Scholarship Application

The Madison & Lila Self Memorial Scholarship application portal will open from February 16 - March 2, 2026.

 

TIMELINE

It is important that students meet various deadlines in order to be considered for a Self Memorial Scholarship. The following serves as a suggested timeline for prospective Self Memorial Scholar applicants.

September-November

  • Check with the chosen academic department to confirm graduate school application deadlines and required information
  • Identify good sources for recommendations
  • Update resume

December-January

  • Submit graduate school application by KU deadlines
  • Confirm with the chosen academic department that the graduate school application is complete and all supporting materials have been received
  • Receive graduate admissions decision

February

  • Gain admission to a full-time, degree-seeking graduate program at KU
  • Review the Self Memorial Scholarship website for information
  • Review the Self Memorial Scholar profile
  • Ensure eligibility and prepare scholarship application materials
  • Monday, February 16, 2026: Scholarship application portal opens online

March

  • Confirm with your selected KU faculty or staff member completion of Recommendation Form
  • Monday, March 2, 2026, at noon: Application deadline
  • Confirm a KU faculty or staff member to complete a Recommendation Form on your behalf by March 9, 2026
  • Mid-March: Committee reviews scholarship applications

April

  • Committee makes final scholarship offer decisions
  • Students are notified by email of the committee's decision
  • If awarded, students must formally accept or decline the scholarship by the April 15, 2026, deadline.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

  1. Complete the Self Memorial Scholarship application form online
  2. Provide an updated resume (PDF attachment)
  3. Provide Self Memorial Scholarship personal statement (PDF attachment—see requirements below)
  4. Recommendation from a KU faculty or staff member (Recommender will receive a seperate link to the recommendation form)

Resume

The resume should highlight experiences and significant achievements from work, school, volunteer projects, and extracurricular activities.  Include awards, honors, memberships, positions held, and research experiences.  

Self Memorial Scholar Personal Statement

Before beginning, review the Self Memorial Scholarship webpages and the “Self Memorial Scholar Profile” below. We recognize that this is a financial opportunity; however, this is your opportunity to demonstrate why you want to continue your education at the University of Kansas and become a Self Memorial Scholar. 

Self Memorial Scholar Profile

The ideal scholarship candidate will have demonstrated their success as an undergraduate student and communicated their potential for success in graduate education. Self Memorial Scholars are selected due to their achievement in leadership and scholarship. They should possess “the ability to envision and attain goals that require exceptional energy and tenacity.” The ideal candidate is interested in personal development and lifelong learning and is committed to participation in the Scholar Development Program.

The personal statement should be one to two pages, in 12-point font, and double-spaced. Your personal statement must address the following points:

  • Highlight your successes and challenges as an undergraduate student at KU and communicate your potential for success as a graduate student.
    • Why have you decided to continue your education at KU as a graduate student?
    • What are your long-term goals and how do these match with the Self Memorial Scholarship?
    • Provide evidence of how you have exemplified energy and tenacity to attain your long-term goals.
    • What is your commitment to lifelong learning? 
    • What do you hope to gain from the Scholar Development Program? 

Recommendation Form

Applications will include a completed recommendation form (separate from letters of recommendation for graduate school application).  The recommendation form must be completed by a KU faculty or staff who can speak to your achievement in scholarship and leadership.  As a student admitted into a graduate program at KU, you have demonstrated your potential as a graduate student.  This recommendation should address your match to the Self Memorial Scholar Profile.

Instructions for Recommendation

The KU faculty or staff recommender will receive a link to complete the recommendation form after the student has submitted the application. There is not an option to upload a letter of recommendation.  The below questions will be included in the recommendation form.

  1. Briefly explain your relationship with the applicant.
  2. How long have you known the applicant? 
  3. In what capacity have you interacted with the applicant? 
  4. How would you compare this student to others?  Provide a rationale for comparison. 
  5. Provide an assessment of the applicant’s match to the Self Memorial Scholar profile.
  6. Provide an overall recommendation.
  7. Based on your interactions, would you award this student a Self Memorial Scholarship?