How to Apply for an American Institute of Architects Minority/Disadvantaged Scholarship

Help yourself toward that architecture degree with this scholarship, worth between $500 and $3,000. It's an initial one-year grant, renewable for up to two additional years.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Personal Organizers
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you're eligible: you must be a resident of the United States, a minority or disadvantaged high school senior or college freshman, and be planning to study architecture in a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

2. Get yourself nominated by your guidance counselor, an architect or someone else familiar with your ambitions and abilities. Call [phone] or [phone] between mid-September and early December to request the nomination form.

3. Fill out the application form that will be sent to you once your nomination has been received.

4. Prepare the other materials, which include an essay, a statement about your disadvantaged circumstances, recommendation letters, transcripts and a drawing.

5. Notify professors, TAs and employers well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.

6. Send in the application and supporting materials by the January deadline. Apply well before the deadline to avoid the risk of missing it.

Tips & Warnings

• Academic merit and financial need are both important in getting this scholarship, which began in 1970 with a grant from the Ford Foundation.
• Photocopy your application materials before sending them in and keep a copy for your records.
• Consult with your school's fellowships office for information on other fellowships and financial aid.
• You're not eligible if you have completed a year or more of college study.
• Be wary of any fellowship that sounds too good to be true; it probably is. (See "How to Watch Out for Scholarship Scams.")