How to Follow Up After a Scholarship Interview

The Interview Isn’t Over When You Log Off or Walk Out

You’ve just finished your scholarship interview — heart racing, mind buzzing. You answered the questions, made eye contact, and smiled at the right moments. But now comes the part many applicants overlook: the follow-up.

It’s tempting to sit back and wait for a response. After all, you’ve done your part, right? Not quite. What you do after the interview can be just as important as what happened during it.

Sending a thoughtful post-interview thank you, keeping communication open, and showing your continued interest can increase your chances of securing a scholarship . It also leaves a lasting impression — the kind that sticks with a committee when final decisions are being made.

In this article, you’ll discover how to write strong follow-ups. You’ll also learn what mistakes to avoid. Finally, you’ll see how to use this stage to boost your candidacy with confidence and professionalism.

Why Following Up Matters More Than You Think

It Shows Professional Courtesy

Scholarship panels often consist of educators, philanthropists, or industry professionals.

A polite thank-you email demonstrates:

• Gratitude for their time
• Awareness of etiquette
• Emotional intelligence

It Keeps You Memorable

After interviewing dozens — sometimes hundreds — of candidates, small gestures stand out. Your follow-up can help the panel recall your story, strengths, and unique personality.

It Reinforces Your Enthusiasm

A good follow-up shows your interest in the scholarship. It reminds the committee why you are a great fit, but don’t sound desperate.

When and How to Send a Post-Interview Thank You

Timing Is Crucial: Send It Within 24–48 Hours

Too soon can feel rushed. Too late can seem like an afterthought. Aim for the day after your interview, while your interaction is still fresh in their minds.

Choose Email Over Handwritten Notes (Usually)

Unless the organisation asks for a handwritten note or you know them well, email is better. It’s faster, easier to track, and the norm.

Subject Line Suggestions:

• “Thank You – [Your Full Name] – [Scholarship Name] Interview”
• “Grateful for the Interview Opportunity – [Your Name]”
• “Following Up – [Scholarship Title] Interview”

How to Write a Scholarship Follow-Up Email

Structure Your Email Like This:

1. Start with a warm greeting
• “Dear [Interviewer’s Name],”
2. Express appreciation for their time
• “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday…”
3. Mention something specific from the interview
• “I particularly enjoyed our conversation about supporting first-gen students…”
4. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the scholarship
• “This scholarship would truly support my goals of becoming a community health researcher…”
5. Close politely and professionally
• “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if any further information is needed. Warm regards…”

Sample Email Template:

Subject: Thank You – Amina Ali – Rhodes Trust Interview

Dear Dr Saunders,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you and the panel yesterday regarding the Rhodes Trust Scholarship. I truly appreciated the chance to share more about my work in social entrepreneurship and my vision for global impact.

Our discussion about bridging academic theory with community-led initiatives resonated deeply with me. It reinforced my love for inclusive development. It also showed me how important collaborative leadership is.

I am truly excited about the chance to join the Rhodes Scholar community. I would be honoured to help with its mission.

Please feel free to contact me if you need anything further.

Warm regards, Amina Ali [Your Email] | [LinkedIn or Phone, if appropriate]

Other Ways to Strengthen Your Post-Interview Position

Attach Supporting Material (Only If Invited)

If the interviewer asked for:

• A writing sample
• Project portfolio
• Proof of achievements

Send it in the follow-up email with a brief description. Don’t overload them with unsolicited attachments.

Connect on LinkedIn (If Appropriate)

This depends on the tone and setting. If your interview felt friendly and you connected well, sending a personalised LinkedIn request can:

• Keep you on their radar
• Expand your professional network

Always include a message:

“Thank you again for the interview. I’d love to stay connected as I continue my academic journey.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Up

Being Overeager or Repetitive

Avoid following up multiple times in a week. One thoughtful email is enough — unless they’ve promised a reply and the deadline has passed.

Using Informal or Overly Casual Language

Avoid texting-style or overly familiar phrasing like:

• “Hey there.”
• “Cheers, mate.”
• “Hope u r well”

Keep it polished but friendly.

Misspelling the Interviewer’s Name or Title

Double-check spelling and honourifics. Getting these wrong can appear careless.

Over-apologising or Over-selling

Avoid phrases like:

• “I’m probably not your top candidate, but…”
• “Sorry if I didn’t make sense…”

Focus on what went well, not what might’ve gone wrong.

Following Up if You Haven’t Heard Back

Wait the Suggested Time Frame

If the scholarship board said results would be announced “in 2–3 weeks,” wait at least three full weeks before reaching out.

Sample Follow-Up Email After No Response

Subject: Follow-Up – [Scholarship Name] Interview

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to kindly follow up regarding the [Scholarship Name] interview I completed on [Date]. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity and am grateful for the chance to have spoken with the committee.

Please let me know if there’s anything additional I can provide. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Contact Info]

Real Student Example: The Follow-Up That Made a Difference

After her interview for a competitive medical scholarship, Olivia from Leeds sent a personalised thank-you email to each panel member. In one, she referenced a quote the interviewer had shared about resilience in health systems, and linked it back to her personal experience with NHS volunteering.

The result? She didn’t just receive the scholarship — one of the panellists later reached out offering her a mentorship opportunity.

Her secret? Thoughtful, intentional follow-up.

Bonus: What Else Can You Do While You Wait

Waiting for a response can be tough. However, you can still stay busy and keep your emotions in check during this time.

1. Start a Reflection Log

Jot down what went well during your interview and what you’d improve next time. This helps turn experience into learning and strengthens your preparation for future opportunities.

2. Keep Exploring Other Scholarships

Even if this interview felt like “the one,” it’s wise to continue researching and applying elsewhere. Momentum keeps your options open — and eases the pressure of any single result.

3. Send a Gratitude Note to Your Referees

If someone wrote you a recommendation letter or helped you prepare, now’s the perfect time to thank them. These relationships matter, and showing appreciation builds trust for future support.

4. Organise Your Documents and Deadlines

Use this downtime to clean up your scholarship files, sort through notes, and update your resume or personal statement. Small admin tasks now mean less chaos later.

5. Stay Connected to Your Goals

Remind yourself why you’re pursuing this path. Revisit your “why” through journaling, conversation, or visualising your future. It’ll keep you grounded no matter the outcome.

Conclusion: Don’t Leave the Final Impression to Chance

Interviews aren’t just judged by your answers. They’re shaped by how you handle the before, during, and after. A thoughtful follow-up shows your maturity. It strengthens your message and can help your name rise to the top of the shortlist.

You don’t need to write a novel or chase them down. Just be respectful, grateful, and timely. The small act of following up could be the subtle advantage that sets you apart.

Next steps:

• Draft your thank-you email template in advance
• Set a reminder to send it within 24–48 hours
• Reflect on your interview questions and highlights, and reinforce them

Got questions about what to say in your follow-up? Drop them in the comments and we’ll help you craft your message!