Frequently asked questions
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Undergraduate scholarships
Everything you need to know
Did you know international and transfer students can apply for scholarships?
Did you know you can apply for scholarships from the Fulton Schools and ASU?
Do you know where to get writing help for your application elements?
Do you know the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation? Or if you even need one?
You can find the answers to these questions and many more in our frequently asked questions (FAQ) below.
Have a question that we haven’t answered? Contact us.
The basics
Merit- and need-based
Fulton offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Merit-based scholarships are based on academic performance, and/or other criteria such as leadership, involvement, intended major, and career goals.
To be considered for need-based scholarships, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students should file their FAFSA for the upcoming school year by ASU’s May 1 priority deadline.
Yes!
Transfer students should apply for our General Scholarship Application by the February 1 deadline to be sure they are considered for all opportunities offered by Fulton Schools of Engineering for the upcoming academic year.
Additional opportunities for Arizona Resident and Non-Resident Transfer students are available at ASU.
Yes!
Yes, international students are eligible and encouraged to apply for Fulton Schools scholarships.
There are a few scholarships that international students may not apply for because they require Arizona residency or the ability to submit a FAFSA.
However, there are a wide range of scholarships with various requirements, and international students may apply for most of them!
No.
The ASU Scholarship Portal and Fulton Schools Scholarship Application are separate systems with distinct scholarship opportunities.
The Fulton Schools scholarship application includes opportunities open exclusively to our engineering majors, both current and incoming students.
The ASU Scholarship Portal includes both internal and external opportunities available to all ASU students.
You may apply for scholarships in both systems
Criteria, application requirements and deadlines vary, though most deadlines for the upcoming academic year occur between January 1 and March 1. The best way to find available scholarships outside of engineering is to use the ASU Scholarship Portal.
Arizona State University awards New American University merit scholarships to incoming first-year students.
Admitted students are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships through May 1, and awards may be renewable for up to 4 years (8 consecutive fall and spring semesters) provided students meet all criteria outlined in the Scholarship Renewal Guide.
Fulton Schools scholarship deadlines and timing
Search early, apply early
Start looking for scholarships several months before you apply. There are a lot of things to prepare for an application.
Most Fulton Schools scholarship applications are open each year November 1–February 1.
Awarded scholarships are applied to the following academic year. Many scholarships are only awarded once a year, so missing the deadline means missing out until the next year.
Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Yes.
Yes, students can apply for Fulton Schools scholarships before their FAFSA is received by ASU.
Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA by ASU’s May 1 priority deadline. Eligible students who apply by this date have a greater chance of receiving need-based aid.
For any questions regarding the FAFSA, please contact ASU Financial Aid.
No.
Legitimate scholarship sponsors do not require an application fee.
Fulton Schools and ASU scholarship applications never require a fee.
When searching outside of ASU, be suspicious if you are asked to provide personal information such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers.
You should never have to spend money to get information about scholarships and loans.
Exercise caution and educate yourself on common scholarship scams.
You will receive an email.
Scholarship awards are competitive, and selected students will be notified by the Engineering Scholarship Office via email.
Students are notified of award decisions and recipient requirements in early April and May.
Due to the number of applications received, only students who are selected will be notified.
Personal statements and recommendation letters
We have resources for you!
Our website offers many tips for learning how to prepare a strong scholarship application.
In addition, we offer scholarship workshops that provide expert advice on writing a strong personal statement.
Finally, talented staff in the the ASU Writing Centers and Fulton Schools Career Services office can also offer more formal feedback and support.
While most Fulton Schools scholarships do not require a letter of recommendation, many scholarship providers request one as part of the scholarship application.
Letters of recommendation share your positive qualities and provide insight into who you are as a potential recipient. You should always choose someone who knows you well and can attest to your skills and abilities.
This can include an employer, an instructor or professor, volunteer coordinator, or an advisor. It is important that it comes from a professional, not a personal friend or family member.
Requirements
For most scholarship applications, you will need to write a personal statement, which addresses your academic and career goals. Others may ask you to answer essay questions related to academic accomplishments, involvement in extracurricular and leadership activities, and/or research interests.
For some, you may be asked to may ask you to submit a resume, references or letters of recommendations.
Read carefully to determine what is required for the scholarships you seek.
It depends.
Most Fulton Schools scholarships require a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA for consideration. That said, some scholarships evaluated under the General Scholarship Application require a 2.5 GPA.
Review specific scholarship criteria carefully before deciding to apply, as only those applicants who meet minimum criteria will be considered.
See our eligibility requirements for more information.
Not required, but helpful!
While not required, leadership roles and experience in these areas can distinguish you from other applicants.
Not all scholarship committees will weigh this in the selection process, but most like to see applicants who demonstrate leadership and get involved in their campus or community.
Having these experiences may give you an advantage over an equally-qualified candidate who does not get involved.
Scholarships are considered when determining your total financial aid package.
Generally, a student’s financial aid package must be capped at the total Cost of Attendance, which includes not only tuition and fees, but also standard allowances for room, board, books, and supplies.
If your total financial aid package, including scholarships, is higher than the Cost of Attendance (often referred to as an “overaward”), there may be changes to your other aid sources, such as a reduction in loans.
Need-based forms of aid may also be reduced in line with program guidelines, including but not limited to Obama Scholar and College Attainment Grant funding.
Other factors, such as changes in enrollment, may also impact aid eligibility. Contact Financial Aid and Scholarship Services with any questions related to your financial aid package.
FAFSA assistance
If you encounter challenges while completing the FAFSA, please contact:
Federal Student Aid assistance
1-800-433-3243 (1-800-4 FED AID)
You may also view common issues and troubleshooting solutions on the Federal Student Aid website.
Following up
Receiving your scholarship money is called a disbursement.
Students are typically notified of scholarship selection in April and May, and awards will begin to appear on accounts in June and July for the upcoming academic year.
In most cases, Fulton Schools Scholarships are split evenly between fall and spring semesters. Scholarships apply to accounts about 5-7 business days before the start of classes.
If you were awarded a scholarship, and do not see it on your account, please contact [email protected].
No, but rest assured it has been received!
The Fulton Schools application allows you to save as you go, and even return to edit your essays until the day it is due.
The Save/Submit button submits your application for consideration. However, your application will display as a Work-In-Progress and you will be able to edit your essay responses up to the scholarship deadline.
When you are satisfied with your application, Save/Submit it prior to the scholarship deadline. No further action is needed on your part. It is submitted!
As a reminder, incomplete applications will not be considered.
Possibly.
In certain eligible circumstances, students may defer their ASU Merit Scholarship, including New American University Scholarships. The Scholarship Deferment Request Form outlines the process, criteria, and examples of eligible circumstances.
The form and supporting documentation should be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the semester for which a deferment is requested.
Please note, this policy applies to listed ASU Merit Scholarships only and does not apply to Fulton Schools or other ASU departmentally managed scholarships or external private scholarships.