Oglethorpe University Scholarship Weekend: A Comprehensive Guide
Oglethorpe University (OU) hosts Scholarship Weekend, an event designed to identify and reward outstanding students. This article provides an in-depth look at the various scholarships offered, the weekend's activities, and how prospective students can maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.
Merit-Based Scholarships at Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe University recognizes academic excellence and offers a range of merit-based scholarships to incoming students. Impressively, 99% of applicants to OU qualify for one of these merit scholarships. These awards are based on the credentials presented in the application for admission, eliminating the need for extra forms or essays. Admission to OU is a prerequisite for receiving a merit award.
Traditional undergraduate students nominated for an academic scholarship are notified in one of two ways:
- By Letter: Following acceptance to OU, the Office of Admission sends a scholarship letter announcing the title, amount, and terms of the scholarship. A subsequent letter announces the results of the Scholarship Weekend.
Full-Tuition Scholarships
Oglethorpe University offers several prestigious full-tuition scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and competition during Scholarship Weekend.
The James Edward Oglethorpe (JEO) Scholarship
The James Edward Oglethorpe (JEO) Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award recognizing high school seniors with outstanding academic records and the potential to significantly contribute to Oglethorpe University's community life. Invited candidates must attend the JEO competition at Scholarship Weekend. Up to four JEO Scholarships are awarded annually.
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Benefits:
- Full-tuition award for four years.
- Invitation to enroll in an honors course during the first semester.
- Eligibility for a research stipend for a senior Honors thesis.
The OU Theatre Scholarship
The OU Theatre Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award that recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to performing and understanding theatre. Candidates must be invited to and participate in the OU Theatre competition at Scholarship Weekend. Nominees will have indicated promise in the field of theatre and performance, as well as the critical ability to tie these pursuits to disciplines such as literature and history, through their application materials. Up to two OU Theatre Scholarships are awarded annually.
Benefits:
- Full-tuition award for four years.
- Opportunity to intern with a professional theatre company in Atlanta.
- Invitation to enroll in an honors course during the first semester.
- Eligibility for a research stipend for a senior Honors thesis.
- Expectation of continued dedication to theatre at Oglethorpe, including a major or double-major in theatre.
The J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship
The J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award that recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated a deep commitment to service and leadership in their communities, as well as the promise of continued exemplary service at Oglethorpe and in Atlanta. Candidates must be nominated for the Agel Leadership Scholarship award and participate in the James Edward Oglethorpe competition at Scholarship Weekend. Winners are chosen based on their history of community involvement and alumni interview during Scholarship Weekend. Up to three Agel Leadership Scholarships are awarded annually.
Benefits:
- Full-tuition award for four years.
- Invitation to enroll in an honors course during the first semester.
- Eligibility to seek a research stipend for a senior Honors thesis.
The Hammack Scholarship
The Hammack Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award recognizing high school seniors with an outstanding record of academic achievement, pursuit of entrepreneurial or business-related opportunities, and the desire to major in a business field at Oglethorpe (accounting, business administration, economics, human resources management). One Hammack Scholarship is awarded annually.
Benefits:
- Full-tuition award for four years.
- A stipend toward a study abroad course or a professional internship with one of Atlanta’s top companies.
- A distinguished professional to serve as a career mentor.
- An invitation to enroll in an Honors course during the first semester.
Requirements:
- The Hammack Scholar will be required to accept or decline the award by May 1.
- All full-tuition scholars will be required to live on-campus in Oglethorpe University housing all four years.
- Continued dedication to the field is expected, including a major in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Accounting, or Human Resource Management.
The Hammack Business Scholarship Competition
The Hammack Business Scholarship Competition seeks to identify students who are emerging leaders, bold thinkers, and dynamic community members. Students will participate in several activities and events throughout the competition and may also be assessed on their meaningful interactions with Oglethorpe University business faculty and current students.
Previous competitions have included components such as the following:
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- Presentation: Each student is asked to search out an article from a reputable news source pertaining to a relevant business issue of interest to him/her. Students will be expected to give a brief presentation (2-3 minutes) on the content of the article and expand on its connections to business decision-making.
- Simulation: Working in teams of four students with an OU business student-mentor, the Computer Simulation Competition allows assessment of a student’s interpersonal and leadership skills as well as the ability to grasp and apply his/her understanding of the basic foundations of business.
- Writing Assessment: Students’ written communication and analytical skills will be assessed using a post-computer simulation writing assignment. This assignment will be based on a prompt given after the simulation and due one week after scholarship weekend.
How To Qualify:
Oglethorpe considers academic achievement and co-curricular involvement (such as Future Business Leaders of America, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Career, Technical and Agricultural Education, 3DE, etc.) in nominations for the Hammack Business Scholarship competition. Student must apply Early Action by December 1 in order to be considered. We encourage students to include information about their involvement and/or interest in Business in their application.
Oglethorpe Scholars Awards
This group of scholarships for traditional undergraduate candidates ranges in value from $18,000 per year to $27,000 per year and includes the Lanier, University, Oxford, Presidential, and Presidential with Recognition Scholarships. These awards are based on the application for admission and are available to entering students with demonstrated academic achievement. Runners-up at the annual Scholarship Weekend will receive Oglethorpe Scholars Awards.
OU Choral and Instrumental Scholarships
Choral and instrumental music scholarships vary in amount and recognize incoming students pursuing any degree offered at Oglethorpe who demonstrate exceptional achievement in choral singing or instrumental music. Candidates must be nominated by the conductor of their ensemble with a letter of recommendation and the completed application.
Georgia HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
The state of Georgia provides HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships to eligible students attending private universities like Oglethorpe.
HOPE Scholarship
This scholarship is available to qualified Georgia residents who have graduated from an eligible high school in Georgia (1996 or later) with at least a 3.0 GPA in the state-specified curriculum. Georgia residents who do not qualify under these guidelines may be eligible for HOPE after successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of college work with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Home-schooled students may receive HOPE funds retroactively for their freshman year if they attain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA after 30 hours at Oglethorpe.
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Zell Miller Scholarship
These scholarships are available to qualified Georgia residents who have graduated from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.7 GPA combined with a minimum score of 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT test or a minimum composite score of 25 on the ACT test in a single national test administration. Georgia residents who do not qualify under these guidelines may instead be considered for the HOPE Scholarship. An eligible Georgia resident may receive either the Zell Miller Scholarship or the HOPE Scholarship. Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across all attempted undergraduate coursework to renew their awards.
OU Hope PLUS
For recipients of the HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship, Oglethorpe may consider introducing an institutional supplement to the amount of the HOPE Scholarship awarded by the state of Georgia. If a student is determined to be HOPE-eligible, this supplement will be automatic. The supplement amount will be included in the scholarship award letter.
Out-of-State HOPE Equivalents
If you have been awarded an Oglethorpe Scholars Award and are a resident of Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Mississippi and graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher, we will recognize you with an equivalent grant of $3,500 per year. This award is in addition to other OU scholarships and is renewable for up to four years, provided that you maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher while at Oglethorpe.
Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students
Oglethorpe also offers scholarships for non-traditional students.
Harold Hirsch Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students
This award is provided by the Harold Hirsch Scholarship Fund of Atlanta. The fund provides annual scholarship assistance for degree-seeking students in the Adult Degree Program. Harold Hirsch Scholars must have at least a 3.0 Oglethorpe GPA, demonstrate leadership ability, and financial need.
The Fred C. Robey Endowed Scholar
Funding was established by Fred C. Robey, class of 1997. As long as they don’t push a student’s total amount of aid over the Cost of Attendance, outside scholarships will not reduce the scholarships and grants offered from Oglethorpe. A good place to start a search is within a student’s existing relationships, from parents and family members to employers and social organizations.
Grants
Grants are a form of financial assistance (also known as ”gift aid”) that you do not have to repay or work to earn. Some grants are awarded based on merit, but many grants take into account family need and circumstances. Grant aid may come from the federal and state governments as well as from Oglethorpe.
If we receive your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results, you will automatically be considered for any grants for which you qualify. These grants are need-based awards given by the university in conjunction with federal, state, private, and other institutional assistance to full-time undergraduate day students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grants are made available to students who have demonstrated exceptional financial need as reported on the FAFSA. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the student’s financial resources and the resources of his or her family.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
These grants are made available to students with exceptional financial need. SEOG awards range from $100 to $2,500 per academic year and are contingent upon the availability of funds. The national average SEOG is currently $764 per year.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants (GTEG)
These grants are provided by the state of Georgia to qualified Georgia residents who are full-time undergraduate students attending approved private colleges and universities. To qualify, students (and parents of dependent students) must reside in Georgia for at least one full year prior to the first day of class for any particular semester. Students must also be enrolled full time (12 credit hours or more) and meet all other Georgia Student Finance Authority requirements. The amount of the award is determined annually by the Georgia General Assembly.
Loans
Loans are a form of financial assistance that must be repaid. Some loans are available regardless of your need profile, and others take into account your family’s financial need. A number of low-interest loan options are sponsored by the federal government, while others are available through banks or other lenders. These are low-interest federal loans available through Federal Student Aid. To qualify, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled in at least 6 hours per semester. Interest rates for Direct Loans currently fall in the 3.86-5.41% range. Direct Loan eligibility will be reflected in your financial aid award letter from Oglethorpe.
There are two types of direct loans: subsidized and unsubsidized.
- Direct subsidized loans are need-based, determined by information in your FAFSA. You are not charged interest while you are in school at least halftime and during and deferment periods.
- Direct unsubsidized loans are NOT need-based. Interest accumulates from the date of the first loan disbursement.
Perkins Loans are available to students with demonstrated financial need. If qualified, you may receive a maximum of $4,000 per year and an aggregate maximum of $20,000 for all years as an undergraduate. Exceptional need for financial assistance will determine your annual award.
Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)Direct PLUS Loans are made available through banks and other lenders to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. The annual loan limit available to parents is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid that the student will receive.
Alternative loans, or private loans, are available to students or to parents of dependent students who need additional financial assistance. Since most private loans are credit-based, you will most likely need a cosigner to qualify. A cosigner is a person who agrees to assume responsibility with you on your private student loan. Your cosigner does not have to be a parent or relative - a cosigner can be any credit-worthy individual. Cosigners increase your chances of getting approved, may help lower your interest rate and may speed up the application process.
Fair Lending Practices - Code of Conduct
Oglethorpe University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, however, we do process alternative/private loans for students through banks and other lending institutions. Recent reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 requires all colleges and universities to provide a Code of Conduct relating to financial aid, private lending and student lending choices.
University employees do not receive any personal benefits from lending institutions. No staff of the Office of Enrollment Services will accept anything of more than nominal value on his or her behalf or on behalf of another person or entity from a lending institution. Likewise, an individual will never accept payment or reimbursement from a lending institution for lodging, meals or travel to conferences or training seminars.
The University does not provide any advantage to any lending institutions. Enrollment Services staff do not accept anything of value from any lending institution in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to the lending institution related to its student loan activities, including, but not limited to revenue-sharing, printing costs, or computer software or hardware. Likewise, the University does not allow any lending institution to staff Enrollment Services at any time.
The University does not maintain a Preferred Lender List. Students and their parents are free to select the lending institution of their choice for private/alternative loans and may borrow through any.
Maximizing Your Scholarship Weekend Experience
Scholarship Weekend is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity to experience Oglethorpe's community and determine if it's the right fit. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Preparation is Key
- Review Materials: Once you receive your seminar placement, review any suggested readings or material before the day of the event. The pre-review material will help you prepare for your seminar. Take once last glance at the material for your seminar. Remember - no need to memorize or be an expert! You’ll just want to be familiar enough to engage in discussion.
- Check the Schedule: Take a minute to review the schedule for the day and figure out which breakout sessions you would like to attend.
- Prepare Questions: Have a question or two prepared for your alumni interview. Feel free to ask our alumni about how Oglethorpe shaped their career path or why they love the Stormy Petrel community.
During the Event
- Be Yourself: Don’t stress. Be yourself, use your voice, and enjoy yourself!
- Engage and Participate: Seminars, interviews, presentations, auditions, and so much more! You’ll gain a ton of beneficial information, meet friends, and have a lot of fun!
- Attend in Person: We highly encourage that you attend Scholarship Weekend in-person. We believe that visiting campus for this opportunity is an integral part in building your first connections on campus. This will be a chance for you to meet faculty, staff, alumni and fellow incoming classmates. With this being said, we understand that certain circumstances make traveling to campus unfeasible.
- Brag About Yourself: Your interviewer will want to hear about your interests, your academic plans, and cool stuff you’ve been a part of at school and in your community.
Interview Tips
- Don't Be Nervous: Seriously. Every year applicants tell us they were SO nervous before their interview. After the interview? We hear it was their favorite part of the process! The interview will just be a conversation and our alumni are so excited to get to know you. This is also your opportunity to learn more about OU and ask questions from members of the Oglethorpe community.
Travel and Accommodation
- Flight Reimbursement: For guests who live 250+ miles from campus, Oglethorpe is pleased to provide reimbursement for domestic airfare costs for the student and one parent or guardian up to $300 per person. Oglethorpe will provide complimentary travel to campus only once, and we do not cover lodging or additional fees such as checked baggage, seat upgrades, or airport transport. All uploaded receipts are subject to verification and review. A valid ID is required to pick up reimbursement checks, which will only be distributed during Scholarship Weekend.
- Hotel Reservations: Because you are traveling to Atlanta, let Oglethorpe help arrange your stay at the AC Hotel Buckhead at Phipps Plaza. Located minutes from Oglethorpe, the AC Hotel is offering a special rate of $159 plus tax for January and $159 plus tax for February, exclusively for Scholarship Weekend guests. For your convenience, Oglethorpe provides shuttles to and from campus at the beginning and end of the daily competitions. If you have questions about room type(s), parking, amenities, etc.
Timeline & Overview
Our JEO competition is split into two main segments:
- A faculty seminar
- An alumni interview
Between these two halves of the day, students will also get to explore OU on a special edition of our campus tour, dive deeper into the academic experience during our afternoon interest panels and wrap everything up in a perfect bow with our Petrel Party!
General Information
- If you have been nominated for more than one scholarship, we encourage you to attend the weekend that corresponds with those opportunities.
- A maximum of TWO guests per student are allowed.
- Scholarship Weekend events will take place on-campus and you must be present to participate.
- In qualifying for Scholarship Weekend, you have already earned a renewable, annual merit award of at least $15,000!
- Students must be nominated by the Office of Admission to compete in Scholarship Weekend. Nominations are determined by a holistic review of a student’s application, including their academic credentials, co-curricular activities, leadership experience, personal essay, and recommendations.
- Attendance at Scholarship Weekend is optional but encouraged for parents and guests! There will be a full track of “Parent and Guest Programming,” complete with information about financial aid and internships, meetings with faculty and administrators, and time for campus tours.
International Students
All international students are automatically evaluated for merit awards up to $21,000. International students are eligible for the full range of merit scholarships that Oglethorpe offers to freshman and transfer applicants. International first-year applicants who submit all required documentation by Nov. 15 may be eligible to attend Oglethorpe’s annual Scholarship Weekend, during which Oglethorpe awards up to ten full-tuition scholarships. All admitted students are automatically evaluated for merit-based scholarships starting at $19,000/year. International Baccalaureate students who complete the IB Diploma Programme and earn an IB diploma will also receive a $1,500/yr. International students are eligible for consideration for need-based financial assistance from Oglethorpe University. Upon acceptance, Oglethorpe will provide you with the International Student Financial Aid Form, which you can complete to request additional need-based aid. Oglethorpe offers F-1 Student Visa sponsorship and will issue an I-20 to students as soon as they have paid an enrollment deposit and demonstrated funding for at least one year of tuition. If you are a permanent resident, or a student who identifies as undocumented, you are considered a domestic student for admission purposes and do not need to submit any additional documentation.
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