There are numerous scholarship opportunities available for NC State students. PackASSIST is the University’s consolidated scholarship portal and is a great tool for continuing students to apply for scholarships from NC State. I was given the opportunity to meet with Johanna Donovan, Sr. Assistant Director-Scholarships at NC State, to discuss the process of applying to scholarships for NC State students. The application process is easily accessible to all NC State students and is explained in more detail throughout this article.
The first step to apply for scholarships begins with students filling out a General Application that asks the same questions of all students. After filling out the General Application, students may be asked to complete additional questions based on their college or major. The portal will then match students to different scholarships that they may meet the specific criteria for. There are also different questions to indicate whether or not a student possesses a certain talent or ability, such as playing a musical instrument, which may also automatch individuals to different scholarship opportunities. Another crucial note is that students should fill out and submit the application in PackASSIST every year. Individuals should update their activities, awards, work experience, and other general information every year since these things often change. Students are also advised to update their essay prompt responses, as well as fill out any other essay prompts that are new to that specific year. Returning students also receive several “Reminder to Apply for Scholarships” emails once the portal has opened, and will continue receiving reminder emails throughout the priority date. An important thing to remain aware of is that there is also a priority date for applications, February 14th. Although individual applications can still be submitted after this date, scholarships will become less and less available, and students who meet this deadline will be given the greatest consideration for scholarships. As a final note, students will be notified with an award letter if chosen for a scholarship, and must then choose to accept or decline the award in PackASSIST.
There are also resources available for students through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Each individual NC State student is paired with a Financial Aid Counselor, assigned by their last name. A student’s assigned counselor is listed on the website: https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/your-money/financial-aid/. Students are encouraged to reach out to their individual counselor with any concerns or questions relating to their financial aid or scholarships. There is also always a counselor in the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid that can help if a student has a specific question that needs to be addressed. During these last few years I think it is also important for students to become aware of the different resources available for hardships relating to COVID. For the past few semesters, students have been able to receive rescue emergency grants for COVID-related issues. However, if additional assistance is needed, students should fill out an application on the Pack Essentials website. Overall, students are also encouraged to discuss any concerns or issues they may have regarding financial aid, or COVID-related hardships, with their financial aid counselor – who are all more than happy to assist students while navigating throughout these processes.
Ms. Donovan would also like students to remember that all students should apply for scholarships, regardless of whether or not they think they will be selected to receive the award. All in all, there is absolutely no possibility of being selected if a student does not apply – so applying will always be better than not.
This post was written by Deirdre Byrnes, a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador double-majoring in criminology and psychology with minors in forensics and Middle East studies.
- Categories:
