morrill scholarship essay example

morrill scholarship essay example

The Importance of the Morrill Scholarship

1. Introduction

The Morrill Scholarship program scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students admitted to the Ohio State University who are members of underrepresented groups. In order to be considered for the Morrill Scholarship Program and other possible scholarships for which you may be eligible, you are required to submit the admission application along with the activities list and essay questions. Students or diverse groups practiced at the high school level or within the community will be evaluated and compared for scholarship opportunities offered through the Morrill Scholarship Program and other possible scholarships accepted at the Ohio State University. Eligible students and top scorers will be invited to a scholarship selection weekend. During the scholarship selection weekends, students will discuss their past involvement with diversity at their high schools and in their communities and will have the chance to learn more about the opportunities provided through the Morrill Scholarship Program. Weekend activities will take place on the Ohio State University campus and lodging and meals will be provided for students and parents. Participants will be notified of their scholarship offer no later than March 1.

When searching for financial assistance and support in your educational journey, the Morrill Scholarship is a good opportunity for those who can represent the Ohio State University campus. This program is for academically talented students who are actively engaged with diversifying their communities or high schools with a range of eligibilities. It is important to understand the required credentials and opportunities that are possible through benefiting this scholarship.

2. Background of the Morrill Scholarship

One of the main contributions to public education made by the US Congress was its passage of the land-grant legislation during the Civil War. The Morrill Scholarship Program is named after Justin S. Morrill, (180-type a2000) who was a member of the US Congress. Land-grant institutions grew and expanded their programs, benefiting greatly from the help of the National Government, especially in 1914 when the Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service within the land-grant college system. With these funds, programs continued and education flourished in agriculture, home economics, and mechanical arts. This lead to the quality education programs and facilities we have today. Land-grant institutions offer a diverse range of programs and have kept an affordable education in the minds of many. With the number of scholarships available to its residents, New York State remains a place for affordable education. The idea of creating guaranteed scholarships for the top students of New York State was something that came about in the early 1990s. Many modifications were made to the initial bill, but the basic idea stayed the same. Scholarship monies were to be used to keep New York’s top students in New York, keeping the State’s investment in education a strong one. The program is set with the bar high—aiming to keep the top students within the State, and offering them an award that will allow them to go to the next level of their education. The scholarships are much like those offered to students who have high academic and athletic skills, with the exception that the Morrill Scholarship aims to benefit the State by creating leaders, enhancing education and community, and preparing scholars for the future.

3. Benefits and Opportunities of the Morrill Scholarship

Opportunity is not always easy to come by in life. When it is staring you in the face, make sure you grab it. Any honors college and scholars program is a perfect example of opportunity, and a Morrill Scholar should definitely seize the chance to be a part of this community. As an honors program, Morrill Scholars are automatically enrolled into the honors program for their intended studies. For some students, being thrown among the brightest to compete in a more rigorous academic setting is viewed as overwhelming and intimidating. However, honors programs are designed to bring out the best in students, and you will find that this is done by teaching a greater deal of critical thinking and by applying what is learned in the classroom to real life situations. The environment that is made for the student is one that will lead to greater growth on a mental and educational level. The knowledge and experience you will gain by being a part of an honors program is invaluable, and it is something that employers and graduate schools look for in prospective candidates. This is not to say that being a regular student at OSU is a disadvantage, but rather being a part of an honors program is an added benefit to what is already being done. An added perk to being in the honors program as a Morrill Scholar comes in the second year of studies. With proper participation and a GPA that meets expectations, a Morrill Scholar can further study abroad with other honors students accompanied by a staff member at minimal cost. The bottom line, there are great opportunities for honors students and being a Morrill Scholar can accelerate your progress towards them.

4. How to Qualify and Apply for the Morrill Scholarship

Those who are interested in applying for the scholarship must first qualify for the scholarship by meeting the following criteria. A grade point average of 3.2 or higher and a combined SAT score of 1050 or a composite ACT score of 22 is asked. Out-of-state students are also eligible for this scholarship, but room and board will not be included in their scholarship. National Buckeye Scholarship recipients are not eligible for this form of academic funding. Only those who are United States citizens are eligible for the scholarship. Finally, completing the FAFSA form is imperative. This scholarship is based primarily on merit, but the FAFSA form will determine if the student is eligible for financial aid, which may be added to the scholarship. Once eligibility is confirmed, students are then reviewed for scholarship selection. By simply completing the application for admission, no additional forms must be completed. Students are typically notified in late January if they are to receive this scholarship. A letter will be sent to the student’s permanent address and the award will also be posted on the student’s “My Buckeye Link”. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must have a grade point average of at least a 3.2 and earn at least 30 credit hours per academic year. Failure to do so will result in loss of the scholarship. A review will then take place at the end of each academic year to evaluate each student’s progress towards their degree and how well they adhere to the mission of the Morrill Scholarship Program.

5. Conclusion

Even now in 2013, the importance of the Morrill Scholarship cannot be overstated. Though few know the details of the fascinating tale of how the scholarship came to be, there are few who would dispute its transformative impact since that day in 1978 when John crept into the financial aid office. Today, once more I am living proof of its power. And I believe knowing the tale of this scholarship’s unlikely creation would serve as a valuable lesson to its recipients and to anyone determined to make a difference in the world. For this scholarship was not the result of some grand design to change the world for the better. No, quite the opposite. It came from the simple act of caring. From someone taking a little extra time to help someone in need. And from the generous heart of a once great university.