By Veronica L. McClendon
This is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to receive what can range between $50 and $2,000 in grant money.
All one needs to do is pick up a Named Scholarship Application from the Office of Financial Aid.
The application consists of an autobiographical essay, two personal recommendations from faculty or staff and questions regarding extra-curricular activities, honors received and personal interests.
All traditional undergraduate students are eligible for named scholarships and are encouraged to submit applications.
“We encourage all students to apply,” said Donna Kent, assistant director of financial aid. “In order to be considered for the scholarship you must apply for financial aid at the University of La Verne.”
In December, a notice was sent out to notify all students of the named scholarships.
The priority deadline is Friday, Feb. 28, which coincides with the Cal Grant deadline. The scholarships are based on a variety of criteria.
“Scholarships are based on majors, grade point averages, religious affiliation and leadership,” said Kent. “Some scholarships may say ‘a woman vocalist’ or ‘a junior business major.'”
A few of the scholarships offered say that the recipient needs to be from a certain city and some are based on financial need.
The nature of the scholarships vary as do the guidelines for each individual scholarship, so students should not be discouraged from applying. A listing of some of the scholarships and their criteria are in the University catalog.
Recipients are chosen by a committee, based on the scholarship requirements. Scholarships are ultimately given to the most qualified student.
“It is almost like applying for a job; someone may be a little more qualified than you are,” said Kent.
For example, if three students are all female music majors and they all meet the scholarship qualifications, their GPA’s are then looked at which may determine the recipient, said Kent.
Some of the scholarships are renewable if the student maintains the same qualifications, but they have to reapply to receive it again.
The scholarships are limited to one per student so that more money can be given out.
Because of rules from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, student athletes cannot receive scholarships based on their athletic ability.
“We cannot award based on being an athlete because we are a Division III school,” said Kent.
Athletes can apply for the scholarships, but they must qualify under the same requirements that non-athletes do.
Each November, University Relations holds a named scholarship reception, where the donors are able to meet the recipients of their scholarships and vice-versa.
In writing the autobiographical essays, Kent said it helps to get a little personal and tell the readers something unique, such as an accomplishment or experience from which something was learned.
“When they [students] write about a moment in their life that changed them, they say so much more about themselves than they realize,” said Kent. “But, when they write something like, ‘I really need the money,’ they [the financial aid committee members] already know that, or you wouldn’t be applying.”
The essay may be about anything ranging from trials and tribulations, important people influential in a person’s life or the person’s best experience at La Verne.
“Sometimes the donor may ask for something specific that is not necessarily on the application, but by reading the essay the committee is able to match the donor with the recipient much better,”said Kent.
“I encourage all students to apply even if they miss the priority deadline date,” she said. “That just means that you missed the first round of the scholarships. Throughout the year other organizations donate money, so it is possible that you may receive a scholarship in the spring semester.”
