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- What different types of scholarships are there?
There are a variety of different types of scholarships, available from both university and external sources. For help in finding scholarship opportunities please use the University of Oregon Scholarship Search and other free web searches like Fastweb. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and some are also based on financial need.
- How do I qualify for merit-based scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are based on prior academic performance. Other criteria may include leadership, involvement in activities, geographical background, ethnic background, intended major, and career goals. Pay special attention to the eligibility requirements and selection criteria for each scholarship.
- How do I qualify for need-based scholarships?
To be eligible for need-based scholarships at UO, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA. The government uses this form to calculate an estimated family contribution (EFC). The financial aid office subtracts your EFC from your cost of attendance to determine your financial need. If you are determined to have financial need, you may be eligible for some need-based scholarships.
- What scholarships are available to transfer students?
At UO, transfer students are eligible for all scholarships available to returning students. Scholarships are generally awarded at the beginning of the academic year, which may make sources very limited for mid-year transfers.
- What scholarships are available to graduate students?
At UO, graduate students may be eligible for the General University Scholarship Program, the Diversity Building Scholarship and graduate assistantships or fellowships. Graduate assistantship applications are available at the Graduate School office in Chapman Hall. Also School of Law fee waivers, based on need, are available.
- What scholarships are available to international students?
General University Scholarships are available to qualified international students, as are a number of awards through International Affairs. You may also want to check out the UO Scholarship Search and other free web searches. For more information on international admission and other kinds of financial aid, click here.
- Typically, what are the deadlines for scholarships?
Prime months for scholarship deadlines are January through April for awards starting the following fall term. Keep in mind that many scholarships are only awarded once a year, so missing a deadline can mean missing out until the next cycle. Applications submitted past the deadline are usually not considered.
Those scholarships which use the University of Oregon Scholarship Application to apply (Presidential, Laurel, General University, Oregon Community Credit Union), should be postmarked no later than January 16, 2007 (incoming freshmen) or February 1, 2007 (continuing, transfer and graduate students). Deadline information for departmental and external scholarships is listed with each scholarship.
- What are some good tips in seeking scholarships through my community?
External Scholarships come to the attention of the financial aid office through churches, high schools, and private organizations. You can learn about these opportunities by utilizing free web searches like the UO Scholarship Search and Fastweb. You may also want to be in direct contact with large companies in your area or your parent's employer or other organizations with whom you have a connection. In some cases, you may not have to be directly associated with an organization to qualify for a scholarship.
- Where do I start?
Here is a great place! Check out the information in the UO Scholarship Search or visit the financial aid office in Oregon Hall. It takes a lot of work to get scholarships, but the reward is well worth the time involved.
- What effect will outside scholarships have on my financial aid package?
If you have earned any outside scholarship funds, you are required to notify the financial aid office so the information can be used in calculating your award package. If UO has met 100 percent of your demonstrated need and subsequently you receive an outside scholarship, one or more of your financial aid sources may need to be adjusted. Loan assistance is adjusted first, wherever possible.
- Do you have any tips for applying for scholarships?
- Pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines. Use a calendar, make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Applications submitted past the deadline are usually not considered.
- Gather application materials early — give yourself plenty of time to complete each step. Applications that have been rushed look sloppy and incomplete applications probably won't be accepted.
- Don't ignore small awards. Even these can add up!
- Prepare your resume and keep it updated- this is a good way to outline your thoughts and show your activities and achievements.
- Think carefully about who should write your letters of recommendation. Choose people who can be specific about your strengths as well as your ability to overcome your weaknesses.
- In your essays, let your personality shine through. Present your ideas in a focused, thoughtful and meaningful manner. Write in a natural style and support your ideas with specific examples.
- Proofread your essays and applications. Ask friends, teachers or parents for feedback. Errors or poor writing skills will have a negative effect.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit!
- If you are notified that you have received a scholarship made possible by a specific donor, send a thank-you note to the donor. Also, if appropriate, keep the donor informed of your progress.
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I've been contacted by companies offering to help me find scholarships for a fee. Is it worth it?
Be cautious about scholarship scams! If you have any doubts about a scholarship organization, avoid it. You should never have to pay for a scholarship. If you receive unsolicited offers to assist you in finding scholarships that seem to good too be true, they probably are.
Some phrases that may be a signal of a scholarship scam are:
"This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
"You can't get this information anywhere else."
"We'll do all the work."
"This scholarship will cost you some money."
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How can companies provide scholarship services for free?
Some companies, like FASTWEB, offer free scholarship services. They often make their money from sponsors and advertising.
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It's much easier to apply for a few large, well known scholarships. What's the advantage of spending time looking for smaller, more obscure ones?
The problem with large, well-known scholarships is that they tend to attract a large number of highly qualified candidates. Many of the lesser known scholarships cater to a smaller population; children of the employees of a specific company, for instance. Applicants are competing against a smaller pool and therefore enhance their chances of receiving a scholarship.
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What is the Hope Scholarship?
College students and their parents can now benefit from new tax deductions. The Hope Scholarship is a tax credit of up $1,500 annually during the first two years of college and the Lifetime Learning Credit is for subsequent years of college study--It starts at $1,000 a year and increases to an annual maximum of $2,000 by the year 2003. Also if you're paying the interest on student loans, you can deduct up to $1,000 this year from your income tax and the government is now allowing penalty-fee withdrawals from IRAs if the money goes toward a college education.
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