Scholarship Competition FAQ
More questions? Text a current student at 309-204-9280 for tips or advice before your interview!
Event timing and schedule
Registration starts at 12:00 p.m. If you’ll be traveling and would like to have lunch on campus, feel free to arrive a little early to have lunch in the caf on us prior to checking in. The program begins with an opening session at 12:30 p.m. and concludes with a closing program followed by an optional dinner. You should expect to be on campus until at least 6:00 p.m.
Keep in mind auditions, faculty or coach appointments or additional scholarship or program interviews will be scheduled in the morning prior to the 12:30 event, so depending on your personal schedule you may be on campus most of the day. Refer to your confirmation letter or contact your admission counselor with questions about your custom schedule.
Legacy families (students with parents or family members who are alumni of Monmouth College) are also invited to join us for a special Legacy Family Luncheon beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Students and guests will have different, custom afternoon schedules. Students will rotate through interviews and information sessions with a small group led by current Monmouth students who participated in the scholarship competition themselves as high school seniors. Guests will have optional breakout sessions led by professors, academic advisors and staff. Financial aid counselors will also be on campus all afternoon for one-on-one meetings to discuss aid, no appointment needed.
Where to go and how to get there
Registration for the academic Scholarship Competition will take place in the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium. For those who are arriving early for a special interest audition/interview, registration will take place inside the south entrance of the Center for Science and Business. Students will receive a reminder text message the morning of the event. Not sure where to go? Just reply to the text and we’ll help you get where you need to be!
Overnight accommodations
We have partnered with AmericInn Hotel in Monmouth to offer a group rate. Mention you’re in town for the competition to receive a discount on your Friday and Saturday night stays.
Travel
Plane / Train – For those traveling from a distance, we recommend coming in on Friday afternoon or early evening and leaving on Sunday morning. Shuttles are provided from the Peoria and Moline airports as well as the Galesburg train station. Accepted students who live 300+ miles from campus are eligible for up to $200 reimbursement for a plane ticket. If you need a shuttle, please send flight/train information to Michelle Carlson, Admission Event Manager, at mmcarlson@monmouthcolleg.edu.
Bus – A complimentary bus from the Chicagoland area will transport students and up to two guests to campus. If you did not indicate your intent to ride the bus to campus on your RSVP form, please contact Michelle Carlson, Admission Event Manager, at mmcarlson@monmouthcollege.edu to make arrangements.
Car – If you are driving in, keep in mind that you should arrive prior to the beginning of the program, which is at 12:30pm. The program will end after dinner. All admitted students(opens in a new tab) are eligible for up to $50 in gas reimbursement ($.50/mile for up to 100 miles).
Parking
Being a weekend event, parking is available in all lots except for student parking spaces. The most convenient options are the Center for Science and Business lot and the lot in front of the Huff Athletic Center. Parking along Broadway is permitted and encouraged as well. View the campus map for options.
Campus tours
Campus tours will depart from Mellinger Commons in the lower level of the Center for Science and Business at 9:00am, 10:00am and 11:00am. Guests of students who are interviewing will also have the opportunity to tour campus at 2:45pm.
Bookstore hours
The bookstore will be open from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Hospitality
For those who arrive early or need a space to relax, there will be a hospitality area in Mellinger Commons; lower level of the Center for Science and Business.
Dining
If you wish to arrive early, a complimentary lunch is available in the Main Dining Room; Stockdale Center. Please see admission staff upon arrival for meal tickets.
Students who are a Monmouth College legacy are invited to attend a special Legacy Lunch before the afternoon event. Please RSVP by January 19th if you plan to attend. (The link to register is in an emailed invitation.)
There will be a formal celebratory dinner following the event at approximately 5:30pm in Glennie Gymnasium; Huff Athletic Center.
What to wear
We encourage students to dress professional, but also be comfortable. Think business casual. Slacks, dresses, skirts, and sweaters are great. Imagine you are interviewing for an internship, or attending a reception at your school. Remember this is a very full day, so consider wearing comfortable shoes or bringing an extra pair of shoes for walking around campus and maybe a bag to carry them in.
We will be taking professional headshots of all students as part of the interview process, which we look forward to sharing with you after the event!
What to expect
Students – The interview itself will only be about 20 minutes long. You’ll be with two faculty (professors) or staff members and the conversation will be about YOU. Your goals, your experiences and what YOU can bring to Monmouth College. Relax! When you’re not interviewing, you’ll be hearing from current students about SOFIA, the Stockdale Fellows leadership program and tour our residence halls. In addition, you’ll experience what a class at Monmouth College is like.
Guests – You’ll hear all about what makes Monmouth College distinctive and then have the opportunity to choose your own adventure. There are a variety of presentations that you can select from, you can hang in our hospitality area, or tour campus. You’ll join back up with your student for a celebratory closing session followed by dinner at the end of the program.
Materials
Your essay and resume are due by January 15th. Please send them to scholarshipcompetition@monmouthcollege.edu. (Please note that all submissions need to be in PDF form or a Word document. Don’t forget to include your name!)
Winners
Results of the competition will be announced by February 20th. All students will be notified either way and students receiving an additional scholarship will receive an updated financial aid award letter reflecting the changes.
Additional questions
If you additional questions, please contact your admission counselor or call the Admission Office at 309-457-2285.