DEADLINES
What is the deadline for submitting applications?
Your application and supporting documentation must be submitted on or before November 15. No late applications or documentation will be accepted.
SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS
My school cannot provide an electronic transcript, can I mail it in?
Most schools do not provide an electronic transcript; you need to get an official copy of your transcript, scan it, and upload it as a PDF. Only uploaded documents will be accepted.
Do I have to provide an official copy of my transcript?
Yes, unofficial copies will not be accepted. Make sure your name, cumulative hours and cumulative GPA are listed on this transcript or it will not be accepted.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Who can apply for the grant?
Horatio Alger National, State, and Canadian Scholarship Recipients. Applicants who combine academic ability and leadership potential in order to be agents of change will be considered for master’s, professional, or doctoral programs in the following areas: business-related studies; entrepreneurship; engineering; law, medical, teaching, applied sciences, including technology, research and development.
Is there a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement?
Yes, 3.0 cumulative.
What if my graduate program does not provide an actual GPA?
In addition to your transcript, you must get a letter from your school stating that the equivalency of your work is at least a 3.0 cumulative and upload this letter with the transcript.
Do I have to be a United States citizen to apply for a scholarship?
Applicants are required to be U.S. or Canadian citizens
Do I have to attend a college in the United States?
Applicants must attend an institution in the U.S. or Canada accredited by a U.S. or Canadian accrediting agency. International studies are permitted if the relationship is through a U.S. or Canadian institution.
Can I apply if I have already started my graduate program?
Yes, you may apply if you are already pursuing your graduate degree.
Do I have to start my program in the fall or can I wait until the spring?
To be eligible for this round, you must start in the fall, or already be enrolled in a program. We recommend that you apply the following winter if you will not begin school in the fall.
INTERVIEWS
When are the in-person interviews?
Interviews will be held in January.
When will I be notified if I am selected for an interview?
Applicants selected for an interview will be notified in December.
Will the Association pay for my trip for the interview?
Yes, the Association will cover costs associated with the personal interview such as travel and hotel accommodations. Scholars are responsible for transportation to and from the airport.
What is the style of the interview?
Interviews are panel style and last approximately one hour. Finalist will have a personal and group interview with the Selection Committee.
If I am out of the country and selected for an interview can I do a phone or virtual interview?
No, only in-person interviews are conducted.
Will you fly me in from another country if I am selected for an interview?
Students are only flown in from locations within the United States and Canada.
ESSAYS
What essays are required on the application?
There are two required essays. Once you enter the application you will be able to review the essay questions.
SELECTION
I do not have any community service activities; will this affect my chances?
While applications are reviewed holistically; we consider community service to be a key component of a strong application. It will not preclude you from applying, but it will have an impact on the committee’s assessment of your application.
Do National Scholars receive preferential treatment in the application process?
No, all applicants are treated equally.
What does the Selection Committee look for in an applicant?
Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholars may be characterized as combining academic ability and leadership potential in order to be change agents in their fields and in their careers and communities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What if my program does not require standardized test scores?
Once you review the application you will see that there is a box that you can check to indicate that your program does not require scores.
Are paper applications accepted?
No, the application is completely online.
How many students normally apply?
The application is very selective. Over 200 students apply and up to 16 will be selected for interviews. Between 5 and 10 will be selected.
What is the amount of the scholarship?
The amount is determined by the selection committee. Recipients can receive up to $120,000.
How can I used the scholarship funds?
In addition to tuition and fees, scholarship funds may be used for living expenses noted in your school’s cost of attendance calculation.
Can I supply additional documentation for my application?
The committee will only accept and review what is requested on the application.
Can the scholarship be used for exclusively online degrees?
Not at this time.
