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Scholarship applications and college
registrations traditionally require SAT and/or ACT scores. Testing
prior to the senior year will not only make available the test
scores needed, but also provide the student time to retake the tests
to improve the score.
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All deadlines must be honored or risk
disqualification. Mail the application well in advance of the
deadline.
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Send all required forms and documents
in the same package or risk disqualification due to incomplete
submissions.
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Highlighting areas of required
information on the transcript reduces processing errors. Suggested
areas are: test scores, cumulative GPA, class ranking, etc.
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Provide all requested information in
the form required. For example: G.P.A. in a 4-point unweighted grade
scale. Relying on others to translate the information may result in
unequal representation.
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Basic musts for students: [1] Write
clearly; [2] Complete all required information; [3] Complete
sections intended for you (i.e., counselor sections should not be
completed by the applicant); [4] Secure all required signatures; and
[5] Read instructions carefully (especially those with conditions of
disqualification).
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A copy of the parent's/guardian's tax
return submitted as proof of financial need shows the adjusted gross
income, the number of dependents living under the umbrella of that
income, the applicant's income as provided for at least of the
calendar year. The first page of the Federal 1040 tax return
provides that information. Submit only what is requested and always
submit copies. Some electronic-filing (or e-file) formats have pages
that provide that information. W-2 forms do not reflect the needed
information and will not be accepted in the place of tax returns.
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Applicants should apply for a
scholarship where qualifications are met. Applying randomly is a
waste of time and money on the part of the student, the
donor/administrative organizations, parents, and the
counselors/school staff.
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Foster care applicants may be
required to submit verification of placement from the Department of
Human Services. For proof of financial support the applicant must
provide tax information from the foster parent (see tax return
information under item #7) or a statement of intent not to provide
financial assistance.
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Providing a "Counselor Website" with
up-to-date scholarship information containing general descriptions
and deadlines is a great way to communicate student information and
requirements.
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Counselors should address questions
specifically when given the opportunity for a written response. The
question is designed to obtain information used in judging.
Additional information is not used to determine the applicant's
status.
