Frequently asked questions: Hilldale/Holstrom

  1. Can a sophomore apply for the Hilldale/Holstrom Award? No. Students must have at least junior standing at the time of application.
  2. What are the formatting criteria? No more than five pages; the body of your proposal should be double-spaced. The abstract and references may be single-spaced. Font should be no smaller than 11 pt.
  3. Does the five-page limit include the abstract, figures, and references? Yes.
  4. Are five copies of the letter of recommendation needed? Yes, five copies are needed, but only one needs to be an original.
  5. Do the letters need to be sent directly to the office or can the student send them with his/her application? We prefer that the letters be submitted with the application, but it’s fine if the recommender prefers to send the letter directly to the Hilldale/Holstrom Selection Committee, c/o Undergraduate Academic Awards Office, 271 Bascom Hall.
  6. How many transcripts do I need to submit? Five copies (either official or unofficial) are needed. You can obtain an unofficial transcript (“campus copy”) free of charge at the Registrar’s Office, 21 N. Park St., Suite 7223, or download a copy of your student record through MyUW.  
  7. If applying for the Holstrom scholarship, how many copies of the application materials do I need to submit? Five copies.
  8. Who should submit the budget? Budget information on how the $1,000 supply funds will be used should be included in the advisor’s letter of recommendation.
  9. May I apply if my advisor will be on leave or sabbatical next year? Yes, but the advisor should state in his/her letter who will provide supervision during the time the advisor is not in residence.
  10. Can I submit the application electronically? You’ll need to submit the application coversheet electronically, but also in hardcopy. We don’t have the capability for electronic submissions of the project proposal at this time.
  11. Is it possible to register for three credits of independent study during the same semester as the application is submitted? No.
  12. I completed an independent study with my project advisor during the semester I submitted the Hilldale/Holstrom application.  Can I use those three credits to satisfy the conditions of the award?No. You will need to register for an additional three credits of independent study or thesis work with your project advisor during the summer, fall or spring semester following receipt of the Hilldale or Holstrom award.
  13. How much time am I required to put into the research project? You should work the time commitment out with your advisor.
  14. Do recipients have to present their research at the Undergraduate Symposium? Yes.  If you will graduate before the symposium in May will not be  in town, you may ask permission to satisfy the dissemination requirement by  presenting your research at a department or school/college event, or a regional or national conference.
  15. How and where do I receive my award? The recipient receives a check at the awards ceremony/reception in the spring.
  16. Where can I get more information or help? Send an e-mail message to: awards@provost.wisc.edu.
  17. Where can I get more information or help? Stop by, email (awards@provost.wisc.edu) or call (608-265-2428) the Undergraduate Academic Awards Office, 271 Bascom Hall.