This is a resource to help organize the scholarships available to students at the College of Education, individual scholarships will be placed on their respective month page for when they are due.
This site lists scholarship opportunities from organizations outside of PSU/COE. The third parties offering scholarships listed on this site are not part of PSU/COE and are not vetted or otherwise endorsed by PSU/COE. PSU/COE has no jurisdiction or control over the terms of the scholarships, or how, when or to whom they are awarded. PSU/COE does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise indemnify any of the third parties’ actions. The lists provided are merely to show a range of possible options.
Requesting Letters of Recommendations/Reference
Choose appropriate references (academic, personal) based on the instructions on the application.
Contact your references ahead of time and ask them if they are willing and able to provide a reference for you. Some references may decline, if they feel they do not know you well enough to make a recommendation.
Make sure your references have the information they need to provide a good recommendation. It can be helpful to provide them with a copy of your personal statement or resume. Also, let them know what they are providing a reference for (scholarships, mentorship), so they can direct the recommendation appropriately.
Give your recommenders time to complete the reference. You should give them several weeks' notice. In the case of the online scholarship application, complete the reference section early so the references will receive the email link and have plenty of time to complete their section before the due date.
Remember to thank your references and let them know the outcome of your application.
Writing Scholarship Essays
Read the essay question carefully to make sure you answer all parts of the question.
Organize your ideas before writing, perhaps creating an outline of major points to address.
Write your essay by elaborating on the points in your outline. Introduce each point with a topic sentence, then elaborate on the point in the remainder of the paragraph.
Use specific examples, rather than broad generalizations.
Use clear, concise, and simple language.
Make sure the final sentence(s) pull together the points of your essay and provide a strong, memorable finish.
Carefully check spelling and grammar.
Reread the original essay question, then review your essay to make sure it addresses all points.
Ask someone with good writing skills to proofread the essay.
Further essay writing tips here.
Standing Out From the Crowd
Understand the purpose of the scholarship.
Distinguish yourself from the crowd by writing an essay that is as unique as possible.
Be descriptive – The reader needs to be engaged.
Make sure you end your essay strong.
Make your essay memorable!
Scholarship application available via scholarshipuniverse.
The scholarship application is separate from the program application. You must first submit your program application to have access to the scholarship application. Scholarships are only awarded to admitted and current PSU students.
Start your application early. Reviewers look for passionate and well-written personal stories. Hearing your voice is important!
Edit and spellcheck your essays. Remember to have someone proofread them too.
If you will not be filing a FAFSA but do want to be considered for need-based scholarships, you should complete a Student Budget form (this is also linked to in the scholarship application).
Don't forget to click "SUBMIT" at the end of the application. No changes may be made after submitting.
Accept the Scholarship: Some scholarships require more information or just to be notified that you will accept it. Follow up with scholarship provider to figure out what is needed.
Provide Pertinent Information: Make sure scholarship provider has institution information, some may require proof of enrollment and/or proof of financial need.
Thank Scholarship Provider: Allows you to show your appreciation and acknowledge the donor.
Meet the Requirements: Some scholarships may require winners to provide extra information or participate in events. With renewable scholarships some requirements must be met year around.
Report Scholarship to College: Allows the school to adjust financial aid award and reduce loan amount, if applicable.
Private Scholarship Tips:
Private scholarships may be sent directly to your college account or they may be sent to you in the form of a check or direct deposit into your bank account.
Call your college and find out how private scholarship dollars are applied.
Ask if other forms of financial aid will be reduced or eliminated due to a private scholarship.
PSU Financial Aid and Scholarships :
Email: askfa@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-3461