The Generation Google Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria as of 2021

1. Identify as female

2. Be currently enrolled as a full-time student for the 2021-2022 academic year

3. Be a 1st year or 2nd year student in a Bachelors program at an accredited university in one of specific Asia Pacific countries/regions.

4. Be studying computer science, or a closely related technical field

5. Demonstrate a strong academic record

6. Exemplify leadership and demonstrate passion for improving representation of underrepresented groups in computer science and technology

The Application Process: My Experience

The applications opened up in early March, and I started working on the material to be submitted as soon as I got to know about it.

The whole application process was of 3 rounds, which I'm describing below -

Round 1 - Online Application

a. Resume/CV

I prepared my resume on Google Docs (using the Serif template) and tried to give a comprehensive view of my entire profile in one page, including education, leadership experiences, projects, courses and achievements.

b. Two essay questions, intended to assess demonstrated leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The questions for me were -

a) Please give us one example of how you have exhibited leadership. Explain what you were trying to achieve, your role, how you influenced others, and the impact as a result of your actions. Think broadly and examine the many ways you are having an effect on the members of the different communities you are a part of. Keep in mind, the example you choose does not need to be a formal or traditional leadership role.

b) What is a significant challenge that you believe women in the tech industry face and how do you see yourself as being part of the solution(s) to this challenge? Keep in mind that impact can happen in many ways and at different scales.

In the essays, I talked about my time as a Project Lead at Nirmaan, an NGO on campus. I read up about women in technology and wrote about the challenges faced by women, tying it to my personal experiences. I also mentioned what steps I had taken/ wanted to take to solve these issues. I made sure to get these essays reviewed by my friends and their feedback actually helped me a lot.

Additionally, we had to provide general background information and academic transcripts from current and prior institutions.

Round 2 - Google Online Challenge

A few days later, I received an invite for the Google Online Challenge. The Online Challenge comprised two mini challenges where each challenge is timed for 30 minutes. The total duration of the challenge was 60 minutes.

Mini Challenge #1 - General Cognitive Ability (GCA), which consisted of logical reasoning and problem solving questions in multiple-choice format. (30 minutes)

Mini Challenge #2 - Role Related Knowledge (RRK) - This challenge was also in multiple-choice-format and covered areas such as C Programming, C++, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Fundamentals. (30 minutes)

For this, I attempted the practice test given to us and brushed up on DSA concepts I had learned in college. The test went smoothly, and I was able to answer most of the questions given.

Note: The Google Online Challenge solely serves as an additional data point when reviewing your application holistically.

Round 3 - Telephonic Interview

After about 3 weeks, I was informed that I was selected for the next step of the process - a 30 min video conversation with a Googler from the Attract team. This conversation is an opportunity for Google to learn more about you, to understand your interest in the scholarship and your passion and goals. You will be asked questions about your application, including your resume and essays, leadership, community engagement and interest in computer science. I was super excited and nervous for this part, as it was the final stage of the scholarship. I prepared well for the interview, and had thought out my answers to possible questions in advance. My conversation was a video call with a Googler in Australia, who was really friendly and made sure I was comfortable. I was asked to introduce myself and questions about my resume and essays. We talked about my leadership experiences and interest in Computer Science. It was a fun conversation, and I thanked my interviewer after the call.

My advice to applicants

1. Make sure your application is personalized. Everything you have written should be backed up with your experiences or examples of your work.

2. Go through your application materials thoroughly and get your application reviewed by a few friends. Their insights may really help you frame everything in a better way, and they can help you realize if you missed something too!

3. Watch the videos on Youtube as to how to craft your resume. Add links wherever you can. Take their prep material seriously and read up online as much as you can!

4. Your leadership, community engagement and interest in computer science should reflect in your application. Don't lose sight of this.

5. For the video conversation, try to prepare beforehand so you don't blank out at the time of the interview. Definitely prepare a short introduction.

6. Lastly, don't self reject! Fun fact, I actually didn't get the scholarship when I applied in my first year, I was rejected at the final stage. But I learned so much from the application process itself. So just go out there and do your best. You got this! :)

Ending notes

I'm really glad that I applied to this scholarship because it was a great experience, and it helped me gain so much knowledge and confidence in myself too. The friends I've made through the community are amazing and the support Google has given all of us is remarkable. In fact, I'll soon be interning at Google next summer! If you have any questions regarding the scholarship please feel free to reach out to me at shikhabhat1608@gmail.com.

Thank you, and all the best!