Getting Started

Start with our List of Scholarships page. Once you’re there, peruse information about some of the major scholarship opportunities that ONCS supports. Select a scholarship or two that you think you might want to pursue. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, so, even if you don't find any scholarships in our list that seem applicable to you, that's okay! ONCS staff may have other ideas for scholarships that would help you to reach your goals.

Once you have decided that it will be worth your while to talk to our staff about scholarships in our list of scholarships or other possible opportunities, complete our Scholarship Interest Form. Make sure to include as much information as you can about your background, life experiences, college activities, involvement in the community, research, interests, and career goals. These details could help ONCS identify scholarships that would best suit you. 

Email the Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, Andrea Wolfe, at ampowell@bsu.edu to set up an appointment to talk about any scholarships that interest you (and others that she might suggest). In your email, provide three or four times that would work for you to meet in Dr. Wolfe’s office or in a video call in the next week or so. In your first meeting, Dr. Wolfe will ask questions to learn more about the information you have submitted in your interest form. Then, she will work with you to devise a plan for which scholarship applications you could pursue and when.

ONCS regularly posts application information, updates on past scholarship winners, and general tips for applying for scholarships in our social media accounts. Follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up to date on scholarship deadlines and opportunities. 

When it is time for you to start an application – usually about six weeks before an application deadline – you should communicate with ONCS about what will be required in the application, when you should start each part, how you can continue to get feedback from an ONCS writing consultant throughout the process, and when and how materials should be submitted. Some of this information may be provided in online documents. Other resources, such as workshops or Canvas community sites, may also be available to help you through the process. 

Once you understand the application process for the award you are pursuing, plan ahead! Make notes and set up calendar reminders to help you start and complete parts of the application at the right times. For some scholarships, ONCS will provide you with a list of recommended due dates for each step in the process. You should try to follow the schedule of due dates provided as closely as possible. You absolutely must submit all materials by campus deadlines and national deadlines to be considered for the scholarship. You will also want to pay close attention to any emails or other communication from ONCS regarding the application process. 

Applying for nationally competitive scholarships can be difficult and complicated. Pursuing a scholarship with ONCS could require more time and effort than you think. But don’t let that stop you! The process of articulating your experiences and goals in scholarship applications can be excellent preparation for graduate school or other professional pursuits. Almost all scholarship applicants find the process worthwhile and rewarding.