FAQs

We hear from prospective students interested in the University Scholars Program pretty frequently. Here are a few of the questions we regularly get asked and the answers to them. If you do not see your question addressed here, please contact us at universityscholars@neu.edu.

 

Is there a separate application for the University Scholars Program?

There is not currently a separate application for the program. All applicants to Northeastern University are considered for the program. The decisions regarding selection are made by University Admissions. Prospective Scholars can apply through Early Action or our Regular Decision processes.

 

Is there a minimum GPA to maintain the University Scholarship?
To keep the University Scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. GPA is reviewed at the end of every spring semester. If the student GPA falls below 3.0, students are allowed one academic semester of probation in the following academic year to regain eligibility. During this semester, students receive the scholarship. If the student fails to attain the required GPA after the probationary semester, the scholarship will be cancelled. Students may regain the scholarship by bringing their cumulative GPA above 3.0; however, they will not receive any future probationary periods.

 

How many University Scholars are there?

There are currently 42 University Scholars. For our next cohort, we hope to bring approximately 75 University Scholars to campus.

 

Do all the University Scholars students selected live in the same dorm?

The University Scholars live with other Honors students in the living learning community at our International Village, Northeastern's newest dormitory residence.

 

What are you looking for in a University Scholar?

Prospective University Scholars are invited to join this highly accomplished group of future leaders and innovators based upon their demonstrated:

• Outstanding academic achievement (top 1-2% of applicant pool)
• Creativity inside and outside the classroom
• Energy, ideas, and ambition to innovate
• Interdisciplinary curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit
• Vision, confidence, maturity and resourcefulness
• Passion to make a positive difference in this world and a strong character

 

Is there a regularly scheduled "study break" for these students...for example every Wednesday at 4pm there is a speaker, class, outing, discussion group, physical activity, social activity?

There is not a regularly scheduled study break for the students but, in addition to the offerings available to the students through their connection to the Honors program and the rest of the University, we do have specialized programming specifically for the Scholars. This programming is driven the Scholars' interests and varies accordingly.

 

How are mentors selected for each student? 

The mentors are selected for incoming students through a collaboration between the Program Director, the College Deans and the Department Heads. They select mentors based on the information contained within the Scholars' application to Northeastern. The mentors speak with students selected to enter the program during a spring recruiting session, our summer orientation, and continue this relationship throughout this first year. As the Scholar progresses and student interests change, we help students identify new or other mentors.

 

Is there one point person as advisor for each student who is easily accessible to the student for five years?

During the four to five years that students are in the program, the Program Director serves as the main University Scholars advisor. In addition to regularly scheduled meetings, the Director and Faculty Fellows are readily available to students.

 

Do advisors clear administrative hurdles of large university for the student to develop an interdisciplinary major?

Yes. Our goal is to facilitate the creation of individualized academic paths at the university and we work with various departments on campus to make this as seamless and as easy as possible.

 

I'm an international freshman. I just want to know if you offer this fellowship to international students?

Yes. In our current crop of Scholars, you will find students from the Dominican Republic, India, Kazakhstan, and Japan, in addition to students from within the United States.

 

Is there an event for admitted Scholars?

There will be an event for admitted Scholars to visit campus, meet with the current Scholars and students, the program director, faculty fellows and potential mentors in early Spring.