SELF Program - Frequently Asked Questions


Program Requirements

Fellows spend approximately 40 hours per semester in required activities for the Program. This includes attending cohort meetings, trainings, workshops, and speakers.

Yes, the Fellow would be eligible for the SELF Fellowship as long as the Fellow is a current student and is working towards an accredited degree within the School of Engineering.

Fellows are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative KU GPA.

Fellows are expected to complete 30 hours per academic year to maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree. However, Fellows on extended tracks may take fewer hours with the permission of the Director fo the SELF Program.

All Fellows are required to enroll in a zero-credit hour SELF seminar course each semester. It is graded but does not cost any tuition.

Scholarship

Beginning with the freshman class entering in fall of 2016, SELF Fellows are eligible to more than $28,000 in tuition assistance. This is split by year: $6,000 for the first and second years, $8,000 for the third and fourth years. SELF Fellows are also eligible to apply for additional experiential learning funds during their time in the program including up to $1,500 in first and second-year Pillar Opportunity Grants and a Capstone Experience grant. The SELF Fellowship can also be stacked on top of all KU and departmental scholarships and awards, including up to $2,000 in Dean’s Scholarship funds.

The Fellow would not be an active member of the Fellowship, but will become an alumnus of the program.  The alumnus would no longer receive a financial award beyond four years.

Students cannot be awarded more aid than the total cost of attendance. That cost is the sum of tuition, fees, room, board, and books which is calculated by the University.

Four-year application process

Yes, all first-time, full-time students must be admissible to the School of Engineering in order to be eligible for the SELF Program.  Visit our admissions page for more information. You may, however, submit your SELF Program application before you are officially admitted to the School of Engineering. 

Your resume should highlight your achievements outside of class. Focus on your involvement in organizations, volunteer work, sports, or other activities in which you participate. You should specifically exclude any academic information including high school name, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, and other scholarships.

Two-year fellowship application process

The total financial award provided to two-year SELF Fellows is $16,000. This is split by year: $8,000 for the each of the third and fourth years.

The Fellow would not be an active member of the Fellowship, but will become an alumnus of the program.  The alumnus would no longer receive a financial award beyond two years.

All Fellows are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative KU GPA.

This process is for students who are currently in their second year of engineering. The student should have two years remaining after the completion of the semester in which they apply. If you are a sophomore by credits, but in your first year of college and are going to still take four years (or more) to graduate, you should apply during your second year at KU. Please contact the SELF staff if you need any further clarification. 

Yes, you are required to provide three recommendation letters. Details about the recommendation letters will be available when the application for sophomore entry is open.