Just a hint and a few tips about applications. For some of you this may be one of the first applications that you have made in aviation, and will probably be one of the biggest awards that you have ever competed for. For others you may have done many applications for other positions before. Either way you may find something of use. This applies to the Somers scholarship, and to all the other awards that GAPAN make.
First get the application form, print it onto good quality paper, copy it (perhaps twice), and put the good one away in a plastic wallet for the time being. Get one of the draft copies, and read it through carefully. Fill in all the personal details carefully, and accurately.
In the section about flying experience be sure that all you hours add up correctly to match the total time that you are declaring. If the is a discrepancy either add a note saying why those hours couldn't be included under one of the headings, or check you sums!
In the sections on the last page write some of your thoughts down, as if you were constructing an exam essay, then start to construct the prose. When you have finished ask someone you trust for some advice: a parent; a neighbour; teacher or lecturer at school or university; if you work try asking someone on your HR department. Do a 'neat draft', and get someone to review it for you, and be sure to use good correct grammar and spelling (use a dictionary if necessary).
Practice your handwriting: make this legible. The committee have alot of applications to consider, so make life easy for them. I would suggest black ink; it copies better. Use a good pen, preferably a good quality fountain pen (fill it before you start so you don't have that sort of greying out as it gets empty). Make all your answers as full, and complete as possible. Use full sentences if possible rather than single words.
Finally fill in your final good copy, and get someone to review it for you. If you have to make corrections use a careful crossing out: if you have more than three or four corrections scrap that page and do it again.
Check that you include all the copies, and envelopes that you are required to send. I would suggest that you send the application as a recorded delivery just for your own peace of mind. Keep a copy of the application for yourself, and take it with you to the interview. Read the essay answers before the interview: the panel may well pick up on some of your comments, so you will look a bit of a charlie if you don't remember writing something!
Prior to the interviews go out and buy an A4 folder, probably black, and a set of plastic pockets. Set out all you certificates, and relevant documents in this folder so that they can be easily seen by an interview panel. If you have anything else that you'd like people to see, but are not sure how to bring up in interview you can include them in the folder (letters of commendation or thanks from an employer or something like that). These items will catch the eye of the interviewers, and they can then start some conversation about them. Be modest, but don't be shy. Turning up to interview with a neat folder of documents will look much more organised than a pile of dog-eared certificates in a random order. It will create the impression that you have prepared yourself for the day, and that you really want to be there, and really want the award.
Remember that this is a very generous award: it will allow you to begin your career debt free: not many graduates from university or flying school can say that in this day and age. If you want it you have to really make the effort to convey that to the interview panel, and you have to give the impression in every aspect of your presentation. I don't know how many applicants get seen at each stage, but there is only one scholarship at this level. You have to give yourself the very best chance.
The interviewers at GAPAN (I don't know exactly who is on the panel, so please don't ask me, but as a member of the Guild I know the sort of people who are likely to be) are generally conservative types, so dress accordingly. Avoid excessively loud, bright or particularly fashionable styles. Wear a dark or grey suit, with dark or grey socks (even if you would normally wear bright ones). Clean your shoes, and perhaps even take a cloth to give them a final buff before you get there. Have a hair cut: a short back and sides will grow out in no time once you've got the award! They are also very decent people, and very supportive of younger people in the industry, and really understand that young people coming into aviation are the future of the Guild, and the industry that we are all passionate about. Do some research about the Guilds, especially GAPAN too.
Good luck!