Advice to Applicants
General Information

If you have a GPA of 3.6 or higher, you may be eligible for one or more distinguished scholarships. In addition to an outstanding academic record, distinguished scholarship applicants should have made their mark in other ways during their undergraduate careers. Substantial intellectual or creative projects, evidence of leadership or public service, and, strong, detailed letters of recommendation are essential to compete for these prestigious awards.

This web site describes the major national competitive awards available for graduate study. This information is intended to assist you in identifying those scholarships for which you may be qualified. There is no easy way to win a scholarship, but there are ways in which the process of applying can be made less daunting and your chances of winning increased. You can greatly improve your chances for success by taking the application process seriously, by spending time on background research, writing a good application, and preparing for interviews. In addition to the opportunities included here, many graduate schools offer their own scholarships to students admitted to their program.

Selection committees generally ask for:

• transcripts
• two or more letters of recommendation
• a personal statement

Some scholarships may also require:

• a project proposal or plan of study
• an interview
• GRE scores

First-Year Students and Sophomores

If you are a first-year student or sophomore, we advise you to begin to lay the groundwork now.

• Select appropriate scholarships by identifying what part a scholarship will play in the attainment of your future goals. Make sure your interests and plans match the goal and intent of the scholarships.
  
  
• Make an appointment with your academic advisor and faculty scholarship advisor to develop a long-range plan. Discuss your future summer experiences, internships, classes, and extracurricular activities - all of,which are crucial to a winning application.
  
  
• Get to know your professors as early in your academic career.

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