SPIE Scholarship Application Criterion and FAQs

Evaluation Criteria

The key criterion in evaluation and ranking applications is the "prospect for long-term contribution that the granting of an award will make to the filed of optics and optical engineering." Need, in and by itself, shall not be considered as a criterion.

Other criteria:

• The Committee can additionally use their own judgment based on other meritorious information supplied in the application. Gender, nationality, national origin, or ethnicity shall not be used by any committee member to influence the ranking of applicants.
• Applicants are eligible to apply and win in multiple years. In such cases their applications should show additional potential contribution to optics beyond that for which their first application was awarded. These applications will be so noted by SPIE.
• Historically, ranking preference is given to applicants who provide a well-written, succinct and convincing statement as to their work's potential long-range impact on the field, and whose applications are accompanied by strong recommendation letters from faculty or other credible sources.

FAQs

When is the deadline?

• January 15, 2011. All materials must be received by this date. Start early!

When will I be notified of the results?

• All students will be notified of the results of their application in April/May.

I received a scholarship, can I apply again?

• Yes you can apply again if you have been awarded a scholarship in previous years. The Annual Scholarshp Award Report form is required and your application must show new activities from which a previous award was received.

I wasn't awarded a scholarship and would like to re-apply. Is it possible to obtain feedback on why I didn't receive one?

• If the information is available, feedback on the results of your application will be given upon request.

Does SPIE require transcripts?

• No, transcripts are not a requirement. If additional information is needed, the student will be contacted. Keep in mind that additional materials are generally not submitted for consideration.

Are CV/resumes required?

• No, CV/resumes are not a requirement. If additional information is needed, the student will be contacted. Keep in mind that additional materials are generally not submitted for consideration.

Does the 10-page limit include the recommendation letters?

• Yes, the 10-page limit includes the recommendation letters.

What should I write about in my essay/personal statement?

• Write about your academic/work career that you are passionate about, explain what it is, and why. Keep the evaluation committee's criteria in mind.
• Be concise, avoid long drawn out responses. Keep in mind the Commitee reads many applications.
• For scholarships that have a financial need component, tell your story if there is something out of the ordinary.
• BE YOURSELF. An honest essay will usually get you far.

Who should I ask to write the recommendation letters and what should he/she write about?

• The recommender should know you personally and he/she should be able to write about your character, commitment, experiences and successes.
• Good examples of people to ask for references include past or present teachers/professors, and past or present employers.
• Provide the recommender with a CV/resume/list of activities and accomplishments, and a copy of the scholarship evaluation criteria.
• Give your recommender adequate time to prepare your letter.
• Recommenders can email a pdf on school letterhead with signature to scholarships@spie.org or by courier, SPIE Scholarship Committee 1000 20^th Street Bellingham WA 98225.
• It is up to YOU to ensure that recommendation letters are received by close of business on January 15.

General Suggestions:

• Make a checklist of what you need to have a complete application packet (completely filled application, 450-word essay, two letters of recommendation are all that is required for submission). Please no transcripts, CVs/resumes.
• Make a copy of your ENTIRE application and keep in your files.
• Proofread your application, pay attention to blank spaces. Incomplete applications will not be submitted for consideration.
• Type or Word process (or neatly print in blue ink) your application.
• Put your name on all pages of your application package. Be consistent with how you use your name. For example if you go by John B. Smith-Jones, write John B. Smith-Jones on all pages)
• Make sure all contact information and email address is legible. Use a slash through zeros if filling out by hand.
• Do not send extra materials. Generally additional materials are not submitted for consideration.