General Scholarship Application- Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Scholarships?
You can apply for many scholarships through the Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS). Students must sign-in with their active ISU username and password.
For departmental or outside scholarships, you’ll need to follow the instructions and complete the steps given.
What is my ISU username?
Your username and password are the same as what you use for your ISU email and MyISU.
Students must be completely admitted to ISU before receiving a username and password. If you encounter any problems, please contact the ISU Help Desk at (208) 282-4357
Do I have to be admitted to apply?
Students must have completed an ISU Admissions Application and have an active ISU username and password. Students should ensure that all high school and college records plus applicable test scores are current with ISU.
Students who are not fully admitted to ISU as a degree-seeking student and/or do not meet the published criteria will not be considered for an award.
I'm a graduate student, can I apply?
Yes! Current ISU graduate students must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to be eligible for scholarships.
New graduate students must be fully admitted to the ISU Graduate School as a degree-seeking student.
I’m an international student, can I apply?
Yes! International students must still meet the published scholarship criteria to be eligible for scholarships.
Can I save my application and come back later?
Yes! You may save your General Application or individual scholarship applications. Scholarship applications that have been saved will show as “Drafted.”
I completed the General Application and I do not have Import information. Am I eligible?
ISU information is imported regularly. If you are a new ISU student, we encourage you to review your scholarship application the next business day.
For current or previous ISU students, please email scholar@isu.edu so that we may review to determine if you are eligible.
I reviewed my import information and information is incorrect. How do I correct the information?
You cannot make updates to the imported ISU information directly on your application. You must contact the appropriate authority over the information if you have concerns about your information.
Please visit our application help page for more information on the imported data.
Why do Scholarship Opportunities show on my “recommended” list in which I am not eligible for?
Due to the multitude of variations with majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as the complexity of some scholarship criteria; some scholarships may be “recommended “ to you for which you are not eligible.
Please read the descriptions and related deadlines carefully and apply for those scholarships where you appear to meet the minimum criteria.
How can I tell if my reference has submitted the letter?
Once you sign in to the BOSS, please click the Reference tab. You have the option to resend your request for reference from here.
Can I change my reference contact?
Yes. To update or send a new reference request, please do so by updating the application where you made the original request.
Why do some scholarship opportunities have an award amount and other opportunities say “varies”?
Most scholarship donors allow the University Scholarship Committee to determine the scholarship amount based on available funding. These scholarships are noted as amount varies.
In situations where donors have specified an exact award amount, that amount is noted. Please note that scholarship funding is never guaranteed and is affected by available funding on an annual basis.
How can I see the scholarship opportunities that I was automatically matched to?
Students are only able to view the scholarships for which they supplied additional information and submitted an application.
Students may see scholarships that do not require additional action by clicking on the “Opportunities Tab” in BOSS– Our’s section to review criteria for the opportunities that auto-match eligible applicants.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Some scholarships awarded through this competitive application process require the recipient to show financial need as determined by the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
All newly admitted and continuing ISU students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA annually by March 1, if they want to be considered for need-based awards. The FAFSA is available after October 1 for the next academic year.
When will I know if I have been awarded?
Award notifications are sent out through email or by postal mail.
Further directions will be provided to you once notification is received. Please be sure to follow all stated requirements (accept scholarship, return thank you letter if required, etc.) to avoid holding up your award.
How will I be notified of an award?
Award notification will be sent to your ISU email or your current address listed in MyISU. Students are encouraged to monitor these sources regularly.
Can I be awarded more than one scholarship?
Yes. Various factors are considered for all scholarship awarding.