How to Apply for Scholarships

For Current Undergraduate Students

1. Log into your MyRED account and click 'Scholarship application for continuing undergraduate students.'

This is the combined Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid and College of Arts and Sciences application. There are not individual applications for the scholarships offered by the university or college.

2. Make sure all required and optional items are included.

Required:

  • Completed application form
  • Resume
  • Academics and experience statement

Optional:

  • One-page narratives for Dean’s Experiential Learning Scholarship, Robert McCall Scholarship, Theodore C. Sorensen Scholarship, or Judith Stewart-Gross Non-Traditional Student Fund

Submit the completed application, including your resume and narrative(s), by February 1.

You will then be considered for all of the college scholarships for which you are eligible. Your application will not be considered if all required items are not included.

3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many of the college scholarships require demonstrated need. FAFSA is the only accepted way demonstrated need is reflected on your application.

First-Year Incoming Students

Learn more about the supplemental Scholarship Application process on the Office of Admissions website.

Required

What you need to complete the application process

Scholarship resume

A resume, titled “Scholarship resume,” detailing:

  • academic achievements
  • departmental, college, campus or community service
  • employment experiences
  • experiential learning (education abroad, internships, significant research experiences) while at Nebraska

Your NU ID should be included.

Academics and experience statement

A one page statement with Part I and Part II labelled:

  • Part I: Describe the ways your course work has helped you advance or develop your future plans.
  • Part II: How is what you are doing outside the classroom (employment/service/activities) contributing to your education or future plans/goals?

Additional requirements:

  • Your name and NU ID listed in the header
  • 400-800 words
  • titled “Academics and Experience Statement”

The Scholarship Committee is not looking for students to comment on their grades but on what they have learned as a student in the College of Arts and Sciences and how they are making the most of the undergraduate years.

Optional

What else you can include on the application

Provide narratives to be considered for these scholarships: 400-800 words, including your name and NU ID in the header.

Funding for experiential learning (global learning/education abroad, internships, research) is no longer part of the regular scholarship application. The new process will be linked to when established in November.

Theodore C. Sorensen Scholarship

If you are

  • a graduate of a Nebraska High School
  • have demonstrated a commitment to public affairs and the public service at the state (Nebraska), national (United States), or international level
  • have senior standing

you can be considered for the Theodore C. Sorensen Scholarship. Please provide a narrative, titled “Public Service Scholar," detailing your service.

Robert McCall Scholarship

If you are

  • an individual who has experienced disadvantages educationally or economically prior to enrollment at the University of Nebraska
  • have demonstrated financial need
  • a graduate of a Nebraska High School

you can be considered for the Robert McCall Scholarship. Please include a narrative, titled “McCall Scholarship,” that addresses these disadvantages.

Judith Stewart Gross Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Fund

If you

  • are a junior or senior
  • are a non-traditional student (preference for a single custodial parent of minor child(ren))
  • have a demonstrated financial need

you can be considered for the Judith Stewart Gross Non-Traditional Scholarships. Please include a narrative, titled "Judith Stewart Gross Non-Traditional Scholarship," that addresses how you strive to balance your work, family, and other important commitments with your studies. Non-tradition is defined by the college as 24 years or older.

How does the college decide who receives scholarships?

The scholarship process is competitive. Less than 20% of students who apply receive an award.

Awardees usually:

  • have a minimum grade point average of 3.7
  • demonstrate achievement in academics outside the classroom (UCARE, thesis, research, etc.)
  • demonstrate leadership in department, campus, or civic activities

A scholarship rubric is used to evaluate applications; point values are assigned to each of three categories (academic record, University of Nebraska leadership, and career goals) and totaled.

The college's Dean’s Office, in conjunction with the College Committee on Academic Distinction & Awards for Students and the program advisor (when appropriate), chooses recipients for college scholarships. This group also recommends students for certain scholarships awarded by the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid.

How do I know if I’ve received a scholarship?

Scholarships that have been awarded are posted in MyRed prior to letters being sent to students.
The college’s goal is to have letters sent by the end of April. All applicants will be notified via email.