If you have to pay to apply for a scholarship, it is generally a scam. If in question, please check with the Better Business Bureau or the Financial Aid Office regarding the validity of a scholarship "company."
A number of scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Financial Aid do not require a separate application. Some scholarships do require additional applications and/or may have alternate application deadlines. Students should check with their department of study for scholarship opportunities before February 1st. All students are encouraged to complete and file the FAFSA in time for UW to receive processed data by our March 1st priority deadline to be considered for need based awards.
If you are selected for a scholarship that UW administers, you will be notified by a scholarship award letter. The scholarship will also appear on your award notice, and it will be disbursed along with other aid you may be receiving.
If you receive a scholarship, you may find that other sources of aid, such as your Federal Direct Loan, were (or will be) decreased. We may reduce the amount of loan, grant or work-study aid if your scholarship, plus your other aid, equals an amount greater than your need. We will never reduce your Pell Grant for this reason, though. Having your aid rearranged could be upsetting, but it's really in your best interest, because you'll usually be borrowing less money and receiving more in gift assistance.
