Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Scholarships

Students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) are invited to apply for scholarships. Applications submitted are reviewed thoroughly and essay responses should attempt to let the reviewer know who you are, your background, and what you are planning to do in your future endeavors. To meet compliance guidelines, each recipient will be required to write a “Thank You” note to the donor for every scholarship they receive, as they enjoy knowing how their contribution has helped you attain your educational goals.

How to apply

Students interested in applying for scholarships with UT Health San Antonio must

• • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Access the online “UTHSA Scholarship Application” link through the student portal

You can save your application as you answer the questions or enter your essay responses. The system will send one reminder email if you have saved data into the form but have not submitted your application.   The application is not considered complete until you select the “Submit” option and then you will receive an email indicating your application is complete. Once complete we will forward your application the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for their use in selecting candidates.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Essay Writing:

Make sure you understand the prompt and that you stay on topic

• • Understanding the prompt and staying on topic is vital to a successful scholarship essay.

Never answer a scholarship essay question with N/A

• • Scholarship essays are meant for students to express themselves and their achievements. Just writing N/A as an answer will significantly hinder students’ applications. For example, students may answer the “Please list any volunteer experience” question with N/A because they have not recently volunteered anywhere. In this instance, it is okay to list experience from their past history or in fields outside healthcare. Our scholarship selection committee awards better scores to those who make an effort.

Make sure to elaborate

• • The best scholarship essays are those that cover the topic extensively. Do not simply answer the question, but provide a little background and some details. For example, students may provide a very short and basic answer to “what are your career goals.” but they should also take the time to elaborate on your professional goals once in the profession.  Your scholarship selection committee really wants to see how committed students are to their profession and what they hope to achieve.

Tips for writing successful scholarship “Thank you” letters:

Personalize your thank you letter

• • Our UTHSA scholarship donors are extremely generous and awarded students should take the time to personally address them in their letter using the name of the scholarship you received.  Letters should be forwarded to your academic department upon their request.

Be sincere

• • Students should take the time to connect with their scholarship donor. Simply saying “thank you for the scholarship” is not a well thought out and sincere thank you letter. Speak about how much the scholarship means to you and your education and how it will help you achieve your educational goals. Students should also include information about their short term and long term goals. Consider the type of thank you letter you would like to receive if you had given a significant donation to someone. Our donors love getting to know our students and want to invest in you and your future. Personal stories of how the gift will benefit you are well received (e.g., ability to cut back work hours, contribute to expenses at home, less loan debt when you graduate, etc.).