Merit Scholarships
St. Olaf College has a long-standing commitment to providing financial aid for students with academic strength and financial need. In addition, the college awards merit scholarships to students who have distinguished high school records or who have demonstrated abilities as leaders in their communities and churches. This page briefly outlines the merit scholarships that will be awarded to students in the Class of 2012. The application for merit scholarships is included in the St. Olaf Supplement to the Common Application which can be submitted online on the Common Application website or can be downloaded and mailed to St. Olaf.
Scholarships include:
- St. Olaf Academic Scholarship Program ($5,000-14,000)
- National Merit Scholarship Program ($7,500)
- St. Olaf Service Leadership Scholarship ($5,000)
- St. Olaf Trio Scholarship ($6,000)
- Music Scholarships
St. Olaf College has a long-standing commitment to providing financial aid for students with academic strength and financial need. In addition, the college awards merit scholarships to students who have distinguished high school records or who have demonstrated abilities as leaders in their communities and churches. This page briefly outlines the merit scholarships that will be awarded to students in the Class of 2012. Applications for merit scholarships are included in the St. Olaf Common Application Supplement.
St. Olaf Academic Scholarships ($5,000-$14,000)
About the Scholarship: St. Olaf's first academic scholarship program began in 1993 with the presentation of 23 Presidential Scholarship Awards. In 1994, the program was expanded and renamed the Buntrock Academic Scholarship Program in honor of the many accomplishments and contributions to the college made by alumnus Dean Buntrock, former chair of the Board of WMX Technologies, and his wife, Rosemarie.
Although there is a single application for these scholarships, the faculty and Admissions Office will award two tiers of awards; the Buntrock Scholarship ($14,000 a year, renewable annually), and the Presidential Scholarship ($8,500 a year, renewable annually).
Many schools that offer merit and talent scholarships prescribe strict criteria with respect to a high school GPA, test scores, class rank, etc. We have found that such measures often discourage very successful students from competing. Respecting the differences among high schools, we do not set a minimum criteria for scholarship candidates.
Eligibility: There are no minimum standards placed on applying for a Buntrock Scholarship program. Eligibility for the Buntrock awards is based primarily on academic performance in high school, and the selection is highly competitive. In awarding these scholarships, St. Olaf is looking for energy and initiative, independence, originality, a sense of humor, and concern for others.
How to Apply: In addition to filing a St. Olaf Application for Admission, candidates interested in competing for these merit scholarships must complete and return the Academic Scholarship Application no later than December 1, 2007. Only those candidates who also wish to be considered for need-based financial aid programs must submit the CSS PROFILE and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Up to 150 students will be selected as finalists for the Buntrock Scholarship and invited to campus for a series of programs and faculty interviews on Saturday, March 3, 2007.
Students who apply for a Buntrock Scholarship and are not selected as a Buntrock semi-finalist will automatically be considered for a Presidential Award.
Contact your admissions counselor at 507-786-3025 or toll-free 800-800-3025, or e-mail scholarships@stolaf.edu for other or more specific information about the Academic Scholarships.
National Merit Scholarship Program ($7,500)
Eligibility: National Merit Finalists who have designated St. Olaf College as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation are eligible for the St. Olaf National Merit Scholarship Award valued at $7,500 per year. National Achievement Scholars and National Hispanic Scholars are also eligible for awards valued at $7,500 per year. National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Scholars and National Hispanic Scholars are also eligible to compete for other merit scholarships.
How to Apply: Questions regarding the National Merit Scholarships should be directed to Jill Lynch at 507-786-3025 or toll-free 800-800-3025, or e-mail scholarships@stolaf.edu.
St. Olaf Service Leadership Award ($5,000)
About the Award: True communities have a memory or a set of shared stories that helps shape identity and character. So, too, do liberal arts colleges with strong traditions such as those found at St. Olaf. The college was established for the purpose of giving young people a higher education in harmony with the Christian faith. We also value the contributions our students make to others both on and off campus, as well as those students who have been leaders in their church community.
Eligibility: Students who have been active in the Lutheran church, their communities, or particular service projects are encouraged to apply for the Award for Service Leadership in Community and Church.
Recipients of this award are expected to continue their participation in the church or the community during their time at St. Olaf, either on campus, or in the Northfield community. This award is $5,000 per year and is renewable for the remaining three years based upon demonstrated participation in church or community-service organizations during the first year.
How to Apply: Candidates for this award should file a St. Olaf Application for Admission by January 15, 2008. Candidates must also submit a a detailed resume of their church and community involvement no later than January 15, 2008. Candidates should include their name, social security number and the title "Service Leadership" on the top of their resume. Please send the resume to the Office of Admission.
Questions regarding the St. Olaf Service Leadership Scholarship should be directed to Jill Lynch, coordinator, at 507-786-3025 or toll-free 800-800-3025, or by e-mailing scholarships@stolaf.edu.
St. Olaf TRiO Scholarship ($6,000)
About the award: Since its founding, St. Olaf college has had a tradition of enrolling talented students from diverse backgrounds. Since 1989, St. Olaf has chosen to support and encourage the work of TRiO Programs by helping to fund and support campus-based programs for both Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search. The St. Olaf TRiO Scholarship is a four-year scholarship valued at $24,000 ($6,000/year for four years).
Eligibility: Students who are or have beeen involved with TRiO or similar organizations (Gear Up, Fulfillment Fund, Muliticultural Excellence Program, Admission Possible, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Also students who are first-generation (neither parent attended a four-year college) students and/or low-income may also be considered. Students should have demonstrated success inside and outside of the classroom.
How to apply: Students interested in being a candidate for a TRiO Scholarship must submit a St. Olaf Application for Admission by January 15, 2008 and check the TRiO Scholarship box on the St. Olaf Supplement.
Questions regarding the St. Olaf TRiO Scholarship should be directed to scholarships@stolaf.edu.
Music Scholarships
For information on Music Scholarships, including how to apply, go to the music department web page, contact the music department directly at 507-786-3297, or e-mail hakes@stolaf.edu. Audition tapes and Music Scholarship Applications are due December 30, 2006.
