Scholarships FAQ’s & Resources

Scholarship FAQ’s

Will my completed application qualify me to be considered for more than one scholarship?

Yes, the General Scholarship Application is affiliated with more than 40 different scholarships. The number of scholarships you are eligible for is based on several criteria. If you would like to learn more about the scholarships available, you can take a look at our MGCF Scholarship Handbook.

May I receive scholarships from more than one fund?

Yes. Occasionally a student may be selected to receive more than one scholarship.

Who should write letters of recommendation?

Two letters of recommendation are required to apply for scholarships. Please read each scholarship description for specific criteria. Students should request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, advisors, employers, business associates, counselors, mentors, etc. Letters from family members or friends are not recommended. Please look at our scholarship handbook for a sample letter of recommendation form.

Are all scholarships need-based?

No. Each scholarship has unique criteria.

How is financial need determined?

It is a requirement for select scholarships. Please look at our MGCF Scholarship Handbook to learn of any needs-based scholarships applicable to you.
Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and upload a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) with their application, even if they don’t think they qualify.

Is there another way to estimate my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

A helpful tool for estimating financial aid and calculating your estimated EFC and financial need is found here: Estimate Financial Aid. Once you enter your student income, parent income, and estimated school costs, it will calculate an amount based on the US Department of Education EFC formulas.

If, for whatever reason, you are not allowed legally to complete the FAFSA, please use this as an alternative.

Is an unofficial transcript of my grades okay?

Yes, an unofficial transcript is acceptable as long as it is clearly labeled with your name, current academic year, cumulative grade point average, and the name of the high school.

How important is my personal statement?

Each essay is read and reviewed as part of the selection process. It is important that the applicant address the points highlighted in the personal statement section of the application; correct spelling and grammar are considered in scoring.

The personal statement may be the most challenging part of your application. But, it is also where you can stand out from the crowd. The key to writing a strong statement is to be personal and specific. Include details you feel comfortable sharing about yourself, so the reader can get to know who YOU are and what you stand for. Be truthful and honest.

Scholarship selection committees may have hundreds of statements to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention. Remember to:

• Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and create an outline to help you get going. Make sure to address specific questions.

• Be original and creative in your answers. Show us, don’t tell. Use examples to individualize your statement. Demonstrate the point you want to make. Avoid vagueness to make a strong impression.

• Know your audience. Personal statements are not “one size fits all.”

• Proofread. This is very important! You do not want to have any typos in your statement. Check spelling and grammar. Share your statement with a friend, parents, or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss!

• Create a portrait of a winner. By doing this on paper, you create a vivid portrait depicting the person behind the grades, activities, and awards. If a selection committee feels like they know you, you have done your job and created a powerful emotional connection that elevates your application and makes it stand out from others.

For additional guidance and to review sample statements, we recommend visiting College Board.

When will I be notified that I have been awarded a scholarship?

The Community Foundation will notify all applicants of scholarship awards throughout the scholarship process. Awards are given in May.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how much will I receive, and how is it paid?

Awards are determined based on the income available in each fund. A completed online Scholarship Acceptance Form is required to receive payment. Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the Acceptance Form and mailed directly to the institution. Checks take approximately two weeks to process.