<p>How hard is it to get a merit-based scholarship (no financial need)?</p>
<p>I’ve heard it’s very difficult for OOS students. If you’re in-state, you’ll probably be able to get some merit money if you have the stats.</p>
<p>Most merit money is for upperclassmen and given by the depts.</p>
<p>So i’ve heard that for the College of L&S, there are a total of 45 scholarships spots for freshmen. But that’s 45 spots for each scholarship right? Because there are probably more than 10 scholarships, and they don’t choose the same applicants for every scholarship. So wouldn’t that mean there are more spots open than just 45?</p>
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<li>What are the odds of my getting a scholarship?</li>
</ol>
<p>The number of scholarships available fluctuates from year to year. Many circumstances can affect the number of scholarships Letters & Science has to offer applicants. Outstanding multi-year commitments to awardees, interest earnings on endowments, newly established funds, graduation rates, and depleted funds all impact scholarship availability. </p>
<p>In the Fall of 2008 over 90 scholarships were awarded to continuing students with approximately 400 applicants in the pool. However, Fall 2009 scholarships for continuing students decreased to 62 awards from 90 awards. And more applicants are expected with the new online application process. </p>
<p>Approximately 30 scholarships will be available for incoming freshmen for the 2010-2011 freshmen year. This number also reflects a decrease in awards from the prior year.</p>
<p>Of course your ability to receive scholarships is not only reflection of the Letters & Science values but also the time you spent on putting together your application and writing the essay questions. Keep in mind that the application pools contain exceptionally qualified students like you. Ask yourself what will make your application stand out among the crowd.</p>
<ol>
<li>I am a non-resident student. Are there any scholarships available to non-residents?</li>
</ol>
<p>Non-resident students including international students can apply for scholarships. However there are fewer opportunities available due to donor preferences for Wisconsin residents.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/scholarships/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm[/url]”>http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/scholarships/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm</a></p>
<p>I don’t need to send in individual transcripts to the scholarship committee right? They can grab it straight from admissions?</p>
<p>As stated in the College of L&S scholarship application info, you don’t need to send another transcript, it can be accessed through your admission file.</p>
<p>I understand getting an undergrad scholarship to Madison for merit is very difficult. The merit scholarships that I saw that freshman might get are the $400 Villenous(?) scholarship, the $2250 p/year WI Academic Excellence award for being a WI valedictorian, the $1,000 p/year National Merit Scholarship and possibly a $1,000 or so department scholarship. Otherwise most of the scholarships are for need or for upperclassmen.</p>
<p>UW-Madison awards the $400 William Vilas scholarship automatically based on GPA. About 150 incoming freshmen get this each year (no application needed).</p>
<p>Other scholarships for Wisconsin residents (not awarded directly by UW-Madison):</p>
<p>The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship is $2,250/year for 4 years and is paid 1/2 by the Wisconsin institution and 1/2 by the Dept of Public Instruction. The number awarded per Wisconsin high school depends on the number of students in the school. Student need not be the val (or sal, etc) because if the val (or sal, etc) attend out of state colleges, their alternates can be awarded the scholarship. The school’s GC must submit the names of students and alternates soon (I think by Feb 15th). Must be planning to attend college in Wisconsin and be a graduate of a Wisconsin high school.</p>
<p>The Wisconsin Covenant Scholars program (inaugeral class) awards will go to current high school seniors toward attending a Wisconsin college next fall, provided they registered for this program in 8th grade and complete the confirmation process by April 1st. The amount will range from $250/year to $1,500/year and depends on the FAFSA EFC. Awarded for 4 years.</p>
<p>The Wisconsin State Scholars/Robert Byrd scholarship is $1,500/year for 4 years. Up to the top 3 students (depending on size of high school) per Wisconsin high school will be submitted for consideration. Scholarship can be used out of state.</p>
<p>^^And the Byrd is a national scholarship program, but administration/selection for the scholarship is done separately/differently by each state. So, for instance, in my state, candidates are not based on HS standing and any student can apply.</p>
<p>Madison85–There also is the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars founded by two VERY generous UW Madison alums. State residents only</p>
<p>[Fund</a> for Wisconsin Scholars](<a href=“http://www.ffws.org/about-us/faq]Fund”>http://www.ffws.org/about-us/faq)</p>
<p>If OOS, LS&A says this:</p>
<p>[Scholarships</a> | Student Academic Affairs](<a href=“http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/scholarships/application_freshmen.html]Scholarships”>http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/scholarships/application_freshmen.html)</p>
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<p>I never heard of the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars. I looked it up and it looks like a great program; however since you have to qualify for Pell funding, its more of a need scholarship than a merit scholarship.</p>
<p>Fund for Wisconsin Scholars is relatively new, however only graduates of public Wisconsin high schools can be selected. There’s no application. (My daughter qualifies for a partial Pell grant but is graduating from a private Wisconsin high school so she is ineligible).</p>