Jimbo,
The PPL scholarship is an amazing opportunity (and stepping stone) and the best advice I can give about any such assessment is to be prepared. Know what you are applying for, the background of the company offering the opportunity, and why they are offering the sponsorship. This will show dedication and interest, which is one of the GAPAN ideals if you look it up on their site.
Any written application is your foot in the door, read the question and write a list of possible personal experience situations you can relate to the question. Use the sponsor’s application requirements to tailor what aspects of these situations you concentrate on in your answer. Pick the best, and develop it on a computer to get it to sound right (read it out loud) and avoid spelling mistakes.
If you have a small reasoning test, make sure you have looked at your old maths books (if you've not burned them), or get hold of some practice questions in a typically available book (or on the internet!). I’m a believer in the fact you can reach a peak of performance on the day by getting the brain in gear in the weeks before such tests.
At any interview you should be aware you are selling yourself. You need to convince the panel you are one of the few. Act professional and prepared, arrive on time, smile naturally, use eye contact and go for confidence not arrogance.
The best idea is to sit down and write out as many questions you can, pertinent to the goal you are being assessed for- Why do you want this sponsorship? Why do you want to be a pilot? What have you done with a view to achieving this goal? What will you do if you do not get this sponsorship? What do you do in your spare time?...Think about things you've done that is 'different' to set yourself apart and become more memorable to the assessors.
Don't know if I can promote a book on here, but I’ve found ‘Great answers to tough interview questions’ a general godsend in preparation for these types of things. Look for it in your local bookstore.
If you really want it, be prepared to sacrifice a night down the pub or watching the fottie. It is worth it! It’s all up to you.
Good luck.
