We're making it easier for future computer scientists to excel in what they love to do. A Microsoft scholarship provides you a leg up so you can pursue studies in computer science and related technical disciplines. Youll join other scholarship recipients from the United States, Canada, and Mexico who share a similar passion for software and academic excellence. It all adds up to achieving your primary goal to make a real difference in the software industry.

Program Overview
Students will be awarded scholarships in recognition of their passion for software, academic excellence, and ability to make a difference in the software industry. All applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2007 to apply for a scholarship for the 2007-2008 school year.

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, 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. All applicants will be notified of their status via email on March 15, 2007.

What are the provisions of the award?
Scholarships are awarded to recipients for one academic year. The scholarship will cover up to 100 percent of the tuition for the 2007-2008 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 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.

What are the criteria for scholarship eligibility?
Students must be enrolled in a bachelors 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, or a related technical discipline, such as math or physics, with a demonstrated interest in computer science. The student must maintain 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.

What is required to apply?
A complete application includes four items: your résumé, transcript, essay questions and letter of referral. There is not a separate application form to submit in addition to the above materials.

Résumé. Enclose a copy of your résumé that includes your e-mail address, campus address and phone number, student ID number, 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, 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.

Letter of referral. Enclose a letter of referral from a faculty member or an academic advisor who knows your work.

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.

All applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2007. Please send your completed application to:
Microsoft Scholarship Program
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-8303

If you have questions or for more information about our Scholarship Program, please visit our website at microsoft.com/college.