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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the submission deadlines?
How can I find out the status of my application?
When will I know if I am selected for the Kaplan Leadership Program?
Can I still apply if I don't have a 3.25 GPA?
What if I have a GED instead of a high school diploma? Can I still apply?
What does the application process entail?
What is a Student Aid Report(SAR)?
What is an award letter?
Where should I mail or email my documents?
How can I get help with my application?
How long is the program?
How much are the scholarships?
Can part-time students apply?
Do I have to reapply to the program each year?
What are the requirements to remain in the program?
Who are acceptable references?
Are nomination forms required for my application to be complete?
Who can nominate me for the program?
What will I receive in each year of the program?
Are Kaplan Scholars restricted to applying to specific transfer schools, programs or majors?
What is the level of financial need required to be eligible?
Is there an age requirement to be in the program?
How many college credits do I need to have to be eligible for the program?
Am I eligible to apply if I am in a bachelor's program?
Are students enrolled in any associate's degree in the United States eligible?
Any pointers for preparing for interviews?
Is there a campus representative I could speak to at my school?

What are the submission deadlines?

We will be recruiting a new cohort in the winter of 2007.
Completed applications are due February 1, 2008.
Offers of acceptance will be delivered on or about March 21, 2008.
Once accepted, students immediately begin the program.


How can I find out the status of my application?

If your application is missing any items or required documentation you will receive email notifications detailing which parts of your application are still outstanding.


When will I know if I am selected for the Kaplan Leadership Program?

Offers of acceptance will be delivered on or about March 21, 2008.


Can I still apply if I don't have a 3.25 GPA?

Yes. While the Kaplan Leadership Program is designed for students capable of performing at the very highest levels, your college GPA is only one of a number of factors we use to assess your academic potential.  If you feel you are a student capable of a level of academic excellence that is not reflected in your GPA,  we encourage you to submit a brief statement (limited to 200 words) that explains why your current GPA might not be reflective of your academic potential.


What if I have a GED instead of a high school diploma? Can I still apply?

Yes, students with a GED are more than welcome to apply for the program. We will need you to submit a copy of your GED diploma and scores either via mail or fax. If you do not have a copy or your diploma and scores, you can request to have them sent to you for submission or directly to the Kaplan Educational Foundation by contacting the Department of Education in the state it was granted. If you took the test in New York, you can get more information by contacting the New York State Education Department at (518) 474-5906 or by going to http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/contact.shtml


What does the application process entail?

The process begins with submission of the application and all of the supporting documentation requested. A number of finalists will be selected for interviews after which a third cohort will be selected for the program.
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What is a Student Aid Report(SAR)?

A SAR is the document produced by the Department of Education based on the information provided in your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). SARs can be obtained by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and/or the financial aid office at your school.


What is an award letter?

Award letters are a summary of all academic expenses and financial aid received for a given academic year. You can obtain an award letter from your school's financial office.


Where should I mail, fax, or email my documents?
You can email all application materials to: applications@kaplanedfoundation.org


Please have your references email their materials to: references@kaplanedfoundation.org


Our fax number is: 212.957.1646

Our mailing address is:
Kaplan Leadership Program Admissions
c/o Kaplan Educational Foundation
888 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10106


How can I get help with my application?

If you are having difficulties with your application or just want assistance, please see your campus representative .

You may also contact the Foundation at 212-707-5300 or info@kaplanedfoundation.org

How long is the program?

The multi-year program is designed to provide financial and academic support and encouragement for students through the completion of a bachelor's degree.  Students will actively participate in the program for a minimum of three years and maximum of six years. However, the connection to the Foundation and your fellow Kaplan Scholars will last a lifetime.


How much are the scholarships?

Scholarships vary by year based on one’s financial need and are contingent upon successful performance in the program. The scholarship amounts go up to $3,000 per year toward associate’s degrees and up to $25,000 per year towards a bachelor’s degree.  The program also provides Scholars with other educational-related expenses, such as funding for books, tutoring and stipends which enables students to attend school full time while working no more than 15 hours per week.


Can part-time students apply?

Yes. Even students that are taking a semester off, but who have completed 12-24 non-remedial college credits at a New York City area associate’s degree program.


Do I have to reapply to the program each year?

No. Once accepted (and assuming you continue to successfully meet all program requirements), you remain in the Kaplan Leadership Program until you have completed your bachelor’s degree.


What are the requirements to remain in the program?

• Work closely and cooperatively with fellow Scholars, the Foundation's Academic Advisor and program staff
• Participate actively in all program activities
• Continue and surpass your current level of academic excellence
• Maintain academic integrity
• Display consistent personal growth as a leader


Who are acceptable references?

The best references are people who know you well and can give detailed insight into what makes you a good candidate for the Kaplan Leadership Program. Limit references to high school teachers or college professors who have taught you within the last two years, current or former employers, people who have observed your community involvement, or other people who have known you for more than six months.  At least one reference must be written by a high school teacher or college professor.  No more than one of your references can be submitted by family member.


Are nomination forms required for my application to be considered complete?
No, but it is strongly recommended that you include one with your application.


Who can nominate me for the program?
Only faculty or staff from your current college may nominate you.  Please note, that this person cannot be the same person who is providing your academic reference.


What will I receive in each year of the program?

• Financial support, including scholarships and living stipends
• Personal, academic and career coaching
• Access to and assistance identifying and applying for other scholarships
• Assistance identifying, applying to; selecting a bachelor's degree program upon acceptance
• Specialized tutoring as needed
• Ongoing training designed to help you succeed


Am I restricted to applying to certain programs, certain majors or certain schools?

No. Our goal is to help you get into and succeed in the best school and program for you. You can apply to private or public colleges and universities anywhere in the United States, and you can choose any major you want. We want to help you get wherever your career dreams take you!


What is the level of financial need required to be eligible?

Currently, any student eligible to receive any amount of Federal and/or State financial aid is eligible for our program.


Is there an age requirement to be in the program?

No, students of all ages are eligible.


How many college credits do I need to have to be eligible for the program?

Students who have already earned at least 12 and no more than 24 college-level credits by the application deadline date are eligible to apply.  Credits earned for remedial courses will not be counted.


Am I eligible to apply if I am in a bachelor's program?

No, students currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program are not eligible for this program. This program is designed to assist students who are currently enrolled in associate's degree programs and planning to complete a bachelor's degree.


Are students enrolled in any associate's degree in the United States eligible?

At this time we are only accepting applicants enrolled in associate's degree programs in the New York City area. We hope to expand the program to other areas soon.


Any pointers for preparing for interviews?

Keep in mind that the best preparation is thinking through your past accomplishments and preparing to articulate them. Be prepared to talk about the qualities that allowed you to perform well in a given situation or a time when you put a certain skill to work.

The best way to accomplish this is to use the three-step STAR process or 1. Situation or Task 2. Action 3. Result or Outcome.

For example, you might recount a time when communication within your work group had broken down (situation). To resolve the problem, you organized informal lunch meetings for people to discuss relevant issues (action). Morale then improved, as did the lines of communication (result). Using this three step STAR process is a powerful way for you to frame your experiences and accomplishments for the interviewer.

Is there a campus representative I could speak to at my school?
The following provides the location on each campus where students can pick up program brochures and applications.


School On-Campus Location Contact Name(s)
Borough of Manhattan Community College

Scholarship Office Room S-343

Ms. Sussie Gyamfi
Scholarship Coordinator
212.220.8130
sgyamfi@bmcc.cuny.edu

Bronx Community College

Transfer Center
Roscoe Brown Student Center Room 302

Alternate:
Office of Student Life
Roscoe Brown Student Center

Room 102

Edwin Roman
Transfer Center Advisor
(718) 289-5933
edwin.roman@bcc.cuny.edu

Alternate:
Melissa Kirk
Director of Student Life
718-289-5193 or 5194
Melissa.kirk@bcc.cuny.edu

College of Staten Island Career and Scholarship Center, 1A-105
Dr. Geoff Hempill
Coordinator of Fellowships & Scholarships
718.982.2301
Hostos Community College     Transfer Office
Room D-101G
Lillian Acosta
Coordinator of Transfer Services
lacosta@hostos.cuny.edu
Hudson County Community College Center of Academic and Student Success
A Building, 2nd Floor
Jacqueline Heads
Associate Dean for Student and Academic Success

Yvette Ramos-Bilbao
Secretary to the Associate Dean
201.360.4151
yramos@hccc.edu
Kingsborough Community College Career Development/Transfer Office
Room C102
Adam Joncich
Scholarship Counselor
718.368.5115
ajoncich@kingsborough.edu
LaGuardia Community College

English Department
E-103(V)

Karlyn Koh
Associate Professor of English,
Honors Program Director.
Phi Theta Kappa/Alpha Theta Phi Advisor
718.482.5658
kkoh@lagcc.cuny.edu

NYC College of Technology

Room G517


Alternate:
Office of Enrollment and
Student Affairs
G 414



Alternate:
Scholarships and Residency Office

Room NG 09

Roxanna Melendez
718.260.5352

Alternate:
Faithe Gomez
Executive Assistant to the VP of Enrollment
and Student Affairs
718.260.5430

Alternate:
Olliver Davis
Scholarship Director
718.260.5054
scholarshipsvcs@citytech.cuny.edu

Queensborough Community College Library Room 417

Susan Curtis
Director of New Student Enrollment Services
Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
718.631.6240
scurtis@qcc.cuny.edu

Westchester Community College

Scholarship Office
Library Room 242

Sandra Ramsay
Scholarship Manager
914.606.6442
scholarships@sunywcc.edu