University of Michigan Gloria Wille Bell & Carlos R. Bell Scholarship Program

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• Application Deadline February 1, 2011
• 185

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Listed below are the most frequently asked questions/answers regarding the Bell Scholarship Program

• When is the application and essay due?

  • The application and essay must be received electronically by 11:59 pm EST on February 1st of each year. Incomplete and late applications are not considered.

• Can I submit the application and essay at different times?

  • No, the application and essay must be uploaded at the same time.

• Can I apply for the scholarship even though I have not been accepted into Michigan?

  • Yes. However, before the scholarship is awarded, you must be accepted into the University of Michigan and pursuing an undergraduate degree program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or another related scientific field. The time between the deadline for the scholarship application and the awarding the scholarship is approximately two weeks but varies from year to year.

• May I submit a paper application and essay?

  • Only online submissions are accepted.

• Is a letter of recommendation required?

  • No separate letter of recommendation is required (or requested) to be submitted with the application and essay.

• What is the scholarship award for Virginia or Illinois students?

  • Scholarship support is $20,000 per year for a total of $80,000 over four years or through graduation, whichever is less. Annual renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.

• What is the scholarship award for Michigan students?

  • Scholarship support is $10,000 per year for a total of $40,000 over four years or through graduation, whichever is less. Annual renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.

• What items should be listed as my Top Five Accomplishments?

  • Any accomplishment that makes you stand out from other students should be listed. The accomplishments may consist of, but are not limited to, national awards, special recognitions and/or honors, publications, unique academic achievements or designations.

• What should I say in my personal essay?

  • Anything is acceptable. Portray yourself to your best advantage. This is your opportunity to convince the Bell Scholarship Selection Committee that you have the potential to be a Bell Scholar.

• How do I know if the Bell Scholarship Selection Committee received my online scholarship application?

  • You will receive a confirmation page upon submission of your online scholarship application. Please print this page for your records.

• How do I know that I met all the scholarship application requirements and submitted the proper information?

  • The Bell Scholarship Selection Committee will contact you if there is an issue.

• Can I amend and/or supplement my application?

  • No.

• How do I determine the status of my application?

  • The Bell Scholarship Selection Committee cannot give an indication of the "status" of an application, because applications are not reviewed individually until final award decisions are being made for the scholarships.

• How many scholarships are given?

  • Approximately 4 to 7 scholarships are awarded each year.

• How many applications does the Scholarship Committee receive?

  • The Bell Scholarship is a very competitive scholarship. The Bell Selection Committee receives almost 500 applications yearly.

• How will I be notified if I get a scholarship?

  • You will be notified if you receive a scholarship or named as an alternate by letter no later than March 15th. Those not receiving scholarships or named as an alternate will not be contacted. If you have not been notified by March 15th, you did not receive a scholarship.

• Do alternates ever receive scholarships?

  • Yes, alternates are often the recipients of the scholarships. In fact, there have been cases where the Third or Fourth Alternate was awarded a scholarship. The named recipients have until May 1st to either accept or decline the scholarship. If you are the next recipient, you must have submitted your enrollment deposit by May 1st.

• Can sophomores, juniors or seniors apply?

  • No. Scholarships will be awarded to first year students entering the College of Engineering or the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

• When does the scholarship application process close?

  • Applications, including essays, are no longer accepted after midnight on February 1st of each year.

• Is the scholarship available to students with foreign residency?

  • No, the student must be a resident of Virginia, Illinois or specific counties in Michigan. See scholarship requirements for list of Michigan counties.

• Do I need to accept my scholarship once I am awarded?

  • Incoming freshmen who are awarded Bell Scholarships need to accept or decline by the May 1st deadline. Detailed instructions are included in the scholarship congratulatory letters. Your prompt response would be appreciated in order to notify the Alternate as to their selection.

• Am I eligible for other scholarships?

  This does not make you ineligible for other scholarships. Please visit the following websites for other scholarship opportunities:

  • University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Literature, Science and the Arts

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