It is
well-known that students feel more motivated when they are recognized for their
effort and hard work, and as a result, they are more likely to be engaged in
activities proposed by their professors and university. Thus, the question is:
what is the best way for a university to acknowledge and promote student
accomplishments and support students on their dreams at the same time? The
answer is: SCHOLARSHIPS!
Virginia
International University has a history of supporting its students. Since it was
founded, VIU has been awarding scholarships to full-time undergraduate and
graduate students as a way to recognize students who have special talents,
demonstrate academic excellence, or actively participate in on-campus
activities. VIU has been offering different types of scholarships throughout
the years, always expanding in order to benefit more students. Right now, there
are seven types of scholarships which are available for eligible prospective
and current students: fresh start (for transferring students); student activity
(for students who are strongly engaged in on-campus activities); campus
employment (for those students who work on campus); special achievement (for
students who demonstrate a special talent); new horizon (for students who come
from countries which face economic and political problems); and deans and
presidential (for students with exceptional academic results). Scholarships are
available for both on-campus and online students. Over the years, more and more
students have been granted scholarships at VIU. When students receive
scholarships, they tend to exceed their own expectations by putting more
efforts into achieving their academic goals. And our students’ success is VIU’s
success.
Scholarship Trends in US Higher Education
For
anyone considering a college degree from a school in the United States, the
cost of tuition – and the means by which to pay tuition – is a primary concern.
In our last issue, University Magazine examined the steady rise of the price
tag on an American education. One of the best ways students can make college
more affordable is by applying for financial aid in the form of scholarships
and grants.
The Statistics
Data
available from the National Center for Education Statistics allows us to track
financial aid trends over a number of years. In 2011-12, 59.1% of undergraduate
students in the US received financial aid in the form of scholarships or
grants. The average amount those students received was $6,200. In the same
year, 37.7% of graduate students in the US received aid in the form of
scholarships or grants. The average amount received by those students was
$10,800. When compared with data collected about a decade ago, we see that the
trend for this type of financial aid is improving, both in the percentage of
students receiving aid and the amount of aid students are receiving.
Paying
for the rising cost of tuition will continue to be a concern for students
attending colleges and universities in the United States, at least in the
foreseeable future. While tuition assistance in the form of scholarships and
grants has increased, it is not always rising quickly enough to match the
astonishing speed at which tuition prices are increasing. However, statistics
show there has been an increase in institutional grants to students. This is
good news for American students, of course, but it is also good news for
international students who may not have the same access to federal aid as US
citizens.
Scholarships
are and will continue to be important to college students, especially in light
of rising tuition costs. It is clear that scholarships are out there for the
taking, but competition is fierce. A great source for identifying scholarship
opportunities is your school; find out if your institution offers grants or
scholarships, especially if you are an international student!
TIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
Do Your Research
• There are search
sites which pull scholarships from many sources. Find a site that you like and
create an account! Check back often for new and updated scholarships.
• Find out what
department is responsible for scholarships at your school and become familiar
with the scholarship offerings, requirements, and deadlines.
• Never pay to apply
for a scholarship. If you are asked to pay a fee in order to apply, it’s
probably a scam!
Know What Makes You Unique
• Find your niche
and maximize on it; you would be surprised what types of scholarships are out
there. What are your scholastic interests? What are your hobbies? Do you have a
unique family situation? Have you overcome an obstacle? Use your experiences to
your advantage!
Start Early
• Do not
procrastinate when you’re working on a scholarship application. Build plenty of
time into your schedule to complete applications, write and revise essays, and
meet deadlines!
Persevere!
• Don’t give up! If
you don’t receive one scholarship, keep trying for others.
Ali Iqbal Murshed, MBA in Global Logistics
Never
considering myself an “A” student, I always struggled with academics. However,
since coming to VIU, the supportive learning environment has consistently
inspired me to regain interest in learning, which has reflected in my recent
academic successes. My professors were generous enough to write some excellent
recommendations for me and my past experiences certainly did pay off by adding
much needed credentials for the selection committee to consider. Receiving this
scholarship has boosted my confidence to a whole new level and motivated me to
continue to strive for excellence in the future. I must also mention that VIU
has given considerable attention to providing financial support for
international students whereas many other well known institutions surprisingly
do not have such facilities.
Faria Islam, MBA in International Finance
It came
to me as a pleasant surprise when I realized that I was one of the proud
recipients selected for the Special Achievement scholarship this year. As this
was my first semester at VIU, I really did not expect to be awarded a
scholarship. As an international student
I have gone through lots of challenges, one of them being financial challenges.
This scholarship has really helped me by reducing some of the pressure. Moreover,
this is the first time studying and staying outside of my country and I was
expecting it to be tough. But with VIU, the transition has been very smooth, as
I have been helped by the university at every step. Everyone has been a great
support to me.
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