Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I request verification of enrollment for an outside scholarship?
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How do I know if Fresno State received my scholarship check?
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Can I have my G.P.A. waived and still be considered for scholarships?
When is the application filing period?
Please Note: The 2007/2008 scholarship application period ended on May 31, 2007.
The 2008/2009 "priority application" period for full consideration of scholarship opportunities was September 1, 2007 through November 30, 2007. However, the application will remain online until May 30, 2008. This gives late applicants the opportunity to submit an application for consideration of any unused scholarship funds.
How do I apply for scholarships?
You need to access and complete our online scholarship application. We do not distribute paper applications and will only accept the online scholarship application for consideration of all institutional scholarship awards. By submitting this one application you will have an opportunity to be considered for all possible institutional scholarships listed on our Directory of Scholarships.
When will recipients be notified?
The awarding of scholarships start at the beginning of February and usually conclude by the end of August. If you are awarded a scholarship, a congratulatory letter will be mailed to you stating the name and amount of the scholarship. The award is contingent upon your written acceptance within three weeks of the date of notification. The notification process does not include a notification to all applicants but only to the selected recipient of the scholarship. All applications are kept in a database during the academic year for consideration of scholarship money that may become available.
Fresno State students can check if any awards have been posted to their account by logging on to http://my.csufresno.edu and selecting the "Student Center " link. Under the "Finances" heading, select "View Financial Aid" link to see if any loans, grants, stipends, and scholarships have been awarded.
Please Remember
Be sure to send a thank you letter to the donor. Our scholarships are provided by private donors who take an interest in supporting our students. Without the support of these donors, many students would not be able to reach their educational goals. Your award letter will provide an address to send your thank you letter. Please review our guide on How to write a thank you letter.
Who is eligible to apply for scholarships?
Scholarships are available to all United States Citizens who are incoming freshman, continuing or transfer (including out-of-state students), undergraduate or graduate students who plan to attend California State University, Fresno.
Scholarship eligibility is administered by the university and qualifications vary according to stipulations of individual donors who provided funding for the program (see Directory of Scholarships). Factors for consideration typically include scholastic achievement, academic major, involvement in school organizations, participation in community activities, and full-time enrollment. Depending on specific donor criteria these factors can vary, so regardless of your accomplishment, interests, or background, we encourage you to apply online for consideration of general and departmental scholarships.
International and/or Non-U.S. Citizen Student
International students who are currently enrolled at California State University, Fresno can apply for institutional scholarships using our online application.
Incoming international students who are not currently enrolled at California State University, Fresno are not eligible to apply for institutional scholarships.
Will a scholarship award affect my Financial Aid?
When you accept your financial aid award, you agreed to report to the Financial Aid Office any additional resources awarded or received including, but not limited to, scholarships, stipends, educational grants from campus and outside sources. If the Financial Aid Office determines you have an been over-awarded, your financial aid award may be reduced.
Do I have to submit a G.P.A Verification Form?
If you are not currently enrolled at California State University, Fresno, the Scholarship Office must receive official verification of your cumulative grade point average from your last institution attended. Submit the GPA Verification Form no later than one week after your application has been submitted.
How do I request verification of enrollment for an outside scholarship?
If you receive an outside scholarship, and your donor requires official proof of enrollment from our campus Registrar, you must contact the Admission and Records Office at (559) 278-2261 to request verification of enrollment. They are located in the Joyal Administration Building, north lobby public contact windows.
Where does an organization send my scholarship check?
Scholarship checks can be mailed to:
California State University, Fresno
Scholarship Office
5150 N. Maple Ave., JA64
Fresno, Ca 93740
Checks should be made payable to CSU, Fresno and include the student's social security number or the student's Fresno State Student ID number.
How do I know if Fresno State received my scholarship check?
The Scholarship Office will notify students via email when a scholarship check is received on their behalf. The email notification contains the following information:
- Organization who issued the check
- Amount received
- Donor restrictions on how the funds can be used (if applicable)
- Instructions on how to access the funds
All scholarship checks received must be cashed by the University and deposited to the student's account.
How do I qualify for a fee deferment?
Effective April 1, 2005, California State University, Fresno has adopted new guidelines for issuing fee deferments to scholarship recipients. Only students with adequate scholarship funds to cover the cost of registration/enrollment fees will be eligible to request a fee deferment.
The below criteria defines the qualifications for requesting a fee deferment.
- Students who are awarded an institutional scholarship sufficient to cover the full cost of fees can request a deferment.
- Students who have private scholarships sufficient to cover the full cost of fees can request a deferment upon completion of the below items.
- Documented proof of scholarship adequate to cover fees.
- Signed written agreement to pay all fees before the declared deadline. (Deferments expire the week before semester instruction begins)
- Verification that no prior semester fees are owed to the University.
The student’s responsibility and obligation to pay fees is not reduced by an approval of a fee deferment. Students are responsible for the payment of all fees by the due date. Scholarship funds received must first be applied towards fees before any other educational expense. Failure to pay fees by due date will result in disenrollment from all classes.
Definitions
Fee Deferment: This allows students a temporary deferment of payment of fees, after the payment deadline, without being subject to cancellation of registration.
Institutional Scholarship: Funds awarded and administered by the University Scholarship Office at California State University, Fresno.
Private Scholarship: Funds awarded by a private organization or an agency/department not associated with the University Scholarship Office.
How do I write a thank you letter?
Scholarship donors are generous and caring people who unselfishly give to support the educational endeavors of students like you. They typically ask for nothing in return, but receiving a well written thank you letter from a student is always special and lets the donor know that his or her scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your letter reminds them why they gave in the first place and often help secure continuing gifts for future students.
Writing A Well Written Letter
Make sure the letter is free of both grammatical and spelling errors. You are an important part of the Fresno State Family, and the literacy demonstrated in your letter is a reflection on all of us.
Thank You Letter Tips:
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Write clearly and concisely.
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Double-check for typos and grammatical errors.
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Express enthusiasm.
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Be sincere.
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Send it typewritten in business format.
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Use quality paper.
You were awarded a scholarship because your personal qualities and academic abilities stood above all other applicants. Sending a typed thank you letter confirms that this scholarship was important enough to you to take the time to present yourself in a professional manner. The sample letters (provided below) are to help you compose your own thank you letter in a professional business format.
Can I have my G.P.A. waived and still be considered for scholarships?
If you are returning to college after an absence of five or more years, you may request to have your old grade point average (G.P.A.) waived. On the scholarship application there is a section to request this waiver. The waiver is only valid prior to reentry to college.