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2008 Scholarship Recipients Apply Required Forms Eligibility Scholarship Programs Frequently Asked Questions Technical Issues & Questions General Collegiate Information Scholarship Home

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the deadline for submitting applications?
    The deadline to submit an online application is October 30, 2008. All supplemental materials must be postmarked by this date as well.
  • I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
    Due to the large number of applications submitted, no applications will be accepted after the deadline.
  • Is there a fee to apply?
    No. There are no fees to apply for Horatio Alger Association scholarships.
  • Are paper applications accepted?
    Paper applications are not accepted. In extreme circumstances, students may request a paper application from the Horatio Alger Association at HoratioAlger@act.org.
  • I am a home-schooled student, can I apply?
    Yes. To apply as a home-schooled student you will need to enter 970000 for the CEEB code (note this is not an official College Board code).
  • I received a General Education Diploma (GED), can I apply?
    Yes. If you are no older than 19 years of age and will have received your GED by June 30, 2008, you may apply. Please enter 980000 for the CEEB code (note this is not an official College Board code)
  • Is there a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement?
    No. The Association does not require a minimum score on the SAT or ACT.
  • What if my SAT or ACT score changes after I submit my application? Should I update you on my scores?
    No. The scores that you submitted before October 30 are sufficient.
  • Is there a minimum Grade Point Average requirement?
    Yes. All applicants must have and maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  • Do I have to be a United States citizen to apply for a scholarship?
    Applicants are required to be a U.S. citizen.
  • Is there an income limit?
    Financial need is an important factor in awarding scholarships. If you believe that you would qualify for financial aid for college, we would encourage you to apply.
  • Whose income should be listed if my parents are separated or divorced?
    You should list the income of the parent/guardian with whom you lived for most of this past year. If you are not listed on that tax return, please include a note that briefly explains the situation.
  • What should I do if my parents do not file an income tax return?
    If your parent/guardian does not file income taxes, please provide the Association with alternative documents such as: W-2 form, 1099 SSA (Social Security Income forms), and additional forms explaining income. If you have any questions about appropriate forms, please contact the Association at HoratioAlger@act.org.
  • I am a foster child or ward of the state, what do I list for income?
    If you are in foster care or are a ward of the state please enter $0 in the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) field. Please explain your situation in your application essay and answer "yes" to the question of are you or have you been in foster care or a ward of the state?
  • What essays are required on the application?
    There are three required essays. The first essay of 50-100 words must describe the educational and career goals of the applicant. Next, applicants must explain the adversities that they have encountered in a short essay of 250-350 words. Applicants must also provide a personal statement of 150-200 words in which they compare elements of an Association Member's life with their own. Biographies of all living Members are located on the Horatio Alger website. The applicant is also asked to describe his or her leadership role in an extracurricular activity in short answer form. All three essays and the short answer must be completed for an application to be considered.
  • Can I use a Horatio Alger Association scholarship at any college and for any major?
    All scholarships except the Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, and Montana scholarships may be used at any accredited institution where credits can be earned towards a bachelor's degree. Scholarships may be used at community and junior colleges during the first two years. Idaho Scholarship recipients must attend North Idaho College, the University of Idaho or Lewis-Clark State College (Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston campus only). Iowa Scholarship recipients must attend the University of Iowa (proof of enrollment will be required; students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution). Louisiana Scholarship recipients must attend Loyola University- New Orleans; McNeese State University; Tulane University; University of New Orleans or Xavier University. Montana Scholarship recipients must attend one of the following universities in Montana: University of Montana, The University of Montana-Western, The University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology, Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana, or Montana Tech of The University of Montana. All scholarship recipients may pursue any major of their choice leading to a bachelor's degree.
  • If I am awarded a Horatio Alger Association Scholarship, how do I get my money?
    Disbursement information will be sent to you each year in May. You will be asked to go online and request your funds for the upcoming year at that time. We send the check directly to your college to be credited to your account. Scholarship funds may only be used for tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, books and summer school.
  • If I am awarded other scholarships or financial aid, does it affect my eligibility for a Horatio Alger Association Scholarship?
    No. The only exception is if you receive a scholarship that covers all of your expenses. We would then ask that you notify the Association so that we may re-award the scholarship funds.
  • When are the winners notified? Are applicants who have not won also notified?
    Only awardees will be notified personally. Everyone may view the names of the recipients when they are posted online in January.
  • Where does funding for Horatio Alger Association Scholarships come from?
    Horatio Alger Association Scholarships are funded through the generosity of the Association's Members, Life Partners, and Friends of the Association.
  • Are there any other scholarship programs that I may be eligible for?
    There are many additional sources of scholarships and financial aid available. Visit www.fastweb.com and www.wiredscholar.com for more scholarship listings.
  • I am eligible for more than one scholarship that the Association offers. Do I have to fill out more than one application?
    No. You only have to submit one application to receive consideration for all of our scholarship programs for which you are eligible.
  • If I filled out my application online, how do I submit the supplemental materials (certifications form and tax form)?
    After completing the online application, students must submit the supplemental materials by mail to: Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs, PO Box 4030, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030, Phone (866) 763-9228. This paperwork should be submitted together and should be postmarked by the application deadline (meaning it must be in the mail by October 30th).

 

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