The Dell Scholars ProgramHow to apply for
What is the Dell Scholars Program?• It is more than just a scholarship. The Dell Scholars
Program gives you resources and mentoring during your undergraduate years to help you better succeed in college. • The program is funded by The Michael and Susan Dell
Foundation • The foundation was started in 1999, is based in Austin,
TX and has given approximately $850 million dollars to nonprofit organizations that provide service to students in urban communities.
So what do I get from this?• The scholarship aspect of the program grants the
student $20,000 over a six year period to help fund their college success. It will pay for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. It may also be used for some internships and study abroad programs!• The foundation also provides technology, which may
include a computer, a printer, textbook credits and more. • Another service that the foundation will provide is an
private scholar networking community, resources, and mentoring. • All of this combines to provide the student with the
most support possible through out their college career.
So this sounds cool, do I even qualify?• The eligibility requirements for this program are:• The student must be enrolled in a College Readiness
Program.• OH HEY! That’s College Forward!!!
• Have at least a 2.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale. • US Citizen of Permanent Resident• Enrolling in Bachelor’s Degree Program in fall 2014• Demonstrate financial need
• This program is primarily awarded on a need-based case.
OH! That’s awesome! How do I apply?• The whole application is online! • It asks for your family history. • It asks for your scholastic history. • It consists of 12 short answer questions that need to
be between 250-1200 characters.
12 short answers?! Ms. You’re crazy!• We will be spending a lot of time in class on these.
Each class we will focus on two new short answers and what you should put into your answer. • This is going to be a great opportunity for a lot of you.
I would hate for you to pass it up because you don’t want to write the short answers.
How long do I have to finish??• The application is due JANUARY 15th!!! • You have SEVEN weeks to work on this. • Do not put it off until the last week please!!!• The important dates:• January 15, 2014 – Application due• February 1, 2014 – Semifinalists announced• March 10, 2014 – Semifinalists materials due• April 10, 2014 – Dell Scholars announced
Do I actually have a shot?• Well DUH! • You all have a great chance of becoming one of the
300 scholarships awarded each year!• Last years graduating CoFo class had SEVEN winners!! • That could be you so let’s get started!!
Short Answer #1: College Readiness Programs
• How has this program better prepared you to be successful in college? Please provide some
examples of skills or strategies you will use.
• This question is asking about College Forward.• How has this program helped you? • How have our services supported you through your college
process?
Thursday November 21, 2013
Short Answer #2: College Major
•What inspired you to choose this major and study the degree you are
planning to enroll in?
Thursday November 21, 2013
Short Answer #3: College Choice
• Please tell us what reasons you considered in selecting these schools as your top choices.
Elaborate on the factors you considered such as academic fit and financial affordability.
Thursday December 3, 2013
Short Answer #4: Preparing For Success
•Describe the most significant challenges you may face
transitioning to and while in college and what steps you may take to
address those challenges.
Tuesday December 3, 2013
Short Answer #5: Preparing For Success
•What do you want to use your education to achieve? What are your
goals after you graduate from college?
Thursday December 5, 2013
Short Answer #6: Home Responsibilities
•Please provide more detail about your home responsibilities and how
that has impacted your ability to manage your academic work.
Tuesday December 5, 2013
Short Answer #7: Community/Volunteer Responsibilities
• Have you spent time volunteering in your community or school (examples may include:
community center, senior center, church, school, etc.)? Share with us how often you volunteer
and what you’ve learned through these experiences. If you haven’t volunteered, please
explain reasons why.
Thursday December 10, 2013
Short Answer #8: Financial Need
• What personal financial hardships have you had to overcome to be the person you are today?
State any special personal or family circumstances to explain your financial need.
Tuesday December 10, 2013
Short Answer #9: Financial Need
•How do you think your family’s financial situation will impact your ability to be a
full-time college student? State any ongoing financial responsibilities you
have and how you plan to manage them.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Short Answer #10: Family History
•Describe how your family history and relationships have shaped who you
are today.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Short Answer 11: Adversity
•Describe some of the hardest things you experienced while growing up.
How did you overcome those challenges? What did you learn from
those experiences?
Tuesday December 17, 2013
Short Answer #12: Personal Achievement
•Describe your most meaningful achievement to date and how it has
influenced your life.
Tuesday December 17, 2013