Application Instructions for CLA Continuing Student Scholarships
CLA Scholarship Application Instructions
Complete the 2013-2014 Application for the College of Liberal Arts Continuing Student Scholarships at https://mycla.umn.edu/scholarship.php. All applications must be submitted online. If it is necessary for you to submit a paper application, please call the CLA Scholarship Coordinator at 612-626-3140 or email claschol@umn.edu.
All materials must be well-organized, concise, and written clearly. A completed application consists of the following:
1. A completed application form
2. A written statement (300-500 words) that describes and explains your intellectual and academic interests, as well as your long-term goals. A) For those students who have formally declared a major, the personal statement should focus primarily on academic pursuits and interests. Include autobiographical material only if it is clearly pertinent to academics. Statements most useful to the selection committee convey general intellectual maturity, a grasp of your major(s) or prospective major(s), specific questions and topics in your course of study that have interested you and that you intend to pursue, and clear ideas about future intellectual and vocational plans. B) For those students who have not formally declared a major, the personal statement should focus on academic interests in the College of Liberal Arts. You may also include autobiographical material that can assist the committee in understanding your college experiences as you pursue your goals.
3. One letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor describing in specific terms the quality of the applicant's academic work. The letter must be submitted by email to claschol@umn.edu. The recommendation should not be from an employer or high school teacher/advisor. (Guidelines for recommendations are posted on the scholarship site.)
4. A brief summary of extracurricular activities, including descriptions of positions of leadership held. If you have been working while attending school, raising a family, or meeting other responsibilities, you may include that information here.
5. Students who have completed more than 75 semester credits (including bracketed credits) by the end of fall term 2012 must submit a separate, concise statement (100-200 words) that explains the need to pursue a full academic year of coursework in order to complete an undergraduate degree. Note: students who already have completed close to the 120 credits required for graduation are not likely candidates for any of these scholarships.
Additional Information Required for Specific Scholarships:
Additional Essay Required (200-250 words):
CLA Alumni Scholarship for Outstanding Non-Traditional Students - Statement should focus on why you believe that you are a non-traditional student and how you have adapted and succeeded in the academic environment.
Mortenson Study Abroad Scholarship in Psychology - Statement should focus on study abroad plans and the motivation to study abroad.
Additional Materials Required:
Selmer Birkelo Scholarship - Nominees will be individually contacted.
FAFSA required:
Students who wish to be considered for need-based awards should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be found on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The previous year's information will be used in the event that updated information is not available prior to scholarship committee reviews. This application should be submitted at your earliest convenience but no later than April 15, 2013.
Complete applications must be received
no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2013
- Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation (new window)
- Questions regarding your application? E-mail claschol@class.cla.umn.edu