Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: I am a parent with a question regarding my child's application. Who do I contact?

Answer: We cannot release specific application information to anyone other than the applicant. However, general scholarship or application process questions can be emailed to: dbscholars@cnsi.ucsb.edu

Question: I live with only one parent; will you still use both of my parent's income in determining my eligibility?

Answer: The Burnham Scholars Program follows the same guidelines used by the Financial Aid Office at UCSB. Please visit http://www.finaid.sa.ucsb.edu/FAQ.asp for specific information regarding parental contributions.

Question: Is the "family annual income" restriction of $120,000 calculated as the family's net or gross income?

Answer:The $120,000 is calculated as the family's gross (before taxes) income.

Question: What is the total number of Burnham Scholarships awarded annually?

Answer:Every year two applicants are awarded a scholarship.

Question: I am a student with a specific question regarding my application, who do I contact?

Answer: You may address any further questions via email to dbscholars@cnsi.ucsb.edu . Please include your full name and Burnham Scholars ID in your email.

Question: I have submitted a completed application but need to change something specific (i.e. name, email, etc). Who do I contact?

Answer: You may send an email to dbscholars@cnsi.ucsb.edu . Please include your name, Burnham Scholars ID, and the change you wish to make to your application in your email. All changes must be requested prior to the application deadline.

Question: I mailed my application by the deadline, how do I know you received it?

Answer: Once a completed application has been received you will be sent a confirmation email. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, confirmation may take up to a week from the time we receive your application.

Question: I've missed the application deadline or I can only submit a partly completed application by the deadline. Can I still be considered for the scholarship?

Answer: Late or incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Question: I have applied to UCSB but in the event I am not accepted am I still eligible for the scholarship?

Answer: Only admitted UCSB freshman retain scholarship eligibility.

Question: I have taken some college courses, do my college transcripts need to be official?

Answer: The Burnham Scholars Program requires official transcripts from all schools attended.

Question: What test scores do I need to provide to qualify?

Answer: All applicants must provide

• SAT Mathematics Subject Test Score.
• ACT Mathematics Score and/or SAT Mathematics Score

However we recommend including any other tests you have taken (International Baccalaureate, AP, etc).

Question: Can you tell me more about the letters of recommendation?

Answer:It is highly advised that your letters of recommendation come from teachers/employers who are very familiar with your academic/career abilities and goals. Ask your recommender to avoid clichés and rote praise and to focus on those particular qualities that make you a good candidate. We do not accept emailed letters of recommendation nor do we accept late application materials. This means it is up to the applicant to ensure the letters of recommendation are send via mail by the application postmark deadline.

Question: I have completed my application packet, but my teacher/employer has not finished my letter of recommendation. Can my recommender mail the letter separately?

Answer: All application materials must be mailed in ONE envelope. A complete application packet will include a Statement of Interest, Official Transcripts, Two Letters of Recommendation, and the Authorization to Release Data Form. Do NOT mail in copies of your FAFSA forms or Taxes. We will obtain information directly from the UCSB Financial Aid Office.

Question: What criteria will be used to select scholarship recipients?

Answer: Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• The student has demonstrated a strong interest in the pursuit of a degree/career in engineering and/or the applied sciences.
• Academic achievement.
• Indications of maturity, responsibility, personal initiative and the ability to work and communicate well with others.

Question: I have been notified that I am a Burnham Scholarship Finalist. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the finalist interviews at UCSB. Can I reschedule my interview for another date?

Answer: No. Applicants unable to make the scheduled date will not be considered for the scholarship. Please see Important Dates on the Application Process site for interview information.

Question: If I receive this scholarship, will I still be eligible to receive other scholarships or grants?

Answer: Yes; The Burnham Scholarship does not affect your eligibility to apply for and receive additional scholarships or grants. Please see the following website for information on additional scholarships: http://www.finaid.sa.ucsb.edu/Scholarships.asp

Question: Where can I find information about other scholarships offered at UCSB?

Answer: A list of links to other UCSB scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid website

Question: What must I do to keep my scholarship?

Answer: Student awardees must stay within an Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biological Science major at UCSB throughout the entire duration of the award. Each quarter they must maintain a 3.0 GPA and also complete a minimum of 36 units during the academic year. Awardees shall be required to attend periodic on- and off-campus events and activities as scheduled by CNSI specifically for Burnham Scholarship recipients.

Question: How can I use the scholarship funds?

Answer: Scholarship funds will be handled directly through the Financial Aid Office and will be applied to student fees, room/board, and related costs.