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Dear JobsBlog: I haven’t seen any info about the Microsoft Scholarship program at my school this fall, did I miss the deadline? And can you tell me more about the summer internship requirement that accompanies the scholarship?

Sincerely,
Confused College Student

Answer: You haven't missed the deadline! Our 2008-2009 scholarship program for undergraduate students pursuing computer science and related technical disciplines is accepting applications until February 1, 2008! Students will be awarded scholarships in recognition of their passion for software, academic excellence, and ability to make a difference in the software industry.

Last year, we awarded over 40 scholarships and 9 of them were full tuition for the 2007-2008 school year. I’m sure those parents were happy we were able to contribute to their children’s college fund! Also, if you applied last year but were not selected, you are welcome to apply again this year.

While the scholarship web page is being updated, here is some information you should review before you begin your application:

Scholarship Eligibility:
Students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico at the time the application is submitted. Students must be enrolled full-time and making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering,Windows 7 Home Premium Key, or a related technical discipline such as math or physics with a demonstrated interest in computer science. The student must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0, or a 4.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 5.0.

At Microsoft, we want to encourage students from groups currently under-represented in the field of computer science to pursue technical degrees. While all candidates who meet the criteria for eligibility described below may apply,Office Home And Business 2010, a large majority of our scholarships will be awarded to female students, under-represented minority students or students with disabilities. Minority applicants must be a member of one of the following groups under-represented in the software field: African American, Hispanic or Native American. Microsoft will review all applications and select final candidates on the basis of eligibility, quality of application, displayed interest in the software industry, commitment to leadership and financial need. Applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2008 and scholarship recipients will be announced by March 20, 2008.

Award Provisions:
Scholarships are awarded to recipients for one academic year. The scholarship will cover up to 100 percent of the tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year as posted by the financial aid office of the university or college. Scholarships are made through the designated school and are not transferable to other academic institutions. Funds are to be used for tuition only and may not be used for other costs on the recipient's bursar bill. All recipients of the scholarship will be required to complete a salaried summer internship of 12 weeks or more at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft reserves the right not to offer a position to the scholarship winner if an appropriate match cannot be found.

Application Check List:
A completed application includes five items: your resumé, transcript, essay questions,Purchase Windows 7, letter of referral, and confirmation of your online application to the Microsoft Summer Internship program. All items must be mailed to the address below and postmarked by February 1, 2008 to receive full consideration.

Resumé - Enclose a copy of your resumé that includes your e-mail address, campus address and phone number, student ID number,Windows 7 Home Basic, permanent address and phone number, major and expected graduation date.
Transcript - Enclose a copy of your current academic transcript.
Essay Questions - Use one page to answer all four of the following essay questions (not one page per question).
Describe how you demonstrate your passion for technology outside the classroom. Describe the toughest technical problem you've worked on, how you addressed the problem, your role in reaching the outcome, if it was team-based,Office 2010, and the final outcome. Describe a situation which demonstrates initiative and your willingness to go above and beyond. Describe how you are currently funding your college education.
Gender/Ethnicity/Disability (optional) - Please note your gender, ethnicity or disability on the page with your essay questions if you would like that information to be considered with your application.
Letter of referral - Enclose a letter of referral from a faculty member or an academic advisor who knows your work.
NEW this year - confirmation of Online Application to the Microsoft Internship Program - Apply online at our college careers site for a summer internship and print out a confirmation page showing you have done so. This printed confirmation must be included in your mailed application materials. If you have already applied for a Microsoft Internship, please indicate this below your essay answers so we can verify your application status.

Please send your completed application postmarked by February 1 2008 to:
Microsoft Scholarship Program
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-8303

Good luck!

- Ginny