Frequently-Asked Questions

Each year, prospective scholars reach out with a variety of questions—from eligibility and deadlines to what makes a strong application. Below you’ll find answers to many of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact the PASCAL Center team at pascal@mines.edu. We’re happy to help!

How do I access the application to apply for PASCAL Center scholarships?
To be considered for a PASCAL Center scholarship, you’ll first need to complete the Mines General Scholarship Application, which you can find in your Trailhead student portal (trailhead.mines.edu). Please note that you must be admitted to Mines to access Trailhead. Once you’ve completed the general application, you’ll be prompted to apply for additional foundation scholarships—including those offered through the PASCAL Center.

How will I know if I qualify for a scholarship offered through the PASCAL Center?
You can find information on application requirements, deadlines, and eligibility on our “Scholarship Communities” page!

I can’t access Trailhead or the Mines General Scholarship Application. Who should I contact?
If you’re having trouble logging in to Trailhead, reach out to the Mines ITS department at (303) 384-HELP (4357). For issues with the Mines General Scholarship Application, contact the Financial Aid Office at (303) 273-3301.

Is the application deadline firm?
Yes. Unfortunately, we’re unable to consider applications submitted after the deadline, so please plan ahead to make sure everything is completed on time.

Can I apply for more than one PASCAL Center scholarship?
Absolutely! We encourage you to apply for as many PASCAL Center scholarships as you’re eligible for. Just be sure to review the eligibility requirements listed on each scholarship community’s information page before applying.

How can I strengthen my application?
PASCAL Center scholarships are highly competitive—some receive hundreds of applications each year. The best advice we can give is to be authentic. Let your essays reflect who you truly are, not just what you think we want to hear. Think creatively about your experiences and what sets you apart. Many applicants highlight achievements like robotics teams, athletic leadership roles, or earning the rank of Eagle Scout—all impressive accomplishments, but also quite common. What else tells your story? How have you demonstrated leadership, curiosity, or commitment to your community in your own unique way? Those insights help your application stand out.

What if I don’t receive a PASCAL Center scholarship? Do I qualify for any other scholarships?
Because every PASCAL Center applicant completes the Mines General Scholarship Application, you’ll still be considered for all other institutional scholarships offered through the Financial Aid Office. Any awards you receive will appear in your financial aid portal on Trailhead.

Why wasn’t I selected for a PASCAL Center scholarship?
We completely understand that this can be disappointing. The truth is, our scholarships are extremely competitive and we have far fewer spots than qualified applicants each year. Every application is carefully reviewed and de-identified to help minimize bias in the selection process. Not receiving a PASCAL Center scholarship is not a reflection of your abilities or achievements. If you’ve been admitted to Mines, that in itself is an incredible accomplishment—and one you should be proud of.

I was notified that I was selected as an alternate. What does that mean?
Being named an alternate means that while you weren’t selected in the first round, you’re still being considered for a PASCAL Center scholarship. Sometimes, finalists choose to decline their offer for a variety of reasons. If a spot opens up, we’ll reach out to alternates—typically by May 1st—to extend new offers. So, if you’ve been named an alternate, hang tight—you’re still very much in the running! PLEASE NOTE: If you are selected as an alternate, you must inform the PASCAL Center whether you accept or decline your alternate position. Failure to do so by the decision date in our email will result in forfeiture of your spot!

What exactly does my scholarship cover? Can it cover things like housing?
It depends on which scholarship you have been awarded. The majority of our scholarship will cover tuition and “mandatory” fees, but some scholarships can be used for books, housing, etc. A PASCAL Center scholarship cannot be used to pay for any expenses outside of its intended purpose. For more information on what is covered by your scholarship, please refer to your scholarship’s community page on our website. For more information on fee structures, please visit the Student Fees page on the Bursar’s webpage. 

What happens if I’ve received an additional external scholarship? Can I keep both?
It depends on the amount and its intended purpose. For example, Mines students cannot receive two full-ride scholarships, but if one of the scholarships can be used to pay for housing, then it may be possible to retain both scholarships in some capacity. We recommend that you contact Financial Aid for more definitive information.