US MASTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION for returning and transfer students
Undergraduate Scholarships with Mathematics and Science Training in Environmental Research This application is for returning and transfer students,
The 1 year college students need to use the relevant application form provided on the US MASTER website!
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The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant to the University of North Dakota to support a scholarship
program for students majoring in biology, chemistry, geography and mathematics. The goal is to recruit and provide
support for talented students who have a financial need, enroll in a science major, and have interest to explore
science oriented career (that is not leading to the professional, e.g., medical career).
The US MASTER scholarship program may provide financial support for up to 4 years (if the renewal criteria are
satisfied) covering tuition & fees. It is subject to competitive selection with support ranging between $5,000 and
$10,000 a year depending on the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Eligibility for student financial aid based on Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
demonstrating need for the financial award. The need is determined as a cost of attendance (COA) minus
Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
College GPA ≥ 3.0
Full time enrollment in one of the science majors listed above
US Citizen or eligible noncitizen
Commitment to explore basic science opportunities through research and selected course work
Scholarship Renewal Criteria:
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Yearly reapplication to the program with continuous interest in a science career
Maintain an institutional cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Active participation in seminars/scholarship program activities
To ensure full consideration of their requests, applicants must:
 Be enrolled at the UND in a Biology, Chemistry, Geography or Mathematics major.
 Complete UND financial FERPA at http://und.edu/admissions/student-account-services/ferpa.cfm listing US
MASTER as an organization.
 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at www.fafsa.gov; this is required to
demonstrate need for the financial award package to be provided by UND.
 Submit a US MASTER scholarship application (next page).
 Submit a personal statement/essay describing 1) interest in science and science oriented research (provide
specific topics and reasons) demonstrated (if possible) through course work or internships; 2) the
importance of the US MASTER scholarship; and 3) showing the most noteworthy scholarly achievements.
 Submit a transcript: An unofficial copy of the student’s transcript is acceptable.
 Ensure submission of 2 recommendation letters from faculty familiar with your academic accomplishments.
Applications and the letters should be submitted via Email to: UND.US_Masters@UND.edu
Priority will be given to applications submitted before November 30 for January admission, and
July 15 for August admission. Applications received after these dates will be considered until the
funds are awarded.
US MASTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION for returning and transfer students
Undergraduate Scholarships with Mathematics and Science Training in Environmental Research This application is for returning and transfer students,
The 1 year college students need to use the relevant application form provided on the US MASTER website!
st
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Last Name:
First Name:
Date of birth:
UND ID:
MI:
Current address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
E-mail:
Phone:
College GPA:
Select Class (if applicable): ☐ Freshman
☐ Sophomore
☐ Junior
☐ Senior
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
Race: ☐ American Indian/Alaska Native ☐ Asian
☐ Do not wish to report or unknown
Ethnicity: ☐ Hispanic/Latino
☐ Not Hispanic/Latino
☐ Black or African American
☐ Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Is.
☐ White
☐ Do not wish to report or unknown
☐ First Generation Student (parent or guardian did not complete 4-year degree)
☐ Do not wish to report or unknown
CHECKLIST
I have complete FAFSA. Date completed:
I am enrolled at UND full-time, as a major in:
I have requested reference letters:
☐ Name of recommender 1:
☐ Biology
☐ Chemistry ☐ Geography
☐ Mathematics
☐ Name of recommender 2:
I have completed financial FERPA referring to US MASTER as organization. Date completed:
http://und.edu/admissions/student-account-services/ferpa.cfm
☐ I have a interest to explore Science opportunities through research and selected course work
Note: Students with pre-professional career goals are only eligible if they demonstrate interest in research or similar science experience.
☐ I have enclosed a personal statement/essay
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Please provide a personal statement that describes your interest in the sciences. Discuss your future career goals and if these involve performing
research in the fields listed above. Also describe the importance of this scholarship for your academic success. Highlight any achievement
(academic and research) that apply here. Students with pre-professional career goals (e.g., medical school) are only eligible if they demonstrate
interest in research or similar science experience. Please use the space below and follow on the additional page:
US MASTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION for returning and transfer students
Undergraduate Scholarships with Mathematics and Science Training in Environmental Research This application is for returning and transfer students,
The 1 year college students need to use the relevant application form provided on the US MASTER website!
st
REFERENCE LETTER INSTRUCTIONS (PROVIDE THESE INSTRUCTIOSN TO THE RECOMMENDER)
Two letters are required. At least one of the letters should be from an instructor/teacher or others involved in the
applicant's educational experiences.
Reference Letter Format Requirements:
 Letters are limited to 2 pages
 Letters must be submitted on a professional letterhead
 Letters must be signed
In your letter, please address the following issues explicitly:
 Please include the name of your institution, how long you have known the applicant, and in what capacity.
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Using your knowledge of the applicant's past and current experiences and activities, please comment as
appropriate about his/her current GPA, as well as on his/her:
(a) potential to succeed in college,
(b) interest in science and the major selected,
(c) ability to communicate effectively,
(d) willingness to work cooperatively with peers and supervisors.
Though you may not address all of these items specifically, please comment on what you observed about the
applicant.
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If you have known other students applying to science majors in college, please compare this applicant to
them. Otherwise, please compare this applicant to other successful students that you have known in this
institution.
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Please note that the more specific (as opposed to generic) a letter you can provide, the better it is for the
candidate.
Send the letters to the US MASTER program using one of the following options
 E-mail to UND.US_Masters@UND.edu,
 Fax at 701 777 2331 to attention of US MASTER
 Mail to attention of US MASTER, 151 Cornell Street Stop 9024, Grand Forks, ND, 58202