Application Process

FIVE STEPS, DECEMBER TO MARCH—IT ALL STARTS WITH YOUR ROWAN APPLICATION

Every admitted student with a major in the Ric Edelman College is considered. Invitations begin December 18, and scholars are named March 15. 

Merit-based. Awarded on merit, not financial need. The FAFSA is still required each year.

STEP 01 · December 15 — Priority date: apply to Rowan - Choose a major in the Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences and file the FAFSA. You do not apply to Edelman on your own.

STEP 02 · Begins December 18 — Check your portal - Invitations arrive through your Rowan applicant portal. Look for an email from Dr. Metz: “Edelman Scholarship Invitation: More Than a Scholarship.”

STEP 03 · January 31 — Apply to Edelman - A 250-word essay and a 90-second to 2-minute video, due by 11:59 p.m. ET.

STEP 04 · February 15 – March 1 — Interview on Zoom -  Finalists are invited to a 30-minute Zoom interview with the Edelman Scholars Selection Committee.

STEP 05 · March 15 — Scholars named - The new cohort is announced and starts connecting before classes begin.

READY TO BE CONSIDERED?

Apply to Rowan with a major in the Ric Edelman College and file your FAFSA — that is all it takes to be in the pool.

Apply to RowanAsk a question

You Have a Story Worth Telling

We are looking for leaders who can tell their story. You do not need a perfect résumé or a dramatic moment, just you, in your own words. We are looking for leaders that can communicate their experiences. Our best advice — Answer the question, in your own voice. The essay and the video each have their own prompt. Read each one twice, and let each show us something different about you.

THE ESSAY - 250 WORDS

Big number: 250 · Words. Your story.

Your job: Answer the essay prompt with one true story, the kind only you could tell.

Try this

• Answer the prompt in your very first sentence
• Pick one moment and tell it in real detail
• Read it out loud. If it sounds like you, it is working

Remember

• There is no perfect topic. An everyday moment, told honestly, works beautifully
• Your own words matter more than impressive ones

THE VIDEO — 90 SEC TO 2 MIN. 

Big number: 90s–2:00 · On camera. Your voice.

Your job: The video has its own prompt, different from the essay. Use it to share a new insight about you.

Try this

• Answer the prompt in the first ten seconds
• Share a different insight than your essay
• Speak from the heart. Keep a few notes nearby, but do not read a script

Remember

• Natural beats perfect. Talk to us like you would a favorite teacher
• A phone camera, a window and a quiet spot are all you need

The committee is looking for a person, not a performance. We are rooting for you, and questions are always welcome.

Talk to the Program Director

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If You're Invited, We Already Believe in You.

After the committee reviews essays and videos, a group of finalists is invited to a 30-minute conversation on Zoom. If you are selected, we will email you with your time and link.

Facts: When — Feb 15 – Mar 1 · How long — 30 minutes · Where — On Zoom

Try this

• Re-read your essay and re-watch your video
• Have a few stories ready: leading, learning from a setback, something you love
• Test Zoom the day before and log in a few minutes early

Remember

• It is a friendly conversation, not a test
• Bring a question or two. We love hearing what you want to know