Jan. 25, 2023

‘I felt like someone really believes in me’

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial pressure of attending NDSU and allow more focus on your education.

Annie Schiro, an NDSU senior and biochemistry and molecular biology major, is a perfect example of the transformational effect of scholarships. She says the Harry D. McGovern scholarship was instrumental in her success as a student.

"Getting scholarships at NDSU made me feel more financially comfortable and confident in myself," said Schiro, who is from Baudette, Minnesota. "When I got the Harry D. McGovern scholarship, I felt like someone really believes in me and my goals enough to help me out with this huge expense. And that's a really great feeling."

The Harry D. McGovern scholarship is a full-tuition award for students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Schiro said the award had an far-reaching impact for her and her family.

"I'm from a small town in northern Minnesota and have a large family, so the scholarship removed a significant financial burden from my family," she said.

With her financial picture settled, Schiro focused on her education and dedicated time to research that eventually led to more opportunities. She wrote and received a grant for an original research project and has presented the work at several conferences. Schiro also has received awards for her work, including an Exceptional Presentation Award from an American Chemical Society conference.

Schiro is pursuing graduate degree and has received several interview requests, including Ivy League institutions Dartmouth, Cornell, Yale and Harvard.

“I'm not sure if these opportunities would've been possible without getting the Harry D. McGovern scholarship," she said.

Prospective first-year students planning on attending NDSU next fall are encouraged to apply for scholarships. For full consideration, applicants must be admitted and have completed the online scholarship application by Feb. 1.

Schiro urges students to take advantage of the numerous scholarship opportunities available to them.

“There is really no reason to not apply. Even if you think you won't get it, you never know and there is no risk. NDSU makes scholarships so easy using the general form. If a scholarship requires additional writing, it's usually very short.”

Apply online today for one or more of NDSU’s many scholarship opportunities.

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