Binghamton University is often considered the “Ivy of the SUNYs,” and with that comes the notion of outstanding, competitive students who take advantage of the finest academic opportunities.

Why then, are administrators like the assistant deans of Harpur College, Donald Blake and Janice McDonald, concerned that the number of students who apply for national scholarships, fellowships and awards are too low?

“We don’t see anywhere’s near enough students applying,” McDonald said.

The question itself rests on the student body’s shoulders. Past students have proved the competitive edge BU brings to its students, as Matthew Gervais, a student from the Class of 2006, won both the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Scholarship. Similarly, Ravi Gupta, a graduate of BU’s 2005 class, received the Truman Scholarship.

“I think BU students are extremely qualified because we’ve had success in the past,” McDonald said.

Preparation for scholarships like the Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater and others (see sidebar) can start as early as sophomore year for some students. It is at this time, McDonald said, that students with a grade point average of 3.8 or higher may receive a letter from her, notifying them of the different scholarships and academic programs available to them.

This document is sent out to about 400 students; from that letter, McDonald noted, the administrators see one or two people.

“We know our students are competitive, but we need more to apply and take advantage of opportunities,” McDonald said. “It’s up to the students to try and seek them out.”

If the reason for such few applicants is the common conception that college students are lazy, Bearcats really have no excuses this time. With application lengths varying around five to 10 pages, the forms themselves are relatively short.

When it comes to difficulties with the actual completion of the application, students can turn to McDonald, who is responsible for helping applicants with most of the scholarships.

“There are opportunities out there; students just have to find them and apply,” McDonald said. “It does take some work to fill out the application, but it’s time well-spent — not only for the money, but it helps students refine their interests … for what they may want in the future.”

Recently, she has also tried to work with the faculty in rendering more applicants. As professors suggest students, McDonald works with them to determine what type of academic award would be most beneficial and rewarding for them.

Many of the scholarships select students of a specialized concentration, such as public service, scientific research or government, so students are not limited to awards based solely on their GPAs.

“What I would encourage first is for students to go online to academic Web sites, check out the opportunities available, and if they find something of interest, then contact me,” McDonald said.

For some students, though, it’s a lack of knowledge concerning these awards, rather than laziness.

“Too many of our really outstanding students don’t know about these opportunities and therefore don’t apply,” Blake said. “When students do apply, we get more than our fair share of winners.”

For students, taking advantage of these awards could reap benefits that vary from $1,000 to $30,000 for graduate school funding, undergraduate study and research.

The University publishes a guide each year to the numerous awards available to students, entitled, “Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards & An Introduction to Graduate School and Graduate Funding.” Booklets can be picked up in the Academic Advising Office, Harpur College Dean’s office or viewed online at the Harpur College Academic Advising Web site.