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Frequently
Asked Questions
When
is the deadline for the scholarship?
The deadline is October 10 of each year. If you graduate in May your
deadline was October 10 of the previous year. The deadline is 10/10 of
the year you are a senior.
How do I get an application?
Applications may be printed from our website. Click on application and
print
Can I copy an application?
Yes applications may be copied.
Various colleges are listed on your website that provides scholarship
committees. Does this mean I have to attend one of these colleges if I
am selected as a scholarship winner?
No, the scholarship is payable to the college of the student’s choice.
If I graduated in May can I still apply for the scholarship?
No, the deadline was October 10 of the previous year. The scholarship
is not available after graduation.
If I submitted an application and my counselor did not sign, what
now?
If you submit an application and it is not filled out entirely the application
is voided.
If I submitted an application without my GPA, but I sent a transcript
is this acceptable?
We do not require transcripts. It is important that you follow directions—insert
the GPA and have a teacher or counselor sign your form indicating all
the information is accurate.
Besides the application, what else do I need to send?
If you are applying for the scholarship you must send a bio, a 1 page
essay and a self addressed stamped envelope.
How long is the essay?
The essay is one page double spaced and it answers the question “Why
I feel I need/deserve this scholarship”. It highlights 1 or 2 items
on the bio.
What does the bio have to contain?
The bio can be any length and should contain community service, school
activities and academic achievements from the 9th grade through 12th grade.
Does the bio have to be in any particular order?
It is easier to read when you place the items together. For example, all
the community service items grouped together, all the school activities
grouped together and the academic achievements grouped together. (See
web page for sample biography)
If I am selected as an Outstanding Student of America when will
I be notified?
Provided you send a self addressed stamped envelope with your application
you will be notified in November.
Do I have to order a publication to be eligible for scholarship?
No, however it is important to note that we donate all money back to students
from the sale of the publication. The scholarships are funded by the sale
of the publication. The majority of the Outstanding Students’ staff
is volunteers; we only have 1 part time person who is paid.
How many scholarships are given each year?
This is hard to determine until the end of the fiscal year. We donate
all proceeds back to students for the scholarships. Typically we give
8-15 each year.
How
are the scholarships selected?
We have scholarship committees that consist of high school counselors
and educators throughout the US. They select the semi-finalist. The semi-finalist’s
applications are sent to Universities and Colleges throughout the US to
determine the winners. The applications sent to colleges are not the applications
from their state. For example Texas A & M will not receive any students'
applications from the State of Texas.
If I wish to be considered for one of your scholarship committees,
what should I do?
Contact OSA at (205)344-6322 in the evenings and we will be glad to discuss
specifics with you.
How many students are selected as semi-finalist each year?
This is hard to answer because we leave the selection of semi-finalist
up to the scholarship committees. Typically we eliminate 65-80% of the
candidates via semi-finalists selections.
If I am selected as a semi-finalist when will I be notified?
Semi-finalists are notified in the month of January of each year.
If I am selected as an Outstanding Student of America when will
I be notified?
During the month of November, provided you submitted a stamp self addressed
envelope with your application.
What is meant by a long self addressed envelope, as requested
in the application?
The application refers to a long white 9” X 4” (approximately)
envelope. This is considered a business envelope. Do not send a brown
manila clasp envelope. The brown manila envelope requires extra postage
and if you do not have adequate postage the post office will not deliver.
If
I send a small envelope, will my application be voided?
A small envelope generally has to have more postage than a long one—so
there is a possibility the post office will not deliver.
How
many students are selected as an Outstanding Student of America?
Usually less than 1% of the students nationwide are selected as Outstanding
Students of America.
What do I need to submit when ordering a publication?
Only students selected as an Outstanding Student of America may order
a publication. If you are selected you need to submit a photo (not computer
generated) of good quality, a biography (we do not have the one you sent
with your application as it has been forwarded to the scholarship committee)
and the order form.
Why do I need to send another biography when ordering the publication?
The bio sent with the application has been forwarded to the scholarship
committee
I am interested in merchandise for Outstanding Students of America,
can I order the merchandise?
Only students selected as Outstanding Students of America may order merchandise.
It is not available to the general public. Students receiving the honor
of Outstanding Students of America will receive an order form with their
acceptance letter. Only orders received on this form will be accepted.
Can I receive a certificate indicating I have achieved the honor
of being selected as an Outstanding Student of America?
Yes you will have the opportunity to order an official certificate in
November if you are selected as an Outstanding Student of America.
When is the merchandise mailed?
All merchandise is mailed during the month of March.
When are the publications mailed?
We target them to be mailed during the month of April. Sometimes it is
the first week of May.
If I sent in an application and did not receive a reply, what
should I do?
It is important that you submit the correct size stamped self addressed
envelope. Submitting another size could mean additional postage and the
post office will not deliver. If you have followed all the steps, you
should receive a reply in November.
If
I have mailed my application and I realized I failed to fill in my GPA,
what should I do?
You have to re-submit your application. Any applications received not
filled out properly will be voided.
If I am an underclassman may I still apply for a scholarship?
No, only high school seniors may apply for a scholarship. Underclassmen
may apply for the OSA honor any year.
If I am selected as an Outstanding Student of America, do I need
to re-apply each year?
Yes, selection one year does not automatically mean selection the next
year. Each year you need to apply.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
If you have a question that is not answered call us at (205) 344-6322.
Please speak plainly and leave an evening phone number. The phone is manned
by volunteers usually around 6:00 – 9:00 (Central time) each evening
if you do not want to leave a message.
Outstanding
Students appreciates any comments you may have. You may write us (address
on application) call, or e-mail. Thank you for your interest in OSA and
good luck in your future endeavors.
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