If you try to use high-level language, you may make mistakes, making it harder for the reader to understand. They do not have time to rethink your essay. make it clear and easy to understand.

- Be Yourself!

Tell them about your personality, your life experience or even your negative sides that they need to take into consideration. They ask for essays because they want to know YOU. Give them that.

- Get Help

Ask others to proofread your essay for possible errors and ask them if they have any ideas to make it better.

Out of so many candidates, you get only one shot. Make it count.

with respect Gulomjon