MISSION: Northland Pioneer College provides educational excellence that is affordable and accessible for the enrichment of communities across northeastern Arizona.

NPC Friends & Family Short Answer Questions

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Your short answer responses are the key to your scholarship application. They are your chance to show the scholarship review committee that you are worthy of their investment in you, that you are more than your GPA, and that you are a good writer and communicator.

Question #1

Tell a story about yourself that helps us understand what led you to where you are today and inspired you to follow your current educational plan. (100-200 words)
Tips:📌
  • Make your story personal & reveal as much as you can about who you are.
  • Make sure to tie your story into your educational and career goals.

    Question #2

    What are your career and educational goals, and where are you along that path? (50-100 words)
    Tips:📌

    Talk specifically about your educational plans. Include details like:

    • Degree plan
    • Classes already taken & classes you have left to take
    • When you will graduate (estimate)
    • Additional degrees you’ll pursue
    • Career goals

    If you’re not sure, explain the possible paths you’re exploring.

    Question #3

    How are you helping yourself and finding solutions when you encounter obstacles to your educational goals? This could be financially, academically, personally, or in other ways. (100-200 words)
    Tips:📌

    Tell stories that demonstrate your resourcefulness and perseverance.
    Show the reviewers that you are a good investment and will follow through.

    Question #4

    Why do you need this scholarship? (You may want to describe your family, work, financial, and/or academic responsibilities.) What specific unmet financial need will this scholarship help? Be realistic about what an award of roughly $1,000 can provide. (50-100 words)
    Tips:📌

    Explain your current situation, including details like:

    • Your job - what, where, how many hours
    • Financial aid, other scholarships, or tuition waivers
    • Savings and/or family support
    • Size of your family and if you’re parenting or caregiving
    • Travel/transportation for school
    • Health needs, housing needs, etc.

    Specifically explain how you will use the funds if awarded. Don’t overstate.

     Extra Tips for a Winning Application:

    • Ask for references early. Tell them your deadline & send them your short answer responses so they can write strong letters. Give them a heads-up that they will get an email from AwardSpring requesting their recommendation.
    • Show passion! Make the committee feel your excitement and commitment.
    • Highlight resilience. Explain how you overcame challenges to show your strength of character.
    • Get feedback. Ask someone you trust: What do these responses say about me? How can I improve them?
    • Check for errors. Don’t just rely on spell check—re-read your responses, out loud if possible.
    • Be honest. No exaggeration, no AI - your story is unique and worth telling.

    NO AI. This is a PERSONAL essay. YOU have a great story that no AI app can compete with!

    Resources:

    • FAFSA: studentaid.gov/sa/fafsa – Required by many scholarships. You might also qualify for a Pell Grant - money you don’t have to pay back.
    • NPC Friends & Family Scholarships: www.npc.edu/ffscholarships  – View all NPCFF scholarships, watch an application video tutorial, and submit one application for 40+ scholarships.

    📧 Need help? Email your short answer responses as a Word document to NPCFF@npc.edu well before the deadline for review.
    📬 Check your email! NPCFF will notify you of new scholarship opportunities, and AwardSpring will remind you of anything you haven’t completed.