HOW TO APPLY

Application Requirements:

The priority deadline for applications is February 15th, however, applications are accepted after this deadline depending on scholarship availability.  Please submit application materials electronically to olaniyan@iupui.edu.

The following information/documents must be submitted electronically, along with the fully completed application form, in PDF format.  Please note that your application will not be considered until all of the requested materials are received. 

• A completed application form
• An official high school transcript/GED scores*
• An official university transcript(s) (sophomore/junior/transfer students only)*
• Essay question response
• At least 2 letters of recommendation (one academic and one extracurricular)
• Interview (if selected as a finalist)
• General admission acceptance to IUPUI (or an application for general admission on file with the university)
• FAFSA form, except for international students (If you have not yet filed your FAFSA, you may do so at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or contact the IUPUI Office of Financial Aid at 317-274-4162.  Please not that your FAFSA does not have to be filed at the time that you submit your application to the program, but should be filed soon after.  The form is NOT submitted to the program.  FAFSA forms are filed online through the appropriate website.)
• *PLEASE NOTE:  If you have already submitted transcripts/scores to the university, you do not need to resubmit them to the program.  Please simply note this on the application in the space provided.    

Application Information

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION OR CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:

CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:

Alice Smith Hardy
Sr. Administrative Assistant
Cavanaugh Hall 327
425 University Blvd.
(317) 274-8741
alicsmit@iupui.edu

Transcripts

An official high school transcript or GED is required for beginning freshmen to complete the application packet of materials.  If you are a transfer student, a transcript from previous institutions of higher learning will be required as well.  

Recommendation Letters

Applicants must provide at least two (and no more than four) letters of recommendation.  At least one letter should address academic performance or aptitude and at least one letter should address extracurricular and/or community service activities.  Letters may be from teachers, guidance/academic counselors, school administrators, coaches, and/or community contacts.  Please make sure that those persons recommending you include their contact information.  

Essay

It goes without saying that essays should observe the general rules of English grammar and contain no misspellings.  Essays should be double-spaced and address all of the questions listed below. Please keep in mind that your answers don’t have to be in any particular order. Also, avoid simply listing your answers. This essay should be organized and well-structured using complete sentences and the 5-paragraph essay structure.  It is also recommended that you include your name and a page number on each page of the essay (please do not simply write this information on each page).  Cover pages, plastic report covers, and so on are not necessary and will be removed with we process applications.    

Please address all of the following questions in your essay:

• What is your particular area of interest as it relates to people of African descent and why do you want to study them?  How does this interest fit into your career and personal goals?
• What is your planned major at IUPUI and how would you connect it to Africana Studies (or the study of people of African descent)?
• What have you done so far that demonstrates achievements, service, and/or learning goals (including classes/books studied or read, or academic work completed) that illustrate your commitment to and interest in people of African descent (please include academics, extracurricular, and community service activities that you have participated in)?

Interview

If you live out of state (or out of the country) and are selected to interview for this scholarship, you may request a Skype interview with the selection committee.   

Other Relevant Data:

On a separate sheet, please explain any extenuating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration during the scholarship selection process.