Getting Started: The Scholarship Application Process

1. To be considered for federal financial aid through the University of Washington submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

2. To be considered for funding from the UW School of Nursing, submit a FAFSA, read the School of Nursing Financial Aid Criteria Information sheet, and then complete and submit a School of Nursing Financial Aid application.

3 . General guidelines for independently searching for and applying for scholarships follows:

• Do your scholarship search.
  
• Get the applications. Organizations like American Heart Association and American Cancer Society offer many types of scholarships (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, post-doc), and have different forms. After reading all information about the scholarship and funding agency, contact the agency for an application packet and guidelines. Speak with the scholarship chair or someone on the committee to find out the agency's highest priorities, new areas they wish to fund, and what to include in your goal statement (and any specific language they are looking for).
  
• Follow the directions exactly. Only include what they ask for. If you neglect to include something, you will most likely be disqualified. If you put in too much, you may also be disqualified. Be sure to comply with the guidelines about number of words or length of essays. If you include too much or too little, they may think you don't understand their instructions. Make sure you understand the terminology used for the scholarship, such as geriatrics versus gerontology, medical but not social aspects, clinical versus research or management nursing.
• Make sure you are eligible. A multi-scholarship recipient who has also served as a reviewer of applications suggested writing a statement to yourself describing why you should receive the scholarship. If you can't write at least a paragraph, then you probably aren't a good candidate for that source, and you should find a scholarship better suited for you. If they ask for a minimum GPA or GRE and you don't meet the requirements, call the committee to see if they will make exceptions. Many organizations look at your application holistically and will make exceptions. Ask them how they decided on last year's winners, and what you can add to your application that will work in your favor. Ask if you may enclose a letter indicating that you spoke with them (if they agree, you might write down the name of the person you spoke with, and enclose a cover letter referencing your conversation). You can also ask if they will release last year's recipient's contact information.
  
• Organize your information. Make a list of what is needed for each application. For example, let's say you are applying for three different scholarships. You can save time by requesting three transcripts or sets of GRE scores for three different scholarship applications at one time.
• Order transcripts and GRE scores. You may have questions regarding the application, such as whether you can enclose references, GRE scores and transcripts with your application, or whether they must be mailed officially from the reference writer and registrar's office. Call and ask. If they require official transcripts to be mailed directly from the School, ask if you may enclose sealed transcripts from the School in your packet. To make sure they are sealed, you can pick them up yourself in person at the registrar's office or ask the School to mail multiple copies to you individually sealed. Remember, transcripts may take a while to receive. If you need GRE scores, phone 1-800-GRE-CALL to have them mailed to either the scholarship (for official scores) or to you.
• Update your resume. Change or highlight things you know the scholarships are looking for, i.e., volunteer work, specific experience or skills.
• Write your scholarship essay. Because most scholarships ask the same general questions, you can write one essay, and personalize it for each application. Begin with an outline. You will most likely need to know your future goals, how your goals meet those of the scholarship committee, how the scholarship will help you, and your commitment to the profession. Use as a starting point the goal statement you wrote to apply to the School of Nursing. Update it to include information pertinent to the scholarship. Be clear and concise. Don't use jargon; some reviewers may not be experts in your field. When you are done, ask someone to proofread it.
• Obtain your references. You may want to use the same letters you used for your School of Nursing application. Try to keep in contact with past reference writers. Send a card or a quick email update. Get to know your current professors. Introduce yourself and explain your goals. Give them your resume and scholarship essay, let them know your interest areas, and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of reference. Make sure you give them enough time to complete it. Follow up with them, in case they have questions. Unless specifically stated, try to use a variety of sources, professors, employers, and others. Some applications ask only for professors, others state exactly where references should come from. Give your reference writer an idea of what needs to be included, and how long the letter should be. The scholarship application will indicate how they want to receive references, either sealed and mailed directly, or enclosed with the application. Make sure your references are signed and dated, and are addressed to the appropriate scholarship committee.
• Complete the application. Make a photocopy of the blank form, and fill out the copy (in case you make an error). You can transfer the information to the official form when you have completed your draft. If you don't own a typewriter, use one at a library or photocopy center. You may be able to scan in the application and type it; be sure to ask if that's acceptable to the scholarship committee. Double check that everything is done. Be sure you have included all that is needed. Make sure you made the correct number of copies. Create a cover letter or sheet that includes a list of what is enclosed. Photocopy the completed application for your own records. Put all materials in order in a large envelope. Make sure you have the current mailing address. If there is time, mail using certified mail. If a deadline nears, send it overnight (call to make sure they will accept overnight mail). Be sure to photocopy your completed application, and file it. Congratulate yourself for your hard work! Once you go through the process of your first scholarship application, the following applications are much easier. You already have all the supplemental materials. You only need to type up the application and tailor your goal statement.
• If you did not receive a certain scholarship, don't be discouraged. You can always submit an application next year. Send a thank you letter to the committee. Call and ask for advice on how your application could be strengthened.
• If you receive funding, congratulations! Contact the UW Financial Aid Office. Ask if your new award will affect the level of Federal or State aid you receive.