RESOURCES: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for a Point Scholarship?

Review the current Point Scholars’ biographies to get a good idea of what we are looking for in our scholars. You do not need straight A's to apply but we are looking for individuals who have proven leadership skills, excellent scholastic achievements and want to make a difference in the world. All applicants are evaluated on the totality of their situation including, academic accomplishments, financial, emotional and social need, extracurricular activities, personal circumstances and goals for the future.

I am a graduate student. Can I apply?

All levels of education can apply for funds whether you are entering your first year in college or seeking a graduate degree.

What expenses does the Scholarship cover and how much money can I get?

Point Scholarships covers a variety of expenses including tuition, books, room and board and living expenses. Point Foundation estimates that a college education costs between $8,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on which school is attended. Some scholars may only need money to cover living expenses or books while others may need more. The Board of Regents makes every attempt to help each Point Scholar as much as possible considering the number of scholars selected and the funds available.

Does Point Foundation provide scholarships to residents of foreign countries?

The application process is open to all regardless of citizenship. However, all scholars must attend an accredited college or university in the United States.

How can I apply for the upcoming school year?

For the upcoming school year we will have an online application process. Please check the website after JANUARY 1 for the new online application.

What are my chances of being selected as a Point Scholar?

In 2007 we received over 880 completed applications and awarded 38 new scholarships.

Can application deadlines change?

No.

What are the application deadlines?

All application materials must be submitted by MARCH 1. Finalists only will be contacted by mid April, and will be provided transportation to interview with Point Foundation’s Board of Regents the last weekend in April (location will be determined). A decision will be made by mid May, with a public announcement in June.

Can I view the application before applying?

Yes, follow the links listed here http://www.pointfoundation.org/apply.html to view each section of the application before starting your application.

I'd like to apply for a scholarship for the year after this one. When will that be possible?

You may only apply for the upcoming school year starting JANUARY 1.

What if I don't have regular access to the Internet? Can I send in a paper application?

All applications must be made online with supplemental information required by mail. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have an e-mail address to facilitate quick, efficient communication. Free e-mail addresses can be easily obtained on the internet at websites such as Yahoo and Hotmail.

I am an applicant and have not heard from Point. Will you please let me know if you have received my application?

You will only hear from us if you are selected as a semi-finalist. With the new online application, the system automatically makes sure your online application is complete and verifies it has been successfully submitted to Point. Point Foundation, we will not confirm receipt of your application materials so we recommend you use a delivery confirmation and tracking system such as USPS registered mail so you know your materials arrived safely.

Your application is not complete until all supplemental information has been received.

How can I get more information about Point Foundation?

All available information about Point is on the website. If you have a specific question for us, we would be happy to answer you via e-mail but please make sure you review all information on the website before contacting Point Foundation.

Do I have to be LGBT to apply?

You do not have to be LGBT to apply but you should have a history of leadership in the LGBT community and plan to be a LGBT leader in the future.

What do I have to do once I am selected as a Point Scholar?

We will give you a Contract of Excellence (COE) to sign and return to us before you receive any funds. The COE is an agreement between you and Point stating that you will keep at least a 3.5 GPA, will support Point’s vision, be willing to speak publicly at Point events, provide Point with official transcripts, and complete an individual service project with the LGBT community.

Do I have to be openly gay or transgender with my family to qualify for a scholarship? Getting a scholarship would help me to be financially independent, thus enabling me to be open with my family. I want to tell them, but it would jeopardize the financial support I get from them.

No, you don't have to be "out" to apply. Remember that some of the major components we will evaluate are your leadership skills, abilities and dedication to the LGBT community. If selected as a Point Scholar you will be required to submit your photo & bio for our website, as well as, be willing to attend and speak publicly at Point events.

My career goals are not exclusively focused on the LGBT community. Can I still apply?

Yes, Point Foundation selects scholars whom it believes will make a contribution to the LGBT community and beyond. Some scholars will choose a career that is focused on the LGBT community and others will use their skills and influence to support the community, while not working full-time on LGBT issues. Talent and a drive to contribute are key characteristics of a Point Scholar.

If I apply once and am not selected as a Point Scholar, can I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply.

When I reapply, can I just use my old application?

No. We refine our application every year to make the application process more efficient and informative for applicants and the Selection Committee.

Whom do I contact?

We strongly prefer and recommend e-mail communications. Contact us at ginger@pointfoundation.org; call 775-782-5659, fax 775-782-5690

When will I find out if I get the scholarship?

Point Foundation will contact you by email early-March if you are selected as a semi-finalist. Finalists will be notified by email only mid-April, and selected scholars will be notified by phone early June.

Applicants that were not selected this year will be notified by email only mid-April.

I'm not sure that I would qualify (or identify) as disadvantaged, but I am fairly confident that I have many of the other strengths mentioned (history of leadership, dedication to a field). How much is eligibility determined by disadvantage?

Short answer: you should apply. Long answer: our selection committee weighs all the issues we outline on the website. Need, leadership, merit, professional and personal goals are all weighed. We want to help those who have need and also have a proven track record of leadership and scholastic achievement.

Will I need to send in any supplemental financial information regarding my and my family's ability to pay for my education?

You will not need to send in any supplemental financial information unless you are chosen as a semi-finalist (please refer to the Mailing-Required Supplemental Material section). Applicants chosen as finalists will need to submit a completed SAR Report (FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form electronically or via the mail . This governmental document (available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) . and in most high school guidance offices) is required by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for need-based financial assistance.

Falsifying information on the FAFSA carries a criminal penalty. Please fill out the form thoroughly and accurately. The deadline for Finalists to submit/mail their SAR Report is APRIL 17, 2008.

Email submissions: ginger@pointfoundation.org

Finalists ONLY will be asked to provide an electronic photograph. This is optional, and will not affect your application/interview. The deadline to email your photograph is APRIL 11, 2008.

Do I have to pay this money back?

No. The Point Foundation Scholarship is not a loan.

Are scholarships restricted by geographic region (i.e., San Francisco Bay Area only), or are they national?

Point Foundation is a national organization and there are no geographical restrictions or preferences.

Can I fax my application?

No. The online portion is available online only and faxed copies are not accepted. The required supplemental materials (semi-finalists only) must be mailed and postmarked no later than the March 7th deadline.

What if my Professor won't have my letter of recommendation done just before the application deadline?

All applications and accompanying materials must be completed by the deadline. It is your responsibility to follow up with the professor or educational institution.

Are standardized test scores required?

Yes, standardized test scores are required for all semi-finalists, as well as, official verification (proof of scores). If you are applying for a scholarship to an undergraduate institution, please indicate your SAT and/or ACT scores on the on-line application. You will see that the application accommodates both the old and new SAT score formats. If you are applying to a graduate institution, please list your test scores required by the institution (e.g. GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) where indicated on the application.

If you were not required to take any standardized tests by the school/university that you will be attending, there will be a space for you to indicate such on the application.

If you provide any scores on your application, you will be required to mail in verification with your supplemental material.

I took my standardized test so long ago that I can't remember the scores. What do I do?

You should be able to access your undergraduate test scores from either your high school counseling office or from the appropriate testing agency. Graduate and professional school exams can be obtained from the testing agency.

Can I still apply for a scholarship if I have not taken the appropriate standardized tests?

While you may still apply and your application will still be reviewed, we are unable to guarantee full consideration to applicants without test scores. If you find yourself in this circumstance, make sure to tell us why in the space indicated on the application.

What happens if I forget my password and username?

Go to the login page and follow instructions.

Will you let me know if I successfully submitted my application?

If you get a PIN after submitting your online application you have successfully submitted this portion of your application. Your entire application is not considered complete until we receive your supplemental materials.

Will you let me know if you received my Supplemental Materials?

No. If you want confirmation of delivery you should send the materials certified mail.

Can I send in my Supplemental Materials before I submit my application?

No. You must submit your application and receive a PIN before sending in any materials. Your PIN and full name must be written on all supplemental materials.

Is it advantageous to submit my application and materials early?

Absolutely.

Submitting Your Application

1. You will electronically submit the online portion of the application by pressing SUBMIT. It will only be accepted if all required data fields are complete. You will receive a PIN number (see below since it must be used with all mailed information) and an automatic email will be sent back to you with notification of your successful online portion submittal and PIN number.

2. You must submit your online application prior to or on the deadline date. Your application will not be reviewed unless all materials are received by the deadline.

3. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 1st. Applications will not be considered if any or all supplemental materials (see below) are not postmarked by March 7th (semi-finalists only).

4. When your online application is successfully submitted, you will be given a Personal Identification Number or PIN. Please write this number down and keep it in a safe place. Include your PIN on any materials you submit to Point.

Your PIN number is an uniquely assigned personal number and is made up of a sequentially assigned number followed by the Scholarship Application Year, i.e., 03: X-03

Mailing-Required Supplemental Materials

1. Point Foundation REQUIRES additional supplemental materials from all applicants who are selected for further review. If you are chosen (you will be notified by email), you will be required to have all of your supplemental material postmarked no later than Friday, MARCH 7TH. Please note below requirements and notes, as you will need to begin gathering your material in advance, in order to make the deadline. Point Foundation will not accept any late material, and your application will be removed from consideration.

ALL MATERIAL MUST BE SENT ALTOGETHER IN ONE ENVELOPE, and include the following:

a. At least two (2) and no more than three (3) Letters of Recommendation. Two must be from a teacher/professor. For applicants who have been out of school for more than five years a reference from a supervisor could serve as one of the letters of recommendation.

b. Official school transcripts from your most recent academic institution supporting the GPA you entered on your application. (Please note that it can take up to 5 weeks to receive your transcripts. DO NOT have transcript sent directly to Point from your school, as it will not have your PIN or name on the outside of the envelope, and it will not be accepted)

c. Verification of any/all test scores that you included in your application. Please note that it can take up to 5 weeks to receive your official scores. Point will not accept score verification directly from your school/facility. You must have them sent to you, and then included will all other material requirements.

d. Your resume and/or CV (Optional).

2. Supplemental materials may NOT be sent until after you have successfully submitted your application and you have received a PIN number.

3. ALL SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL MUST HAVE ANY STAPLES REMOVED, AND YOUR FULL NAME AND PIN NUMBER MUST BE WRITTEN CLEARLY ON EITHER THE FRONT OR THE BACK OF EVERY PIECE OF PAPER SUBMITTED. (If you do not write your PIN on ALL SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS, you application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.)

4. ALL ENVELOPES THAT ARE USED FOR SUBMITTING THE SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL MUST ALSO HAVE YOUR FULL NAME AND PIN NUMBER WRITTEN ON THE FRONT OR BACK, no exceptions.

5. Point Foundation will not return any of your supplemental material, regardless of whether or not you are selected as a Finalist, and/or Point Scholar. NO EXCEPTIONS

Supplemental Material Check-Off List (Semi-Finalists Only)

Postmarked before/by MARCH 7TH (no exceptions)
Sent altogether in one large envelope, with full name and PIN # on the outside:

2-3 Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts (most recent school)
Test score verification (if you provided scores on your application)
Resume or CV (optional)

NO STAPLES

You will receive the mailing address when you are notified that you have been selected as a semi-finalist.

For FINALISTS ONLY (if you are a finalist, you will be notified by email), due MID-APRIL, electronically:

· SAR Report (Completed & accepted FAFSA, http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
· Photograph (Optional)

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