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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where do I obtain an official or unofficial copy of my transcript?

Official transcripts can be obtained through the Registrar’s office. Unofficial transcripts can be printed off your elion account. An official transcript is the University's certified statement of your academic record (we do not include the PSU ID or Social Security number on the transcript). The official transcript is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the University seal and signature of the University Registrar. When requesting your transcript list all areas/levels of course work undergraduate, graduate, medical, law and noncredit that you have taken. For your protection, we will not release an official transcript without your signature.

 

Are there websites that will give me a list of scholarships and fellowships?

Please refer to our Advanced Search page for other websites and sources for scholarship searches.

How should I begin the process of applying?

Please refer to our Tips for Applying section.

Should I apply for more then one scholarship, fellowship, or award?

Applying for even just one fellowship / scholarship can take considerable time and energy, especially in soliciting letters of recommendation and making sure they are submitted on time. But there is really no reason not to apply for a second or third at the same time. Those who have written letters of recommendation on a word processor can easily adapt them to a second application.

 

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How can I be notified for upcoming scholarships deadlines?

If you are a current Penn State student or faculty, you can be added to our Listserv. Please refer to our Contact Us section.

What is the difference between a scholarship, a fellowship, a grant and a loan?

A scholarship is an award given by an organization or institution to fund the education of a selected student. Usually, the award can be used for tuition, books, room and board, research, travel, or other education related expenses. A fellowship is similar to a scholarship except it generally involves some sort of internship. There are always exceptions to this distinction. A grant funds a student's education and in most cases does not have to be paid back. A loan does have to be paid back but some college loans do not collect interest until the student graduates.

Who can apply for scholarships?

Generally anyone can apply for a scholarship but each scholarship has it’s own criteria. Make sure that you fit the criteria of the scholarship.

Are there academic criteria for scholarships?

Most scholarships prefer students who are in good academic standing at the time of application. Sometimes scholarships will include a GPA requirement. If a scholarship does not include a specific requirement but states it requires good academic standing, do not assume that you are not in this category. Scholarships have different perspectives on what qualifies as “good standing.”

How long do scholarships last?

Most scholarships last for an academic year. Most scholarships will specify if they are renewable or fund multiple years. Check whether or not the scholarship is renewable in funding your education.

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Where can I look for scholarships?

You can search the UFO's website scholarship search engine. Other places to find scholarships include: our "valuable other sources" section, the web, you're department notice boards and your department head, your college advisor, professors, instructors, your family, and your friends.

Do I have to be a citizen of the United States?

Most scholarships require that the applicant be a U.S. citizen but not all do. Read the application closely.

Do I have to be a full-time student?

Nearly all scholarships require full-time status. Some scholarships do not require this because they are targeted to adult learners returning to school and other part-time students.

Do I have to do more than fill out an application?

Some scholarships require no more than a completed application but many organizations ask the student to submit essay(s), transcript(s), letter(s) of recommendation, and more. The organization determines what to require from it's applicants.

Does it matter what field I want to study?

Every organization has it's own target applicant. Some scholarships are linked to a field or major and others to volunteer or leadership qualities. There are many different target applicants.

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Can I stack scholarships?

Unless otherwise stated, students can receive multiple scholarships from different organizations. Read the specific scholarship's requirements carefully.

What are the odds of winning a scholarship?

It depends of the scholarship and the organization. The number of awards given each year and the number of applicants determine the odds of your winning. These numbers are nearly impossible to calculate.

Do I have to be a member of the organization that is granting the scholarship?

Occasionally organizations will require that the applicant be a member but do not be discouraged. Many organizations encourage applicants to send an application for membership with the scholarship application.

How can I get an application?

Many scholarship applications can be found on the scholarships website. If the scholarship does not have a website or posted application, you may have to obtain the application through mail. Organizations may require the applicant to request the application by phone or mail.

Should a student consider pursuing a medical degree in the UK? Why or why not?

Medical degrees in the UK are first degrees, not post-graduate degrees. They were still BM (Bachelor of Medicine) degrees, over the years, the nomenclature may have changed but the fact hasn't. If the student is a Marshall scholar,for example, no doubt some 'advance credit' would be given to that Marshall holder for the usual mix of American "pre-Med" courses.

A website list of UK universities will probably help in finding out whether BM degrees allow any direct (rather than post-baccalaureate) combinations with research disciplines like chemistry or biology. You can find it at http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/uk.html . Try the following universities (which award medical degrees): Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool, and Nottingham.

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