Applications for Inns scholarships open in September, so we’ve been speaking to Joanne Twomey and Joe O’Leary – Future Pupil Programme Coordinators at ULaw – to get some top tips on what students should be doing to prepare before applying for these coveted awards.
By Cara Fielder. Published 3 September 2018. Last updated 21 October 2021.
Applications for Inns scholarships open in September, so we’ve been speaking to Joanne Twomey and Joe O’Leary – Future Pupil Programme Coordinators at ULaw – to get some top tips on what students should be doing to prepare before applying for these coveted awards.
Prep your CV
It might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how often people forget to update their CV with their latest exploits. Make sure you keep yours up-to-date with your full education and employment history, including any scholarships or awards you’ve received. Be sure to include additional achievements or experiences too – any legal experience, pro bono and voluntary work, things you’ve had published and public speaking ventures will go towards ticking more of the boxes that the Inns will be looking for.
Pick the right Inn
You can only apply to one Inn for a scholarship, so it’s worth doing your research into each of them to decide which one you want to go for. Pore over their websites to get all the information you can, and try to arrange a visit to each as well. You can book a tour so that you can take a look around and learn more about the Inns in person.
Get straight to the point
In your application make sure you highlight helpful facts as clearly and directly as you can. Don’t shy away from picking out an excellent mark in a particular module or essay, or emphasising the relevance of a part-time job. This is your chance to draw attention to the things about you and your skills and experiences that matter to you, your ambitions and hopefully to them too. As you’re applying for a scholarship to study the BPTC, it’s definitely worth talking about any acting, debating or other public speaking that you’ve done. After all, that’s what you want to do for a living. Don’t dismiss any other extra-curricular activities either – you never know what interests you may share with whoever’s reading your application.
“Just the facts, ma’am”
When you’re writing on a subject you’re passionate about it can be easy to get caught up in your own excitement. Keep yourself in check and don’t stray from giving a clear picture of who you are and what you’re bringing to the table. Rely on facts rather than claims, and always use evidence so that you’re showing, not telling. Make your writing as concise as possible – remember that you want to get straight to the point, so avoid hyperbole or overcomplicating.
Get grammatical
It should go without saying, but grammatical or spelling mistakes in your CV and application are a big no-no. Be sure to double- and triple-check your final versions before submitting your application. For a basic review you can use online grammar checkers, but don’t rely on them too heavily. And it always helps to have a fresh set of eyes take a look at it too, so ask someone else to give it a read – they might spot something you’ve missed.
Time is on your side
With applications opening in early to mid-September and not closing until the beginning of November, you’ve got plenty of time to do more to add to your CV and application. If you feel like there are any gaps in your experience, see what you can do in the next few months to remedy that. Get involved in some work experience, do some voluntary work, do a charity fundraiser. Get creative and see what you can do to give your application that extra boost.
If you want to become a barrister, find out more about our BPTC on our website.
