Scholarships and How To Find Them
Every year at the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), one of the most common questions asked by parents of incoming and continuing students is, “How do we find information on scholarships at UW–Madison?” The question is simple, but the answer can be complicated.
The very few campuswide scholarships that are available do not require an application. Potential recipients are identified from admissions materials. Award recipients are selected based on academic achievements; some also have a financial-need component.
The remaining scholarships are available through individual schools, colleges, and some departments on campus. Each has its own application, selection process, and deadlines. Your student should contact the school, college, and/or department where he or she is majoring or intends to major to obtain complete information on what is available and how to apply. The best time to look for scholarship information for the following academic year is during November, December, and January. Most application deadlines fall in January and February.
UW–Madison is working on a Common Scholarship Application (CSA) for incoming and continuing students. The CSA will be a “one-stop” Web site where students can apply for all scholarships they may be eligible to receive by filling out the appropriate form(s) online. More information will be available as the implementation of the CSA approaches within the next year or so.
Information about other scholarships is available online. Two of the best sites with free scholarship information are FastWeb and FinAid.
Finally, if your student plans to apply for need-based financial aid for 2009-10, he or she may do so anytime after January 1, 2009. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online. The earlier the application is completed, the more likely it is that funds will be available. Keep in mind, though, that it’s best for your student to wait until your 2008 tax returns are completed because the FASFA asks for this information.
For more information about financial aid or scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid Web site, call 608- 262-3060, or e-mail finaid@finaid.wisc.edu.