NLU Merit Scholarship Application Instructions

The application is closed for 2016-2017. Please check back at a later time.

Step 1: The Essay

This is an essay-based scholarship. Please submit a one-to-three page essay. The first page of the essay should include your name and NLU ID number. Your essay should address the following question:

• What do you want to accomplish with your degree from NLU?

Your essay should be written specifically to apply for the Merit-Based Scholarships. If you are in the National College of Education and have written a “Why Teach” or “Philosophy of Education” essay for other purposes, DO NOT resubmit these essays. Doing so will result in your application being removed from consideration.

If you need assistance writing your essay, please contact Learning Support at 312-261-3374 or via email at learn@nl.edu. Please note "merit-based scholarship" in the subject line. The deadline to request essay assistance is Friday, April 22, 2016.

Step 2: Your Resume

Your resume is an opportunity to highlight any accomplishments that make you an ideal merit scholarship recipient. Examples of additional resume sections might include Honors, Activities, Achievements, Foreign Languages Spoken or Volunteer Experience. The resume submission is not mandatory for merit scholarship consideration.

The Career Development Office can assist with resume writing. Contact them at careerdevelopment@nl.edu or 312.261.3270 to schedule a resume review. To ensure all students who would like assistance are able to be serviced, resume reviews will not be scheduled after Friday, April 22, 2016.

Step 3: Letter of Recommendation from an NLU Faculty Member

You may submit one letter of recommendation from an NLU faculty member or adjunct faculty member. The letter should be emailed by the professor directly to stapplications@nl.edu. 

The letter of recommendation and resume are not required for merit scholarship consideration but will be reviewed if submitted.

Step 4: The Application

The Merit-Based Donor Scholarships Application can be found online. (currently closed for 2016-17)

Review the general eligibility requirements for Merit-Based Donor Scholarships:

• Demonstrate evidence of academic achievement
• Have successfully completed at least one term at NLU prior to April 4,2016.

If you meet these requirements complete the first two sections of the scholarship application: Contact Information and Student Profile.

Review the Merit-Based Donor Scholarship List and determine for which scholarships you meet the eligibility criteria. When completing the online application, select these scholarships.

Read the information at the bottom of the page. If you agree, sign the application at the bottom of the page and hit “submit.” You have now completed the application form.

Final Considerations:

You must have completed your Merit-Based Scholarship application by the May 9, 2016 deadline for the 2016-2017 scholarship. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Questions can be directed to stscholarships@nl.edu.

Please note that NLU Scholarships only cover tuition charges and are not refundable to the student.

Students must adhere to all the University policies noted in the Catalog in order to remain eligible to receive NLU Scholarships.

Please Note: All National Louis Scholarships require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Undocumented students who meet the criteria may apply to receive the Harrison Professional Pathways Scholarship for Undocumented Students. International students who meet the criteria may apply to receive the NLU Alumni Choice and PTK Scholarships. International students who apply for but are not awarded the PTK Scholarship are ineligible to receive the NLU Platinum or National Louis scholarships as both require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status.