AAUW Harrisburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Scholarships

Should I apply for more than one scholarship?
If you meet the requirements for the Beverly J. Smith Scholarship, and if your permanent residence is in Dauphin or Cumberland County, AND your educational institution is also located in either of these two counties, you are eligible, and encouraged, to apply for both the Beverly J. Smith and Martha M. Dohner Memorial scholarships. Applications are processed separately for the two grants. You must fill out a little more paper work to apply for both scholarships, but doing so increases your chances for selection.

The 2007 Patricia L. Murray scholarship, however, more specifically focuses on the female student who is returning to college after a minimum of 2 years to complete her education and is enrolled in an arts or humanities program in a 2- or 4-year educational institution.

What kind of transcript is acceptable?
An official transcript has an embossed seal and is available only from the Registrar’s Office. We recognize that, particularly for students who attend Penn State branch campuses, it may be difficult to obtain an official transcript. In that case, we will accept the transcript that is available to students online. Transcripts must show courses and grades corresponding to the number of credit hours required. If you are a transfer student, or enrolled in a degree completion program, be sure to submit transcripts showing that you have completed the required number of hours.

What do I do with the “Consent to Release Educational Records to a Third Party”?
This is used to request that copies of documents containing personal information be sent to us. The college registrar and financial aid officer will each require this signed document. It is not necessary to include it with the materials you send to us.

How do I demonstrate financial need?
We expect applicants to have established need by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the scholarship year. This will provide your college or university financial aid officer with a current Student Aid Report which contains the information requested in the financial aid form included in the scholarship application packet. The financial aid form will be completed and mailed to us by the financial aid officer.

What is an academic reference?
A written reference from a professor who has taught you in at least one class.

What is considered “full time?”
Enrollment in classes earning at least 12 credits per 15-week term. For the Beverly Smith Scholarship, you must be a full time student at the time you apply and during the Fall term in which you receive the scholarship.

How shall I send the application materials?
The best way is to include all the materials in one packet. Within the larger one, transcripts and reference letters may be placed in individual envelopes, with an official stamp or the writer’s signature across the sealed flap. Any delivery service may be used. Send it well before the deadline, and then contact the scholarship chair (e-mail Scholarship@aauwharrisburg.org) to verify that the packet has been received. All items must be received by the deadline. AAUW Harrisburg is not responsible for lost application materials.

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