Writing a letter to request more scholarship money

<p>So I'm in-state and I received the Dean's scholarship of $4500 for 2 years. Even though it's in-state costs, I'm going to need more money to pay for it (even with FAFSA). So I am deciding to take the initiative and ask UMD for more money because it won't hurt to try (at least I hope not). </p>

<p>So, who should I write the letter to? I got accepted to the honors college (Digital Cultures and Creativity) and as a computer science major in the college of CMNS. Should I write to someone in DCC, the dean of CMNS, or someone in the financial aid/scholarship office? Or even a combination/all of them?</p>

<p>And on a side note, which would be better: handwritten or typed?</p>

<p>I would call admissions and ask who the letter should be addressed to. I would type it.</p>

<p>OP, I don’t think you’ll get anywhere asking for more money from your scholarship. What you might do is ask the financial aid office for ideas on how to fund your time at UMd. Don’t worry too much now about the 2 year limit. You can get more money later. Since you are in state, did you investigate ALL state grants? How about legislative grants? MDS? Are you Pell eligible? Do you plan to work? Do you plan to borrow the max? There’s a lot you can do if you have not already. Good luck.</p>

<p>I email the person in the de[artment my DS was planning on majoring in telling them that cost was a factor in deciding what school to attend. She emailed me back and said my son was an alternate for one of the departmental scholarships but they wouldn’t know until May to see if he would get it. She emailed back a few days later telling us she found a small departmental scholarship that hadn’t been awarded yet and my son would be receiving it. </p>

<p>If you go this route, be sure to relay your qualifications and financial situation. Check the departmental website to find the person to send your email to. good luck.</p>

<p>Is it not possible to receive more than one scholarship? It seems like Dean’s and President’s were all based on SAT.</p>

<p>@n0vad3m0n I am 99% sure that you can only receive one merit scholarship from UMD.</p>

<p>@wkwkwk I just emailed someone in the CS department, asking about departmental scholarships and detailing my EFC, SAT, and both unweighted and weighted GPA. </p>

<p>@plumazul The dean’s scholarship is non-renewable, so the 2 year limit is a non-negotiable aspect as far as that is concerned. I am going to apply for the delegate and senatorial grants, but I don’t expect to get a substantial amount out of it. I am not eligible for the Pell grant. As of right now, I am considering a work-study (if I even qualify for one). And I want to minimize borrowing money as much as possible. As far as the MDS goes, I was not selected for it, which I find extremely bizarre. My GPA is a 3.77 unweighted, 4.36 weighted, and a 1450/1600 SAT superscored-score.</p>

<p>I have heard your appeal in writing will be a waste of time. Sorry (I had thought about the same thing)</p>

<p>But I would encourage you to look for any add on scholarships you can find - at Maryland any will stack on top of your Dean’s amount.</p>

<p>Also, on one of the other boards it mentioned that you excel at Maryland (GPA) then additional funds may come your way…</p>

<p>It won’t take a long time to write this letter. Do it, no matter what your odds are. My experience is that UMD is very accommodating when they’re trying to attract people they want (and they want computer science majors). I suggest contacting admissions and asking who to address it to within the department.</p>

<p>I also believe it is possible to receive more than one scholarship, though things may have changed. I have 2 friends who received both departmental scholarships and university-wide scholarships way back in '07…one switched majors and lost her departmental scholarship, but retained some university money, etc. Also, you can still hold out for distinguished scholar, which you get through the state, and which you can definitely have on top of the other ones.</p>

<p>

Wait…are you saying it is still possible for me to get the Maryland distinguished scholar award?</p>

<p>No, it is not still possible for you to get the Maryland Distinguished Scholar award. The selection process for that award is done according to a schedule, and the process for this year’s HS seniors started a long time ago. Sorry.</p>

<p>@TFA, were you a MDS semi-finalist or honorable mention? A semi-finalist MAY still be funded. Sometimes they ALL are.</p>

<p>I did not receive anything. The thing is, I never received an application at the end of my junior year either.</p>

<p>^^ Oh, that’s too bad. Your GC should have done it for you.</p>