Undergraduate Information

Scholarship FAQs

What is the application deadline for 2008?
- Student applications must be complete by 11:59 pm on March 20, 2009.
- Recommendation letters should be uploaded by 11:59 pm on March 25, 2009
- You should send your references a copy of your personal statement and biographical sketch to assist them in writing your letter.
If chosen as a winner, when would I receive the scholarship money?

Winners of the 2009 scholarships will have the money applied to tuition during one quarter of your choice in the 2009-2010 academic year.

Does my Humanities minor qualify me or do I have to be a Humanities major to apply?

You must be a declared Humanities major to apply. Please contact your advisor if you would like to declare a major.

Do I have to apply online?
Yes, all information is submitted online. Your application need not be completed in one entry; you may save and return to it until the deadline. Once the application is submitted for review, you cannot change it.
Do I have to complete an individual application for each of the scholarships?
You only need to do one application for all Merit Scholarships. You will be considered for all you are qualified for. The competition for Study Abroad scholarships is separate, and its deadline has passed. You apply separately for each competition.
What information should I include in the Biographical Sketch?
A biographical sketch in paragraph or résumé form of about 300 words highlighting your accomplishments, in either a Word or pdf format (available for upload). It should show how you have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and service within/outside the university during your time at OSU. If you have other academic or recent life experiences relevant to a merit scholarship (e.g. participation in Big Brothers, Big Sisters or another service organization), please include that.
What information should I include in my Personal Statement?
A Personal Statement of 200-300 words in paragraph form. It should describe how receiving a scholarship would enhance your studies or achieve an academic goal. If you have a research project in progress, for example, you might discuss ways in which the scholarship would assist you in conducting research (at OSU or elsewhere).
Do my references have to be from Humanities Departments only?
No, but they should be OSU employees. Former OSU employees are also allowed.
Do my references have to be a faculty member? Can my TA or advisor write a letter?
References from faculty members are helpful, but letters from teaching assistants and advisors are also acceptable.
I haven't been involved in Big Brother/Big Sister, but I have a strong record in community service. Am I eligible for the Lalendorf scholarship?
Although preference is given to students who have participated in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, other strong community service is considered.
Do letters of recommendation have to be from faculty members?
Letters of recommendation from faculty are preferred. However, recommendations from non-faculty members are accepted, provided they address relevant issues (for example, your ability to benefit from study abroad for a study abroad scholarship).
How will my references submit their letters for me?
- After you submit your application, the listed references will receive an email (computer-generated) with instructions to upload the letter to a secure website. You should explain this to your references so they are aware of the deadline and expect the email. Their letters should be in Word or Pdf format.
- You should send your references a copy of your personal statement and biographical sketch to assist them in writing your letter.
Will I be considered for a scholarship if I do not meet the stated GPA requirements?
No, Your GPA must be within the requirements. GPA must be accurate as of the end of Autumn 2008
How will I know if I am in the top 10% of my class? (as required for the Knopf Scholarship)
This information will be entered into your application after it has been verified by Arts & Sciences Advising. If you would like to know this information, make an appointment to speak with your ASC advisor in Denney Hall (292-6961).
How much can I expect to receive if I win a scholarship?
Award amounts vary, and usually range from $600-$1250.
When will the scholarship winners be announced? Will I be notified if I am not chosen?
- Study Abroad: notification the week of March 30, 2009.
- Merit Scholarships: notification the week of April 27, 2009
- Non-winners will be notified as well. Awards will be conferred at the Arts & Humanities Undergraduate Research Colloquium on May 5, 2009.