{"id":50348,"date":"2019-07-17T11:14:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T09:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.embl.org\/events\/?p=700"},"modified":"2022-07-22T10:01:20","modified_gmt":"2022-07-22T09:01:20","slug":"10-ways-to-get-your-scientific-course-application-accepted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/course-and-conference-office\/2019\/07\/10-ways-to-get-your-scientific-course-application-accepted\/","title":{"rendered":"10 ways to get your scientific course application accepted"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rejection.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have all experienced it in one way or another. Scientists perhaps more than others \u2013 rejected papers, job applications, fellowships, grants or training applications. But what can we do when it happens again and again and again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the EMBL Course and Conference Office we see it all \u2013 our scientific courses are way oversubscribed, and competition is tough! We\u2019ve taken a look at the most common mistakes that will lead to your application being rejected. These 10 tips will help you to be among the minority of successful course applicants, and while we can\u2019t promise that every application you submit will be accepted, following these tips will ensure that you stay towards the top of the pile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Apply on time!<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    It sounds simple, but we have so many requests from late applicants to submit after the deadline. Newsflash \u2013 you won\u2019t be considered! The application deadlines are part of a well-planned process, and we stick to it. So plan in advance and don\u2019t leave things until the last minute!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Complete ALL questions directly and clearly<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Again \u2013 sounds simple, right? It\u2019s amazing how many applicants think some questions are optional. Organisers have to select participants from a highly qualified pool of applicants, and if they have no comparison, you will be put straight on the \u201cno\u201d pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Submit all requested documentation<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Take the time to collate all requested documentation before submitting your application. If you make it past the first round, these will be vital in securing your spot in the final selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Read the guidelines\u2026and follow them!<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Generally course guidelines will be provided. Take the time to read through them and make sure you follow them \u2013 they are there for a reason!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Be sure that it is the right course for you<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Make sure the course WILL actually be of benefit to you. Check that you have the required pre-requisites, and that the learning outcomes are the same as your learning desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1. The motivation LETTER \u2013 not the motivation THESIS<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              <\/em>Most likely you will be provided with a word limit. Stick to it. If you don\u2019t have a word limit, don\u2019t take this to mean you can write a thesis. The scientific organisers have a lot of applications to go through and limited time to do it. Yours needs to catch their eye from the onset, so make sure the important stuff stands out! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. The motivation letter \u2013 the important stuff!<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                This is perhaps the most important part of your course application, so take it seriously! There is a lot of competition, so show that you have put some effort into it. Things that you should definitely include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                • Why would you like to attend?<\/li>
                • What do you expect to learn?<\/li>
                • How will you benefit from what you learn?<\/li>
                • How and when will you use the skills learned on the course?<\/li>
                • A brief description of your current research and future plans<\/li>
                • Any relevant skills, experience and qualifications<\/li>
                • Your scientific career and training<\/li>
                • Relevance in the lab \u2013 is the knowledge lacking and can you pass it on?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  1. Show academic curiosity<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Make it clear that you have done your research and are actually interested in the topic. If it is clear that you are only applying for the course because your PI told you to, chances that you\u2019ll be considered are slim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    1. Make sure you can spare the time and, if necessary, get a visa on time<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      If you have other commitments or think it won\u2019t be possible to get a visa on time to enter the country where the course is taking place, please reconsider and apply for a course taking place at a later date. Otherwise you will take the spot of someone else who would be able to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1. Show your application to your supervisor<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                        Ask your supervisor to check over your application before submitting. They will have much more experience in submitting successful applications and can give you advice on what to change and adapt to increase your chances of getting accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        So it\u2019s over to you now! And if you\u2019re not sure where to start looking for your next scientific training course, take a look at our upcoming events under www.embl.org\/events<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n