University of Alaska Foundation scholarships are available to students attending any campus of the University of Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Southeast and all community campuses). Since most scholarships are awarded early in the spring of each academic year, applications must be received by February 17, 2009, to be considered for most Fall 2009—Spring 2010 scholarships. Any applications received through August 15, 2009, will be used for any late awarded scholarships or any new scholarship that may open up. Any applications received after August 15, 2009, will be disqualified.
Follow these easy steps to be considered for scholarships:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The priority processing date for 2009-10 is February 15, 2009 for need-based scholarships and federal financial aid
Apply for admission to the UA Campus you plan to attend. Go to UAOnline
Apply for scholarships at UA
The deadline for most scholarships is February 17, 2009
The final Statewide Scholarship deadline is August 15, 2009
Go to UAOnline and answer the required scholarship questions
Return to UA Foundation Statewide Scholarships and fill out the scholarship application by clicking on the Scholarship Application link below.
Any scholarship funds that become available are re-awarded throughout the year
Accept your financial aid on UAOnline
IMPORTANT NOTE: Apply for admission to the UA Campus you plan to attend and file your FAFSA by February 15 to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid. Apply for admission via UAOnline
Many more campus specific scholarships are available by contacting the financial aid office at the UA campus you are planning to attend. Please visit the links provided in the left-hand column.
You may receive mailings from companies that offer to do scholarship searches for a fee. Often they’ll charge you to look at the same reference material you could access for free.
Start with your high school or college counselors, career center, or UAOnline. In some cases, you may need to obtain application material directly for the donor of the scholarship. When you do request material directly, be sure to indicate the academic year for which you’ll be applying and always include your address.
5. Start searching early and watch for deadlines
Most scholarships have deadlines starting in October. By March 15th, 75% of the scholarship deadlines have passed. Be sure to check whether your application needs to be postmarked by the deadline or received by the deadline. This difference will affect the timing of your mailing. Remember to allow yourself time to complete required essays, resumes, and other materials that may have to accompany your application.
6. Consider your chances good
Scholarships are available to nearly anyone who is willing to put in the time to research the available sources and follow through with the application processes. While many scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, some scholarship donors also focus on other characteristics such as:
Leadership
Athletic ability
Talent in the fine arts
Abilities in math or foreign languages
Specific ethnic backgrounds
Geographical residency
Non-traditional students
Military affiliation
Financial need
7. Work to improve your scholarship potential
Achieve and maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA)
Be involved
Be a leader
Discover and nurture your talents
8. Many scholarships pay year after year
Some scholarships are renewable for multiple years. You may have to reapply each year, so keep a record of your awards and reapply if needed. Remember to keep those deadlines in mind!
9. There are rarely limits to the amount of scholarship money you can receive
Sometimes there are limits associated with ROTC or tuition-only scholarships, but other than that, go for more awards! If you have questions about limits, ask the scholarship donor for details.
10. You can receive scholarships AND financial aid
Just keep in mind that scholarship funding may reduce the amount of aid you will receive. However, typically it will reduce your loan and work assistance before changing your grants. Contact your Financial Aid Office to find out whether or how your financial aid award may be affected by scholarships.
Further information about the University of Alaska Foundation scholarships can be obtained by writing to Dory Straight, Scholarship Ofiicer, University of Alaska Foundation, PO Box 755080, Fairbanks, AK 99775, or by calling (907) 450-8033 or by email at dory.straight@alaska.edu.
