Scholarship Application FAQs
Advertisements
Do I have to apply using the interactive form?
We prefer that you use the Adobe form provided, but you may print a blank application and type or legibly write in the required information. Please note that the “High School Verification” section can be handwritten by your counselor.
Why can’t I save the pdf form and work on it again at a later date?
The free version of Adobe Reader does not allow individuals to save the information they have filled in. The only option is to print the information once the application is completed. Purchased Adobe software, such as Adobe Acrobat Professional, does allow the user to save work. Please check to see what software is on your PC.
What E-mail address should I provide on the application?
Please provide an e-mail address that you frequently check. All scholarship notifications will be e-mailed to the address you provide.
I have not received official notification from the University of Arkansas regarding my admission. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply for Arkansas Alumni Association scholarships even if you are awaiting word regarding your admission status. Applicants must be admitted as degree-seeking students by February 1.
Do I have to be related to a University of Arkansas graduate in order to apply?
No, all students who meet the criteria and submit a completed application by the deadline are eligible for the Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship Review.
I want to apply for the Endowed Scholarship, “Roads” Scholarship and Chapter Scholarships. Are there different applications?
No, you only need to fill out the 2012 Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship Application and submit all required materials to be considered for Arkansas Alumni Association scholarships.
How do I know if an Alumni Chapter offers a scholarship in my area?
While it can vary from year-to-year depending on funds available, the following chapters typically offer freshman scholarships: in Arkansas - Capital (Pulaski County), Faulkner County, Garland County, Independence County; out-of-state - Atlanta, GA; Central Oklahoma (Oklahoma City area); Dallas, TX; Denver (state of Colorado);East Texas (Tyler/Longview area); Houston, TX; Mid-South (5 counties within AR/MS/TN region); San Francisco, CA; St. Louis, MO; Tri-State (6 counties within KS/MO/OK region) and Wichita, KS.
My ACT is above a 24 but due to a strict grading scale at my high school, my GPA is below a 3.60. Can I still apply?
The GPA noted on the transcript, either weighted or non-weighted, will be the GPA used to determine eligibility for the scholarship review. GPA’s that are figured on a scale other than a 4-point scale will be recalculated by our Scholarship Coordinator.
What is the topic for the personal essay?
What challenge in life have you overcome and what did you learn from the experience?
What is a leadership statement?
The leadership statement will require the applicant to focus on one leadership experience from high school. Students are asked to describe how their leadership in the selected activity made a difference for their school or community.
What are the formatting requirements for the required essay and leadership statement?
The personal essay and leadership statement are limited to one page each and must be typed using a minimum 12 point True Type font (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.). There is no requirement for spacing.
Are there specific requirements for the resume?
Applicants must adhere to the required resume format. Resumes are limited to 2 pages and must be typed using a minimum 12 point True Type font. To view the required format and read important information about the resume, please visit the Resume Tips page.
The University of Arkansas already has my transcript. Do I have to send another copy?
Yes, you must send an official copy of your 6th semester transcript along with your application.
Do I have to send a copy of my senior class schedule?
Yes, applicants are required to submit a copy of their senior class schedule along with their 6th semester transcript. If mid-term grades are available, please include the information on the schedule.
I’ve taken coursework at a local community college that does not appear on my high school transcript. Do I need to include an official transcript from the college?
Yes, if you have taken college coursework that does not appear on your high school transcript, please send an official copy of your college transcript with your application.
Where can my references find the Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship Recommendation Form?
www.arkansasalumni.org/scholarships/reference
My reference does not have access to a computer. How should he fill out the Scholarship Recommendation Form?
Provide a blank copy of the recommendation form to your reference (using the link above) and instruct him to type or legibly handwrite the requested information.
My reference cannot save and print the recommendation form. Is there another option for submission?
Your reference has two options. 1. Print a blank form and type or legibly write the requested information. 2. Attach an additional 1-2 typed pages that address the information requested on the recommendation form.
My references have already written letters for me. Can I use a letter I have on file?
No, please use the recommendation forms provided with the application. Students who submit reference letters in lieu of the recommendation forms will be ineligible for the scholarship review.
I would like to submit more than 2 recommendation forms. Will all forms be evaluated?
No, only 2 recommendations will be included with your application for the review.
Can I submit my materials for need-based scholarships by the priority deadline?
Yes. Submit your complete application and personal statement of financial need. You may send your FAFSA information to the University of Arkansas at your earliest convenience. Need-based scholarships will not be awarded until summer 2012.
Do all materials need to be submitted together?
We require that all application materials be submitted in the same envelope, but some high schools do not permit official transcripts to be submitted in this manner. Official transcripts can be sent directly from the high school to the Arkansas Alumni Association at the mailing address listed on the application.
Is there a priority deadline?
Yes. The priority deadline is December 1, 2011. Complete applications that are postmarked by December 1, 2011 will be given full consideration for Alumni Scholarships.
What is the final deadline?
The final deadline to submit applications is February 1, 2012. Students submitting applications postmarked between December 2, 2011 and February 1, 2012 will only be considered for Alumni Scholarships if funds are available.
Do I send my application to the P.O. Box or the street address?
Applicants using regular mail should send the application packet to the P.O. Box. Applicants using UPS, Fed-Ex and other shipping methods should use the street address.
Can I overnight mail my application?
Yes, you can express mail your application to our physical address: 491 N. Razorback Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Will the deadline be extended if there are school closings due to inclement weather?
No, there will be no deadline extensions due to inclement weather. Please make necessary arrangements if winter weather is predicted for your area.
How are recipients selected?
The Alumni Association organizes a two day review session attended by thirty-five members of the Scholarship Selection Committee. Each application is evaluated and scored by 3 committee members. The top finalists' applications are evaluated and scored by all thirty-five committee members to determine the 2 Alumni Endowed Scholars and final ranking of remaining applicants.
How are the applications scored?
Each section of the application is evaluated and scored and given the following weight in the final calculation:
ACT score- < 1%, Personal Essay- 14%, Leadership Statement- 14%, Resume- 28%, GPA/strength of coursework- 14%, References- 28%
How many scholarships will be awarded?
Following the 2011 Alumni Scholarship Review, 125 applicants were offered scholarships ranging in value from $500 to $6,500. We expect to offer the same number in 2012.
When will I be notified about my application?
The Scholarship Review will take place at the end of February and applicants will begin to be notified during the week of March 12, 2012.
How will I be notified?
All communication from the Arkansas Alumni Association regarding scholarships will be corresponded via e-mail. Please be sure to provide a current e-mail address on the application.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Contact the Alumni Association's Scholarship Coordinator, Robin January, by e-mail (scholarships@arkansasalumni.org) or phone (479-575-6391).
