Morrill Scholars Program Information

Downloadable MSP Application                        On-line MSP Application
 

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Morrill Scholars Program (MSP) is named in honor of Senator Justin Morrill, author of the 1862 Morrill Act that facilitated access to higher education for students previously underrepresented at America’s colleges.  The Office of Minority Affairs offers this program to promote diversity, multiculturalism, and scholarship and to enrich the educational experience of all Ohio State students so they will be prepared for optimum success in the world community. We expect all of our scholarship recipients to actively participate in cultural and multicultural events, activities, and organizations to help build a diverse community that utilizes our collective strengths, talents, leadership, and interests to foster an environment where all can reach their full potentials.

MINIMUM CRITERIA
To qualify for consideration, an applicant must:
• Be a U.S. citizen and/or legal permanent resident of the United States
• Be admissible to the Columbus campus for the autumn quarter after high school graduation
• Meet two out of three academic requirements listed below:
               ▪top 20% class rank
               ▪3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale
               ▪23 ACT composite or 1070 combined SAT Critical Reading and Math scores
• Have demonstrated leadership, commitment to diversity, and community service

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED INCLUDES:
• Applicant’s status as a potential first-generation college graduate
• Applicant’s race/ethnic/tribal background
• Socioeconomic factors
• Ohio county of residence

AWARD LEVELS
Awards are made at the following levels:
Excellence: the value of in-state tuition
Distinction: the value of in-state tuition, room and board, book allowance, and miscellaneous expenses

Note: Please notice there is a change in the MSP award information. There will be two MSP award levels and not three as printed in the 2007-2008 OMA view   books.  The MSP award levels that will be maintained are Distinction and Excellence.  The decision to eliminate the Prestige MSP level was made after careful analysis revealed that OMA could provide additional scholarship funding and maintain its current funding level by taking this action.  The greatest benefactors of these changes will be the Non-Ohio MSP recipients, who will now be able to have their non-resident surcharge considered in their MSP scholarship awards.  These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.  Please direct any questions about The Morrill Scholars Program to Morrill Scholars.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Apply for admission to Ohio State’s Columbus campus by the priority postmark of December 3, 2007.
    Apply online at apply.osu.edu or complete a standard application form.

2. Mail a MSP scholarship application (downloadable application) or apply online by the priority postmark deadline of December 3, 2007.  Also, required by the postmark deadline:
           ▪Two non-relative letters of recommendation (Recommendation examples)(word)(pdf)
           ▪Responses to the essay questions (Essay examples)(word)(pdf)

           ▪Student activity list or resumee
           ▪Unofficial copy of high school transcript
           ▪Unofficial College Prep form
An e-mail acknowledging receipt of your documents will be sent to the e-mail address on your MSP application.

Please make sure your e-mail address is accurate and notify this office of any changes.

Note: The earlier you apply for the MSP scholarship, the earlier you will receive your scholarship decision, provided you have been notified of an admissions decision.

3. In order to maximize need-based financial aid awards, all students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov by February 15, 2008.

REVIEW OF APPLICATION

Complete MSP applications will be carefully reviewed by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff. The selection committee will consider the additional criteria to further evaluate the strength of your application. Interviews will be required for the Distinction level.

Awardees will be notified by mail by March 30, 2008.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Apply online or mail complete MSP application with all supporting documents to the address listed below by the priority postmark deadline of December 3, 2007. (Late applications may not receive consideration) 

The Ohio State University
Office of Minority Affairs
1000 Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Drive
Columbus, Ohio  43210
Phone: (614) 292-0964
E-mail address: Morrill Scholars

To be considered for financial aid, please click on  www.fafsa.ed.gov