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FAQs and Tips

Jump to Application Related FAQs
Jump to Recipient Related FAQs 

I am having trouble with an ELECTRONIC PDF FORM. What can I do?
The electronic application works best with Adobe Reader (or Adobe Acrobat). Reader is a free program downloadable from the Adobe website (http://get.adobe.com/reader/). It may seem like the form is working correctly if opened in another program (often a browser like Internet Explorer or Safari), but the saving functions will not work consistently. Even if you have Reader, it might be a good idea to update it; the current version is Reader 9.0.

Once you have downloaded and installed the newest version of Reader, be sure that your computer is using it to open your PDF documents. Again, sometimes browsers (not Reader) are set to be the default program for PDFs, thus causing a problem. The best way to ensure that the DSACF form is being opened with Reader is to:

• download the form to your computer (right click the link (control click on Macs) and choose "save link as")
• choose a spot in the computer to save the document (maybe your desktop) and click "Save" (rename document if you would like)
• leave your web browser program and open the Adobe Reader program (just a blank document)
• from the "File" menu, click on "Open," choose the PDF document you just downloaded, click on "Open"

Now the document should be open in the Reader program (confirm by looking for the red and white Adobe icon in the top header bar).
From here you should be able to complete and save the form regularly. As with all important documents, save often. We suggest the following naming convention with the documents you submit:
Recommendations: Student'sLastName (hyphen) then the word 'recommendation'
Applications:  Student'sLastName (hyphen) then the word 'application'
After the form is complete and you are ready to submit, create an email. You can use either a web-based (gmail, yahoo, hotmail etc) or computer based (Outlook) email program. Type in scholarships@dsacommunityfoundation.com in the "To:" line and "Recommendation" or "Application" in the "Subject" line.
Then attach the form (click "Attach", select the document you want, click 'Attach') and "Send."

Does my application have to be in the office on the 15th or can it be postmarked on the 15th?

Starting in 2009, postmarks and electronic submissions with a January 15th date are acceptable. You are also welcome to hand deliver an application to our office by 5:00pm on that day. The deadline for electronic submissions is midnight on January 15th.

Of course we encourage earlier submissions. If we notice an error in an application submitted earlier, we can help you to correct it. 'Under-the-wire' submissions allow no time for such corrections.

I attend a charter school. Am I still eligible to apply for a scholarship?
According to a clarification by the Scholarship Committee, charter schools are simply one variety of public schools. Therefore charter school students are welcome to apply for any scholarship which has a "public school" criteria. Of course, other requirements (GPA, geography, religion, intended major etc) still apply as well.

I attend a home school. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Similarly, the Scholarship Committee has decided that a home school is just one variety of a private school. And therefore home school students are welcome to apply for any scholarships which have a "private school' criteria. Of course, other requirements (GPA, geography, religion, intended major, etc) still apply as well..

Which forms are required to demonstrate financial need?
With one exception, all scholarships which have a financial need component require that students submit the Student Aid Report (SAR). Students receive a SAR as the result of filing a FAFSA, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The one exception is the G. Scott Ransom Scholarship. It requires submission of a copy of pages 1 & 2 of the parent's 1040 form.

When will I be notified as to the status of my application?
Names of recipients will be announced as early as possible. Each candidate will receive an individual communication informing him/her of the status of the application within a week of the selection meeting.

What is the process to renew my scholarship?
Following completion of the academic year, students must access the DSACF website and download a renewal application. They must complete this and send it with an official copy of their transcript showing all grades from the just completed year sent to the Community Foundation office.

When are scholarship checks mailed?
Assuming students get their acceptance/renewal paperwork in on time, checks for the first semester are mailed about the middle of August and checks for the second semester are mailed in early January.

My university wants to credit my Fall check to both Fall and Spring semesters. I told them a second check is coming, but they don't believe me. What should I do?
Several things. First of all, the letter you received with the check should say whether a second check is planned. Show them that. Secondly, show them this Web site with the description of your scholarship on the pages linking off the Scholarship Funds page. If that isn't enough, get the name and email address (fax number if they won't accept an email) of the person who wants the further proof. Sent that to us here at the DSACF (email is best), along with your scholarship name and student number and we will send a letter to your school.

I am thinking about studying abroad. Will my scholarship cover the costs associated with the study abroad program?
If the study abroad program in which you are participating is an accepted part of your college or university and the costs associated with the program are billed through the college or university, you may use scholarship dollars to cover these costs.

Can I use the scholarship for summer school?
In order to receive a scholarship a recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student. Given that and assuming there are funds available, full-time summer school attendance may be counted as one of the terms.