In Their Own Words: Scholarship Application Tips
Preparation
"Start early and get feedback. Don’t be afraid to go through a lot of rough drafts and edits. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I asked my former PI, former mentor, and Campus Goldwater Representative to all proofread my essays. I found that going through the whole application process and essay writing was good practice for future applications. Writing the essays allowed me to reflect on my life, see what matters to me, and clarify future goals I want to obtain.
Emily Hansen, Goldwater Scholarship applicant
"My advice for future applicants is to start early and go through multiple iterations of the application with feedback from someone in the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, or another mentor/advisor. Focus on fully answering each essay prompt, and ensure the responses don’t stray off-topic."
Scheherazade Harvey, Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicant
"I learned that it is always worth continuing to reach for new heights in spite of the rejections you face along the way. Apart from the courage to keep trying, writing personal statements and research proposals for general audiences really help synthesize what aspects of yourself and your research are most important to you, which you can then put more emphasis on in your everyday life, as well as excellent practice is scientific communication."
Michael Dooley, Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicant
Finding Your Narrative
"Through the process, I learned the importance of having a clear sense of identity and a focused message—knowing exactly what you want the reader to take away from your personal statement. I chose to write my proposal on a project that does not currently exist, which taught me how to explore the literature for gaps in our understanding and identify potential ways to bridge those gaps."
Aryn Loew, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship applicant
"Everyone has a story to tell, but feedback from others helps you tell that story effectively."
Emma Khorunzhy, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship applicant
"Don't hesitate to reach out to mentors and peers for input; they can provide valuable perspectives that you might not have considered. Stay true to your passions and let that come through in your application. Authenticity makes a big difference."
Isabella Chittumuri, Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicant
LOOKING AHEAD TO MINES@150
As Colorado School of Mines prepares for our 150th anniversary in 2024, dynamic and disruptive change is all around us. MINES@150 is our plan to position Mines for future success.
It calls for change, but also to stay true to our timeless mission, pillars and core values. MINES@150 leverages our size, location, and history, ensuring that our graduates will continue to be distinctive and highly valued, placing Mines at the frontiers of STEM education, research and innovation, and elevating our status among the world’s top universities.