Norlin Scholars

No. Although Norlin applicants tend to have higher than average high school or college GPAs and excellent academic credentials, we’re looking for students who are curious, inquisitive, creative and intellectually engaged. Rising juniors, especially, should note, however: students need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher to retain the scholarship.

In addition to developing yourself as a scholar-citizen, we’ll support you in becoming a mindful, healthy, well-balanced human being. You’ll be taught by teachers who are as curious as you are about what makes you tick; you’ll have opportunities for self-reflection and values clarification; and you’ll meet and interact daily with some of the most fascinating individuals on the CU campus.

Benefits of being a Norlin Scholar include:

• $4000 scholarship per academic year
• additional funding for enrichment activities like research or study abroad
• small, invigorating core and elective courses
• research or creative projects with faculty
• access to top scholarship advising and guidance
• opportunities for professional training and development
• a stimulating, interdisciplinary peer group

Each Norlin Scholar will receive a merit-based award of $4000 per year. Additionally, students in good standing may be eligible for additional funds for enrichment activities or an extra semester or year of funding. Students with financial need should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The Office of Financial Aid will work to maximize opportunities for need-based assistance.

Students who take full advantage of what CU and the Norlin community have to offer will be in an unusually strong position when applying for graduate or professional schools, fellowships, or jobs. Being a Norlin Scholar at CU-Boulder helps students to mindfully develop their own capacities to the full and prepares them to make a contribution to the world.

Norlin Scholars profit in personal terms too. They enjoy intellectual camaraderie, establishing close and lasting friendships with other students and teachers. They are encouraged to gain a broad perspective through working with organizations off campus and through studying or volunteering abroad or merging their academic interests with community issues.

Yes, it does. Norlin Scholars have participation requirements and will be further challenged and encouraged to push beyond the usual levels of academic commitment for most CU-Boulder students. In turn, the Norlin Scholars get much more from their undergraduate experience.

You’ll be required to engage in research, creative or scholarly work, but it doesn’t have to be an honors thesis.

Norlin Scholars live all over campus. Many choose the Engineering Honors or Arts and Sciences Honors,HRAP residential academic programs or one of the other theme-based RAPs on campus. However, some students prefer the regular residence halls. Either way, deciding early will give you an advantage in getting the residence hall you prefer.

Yes. In fact, you must have applied to CU in order to apply for a Norlin Scholarship. However, you don’t have to be admitted to CU in order to apply for the scholarship. Once you’ve applied to CU, you’ll have a CU student ID# assigned to you; you won’t be able to apply for the Norlin Scholarship without it!

No.

No. But in order to keep the scholarship you must: make normal progress toward your degree (i.e. at a pace to graduate in four calendar years); maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better; be an active participant in the program; and adhere to CU’s professional, academic, and personal codes of conduct.

Generally rising juniors have had only three semesters of college. That is, regardless of credit hours, they’re in their second year.  However, if you are going to be at the university for a minimum of two more years, starting with the fall after the current application deadline, you may apply as a rising junior.

As a high school senior the answer is no.  Seniors can (and often do) apply to Norlin Scholars and PLC but, if accepted to both, will need to choose. The workload is simply too heavy. However, rising junior PLC students may apply to Norlin Scholars.

There are a number of programs to consider: Residential Academic Programs, Honors Programs, President’s Leadership Class, and others.

You can work on your application any time between December 1st and February 15th online.  Applications will be closed promptly on February 15th.

Notification usually occurs by early April. Initial notification will arrive by email so be sure to check it regularly!