How to Apply for a Scholarship From the United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) administers scholarships to African-American college students. The amount and duration of the funding varies according to the particular scholarship provider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Applications
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: Be an African-American college student enrolled at a UNCF member institution; have a minimum GPA of 2.5; be nominated by your school's financial-aid director; and have an "unmet financial need," to which your financial aid director will attest.
2. Contact your school's financial-aid director to get his or her nomination for the scholarship.
3. Fill out and send in a Financial Aid Form (FAF) or Family Financial Statement (FFS). List your school's financial-aid office as a destination for the report.
4. Get a scholarship application from UNCF.org.
5. Notify professors, teaching assistants and employers well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.
6. Gather the required materials, which will include at least an official transcript, an essay, a recommendation letter and a photograph. Materials vary with the particular scholarship.
7. Send in the materials before the deadline. Deadlines vary depending on the particular program but usually fall between September and December. Apply well before the application deadline to avoid the risk of missing it.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the UNCF Web site (uncf.org) for more information, including application forms and a list of member institutions.
• Some of the programs are based on merit as well as on need.
• Photocopy your application materials before sending them in, and keep a copy for your records.
• Consult with your school's fellowship office for information on other fellowships and financial aid.
• Be wary of any fellowship that sounds too good to be true; it probably is. (See "eHow to Watch Out for Scholarship Scams.")

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