Photo: The Evergreen State College’s Scholarship Office sign. SHAYNA CLAYTON.
By Miette Deschenes
Evergreen has streamlined its scholarship application process this year. Hooray! Anyone who applied for a scholarship in previous years knows how convoluted the process used to be. Thankfully, applications have been simplified and it should be much easier to apply now. Here is a handy guide to the new process!
The first step is to fill out the application form, which can be found online at evergreen.edu/scholarships. The information provided on the form will allow the Undergraduate Scholarship Office (USO) to determine what scholarships you may qualify for.
The next step is to write an application essay. As detailed on the form, this essay must be double-spaced in 11pt font and cannot exceed two pages. The USO has asked that students describe their academic interests and career goals, and how attending Evergreen will help students fulfill those goals. They also ask that students describe a time they experienced a challenge or obstacle in their life and how they overcame it, and they suggest that students speak to their financial need and how this scholarship would help their academic career.
Additionally, students will need to provide one letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member. The USO suggests including the letter with the application packet, but the writer of the letter may send it directly to the office if they prefer to. It can take a while for someone to write a letter of recommendation, so it’s best to ask as soon as possible!
If you are a continuing Evergreen student, you will need to submit copies of two evaluations, which can be found in the Academic Progress tab on My Evergreen. For each evaluation, you will need to include the overview of the program and the evaluation of you by a faculty member. Thankfully, since you only need to submit two, you can pick the ones that make you look the best.
If you are a new student, there are two different options instead of evaluations. If you have less than 40 credits, you will need to submit your high school transcripts. If you have more than 40 credits, you should submit your unofficial transcripts from all previous colleges that you have attended.
Some scholarships require portfolios or extra materials. The specific requirements are listed on the application form. These can be attached to the packet in whatever form they need to be submitted (CD, DVD, flash drive, printed photos, etc.). The USO strongly suggests that you don’t submit original copies of your work, as there is a chance they could get damaged or lost.
The application deadline is Feb. 1. In addition to the materials listed below, all students must also complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any scholarships, so don’t forget to get that done as well!
Applications can be dropped off at the Undergraduate Scholarship Office in LIB 1245 or mailed to undergraduatescholar@evergreen.edu. If you are mailing your application in, make sure it is postmarked by Feb. 1 in order to meet the deadline.
Hopefully this new process will make applications a lot easier and more accessible. Good luck everyone!
