The contributor was offered a SMU Lee Kong Chian Scholarship.

          SMU offers a range of bond-free scholarships for outstanding applicants, with the Lee Kong Chian Scholar's Programme (LKCSP) and SMU Scholarship being the notable ones.

          If you take a double degree in Biz and in another disciple, you are eligible to apply for the LKCSP. There are 3 rounds, with the first round being a scenario-based interview. This round is where the entire group of applicants (roughly about 100) are put randomly into groups and given a business project to work on while being assessed for "ideal" behavioural traits. The project varies from year to year, but suffice to say as long as you take initiative to bring ideas to the table and orientate the group when discussion is off-track - you'll be fine. Random twists and group interviews await as well - they would like to see how you react under stress. The group interviews can be packed with tension if they ask questions regarding who you think is bad or good; in this case you may want to take the moral high ground and not tear anyone down. Ultimately this round is all about getting people to like you, from the judges (who are senior scholars) to your group mates. They're looking for confident, bold people who are humble and won't step on people to get to the top. 

     The second round is a bit more random. It could be as simple as viewing a video and then writing an essay on it - or as difficult as having a speed-date with invited CEOs. Again, be confident and assured. Don't fluff, these people know their material. They'll probably ask you to tell them about yourself. It'll be good, but not necessary, to know about their companies. Here, they’re looking for your insights - be it for writing essays or mingling with the CEOs. To put it another way, don’t be superficial here. It's not so much about wide general knowledge, rather it is about deep thinking. 

          The third round is also random. It could be another speed date session, where you pair up with another candidate and have professors walk around to chat with you. (You're stuck to a chair) Again, questions range from the serious (why should I give you this scholarship?) to the random ones (tell me about the last book you read) or it could be another group interview – where the whole group is brought into the meeting room and asked a variety of questions by the professor. (At this point, these questions are really unpredictable – the interview questions from Google/Microsoft/Harvard/Oxford could be a good place to start). But the final question of importance is of course, why should I give you this scholarship? (Since it’s bond-free and I’m giving you everything for nothing other than maintaining your grades)

          If you get to this point, you'll have to prepare your statement about why you deserve the scholarship in advance. (This part should last about a minute or so) The professors are not looking for a free-loader - obviously many people can maintain the grades required to keep the scholarship - but looking for someone who can contribute to the programme. There are many seminars, lunches, meetings and community service projects abound, and someone with a positive attitude towards these activities would be preferred greatly. Look at where you can contribute to the programme, and focus on that angle exclusively as you only have one shot to make your case. Exclusivity creates a stronger impression on the interviewer than would a multitude of traits, this singular identity you portray could help you stand out better than one which is multi-faceted (pick the strongest facet and play it, instead of doing a touch and go on all of them).

Note: Avoid getting caught up in the one-up game by trying to compensate when you hear another candidate's statement about why he/she deserves the scholarship and feel that he/she has a better case. You'll sound unprepared and desperate and it will spoil your impression. Stick to your angle and present it confidently.