General Questions

Are there other programs I should know about and apply to at CU-Â鶹ӰԺ?

There are a number of programs to consider:ÌýResidential Academic Programs,ÌýLeadership Programs, as well asÌýother.ÌýPlease note that if you join PLC or you will have to choose between those programs and Norlin Scholars.

Do Norlin Scholars live in the same residence hall?

Norlin Scholars live all over campus. Many do choose Residential Academic Programs (RAPS), however, some students prefer non-RAP residence halls. Regardless, we advise youÌýto turn your Housing request in early (before May if possible)Ìýfor the best chance ofÌýgetting your preference.Ìý

Is the Norlin Scholars program right for me?

These questions may help you decide:

  • Would I like to be part of a small community with peers from all majors within the larger CU campus community?
  • Am I curious about how I and others learn and think about the world?
  • Am I looking for activities that support self-reflection, connection with peers, faculty and alumni, and a mix of social, academic and professional development events?
  • Would I benefit from a scaffolded experience that offers structured support each year?
  • Would I appreciate individual mentoring?

If you answer yes or even feel intrigued by these questions, we encourage you to apply.

Programming & Requirements

Can I be a Norlin Scholar and be in other programs or learning communities?

Increasingly students are participating in two or more programs or learning communities which generally is a disadvantage because each program has expectations, obligations and responsibilities, some of which overlap. For this reason students applying as high school seniors cannot participate in both Norlin Scholars and Engineering Honors Program (EHP) or Presidents Leadership Class (PLC).ÌýStudents can certainly apply to a plethora of programs, but we encourage you to commit only to the one that’s the best fit for you and that will enable you to reach your ultimate goals most directly. We discourage over-commitment as it leads to untold challenges and stress for students. We value healthy, balanced college experiences. By all means apply! Then choose later.

Does being a Norlin Scholar entail more work?

In some aspects, yes. Norlin requirements are mostly well-integrated into the undergraduate degree with some mandatory events. Our two courses fulfill College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements and Engineering Humanities credits. We aim to have a program component for each of 4 scholarship years for high school seniors and each of 2 scholarship years for rising juniors with ample programmatic support throughout. In the second and senior years, students have to actively choose to participate in Norlin, though we encourage active involvement throughout the entire scholarship period. Applicants should consider seriously the expectations of the Norlin community on balance with other things you’ll want to do and other programs you wish to be in.

What does the program offer?

Norlin provides a yearlyÌýscholarship, renewable contingent on making progress on program components. But the Norlin program is much more than a monetary award. It's an investment in our students. Through our courses, activities and mentoring, we’ll guide 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 other curious students, faculty and staff. You’ll add your story to theirs within a community that’s nurturing, supportive, challenging and fun.

What do students gain from the program?

Being a Norlin Scholar at CU-Â鶹ӰԺ helps students mindfully develop their capacities to the fullest and prepares them to make a conscious contribution to the world. Students who fully participate gain self-awareness, balance and confidence; they flex their learning boundaries and get more comfortable with ambiguity and complexity. They enjoy intellectual camaraderie, establishing close and lasting friendships with other students and teachers. They’re encouraged to gain a broad perspective through working with organizations off campus, studying or volunteering abroad, or merging academic interests with activism and community issues.ÌýIn addition to the structured components of the program—courses, mentoring, and activities—students informally share music, art and other talents,Ìýhaving many opportunities to share their own knowledge, experiences and stories with the group.ÌýThese skills and activities put students in a strong position for whatever comes next: the job market, graduate and professional schools or fellowships.

Will I have to reapply for the Norlin Scholarship every year?

No. But in order toÌýkeepÌýthe 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 3.0 or better; and be registered full time (a minimum of 12 semester-based, on-campus credits); be an active participant in the program and fulfill all requirements; and adhere to CU’s professional, academic, and personal codes of conduct.

Application & Selection

Are ASSET and DACA students eligible to apply?

Yes. The Â鶹ӰԺ and Norlin Scholars supportÌýthe academic goals and success of all current and prospective students. Recognizing that ASSET and DACA students mayÌýneed further guidance, the university offers this website as a resource for the entire campus community.

Are there GPA or test score requirements to apply?

No. We’re looking for students who are curious, inquisitive, creative and intellectually engaged, and test scores and high school GPAs often don’t represent the best of what students have to offer. Scholars do need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 and be registered full time (a minimum of 12 semester-based, on-campus credits).

Can I apply as a rising junior if I’m in my first year of college but I have enough credits to qualify as a sophomore?

No. The baseline requirement to apply to Norlin as a rising junior is having three semesters of college. That is, regardless of credit hours, rising junior applicants generally are in their second year. Therefore, no matter how many credits you have, if you’re in your first year of college, you must wait until the subsequent year to apply.

Can I apply as a rising junior if I’m in my third year at CU?

Generally rising juniors have completed only three semesters of college when they apply. That is, regardless of credit hours, they’re in their second year and would receive a two-year scholarship should they begin the next Fall as a rising junior Norlin Scholar. 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.

Is the Norlin application process separate from the CU Admissions application process?

Yes. After you have appliedÌýto CUÌýyou will be able to apply for CU Scholarships.ÌýPlease note thatÌýit mayÌýtake two days after you submit your CU applicationÌýbefore you will have access to apply for scholarships.Ìý

What is the application deadline?

The Norlin Scholarship application is open from November 1stÌýthroughÌýFebruary 15th. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm Mountain Time (Colorado time)Ìýon February 15th.ÌýWe suggest you make your personal deadline to submit the Norlin application at least 48 hours before our official deadline of 11:59 pm Mountain Time (Colorado time) on February 15th. Technical difficulties do arise and the systemÌýdoes not accept late applications for any reason.ÌýPlease be aware that Scholarship Services will not guarantee access to the scholarship application by February 15th for CU applications received after January 15th.ÌýAdditionally, although theÌýapplication deadlineÌýfor transfer students isÌýJune 15th, the Norlin Scholarship application deadline isÌýFebruary 15th for all applicants including transfer rising junior applicants.Ìý

When will I hear if I’m selected as a Norlin Scholar?

Notification usually occurs in earlyÌýApril. Notification either way will arrive by email so be sure to check the email address you put on your application regularly.

Will I have to reapply for the Norlin Scholarship every year?

No. But in order toÌýkeepÌýthe 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 3.0 or better and be registered full time (a minimum of 12 semester-based, on-campus credits); be an active participant in the program and fulfill all requirements; and adhere to CU’s professional, academic, and personal codes of conduct.

Will Norlin Scholars be selected based on financial need?

No.