Navigating the BSMART Scholarship Application at UAB: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities to both incoming and current students. The Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART) serves as the central hub for accessing and applying for these scholarships, streamlining the process from application to award. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the BSMART scholarship application requirements and navigating the scholarship landscape at UAB.

Merit Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

UAB awards merit scholarships to recognize a wide range of academic achievements. Current high school seniors who apply to UAB, whether with test scores or as test-optional applicants, are considered for merit scholarships.

Test-Based Merit Scholarships

Students admitted with test scores are automatically considered for ACT- and GPA-based merit scholarships. UAB considers these scores when evaluating candidates. While UAB does not consider superscores for admission or scholarship purposes, applicants with scores at or above the Fall 2024 averages of incoming freshmen (26.5 ACT and 3.8 GPA) typically have more scholarship opportunities.

Test-Optional Merit Scholarships

Current high school seniors admitted without test scores are evaluated for scholarships based on the information provided in their admission application and supporting documentation.

Presidential Scholarships

Students who apply for admission with high test scores (33-36 ACT or 1450-1600 SAT) and a high school GPA of at least 3.5, as well as qualifying test-optional applicants, are invited to compete for prestigious endowed scholarships such as the Regions, Ireland, or McCallum Presidential Scholarships. This competition involves answering a series of questions within BSMART. It's crucial to note that these scholarships have an earlier submission deadline of February 1.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities via BSMART

UAB provides diverse scholarship opportunities, including departmental and performance-based awards, to both admitted and current students. Interested students should complete the BSMART Scholarship Application to be considered for these scholarships.

BSMART General Application

The BSMART General Application opens on August 1 and closes on April 1. Completing this application submits student information to multiple departments and units on campus for scholarship consideration. However, it's important to be aware that some scholarships may have earlier submission deadlines.

Accessing the BSMART Application

To find the Scholarship Appeal Form for Undergraduates Students, log in to BlazerNET and select the Links/Form tab.

Specific Scholarship Programs and Requirements

UAB sponsors various scholarship programs with specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. A few notable examples include:

ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Scholarship: This scholarship is for students enrolled in Digital Forensics in the UAB J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice. Required documents include the BSMART Scholarship Application, resume, essay, and two letters of recommendation from UAB Faculty members.
I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute Scholarship: UAB sponsors a scholarship opportunity for up to 2 entering freshmen who have participated in Birmingham's IAMBK Leadership Institute. Selected recipients receive a 4-year award that covers the cost of tuition and academic fees (up to 15 credit hours per semester for fall and spring only).
Masters of Public Administration (MPA) Scholarship: This scholarship is for students enrolled in the MPA program. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan to intern in the public or private sector with a clear connection to public sector activities.
UAB School of Optometry Scholarships: Several scholarships are available for students enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Scholarships for Specific Majors: Numerous scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in specific fields within the College of Arts and Sciences, Collat School of Business, School of Education and Human Sciences, or School of Engineering.
Douglas B. Smart Endowed Scholarship: This is a renewable scholarship awarded to an academically successful rising third-year/junior or fourth-year/senior student specializing in Finance and/or Entrepreneurship and has financial need.
Leeds School of Business Scholarships: All first-year/ freshmen admitted to Leeds School of Business are automatically considered for Leeds-based scholarships at the time of admission.

Common Requirements

Many UAB scholarships share common requirements, including:

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BSMART Scholarship Application: Completion of the BSMART Scholarship Application is almost always required.
GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher, is frequently required.
Letters of Recommendation: Many scholarships require one or two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a faculty or staff member of UAB who has witnessed your leadership qualities.
Essays: Some scholarships require applicants to submit an essay.
Resumes: Submission of a resume is often required.
Demonstrated Commitment to Public Service: Some scholarships prioritize students who demonstrate a commitment to public service within the Birmingham metropolitan area or in the state of Alabama while enrolled at UAB.
Financial Need: Several scholarships consider financial need as a factor.

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students and Veterans

UAB offers scholarships specifically for non-traditional students admitted to or enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. Preference is given to veterans or those who have served in the military.

Scholarships for Specific Demographics

Some scholarships are intended to assist deserving students who have designated African American Studies as their primary major.

Endowed Medical Scholarships

UAB offers numerous endowed medical scholarships to support deserving students with academic promise who are enrolled or admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Examples include:

The Albert J. Tully, Jr., M.D. Family Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Anne Julianne Jenkins Isola, M.D., Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Arnold G. Diethelm, M.D. Medical Scholarship
The Baptist Health Care Foundation Scholarship for the Montgomery Regional Medical Campus
The Benjamin & Roberta Medical Scholarship Endowment
The Blue Cross Scholars Program - OBGYN
The Blue Cross Scholars Program - Psychiatry
The Bush and Posey Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Charles E. Ingalls, M.D. Medical Scholarship

Scholarships in the Arts and Humanities

UAB offers scholarships in the arts and humanities, such as the Betty Loeb Scholarship for Painting and the Barksdale-Maynard Prizes in Fiction and Poetry. The Barksdale-Maynard Prizes in Fiction and Poetry are made possible by the generous gift of Isabel Barksdale-Maynard made in honor of her family. The Tom Brown Prize for Creative Nonfiction is named in honor of Dr. Thomas H. Brown, chair of the English Department from 1984-1992.

Two BA-Art Studio or BFA students will be chosen to receive a scholarship to attend a week long workshop over the summer term. The scholarship is valued at approximately $1697.00 and includes course fee, application fee, meals & housing in dormitory style facilities and a $300 stipend that may be used for travel or materials fee.

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Other Scholarship Opportunities

The Birmingham Promise Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students who graduate from a Birmingham City School.
The Blazing Across the Finish Line Scholarship Campaign: This campaign assists upperclassmen in the College of Arts and Sciences who need scholarship support to complete their degrees.
The Boman-Powell Travel Award: This is a non-renewable scholarship based on merit and need, awarded annually to a current student in the University Honors Program.
The Britt and Susan Sexton Endowed Honors Scholarship: This is a non-renewable scholarship based on academic promise, extracurricular involvement, and community service of new UAB honors students.
The Brooke and Joe Maluff Family Endowed Scholarship in Department of Psychology: This scholarship supports students studying in the Department of Psychology who demonstrate strong academic promise.
The Carol Trull Pittman Endowed Scholarship: Preference for this award will be given to applicants from Corner High School in Dora, Alabama.
The Charles A. Collat, Sr. Endowed Scholarship in Data Science: The scholarship will be used to assist deserving students at UAB.
The Charles and Patsy Collat Endowed Industrial Distribution Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded each year to students majoring in Industrial Distribution who demonstrate exemplary performance in the ID major and commitment to the industry.
The Charles and Sheryl Perry Jr. Award: This award requires a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Preference is given to non-traditional students, especially those active in Collat School of Business Student Organizations, with financial need.
The Vulcan Materials Company Scholarship: This scholarship promotes the in-state education of gifted, promising students whose work may lead to the growth, commerce and governance of Alabama.

Understanding Scholarship Disbursement and Renewal

Merit scholarships disburse on the first day of classes for each semester. The scholarship allotment may not be reflected onto your student account until that time. Tuition and fee scholarships are adjusted after the Add/Drop date each semester.

Renewal decisions for merit scholarships are made once per year, after the spring semester. To maintain eligibility, students must earn a minimum of 24 total credit hours at UAB during the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

Appealing Scholarship Decisions

Students who wish to request an exception for a merit scholarship must submit a merit scholarship appeal. The submission deadline for a merit scholarship appeal is 2 weeks before classes begin for each semester the exception is requested.

Key Takeaways for BSMART Scholarship Applicants

Start Early: Begin the application process early, as some scholarships have deadlines as early as February 1.
Meet GPA Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum GPA requirements for the scholarships you are applying for.
Craft a Strong Application: Pay close attention to essay prompts and provide detailed information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from faculty or staff members who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential.
Highlight Public Service: If you have a demonstrated commitment to public service, be sure to highlight this in your application.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Be aware of all application deadlines and submit all required materials on time.

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