When can I apply for a scholarship?
The application window is January 1 through March 1 each year for the following academic year.
How complicated is it to apply?
For most scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information about the FAFSA is available in our glossary. The scholarship application itself requires student contact information, educational history, career goals and usually information about the student finances. Attachments to the application include an activities worksheet, school transcripts, and several short essays.
How do I know if I am eligible for a scholarship?
Please review the individual scholarship descriptions to determine your eligibility. Most OCF scholarships can be found at www.GetCollegeFunds.org, a Web site that offers a searchable list of scholarships. However, a few scholarships are listed on OCF’s Web site.
Am I eligible for a scholarship if I am going to attend a vocational school?
We have many scholarships for vocational students. Please read the scholarship descriptions to find out more.
What is the average amount awarded?
About $2,300, though awards range from $200 to $10,000.
How are recipients selected?
The first step is to ensure a student’s eligibility for a particular scholarship. The second step is to review reduce the pool of applicants to those who seem to best fit a scholarship’s particular criteria. The third step is to have a scholarship committee read the final pool of applications to identify the best candidates. A student’s personal essays are crucial at this point as they supply information about the student that may not be evident in educational transcripts or a list of activities.
When will I know if I have been selected?
Some students hear in May, others may not hear until August. It depends on the particular scholarship.
How are awards paid?
Scholarship awards are paid directly to the educational institution once enrollment at that institution has been verified. Generally awards are paid term by term or semester by semester.
What if I attend only one semester?
Your scholarship award is meant to offset the costs associate with a full academic year’s attendance. If you attend for only one of the two semesters, your award will be reduced by half. Similarly, if you attend only two of three quarters, your award will be reduced by one-third.
Can I apply for a scholarship next year?
Yes, though not necessarily for the same scholarship. Likely you are eligible for many scholarships, so you should apply every year. And, if you received a scholarship this year, check your award notice to find out if you may apply for renewal.