ONCS Overview
The Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Honors College established the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) in 2020 to centralize nationally competitive scholarship (NCS) management across campus and expand access. NCS are prestigious, highly competitive, and funded by prominent national and international organizations, such as the U.S. Department of State, the Rhodes Trust, and the Gates Foundation. University of Utah applicants compete with applicants from across the country—and sometimes, from around the world—for these opportunities. A few well-known opportunities include the Rhodes Scholarship, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and the Goldwater Scholarship.
NCS awards support a wide range of pursuits, including postgraduate study, research, international teaching, language learning, leadership training, and career development. Some NCS require a university endorsement, which involves internal deadlines and faculty review well ahead of national ones. Many applicants and recipients go on to distinguished careers in academia, public service, and the private sector.
Meet the ONCS Team
The ONCS team is led by Director Dr. Ginger Smoak, who also teaches in the Honors College. Additional team members include Associate Director Alison Shimko and Program Managers Susan Anderson and Julia De Santiago. They work closely with students and alumni across campus to navigate rigorous scholarship processes and deadlines with tailored, one-on-one support.
Dr. Smoak explains, “Even if students don’t receive one of these prestigious scholarships, the process enables them to think in a focused and creative way about their strengths and ambitions. It often results in future success with jobs, volunteer opportunities, and graduate or professional programs.”
Shimko, a former Fulbright recipient, adds, “A key ONCS goal is to expand our reach so that all University of Utah students and recent alumni view our office as a campus resource to help them pursue their academic and professional goals.”
Anderson reflects, “As students plan and revise their application materials, they highlight their passions, campus and community experiences, and how they hope to impact their field—and sometimes, the world! It’s an honor to be part of that process.”
De Santiago shares, “It’s exciting to connect with students and learn how ONCS has impacted them and their academic journeys. As part of managing our social media, it’s inspiring to see how this process truly influences their experiences and future aspirations.”
What ONCS Offers
Students usually connect with ONCS after learning about NCS through class visits, events, or referrals. The process begins with an intake meeting to discuss their academic achievements, leadership, service, and goals. Whether a student has a specific scholarship in mind or is just exploring, ONCS helps identify opportunities aligned with their path.
Once committed to an application, students receive personalized support at every stage, such as crafting essays, securing recommendations, preparing for interviews, and understanding application platforms. ONCS also coordinates university endorsements and celebrates student success through campus recognition and events. For Honors students, this support builds on an already strong academic foundation.
Honors Advantage
Honors students have a distinct edge in NCS competitions due to the rich experiences offered through their curriculum, including thesis work, Praxis Labs, undergraduate research, and interdisciplinary coursework. Honors students must demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, strong communication skills, and the ability to tackle complex challenges. These experiences make them strong candidates who can craft compelling, purpose-driven applications.
Surprising Insights
ONCS currently advises on over 35 external scholarships across all disciplines. Since its launch, ONCS has helped students win some of the most competitive scholarships, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Gilman Scholarship, the Critical Language Scholarship, the Churchill Scholarship, and the Goldwater Scholarship. These accomplishments reflect both the university’s talent and the robust guidance ONCS provides.
Applications can take six to nine months, especially for top-tier awards, but the process is often transformative. It encourages students to reflect deeply on their goals and articulate a clear alignment between their experiences and the scholarship’s values.
National Honors Success Stories
University of Utah students bring diverse perspectives and take full advantage of research, leadership, and creative opportunities available on campus and in our community. Many even initiate their own projects. In 2024 alone, for example, ONCS supported over 200 applicants, with 84 awardees, 2 alternates, 3 finalists, and 14 semi-finalists, totaling over $550,000 in scholarships.
Muskan Walia, an Honors graduate and recipient of the Goldwater, Udall, and FLAS awards, reflects, “ONCS helped me refine my goals and articulate my purpose with confidence. Their support empowered me to explore nontraditional paths and understand not just where I want to go, but who I’m meant to be.”
Start Early!
Given the complexity and competitiveness of these scholarships, students are encouraged to connect with ONCS as early as possible, seek regular feedback, and commit to thoughtful revision. Starting early and staying engaged are the best strategies for success!
How can U learn more about ONCS and NCS?
Social Media: Follow @UofU_ONCS to stay up to date on events, news, student testimonials, and scholarship deadlines.
Website: nationallycompetitivescholarships.utah.edu
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Marriott Honors Community (MHC) 1204
Tia Wisco | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College