Pacific Northwest Shell Club

Pacific Northwest Shell Club

















Scholarship - Frequently Asked Questions


What kind of research qualifies for the scholarship?
     Mollusks must play a part in the research but they no longer need to be the sole focus of the research.  Ideally we will learn something about
     the life cycle of the mollusk, its role within its environment or how it interacts with other flora or fauna.  Of course, research that solely focuses
     on a particular mollusk is still welcome.     
   
Did your award amount change?  
     Yes, we have simplified our funding system to a fixed award amount.  We previously had a fluctuating amount based on our funds and the
     number of applicants.  The fund would be divided among finalists.  Instead we have chosen a set amount that is typical of the award given
     per student in recent years.  In some years, multiple award winners are possible.  We reserve the right to increase an individual award for an
     exceptional research proposal.    

Can my application be longer than 3 pages?
     We would prefer if it was kept to three pages or less, however you won't be penalized if you absolutely cannot convey
     your project within that space.  You are completely free to maximize your margins and spacing to fit as much on a page
     as possible.

Do I need to list references or a bibliography?
     No, these are not required.  Letters of recommendation, resumes and transcripts are also not required and will not be used in
     the decision-making process.

How detailed does my itemized list of expenses need to be?
     We would like to see a clear representation of how the funds would be used.  However, it is not necessary to list every
     item of lab equipment.  We assume "miscellaneous lab supplies" includes the standard paraphenalia one might find in any lab.  
     Specialized or unusual pieces of equipment or materials, or ones which need to be purchased in very large quantities, should be listed
     separately. Expenses should relate directly to the process of doing your research.    
     
What if I email my application and do not receive an acknowledgement?
     Email us again if you do not receive an acknowledgement within two days.  Your email may have gotten misdirected or
     lost by the servers.  Generally, acknowledgements are sent within hours if not by the end of the day it was received.  Don't
     wait until the last minute to email it.  Please use an email address which you check regularly!  

What if my application is late?
     Late applications are not accepted.  We announce the scholarship to the schools in January so we feel there is plenty of
     time to send it in by April 1st.  

Can I send my application in much earlier than April 1st?
     Absolutely.  This assures you that there is plenty of time to know it was received and acknowledged.  However,  
     applications are not reviewed until after April 1st, so there is no preference given to those sent in early.

When are the recipients notified?
     All students who applied for a scholarship will be notified before June 1st, whether they won a scholarship or not.  It
     usually occurs around early to mid May. Notification is via email.

What is the newsletter I will receive?
     Our club newsletter, The Dredgings, is published 6 times a year.  It is a combination of scientific articles and the social happenings in our
     club.  Each winning student will receive the newsletter via email.  Many of our students contribute an article to the newsletter.  Items of
     interest may be submitted at any time, not necessarily just at the conclusion of your research. A number of our students opt to continue
     receiving the newsletter after they have completed their degree.   

                      Home  About Us  Meetings&Events  Articles  Northwest Shells  Links  Contact Us  Site Map 

This page last revised:  1-13-2024