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Office of National Scholarship Advisement
University of Mississippi

 

How to Apply

 

How to Apply

There are many things you can do to become competitive for awards such as national and international scholarships and fellowships. It all starts with becoming engaged with your classes, your professors, and your community–starting your freshman year!

The key to a strong application is…START EARLY! Begin by visiting our Getting Started and What to Expect pages! Take your time to read through these resources carefully to gain a better understanding of the competitive scholarship application process.

Also, read over the Scholar Development Tips below to begin preparing yourself as an undergraduate!

Scholar Development Tips

  • TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EDUCATION. Do not wait for opportunities to land in your lap. It’s up to you to make sure you aren’t just another face in the crowd!
  • Take advanced courses early and often. Be strategic about the classes you choose, do not only choose the ones that fit your schedule.
  • Avoid large lecture classes when possible. If it can’t be avoided, be purposeful in your interactions with the instructor and take particular advantage of the professor’s office hours.
  • Work on your writing skills.
  • Develop mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and others.
  • Take multiple courses with the same faculty if you like them.
  • Attend academic events such as brown bag seminars and public lectures to meet faculty and students who share your interests.
  • Find ways to present your research, public service, community impact, and independent projects.
  • MAKE AN IMPACT. Get involved in extra-curricular activities that connect to your future aspirations–don’t just join an organization for a line in your CV/resume.
  • Use your summers wisely. Participate in research (on campus and off—NSF, REUs), internships, and community service projects in the U.S. or abroad.
  • Study abroad. Be purposeful in gaining active experience beyond tourism.
  • Subscribe to newsletters across campus and stay informed of events and opportunities on campus and in your field of interest.
  • Apply for many scholarships. The more applications you complete the easier it will get.
  • Read, read, read!

Follow these steps to schedule your appointment!

The key to a strong application is…START EARLY! Follow these steps to schedule your appointment!

STEP 1: Look through the Handbook or Website to identify potential awards.

  • Each award description in the handbook or website includes eligibility, a description, application procedures, and links to videos/webinars.
  • Some awards identify “institutional endorsement required” or “institutional endorsement recommended”. In order to be endorsed by ONSA and the university of Mississippi you must have a complete application by the campus deadline.

STEP 2: Complete the Fellowship Interest Form (required)

STEP 3: Make an appointment with a Fellowship Advisor (strongly recommended)

STEP 4: If you apply for a national fellowship, you will need to complete the Nomination Permission Form and Waiver (required)