2012-2013 HRSA Nursing Scholarship Application

[P B and J]

Does anyone know if having bad credit that does not include any federal debt exclude you from applying? I saw that it "may" but was not sure if "may" meant "most definitely will disqualify." I made some mistakes in my past and went through a divorce so my credit is not stellar.

"Bad" credit definitely does not bar you from receiving the scholarship! I was chosen and didn't know until after my credit was checked that I had been the victim of "mis-identification"... I say that instead of identity theft because the woman had the same first and last names as myself, and our SSNs were only one number off! It took until last month to get all of the debt removed (and there was A LOT, she even owed fines to several local sheriff depts for time she spent there!!!).

So no, bad credit will not kill you, all they are looking for is Federal debt that hasn't been reconciled.

Best of luck to all of you!

[telma09]

I just got an email saying the application prd is open!

[jtboog2003]

They have cut down the amount of time to complete the application significantly from last year. Last year it started around March 1 and they had until about July 1. We have a little over a month this year. Guess they are trying to weed out people even more now.

[kevsgirl1]

The scholarship is open! I am wondering how you guys are going to do your transcripts. I have a previous bachelor degree and have some not so great grades. My GPA for my nursing degree is very high though. I was thinking I would send my transcript with only nursing degree classes. What do you guys think?

[sdlane]

Wow ! Love the advice here for NSP.

[JeffC]

I think (check to be sure!) that last year you were ineligible if you already had a bachelors degree... but again, check to be sure!

Good luck to everyone!

[kevsgirl1]

I am not ineligible because this is my first nursing degree. It is my second bachelor degree and does not count as a graduate degree. I think the issue is when it is a graduate degree for nursing. I also checked with my local representative to make sure before starting the application process. Thanks for the heads up! :)

[hihopes22]

kevsgirl,

In the guide, I am pretty sure it says to send transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended. :-/ I probably would not take the chance. Good luck though!

[kevsgirl1]

I am agreeing with you. I do not want to risk it! I am going to send all transcripts. Thank you for your input :)

[JeffC]

In your letter to the scholarship, I would definitely point out that your grades have improved since you have been back and point out why (not as responsible before, etc.)....my grades improved substantially 12 years after the first time I tried going to college and made sure to point out that (in my case) I was too interested in going out to party!

[kevsgirl1]

I know that we write 3 essays, but when do we write a letter to the scholarship? That will be great! I was a young, single mother who worked full time and went to school full time. I have had a 4.0 the last 4 semesters though. I will make sure to point this out. You are extremely helpful JeffC. THANKS!

[JeffC]

Sorry, not a letter.... but in one of the essays (extremely tired from an all night study session). I can't remember what our three essays were about when I applied, but in one of them (I think it was something about "How would you sacrifice to ensure you do well in the program") I mentioned that I used to be a bit of a screw up, but have since improved my GPA my doing blah blah blah.