Undergrad award nominations urged

Applications for Caltech’s 2002–03 Upper Class Merit Award Competition are now being accepted, and faculty members are encouraged to nominate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement in their time at the Institute, says David Levy, director of financial aid.

Eligible students may also apply directly themselves, and Levy urges them to do so. “A lot of students don’t apply because they think they’re not qualified,” he said. “But we give every applicant equal consideration. We encourage students not to disqualify themselves ahead of time.”

The competition is notable both for its basis—solely on merit, without regard to financial need—and for the size of the awards. Scholarships range from three-quarters tuition to full tuition and room and board, which last year translated into awards of $15,678 to $27,450.

“I think this is very unusual for a university to do,” says Paul Bellan, professor of applied physics and chair of the Scholarships and Financial Aid Committee. “It’s our way of recognizing true scholarship and the outstanding students here.”

He says that awards aren’t based only on a stellar grade-point average, “otherwise we could just have the registrar send us a computer file.” The selection committee also considers exceptional experiences, such as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship or noteworthy summer job; the applicant’s personal statement; and faculty recommendations.

Bellan notes that the selection process is fairly rigorous, not unlike choosing students for admission to the Institute. The selection committee, comprising seven to eight faculty members and students, reads more than 100 applications and ranks each one. The awards number 40 to 50 per year, recognizing the top 5 to 8 percent of Institute students.

The Merit Awards are made possible through endowments provided by the Stuart Foundation, the Wasserman Student Aid Endowment, the Rosalind W. Alcott Endowment, and the John Stauffer Charitable Trust. Applications are due in the Financial Aid Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at ext. 6280 or finaid@caltech.edu.
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