Frequently Asked Questions

What is an external scholarship?
What is the difference between direct apply scholarships and FSO supported scholarships?
What is an institutional endorsement or nomination?
How are endorsements and nominations made?
What is involved in applying for scholarships?
What are my chances of winning a scholarship?
For what kinds of scholarships do I qualify?
Who can help me with writing Scholarship essays?
Can I speak with previous scholarship winners?
Where can I find copies of winning applications?
What must I submit by the campus deadline?
I am a graduate student, what can FSO help  me with?
I am prospective student, what can FSO help me with?

Q. What is an external scholarship?

A. External scholarships are awards that come from agencies outside of Carnegie Mellon University. While our office supports students applying for these awards, we our not involved in the final awarding process and do not provide the funds.

Q. What is the difference between direct apply scholarships and FSO supported scholarships?

A. Direct apply scholarships are external scholarships that the students apply to the foundation and do not need to apply through FSO.  FSO supported scholarships are external scholarships that FSO either coordinates the nomination/endorsement or else is equipped to provide extra guidance and application assistance. 

Q. What is an institutional endorsement or nomination?

A. Some foundations ask universities to select a limited number of students from its institution to compete in the national competition.  In this case, students may not apply directly to the foundation without approval from FSO and we hold internal competitions with earlier deadlines to determine who will be nominated from Carnegie Mellon.

Q. How are endorsements and nominations made?

A. FSO holds internal competitions for external scholarships requiring nomination (with deadlines well before the foundation deadlines) and coordinates a campus selection committee comprised of faculty, staff, alumni, and former recipients of the respective award.  The campus selection committee determines which students to represent Carnegie Mellon in the national competition.

Q. What is involved in applying for scholarships?

A. Most scholarship applications require personal essays and/or project proposals along with letters of recommendation. Some scholarship applications include a personal interview as well. 

The quality of your writing in scholarship applications is critical, so expect to revise your essays and proposals multiple times.

Strong letters of recommendation are essential.

If a scholarship for which you are applying requires an interview, preparing for the interview is a must. The Career Center on campus is well equipped to help you prepare and for FSO supported scholarships, our office typically coordinates additional mock interviews.

Q. What are my chances of winning a scholarship?

A.  Many factors influence the success or failure of any scholarship application. Before applying for a particular scholarship, carefully consider the criteria for selection as well as the mission of that scholarship. Keep in mind that many criteria are broadly defined and highly contextual. Contact the person at Carnegie Mellon or the foundation representative who administers the scholarship to determine if you might be a good candidate. If you feel that you meet the criteria for an award, work hard on the application, bearing in mind that most scholarships are very competitive.

Q. For what kinds of scholarships do I qualify?

A. You qualify to apply for any scholarship for which you meet the eligibility requirements, such as citizenship, class year, field of study, age, and GPA. See the list of scholarships on this website to identify some awards for which you might qualify and search outside resources for more. Keep in mind that while you may technically qualify for a given scholarship, you need to determine if you meet the criteria for selection. The selection criteria are often more nuanced than the qualifications. Read the foundation's website carefully for information on selection criteria along with previous winners' bios to see if it is a good fit for you.

Q. Who can help me with writing Scholarship essays?

A. Students applying for scholarships are advised to consult with a Carnegie Mellon faculty member while preparing the application. Ideally, the professor knows you well and is familiar with the field of study or independent project for which you are seeking the scholarship.

For FSO supported scholarships, our office helps read over essays and provide non-discipline specific tips and guidance.  Additionally, the campus representative listed should be able to provide guidance for that specific scholarship.

Q. Can I speak with previous scholarship winners?

A. Recipients of some FSO supported scholarships are listed on this website’s individual scholarship pages. Previous winners are willing to talk with current applicants, and our office often uses past winners as a resource.

Q. Where can I find copies of winning applications?

A. For some FSO supported scholarships, essay examples are available in the FSO for current applicants to review.  Contact FSO for more information.  They are not available in electronic form.

Q. What must I submit by the campus deadline?

A. FSO supported scholarships require submission of all application materials by the campus deadline (unless informed otherwise by FSO staff). This includes letters of recommendation and other required documents such as transcripts (unofficial transcripts are usually accepted for campus deadlines). Check with FSO if uncertain. 

Q. I am a graduate student, what can FSO help  me with?

A. FSO works primarily with undergraduate students with the exception of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.  There may be opportunities under the direct apply section for you to pursue.  While in the past FSO worked more with graduate students, we have recently changed our policy due to our staffing limitations.

Q. I am prospective student, what can FSO help me with?

A. FSO works only with currently enrolled undergraduate Carnegie Mellon students.  Prospective students may want to check with their current institution for external scholarship support as well as the department they are applying to.