Links and FAQs Other Scholarship Sources Local: College for Texans Campaign: Scholarship Searches: Frequently Asked Questions How do I apply for scholarships? Complete the online scholarship application, which is available at www.wtamu.edu/scholarships; select Apply Now, select the application link, and select the appropriate application. You will enter the last seven digits of your Buffalo Gold Card number to begin the application. I don’t have a Buffalo Gold Card number, how do I get one? All students that have submitted an admission application will have a Buffalo Gold Card (BGC) number assigned. If you are an incoming freshmen or transfer student, you must first submit the admission application before obtaining a BCG number. The admission application is found at www.appytexas.org. The Buffalo Gold Card number that I received is only a six digit number and the scholarship application log in requires seven digits, what do I do?Add a zero to the beginning of the number. For example, 0123456. I don’t have time to complete the entire application can I save it and complete it at a later time?Yes, but you will need the application ID number and password so please ensure that you keep this information. I forgot to write my application ID number before exiting the application, what do I do if I need to retrieve the application? What if I also forgot my password?Please call the Scholarship Services Office at (806) 651-3330 and we will be able to search your application and give you the application number. Since you created your password, we are unable to retrieve it but you can call our office and we can reset your password. In addition to my application, do I need to submit additional information? For example, letters of recommendation? No, however some departments may require additional information and if they do, they will notify you. Is there a deadline to apply for scholarships?Although applications are accepted throughout the year, the priority date to apply is February 1 for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. I heard that incoming freshmen must apply earlier than February 1st, is this true? The priority date for everyone to apply is February 1st; however, Early Action Date for incoming freshmen is December 1st which means that students that submit their scholarship application by December 1st will be notified about the status of their award(s) by February 1. If I don’t submit my application by the priority date, what are the chances of receiving scholarship funds? Many of the departments exhaust their funds after reviewing applications submitted by February 1st so it is to your advantage to apply by the priority date. Do I apply each semester? No, since you apply for the academic year it includes both semesters fall and spring. I applied last year for scholarships. Do I need to apply again this year? Yes, you must reapply each year even if you are receiving scholarships that are renewable. I applied for admission in the fall but will not begin until the spring is it too late to apply for scholarships? Although your application will be considered “Late”, it will still be considered and depending on available funds, you may receive scholarship funds. What kinds of scholarships are awarded? Scholarships are awarded for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need and other criteria as defined by scholarship donors. Is there a list of scholarships that I can view? A list of scholarships is available to view at www.wtamu.edu/scholarships, select List of Scholarships and download the file. What happens to my application once I submit it? Your application is forwarded to the department of your major. Also if you list any specific scholarships, it will be sent to the scholarship coordinator, manager, and/or custodian of those scholarships. Your application will also be reviewed by the Scholarship Services Office. Can I print a copy of my application before submitting? Yes, the certification section of the application will give you the option to preview and print a copy of your application. When will I be notified if I received a scholarship? Incoming freshmen that complete their application by December 1 will receive notification of awards by February 1 and those that apply by February 1 will receive notification of awards by May 1. Continuing, returning, and transfer students will receive notification by July 1. How do I know if I received a scholarship? You will receive notification from the department that awards you a scholarship and will include an acceptance form to sign and return to the department. I received an award letter, what should I do with it? The award letter is confirmation or proof to you and/or your high school that you received a scholarship award. The award letter should provide information about the scholarship that you received and instructions on accepting or declining the award. Before returning the letter, please keep a copy for your records. Do I need to write a thank you letter? Yes, students are strongly encouraged to express their appreciation to the scholarship donor/s by sending a thank you note or letter. Expressing gratitude to donors for their interest and support of education is an important part of receiving a scholarship. When donors know that their gifts are making a difference, they are encouraged to continue their support. Are all scholarships renewable? No, not all scholarships are renewable. The award letter should state if the scholarship is renewable but if you are in doubt, please feel free to call the department that awarded you the scholarship. Remember that even if you receive a scholarship that is renewable, you must submit the scholarship application each year. Are scholarships awarded during the summer sessions? There are very few scholarships awarded during summer sessions. However, you may contact the Scholarship Services Office to put you on a waiting list in case there are funds available. Also, you should contact the department of your major to inquire about available scholarships for the summer. Is it possible to receive more than one scholarship? Yes, you may receive more than one scholarship. Is there a fee for applying for scholarships? No, there is no fee for completing the scholarship application. Who is considered a full-time student? Undergraduate students enrolled in at least 12 hours per long semester are considered full time. Graduate students enrolled in at least 6 hours per long semester are considered full time. Many scholarships require students to be enrolled in 15 hours per long semester. Where can I get information about outside scholarships? You may go to www.wtamu.edu/scholarships, select Other Scholarship Sources or you may go to www.scholarshiphelp.org. This website will help you get organized and clear up some confusion about getting into the college of your choice and getting the financial aid you need to be sure you and your family can afford this next step of your education. |