Listed below are the most frequently asked questions/answers regarding the Bell Scholarship Program
- 2024 Scholarship Application Changes
The deadline for the 2024 scholarship application is extended to 11:59 pm EST on March 1, 2024.
SAT and/or ACT scores are not required but can be submitted voluntarily.
You will be notified if you receive a scholarship or named as an alternate by letter no later than April 5, 2024. Those not receiving scholarships or named as an alternate will not be contacted. If you have not been notified by April 5th, you did not receive a scholarship.
- When should I apply to the University of Michigan and for the Bell Scholarship?
Apply early! Before the scholarship is awarded, you must be accepted into the University of Michigan and pursuing an undergraduate degree program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or another related scientific field. The time between the deadline for the scholarship application and the awarding the scholarship is approximately two weeks but varies from year to year.
- When is the application and essay due?
The application and essay must be received electronically by 11:59 pm EST on February 1st of each year. Incomplete and late applications are not considered.
- Can I submit the application and essay at different times?
No, the application and essay must be uploaded at the same time.
- Can I apply for the scholarship even though I have not been accepted into Michigan?
Yes. However, before the scholarship is awarded, you must be accepted into the University of Michigan and pursuing an undergraduate degree program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or another related scientific field. The time between the deadline for the scholarship application and the awarding the scholarship is approximately two weeks but varies from year to year.
- May I submit a paper application and essay?
Only online submissions are accepted.
- Is a letter of recommendation required?
No separate letter of recommendation is required (or requested) to be submitted with the application and essay.
- What is the scholarship award for Virginia or Illinois students?
Scholarship support is up to $20,000 per year for a total up to $80,000 over four years or through graduation, whichever is less. Annual renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
- What is the scholarship award for Michigan students?
Scholarship support is up to $10,000 per year for a total up to $40,000 over four years or through graduation, whichever is less. Annual renewal is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
- What items should be listed as my Top Five Academic Accomplishments?
Any academic accomplishment that makes you stand out from other students should be listed. The accomplishments may consist of, but are not limited to, national awards, special recognitions and/or honors, publications, unique academic achievements or designations.
- What should I say in my personal essay?
Anything is acceptable. Portray yourself to your best advantage. This is your opportunity to convince the Bell Scholarship Selection Committee that you have the potential to be a Bell Scholar.
- How do I know if the Bell Scholarship Selection Committee received my online scholarship application?
Upon application submission, you will see a confirmation page that your online scholarship application was submitted. Print this page for your records.
- How do I know that I met all the scholarship application requirements and submitted the proper information?
The Bell Scholarship Selection Committee will contact you if there is an issue.
- Can I amend and/or supplement my application?
No.
- How do I determine the status of my application?
The Bell Scholarship Selection Committee cannot give an indication of the “status” of an application, because applications are not reviewed individually until final award decisions are being made for the scholarships.
- How many scholarships are given?
Approximately 2 to 5 scholarships are awarded each year.
- How many applications does the Scholarship Committee receive?
The Bell Scholarship is a very competitive scholarship. The Bell Selection Committee receives anywhere from 300 to 500 applications yearly.
- How will I be notified if I get a scholarship?
You will be notified if you receive a scholarship or named as an alternate by letter no later than April 5th. Those not receiving scholarships or named as an alternate will not be contacted. If you have not been notified by April 5th, you did not receive a scholarship.
- Can sophomores, juniors or seniors apply?
No. Scholarships will be awarded to first year students entering the College of Engineering or the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
- When does the scholarship application process close?
Applications, including essays, are no longer accepted after midnight on March 1st of each year.
- Is the scholarship available to students with foreign residency?
No, the student must be a resident of Virginia, Illinois or specific counties in Michigan. See scholarship requirements for list of Michigan counties.
- Do I need to accept my scholarship once I am awarded?
Incoming freshmen who are awarded Bell Scholarships need to accept or decline by the May 1st deadline. Detailed instructions are included in the scholarship congratulatory letters. Your prompt response would be appreciated in order to notify the Alternate as to their selection.
- What spacing should I use on the personal essay?
Essay can be single spaced or double spaced as long as the essay is one page. Remember to put you name and UMID in the upper right hand corner.
- Does the committee review my university application with the Bell application?
Yes.
- Do I need to submit additional information with the application and essay?
No.
- What does ACTSCIRE mean?
It is the science portion of the ACT score.
- What if I do not have a UMID number yet?
Input N/A in that field. It is okay to apply; however, before the scholarship is awarded, you must be accepted into the University of Michigan and pursuing an undergraduate degree program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or another related scientific field.
- Am I eligible for other scholarships?
Applying to the Bell Scholarship does not make you ineligible for other scholarships. However, if you are selected as a Bell Scholar and receive any other scholarship award, the Bell Scholarship award may be reduced based on the amount of the other scholarship received. The Trustee’s decision as to the amount of the reduction shall be final. The student’s overall financial aid package cannot exceed the University of Michigan’s overall Cost of Attendance figure (not including family contribution).
Please visit the following websites for other scholarship opportunities:
University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid
College of Engineering
College of Literature, Science and the Arts - What are the system requirements for submitting an application?
Windows:
Firefox 4 and 5
Internet Explorer 7
Internet Explorer 8
Internet Explorer 9
Chrome 33 and above
Mac:
Firefox 4 and 5
Safari - Why am I having trouble submitting my application and essay?
Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
Verify that the essay and application information were submitted together.
Verify that all of the required fields on the application page were completed.
Verify that an “alpha” character was not entered in a “numeric” field on the application page and vice versa. - What costs does the scholarship cover?
Scholarship funds may be used for (but are not limited to) tuition, fees, laboratory costs and related expenses, to be determined at the discretion of the Scholarship Selection Committee, as long as the student’s financial aid package does not exceed the University of Michigan’s overall Cost of Attendance figure (not including family contribution).
- What are some of the Science degree programs eligible for the Bell Scholarship?
Including but not limited to: Astronomy, Biology, Biomedical, Chemistry, Computer Science, Genetics, Geology, Neuroscience, Physics
- Can I super score my SATs when completing the SAT portion of the application?
No. Only provide the SAT score from one exam sitting.
- Will I receive a email confirmation for my application submission?
No. Upon application submission, you will see a confirmation page that your online scholarship application was submitted. Print this page for your records.
- Do alternates ever receive scholarships?
Yes, alternates are often the recipients of the scholarships.
The named recipients have until May 1st to either accept or decline the scholarship.
If you are the next recipient, you will be notified by the Scholarship Selection Committee as to your status.
You must have submitted your enrollment deposit by May 1st. - Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent U.S. Resident to apply?
Yes and the student must be a resident of Virginia, Illinois or specific counties in Michigan. See scholarship requirements for list of Michigan counties.