2013-2014 Microsoft Scholarships/Internships

Program Overview

Microsoft College scholarships are designed to encourage students to pursue studies in computer science and related technical disciplines. Students will be awarded scholarships in recognition of their passion for software, academic excellence, and ability to make a difference in the software industry.

Microsoft is excited to be offering scholarships for the 2013–2014 academic year.  Applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2013.

At Microsoft, we want to encourage students from groups currently under-represented in the field of computer science to pursue technical degrees.  While all candidates who meet the criteria for eligibility described below may apply, a large majority of our scholarships will be awarded to female students, under-represented minority students or students with disabilities. Minority applicants must be a member of one of the following groups under-represented in the software field: African American, Hispanic or Native American. Microsoft will review all applications and select final candidates on the basis of eligibility, quality of application, displayed interest in the software industry, commitment to leadership and financial need. We will target announcing scholarship recipients by March 1^st, 2013.

What are the provisions of the award?

Scholarships are awarded, full or partial amounts, to recipients for the 2013-2014 academic year.  Full tuition scholarships will cover tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year as posted by the financial aid office at your college or university. Microsoft will make payments to the designated school, and they’re not transferable to other academic institutions.  Funds are to be used for tuition only and may not be used for other costs on the recipient's bursar bill. All recipients of the scholarship will be required to apply for, and complete if offered, a salaried summer internship of 12 weeks or more at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington.  Microsoft reserves the right not to offer a position to the scholarship winner if an appropriate match cannot be found.

What are the criteria for scholarship eligibility?

Students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a 4-year college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico at the time the application is submitted.  Students must be enrolled full-time and making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline, such as math or physics, with a demonstrated interest in computer science.  The student must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0, or a 4.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 5.0. 

What is required to apply?

A completed application includes six items:  your résumé, transcript, application details, essay questions, letter of referral, and online application to the Microsoft Summer Internship program.  Items must be postmarked or emailed by February 1, 2013 to receive full consideration.  An application is considered ineligible if all parts are not received.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all pieces are received by Microsoft by the deadline.

Résumé - Send a copy of your résumé that includes your contact information, major, and graduation date.

Transcript – Send a copy of your current academic transcript. 

Application Details - Use one page (total) to answer the following questions:

·       What is your estimated tuition cost for the 2013-2014 academic year (base cost; not including room & board or books)?

·       Is your tuition in state, out of state, private, or international?

·       Would receiving a Microsoft scholarship adversely impact any other financial aid you will receive for the 2013-2014 academic year?      

Essay Questions - Use one page (total) to answer all four of the following essay questions:

·       Describe how you demonstrate your passion for technology outside the classroom.

·       Describe the toughest technical problem you've worked on, how you addressed the problem, your role in reaching the outcome, if it was team-based, and the final outcome.

·       Describe a situation which demonstrates initiative and your willingness to go above and beyond.

·       Describe how you are currently funding your college education (i.e. loans, grants, scholarships, etc.)

Gender/Ethnicity/Disability (optional) - Please note your gender, ethnicity or disability on the page with your essay questions if you would like that information to be considered with your application.

Letter of referral - Enclose a letter of referral from a faculty member or an academic advisor who knows your work.

Online Application to the Microsoft Internship Program - Apply online at http://www.microsoft.com/university for a summer internship. Only students who have applied online for an internship will be considered for a Microsoft Scholarship.

Please send your completed application items by February 1, 2013.

Email: scholars @microsoft.com

Mail: Microsoft Scholarship Program, Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-8303