Conway Scholarship FAQs

Who can apply for the Conway Scholarship?
This scholarship is available to students at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral); however, eligibility requirements differ from program to program. Please see the relevant program information here.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply?
Yes.

I am an out-of-state student. Can I still apply?
Yes, however the scholarship will cover only in-state tuition and fees. You would be responsible for any difference in costs. Please note that every institution has its own in-state residency requirements. Familiarize yourself with the University of Maryland, Baltimore requirements prior to applying for this scholarship.

Do I need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Yes, if you are an entry BSN applicant, you must submit the FAFSA prior to applying for the Conway Scholarship. For all other applicants, we recommend that you complete a FAFSA to have it on file, in case you are eligible for any type of aid. 

I am/will be a part-time student. Am I eligible to apply?
You may be, depending on your academic program. Please see the relevant program information here.

I have completed a master’s program at UMSON and am now in an UMSON doctoral program. Will you count my master’s credits towards the 9-credit requirement to be eligible for Conway funding?
No, you must have completed 9 credits in your current program.

I applied for the Conway Scholarship but was not awarded one. Can I apply again?
For the BSN and RN-to-BSN programs, the Conway Scholarship is awarded only to newly admitted students. If you are in a master's entry, master’s, or doctoral program, you may be eligible to apply again if you have at least half of your credit hours remaining in the semester for which you apply for the scholarship.

If I am or who have been a recipient of the Conway Scholarship, can I apply to be a Conway Scholar again if I return to UMSON for a higher degree?
Yes! If you were a Conway Scholar while earning a prior UMSON degree or certificate, you may apply for the scholarship again for a subsequent UMSON program.  

What is the deadline for applying?
Deadlines are different for each academic program. Please see the relevant program information here.

Who makes scholarship awarding decisions?
We have a designated Conway Scholarship committee for each program; the members of that committee together select the scholarship awardees. 

What are some pointers for my essay?
The essay is a personal statement that demonstrates how this scholarship could help you reach your goals. We are interested in your individual story and how the Conway Scholarship and UMSON could shape your future. Spelling, grammar, and writing skills are taken into consideration.

What are my chances of being selected a Conway Scholar?
This is a competitive scholarship with a limited number of recipients; however, we encourage all who meet the criteria to apply.

Can I update or edit my scholarship application after submission?
If you made an error on your initial application and have submitted, please reapply with the corrected information. Please note that multiple applications may delay the processing of your application and will not increase the likelihood of you being selected.

I have applied for the scholarship. When will I be notified of the results?
Only once the application deadline has passed will applications be forwarded to the selection committee. Please allow up to two months following the deadline to receive a relevant communication from UMSON.

How will I be notified if I am awarded the scholarship? 
All awardees will be notified directly. If awarded the scholarship, you will receive a letter and a scholarship agreement that outlines the Conway Scholarship terms and requirements. You are required to sign and return the agreement before scholarship funds are disbursed.

What kind of events and activities am I required to attend?
Typically, there is one lunch for Conway Scholars per semester for new and continuing Scholars. This is often an opportunity to interact directly with Mr. Conway. You may be invited to professional development activities such as community service, leadership summits, and/or academic workshops. There may also be optional social activities.

Are there any other expectations for this scholarship?
You will be contacted by our Office of Development and Alumni Relations to write a thank you letter to Mr. and Mrs. Conway. According to your award agreement, you are required to write a thank you letter when requested. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withdrawal of scholarship funding.

What is considered "good academic standing"?
On a 4.0 scale, undergraduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Master’s and doctoral students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.  

What is the purpose of having a mentor and how often am I required to meet with a mentor?
Mentors provide support and guidance throughout your academic program. Conway Scholars are required to meet with a mentor three times per semester. The meeting topics include career goals, academic progress, and areas of opportunity.

I am taking a leave of absence. Should I apply for the Conway Scholarship now or should I wait?  
Typically, Conway Scholars are expected to remain continuously enrolled, however, UMSON understands that extenuating circumstances sometimes arise. Please contact Jillian Pahel, assistant director, student services for Conway Scholars, at jpahel@umaryland.edu or 410-706-3049 for more details.

I have been notified that I am a Conway Scholarship recipient. What is the next step?
Send back your signed scholarship agreement to nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu to accept your award. Please scan your signed documents into a PDF file and email them to this address; photos of forms do not print or copy well for processing.

How are books paid for?
BSN and RN-to-BSN Conway Scholars only receive a stipend for books, which is posted to your bill each semester. You may need to pay for the books up front.

How is my scholarship disbursed?
Scholarship funds are posted directly to your bill within the first two weeks of class, typically. There may be longer processing times.

Does the Conway Scholarship cover health insurance for students?
No, the hospitalization fee on a student’s account will not be covered by the Conway Scholarship. 

What kind of support will I receive as a Conway Scholar?
Conway Scholars receive continuous academic support throughout their academic program. Scholars have a mentor and an academic advisor for guidance, and they also have full access to the Office of Academic and Career Success, which offers tutoring, writing support, guided study sessions, academic coaching, career guidance, and more.

I am a Conway Scholarship awardee. Can I receive multiple UMSON scholarships?
Conway Scholars are not eligible to receive merit scholarships and cannot receive additional scholarships from UMSON during their program of study without the dean's approval.