[sammyg2]

To be sucessful in business you need to be a salesman no matter what the industry or profession you are in, and the product you are selling is you.

You need to convince the customer (panel that awards the scholarship) that the right decision is to give it to you.
it is possible to be a good salesman without compromising your priciples or morals, you just have to work harder.
Being completely honest about it will get you past the false-modesty.
This is good practice and it makes it much easier to sell a product you really believe in.
Good luck.