RESOURCES: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for a Point Scholarship?

To obtain a sense of the qualities Point Foundation (Point) Scholars most often demonstrate, applicants may read the current scholar bios that are posted on Point’s website. Exceptional academic performance is one characteristic that Point seeks in all its applicants and subsequent scholars. Additionally, proven leaderships skills and the desire to make a difference in the world are highly valued. Each person who applies for a Point Scholarship is evaluated on the totality of their situation. Marginalization, financial need, academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, professional experiences, personal and future goals are all taken into consideration.

Does Point encourage graduate and post-graduate students to apply?

Yes. Applicants from all levels of higher education may apply for Point’s scholarship award.

Are community college students eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as the student is asking for financial support to transfer to an accredited four-year university beginning in the 2010 fall semester. Point does not currently fund education at the community college level.

If I am planning to complete my degree through an online program, am I eligible to apply for a Point Foundation Scholarship?

No, Point does not provide support for students who pursue an education or a special program solely online. Point believes it is important for Point Scholars to be a part of a school community and interact face-to-face with other students and faculty on a regular basis while earning a degree and representing Point.

What expenses does Point’s scholarship include and how much financial assistance is possible?

Point’s scholarship award covers a variety of expenses such as tuition, books, room, board and basic living expenses. Point estimates that a college education costs between $8,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on which school one attends and the amount of financial support that may already exist. Some scholars may only need money to cover living expenses or books while others may need more. Point makes every attempt to assist each scholar to the full extent possible so they may focus on their academic career rather than worry about funding.

Does Point provide scholarships to residents of foreign countries?

Point’s application process is open to all college students regardless of citizenship. However, the organization’s scope of support is limited to higher educational pursuits at accredited institutions that are located within the borders of the United States of America.

How can I apply for a Point Scholarship for the upcoming school year?

Point’s 2009-2010 online scholarship award application will become available on December 11, 2009 and it will close at 11:59 pm PST on February 12, 2010.

What is my chance of becoming a Point Scholar?

In 2009, Point received 2,463 completed applications. Of those received 11 scholarships awards were issued to the highest ranking applicants.

Do application deadlines change?

No, Point’s application deadline is 11:59 pm PST on February 12, 2010. In order to move forward and thoroughly read the large amount of applications that are submitted in a timely manner, late submissions are not accepted and extensions are not granted. There are no exceptions.

May I review Point’s application before applying?

Yes, we highly recommend a thorough review of the previous year’s application beforehand. An example of each section of last year’s online application may be read at any time at http://www.pointfoundation.org/apply.html

I would like to apply for a scholarship to study in spring of 2010. May I submit an application now?

No, scholarship awards for spring of 2010 are not available. Only applicants who are either starting or continuing their education in the fall of 2010 are eligible to apply.

If I do not have regular access to the Internet, may I send in a paper application?

No, applications may only be submitted online. Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain an e-mail address to facilitate quick and efficient communication.  Free e-mail addresses are available on the internet at websites such as Yahoo and Gmail.

How will I know if Point received my application?

Point’s online application system automatically sends each applicant a personal identification number (PIN) and a confirmation e-mail when their online application is received. Applicants will not be contacted by Point unless they are selected to be a semifinalist by the end of February.

Where can I learn more about Point?

Please review Point’s website for additional information regarding Point Foundation. If you have additional questions, please contact Program Administrative Assistant Shannon Connolly by clicking .

Do I need to identify within the LGBT community to apply?

No, it is not required that you identify within the LGBT community to apply. Additionally, Point realizes that identities within “LGBT” do not apply to everyone on the Queer spectrum, and Point welcomes all spectrums of the Queer community to apply. Point does require that you have a history of leadership in or alliance with issues that affect the LGBT/Queer community and you must plan to continue this leadership/alliance in the future.

If I identify within the LGBT/Queer community, will I be expected to reveal this identification to the public?

Point does require scholars to reveal publicly their association with Point, as well as their dedication and status as an ally to the Queer community with the public. If selected as a Point Scholar, you will be required to submit your photo & biography for our website, as well as be willing to attend and speak publicly at Point events.

If I am applying for a Point Scholarship to earn my graduate degree, do I still need to submit either my SAT or ACT scores?

No, Point only requires that you submit test scores relevant to the degree you are pursuing.

If I am a senior in high school and I do not know yet where I will be attending college, can I still apply to be a Point Scholar?

Yes, Point understands that many applicants will not have finalized plans for their education at the time that they apply. You neither have to be enrolled nor accepted to a particular program/ university to apply to be a Point Scholar.

I noticed that Point provides various named scholarships (i.e. “HBO Scholarship”). Are there separate applications for each of these?

No, the online application that will become available on December 11, 2009 is the only application. Completing and submitting that application makes any prospective scholar eligible for all of the named scholarships available for that particular year.

I have taken the past several years off to begin my career, but now I am looking to go back to school for a second degree. Is there an age limit to apply to become a Point Scholar?

No, there is no age limit to be eligible to become a Point Scholar. You may apply at any time during either your education or career.

If I become a Point Scholar what are the expectations?

Point Scholars receive a Contract of Excellence (COE) that must be reviewed, signed and returned to the organization before any scholarship funds are dispersed. The COE must be renewed annually as a written statement that commits each scholar to the following actions.

(1) Provide Point with their official transcript and maintain at least a 3.3(B+) GPA every semester/quarter.

(2) Attend Point’s regional leadership programs, currently held twice each year.

(3) Communicate regularly with both their mentor and Point’s professional staff.

(4) Support Point’s mission and be willing to participate in Point events.

(5) Complete a service project that benefits the LGBT community annually.

If my career goals are not exclusively focused on the LGBT community may I still apply?

Yes, Point selects scholars whom it believes have made a contribution to the LGBT community and who will continue to do so in the future.  Some scholars will choose a career that focuses on the LGBT community and others will use their skills and influence in other ways, while not working full-time on LGBT issues.  Talent and a drive to contribute are key characteristics of a Point Scholar. Point welcomes accomplished scholars in all fields.

If I apply and am not selected as a Point Scholar, may I reapply?

Yes, applicants may reapply the following year.

When I reapply, may I submit my old application?

No, the application changes each year and we want to see the most current information for each person who applies. An increased level of competition is also seen each year, so it behooves each returning applicant to submit the most current and competitive information possible.

Whom do I contact regarding either application questions or concerns?

All questions and concerns can be addressed to Program Administrative Assistant Shannon Connolly by e-mail by clicking .

What should I expect when I submit an online application?

1. The information entered into Point’s online application is stored, but will not be read by Point Foundation until all required data fields are complete and the SUBMIT button has been pressed.

2. Each person who applies successfully will receive an automatic e-mail and a PIN to confirm Point’s receipt of their application. The PIN should be kept in a safe place and will be needed by each person who becomes a semifinalist.

3. The final deadline to submit an online application is 11:59 am PST February 12, 2010. No exceptions.

4. Other than the online application, no other information should be submitted unless a person is selected to be a semifinalist and so notified directly by Point.

When are applicants notified regarding their application status?

Each person who submits an online application will automatically receive a confirmation e-mail.

Each person who is selected to be a semifinalist is personally notified by Point with an e-mail at the end of February.

Each person who is selected to be a finalist is notified by Point by e-mail and/or phone at the beginning of April and is required to attend an in-person interview with Point regents and members of the executive management team in San Francisco, California between April 29 and May 2, 2010, for which Point provides travel, hotel and meals.

Each finalist who is awarded a Point Scholarship is personally notified by phone by the end of May.

I am not sure that I qualify (or identify) as either financially disadvantaged or marginalized, but I am confident that I have many of the other strengths (history of leadership, dedication to a field, etc.). Should I still apply?

Short answer: Yes, you may qualify and should apply.

Long answer: Point’s selection committee weighs all facets of each person’s application. Marginalization, financial need, academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, professional experiences, future and personal goals are all considered. Point supports scholars who have a variety of needs and who demonstrate a record of accomplishment and high achievement.

Will I need to submit any supplemental financial information?

Applicants are not required to submit supplemental financial information unless they are selected as a semifinalist (please refer to the Mailing-Required Supplemental Material section).

If I receive a Point Scholarship, do I have to pay back the financial assistance provided to me?

No, Point’s Scholarship is an award, not a loan.

Are Point’s scholarship awards restricted to any specific geographic regions (i.e., San Francisco Bay area only)?

Point’s scholarship awards are limited only to scholars who study within the United States of America.

May I fax my application?

No, online submission is the only manner in which applications are accepted.

Is it advantageous to submit my application early?

Early applications are always appreciated by Point’s committee of application readers. However, each and every application that is submitted by the deadline of 11:59 am PST on February 12, 2010 will be evaluated equally by Point.

Are standardized test scores required to apply for Point’s scholarship?

If the institution you are attending or hoping to attend requires standardized tests, applicants must submit those scores on your application. Point’s online application accommodates both the old and new SAT score formats. Applicants who are applying for support for graduate and post- graduate studies must submit test scores required by each respective institution that they hope to attend (e.g. GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and MAT). Copies of test scores printed from the official testing organization may be submitted.

In the case of an institution which an applicant hopes to attend (or is currently attending) which does not require any standardized tests, Point’s online application has a designated space to indicate you will not be submitting test scores.

If you are applying to a variety of institutions in which some require and some do not require testing, applicants should indicate that on their applications and submit for verification by Point ALL test scores that are required by each institution for admission.

If standardized test scores are required for admission to an educational institution for which you are hoping to receive Point support, official verification of your scores must be submitted if you become a semifinalist. Semifinalists need only submit verification of test scores for the university or college they are hoping to receive Point financial support, specifically if that school requires them for admission. For instance, if you are selected as a Point Semifinalist and the law school to which you are applying to requires LSAT testing for acceptance, you must send to Point your LSAT scores but not prior test scores related to your undergraduate admission. Semifinalists will be required to either mail, or e-mail the online score report provided on collegeboard.com, or submit the appropriate testing organization verification with the other required supplemental material. Point highly encourages you to e-mail the online score report.

What if the degree I am pursuing isn’t listed in the degree drop-down box?

Please select the degree most relevant to your studies and provide the actual name of the degree being pursued in the textbox provided for “majors.”

May I send in my supplemental materials before I submit my application?

No, only semifinalists may send supplemental materials to Point Foundation after their application has been successfully submitted and after they have been selected by Point’s Selections Committee. All other materials received prematurely by applicants will be discarded.

What happens if I forget my password and username?

Go to the login page and follow instructions. If you are still unable to login, then contact Program Administrative Assistant Shannon Connolly by e-mail by clicking .

Semifinalist candidates: requirements for submitting supplemental materials:

Supplemental materials should not be sent until after an applicant has received an official e-mail from Point, notifying them of their semifinalist status.

Point requires supplemental materials from each applicant who is selected to be a semifinalist. Semifinalists are notified by e-mail at the end of February and are required to have all supplemental material received by Point no later than Monday, March 8, 2010. Review the requirements below and gather the required material in advance in order to comfortably meet each appropriate deadline. Failure to submit materials on time will result in immediate loss of eligibility for any semifinalist. No exceptions will be granted.

All supplemental materials for each semifinalist must be sent to Point in one single envelope that includes the following items:

1. Letters of Recommendation to Point’s Selection Committee

At least two (2) and no more than three (3) letters of recommendation are required for each semifinalist. Two letters must be from a teacher or professor and must be addressed specifically to Point’s Selections Committee. Each recommendation should reflect an awareness of Point and its mission. For semifinalists who have been out of school for more than five years, a reference letter from a supervisor may suffice as one letter of recommendation.

2. Transcripts

Please note that it can take up to five weeks to receive a transcript from an educational institution. Do not have transcripts sent directly to Point from an educational institution, as the information will not have a PIN or name on the outside of the envelope, and subsequently will not be accepted.

A. First-year students need to submit a transcript from the most recent school they graduated from, as well as, a transcript from their first semester in college. For example, if you are an undergraduate semi-finalist at X University and are a first-year student in an undergraduate program, you are to submit both your fall term university transcript and your high school transcript. A first-year student in law school would submit their fall term law/university transcript and their transcript from the previous college or university from which they graduated.

B. Community college students if they are applying to transfer need to submit transcripts from all institutions from which they have received credits to initiate a transfer. If community college students have already transferred to a four-year university and have just completed their first semester they are to send transcripts from both their current university and the community college from which they transferred.

C. If, as a semifinalist, you have already attended a university for either one year or longer you need to submit only your current university transcript.

3. Verification of test scores that were submitted in the Point application.

If standardized test scores are required for admission to an applicant’s educational institution for which they are hoping to receive Point support, official verification of that semifinalists’ testing is required. For instance, if you are selected as a Point Semifinalist who is an undergraduate senior at X University and the law school you are applying to require LSAT testing for acceptance, you must send to Point your LSAT scores only. Semifinalists will be required to either mail or e-mail the online score report provided on collegeboard.com, or submit the appropriate testing organization verification with the other required supplemental material. Point highly encourages you to e-mail the online score report. Copies of test scores printed from the official testing organization may be submitted.

Please note that it may also take up to five weeks to receive official scores. Point will not accept score verification directly from an educational institution. Semifinalists must first obtain their own scores and then include them with all other required supplemental materials.

4. Submit a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

5. Financial Aid Award Letter (if applicable)

Semifinalists who are currently studying in a community college, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programs must submit the most recent copy of your school’s financial aid award, If the semifinalist does not currently receive financial aid, but will in the following academic year, please include a brief statement of no more than 200 words which explains why you will be applying for financial aid in the 2010-2011 academic year.

Semifinalists who are high school seniors have not yet received financial aid award letters, and thus, as high school seniors they are not required to submit a financial aid award letter as a semifinalist.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS MUST HAVE ALL STAPLES REMOVED. THE APPLICANT’S FULL NAME AND PIN MUST BE WRITTEN CLEARLY ON EITHER THE FRONT OR THE BACK OF EVERY PIECE OF PAPER SUBMITTED, INCLUDING THE ENVELOPE THAT CONTAINS ALL OF THE CONTENTS. PLEASE DO NOT OPEN SEALED LETTERS OR TRANSCRIPTS.

Point will not return any supplemental material, regardless of whether or not a semifinalist is selected as a finalist, and/or Point Scholar. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Semifinalists will be notified by the beginning of April if they have been selected to be a finalist.

What happens if I am a semifinalist and my professor has not submitted their recommendation before the supplementary submission deadline?

All accompanying materials for semifinalists must be received by the deadline of March 8, 2010. It is each applicant’s responsibility to follow up with their references and educational institution to insure that all the supplementary documents are received by Point on time.

If I am selected as a semifinalist will Point let me know if you received my supplemental materials?

No, semifinalists who wish to receive confirmation of receipt of supplementary application materials should use certified mail.

If I am selected as a semifinalist will Point let me know if I need to be part of a phone interview?

Not all semifinalists will receive a phone interview; if you are NOT contacted by March 26, 2009 you may assume other applicants received higher scores.

Semifinalist Supplemental Material Check List:

Must be received by March 8, 2010. (No exceptions)

All materials must be sent together in one, large envelope, with the applicant’s full name and PIN on the outside of the envelope. Mail to:

Point Foundation
5757 Wilshire Blvd Suite #370
Los Angeles, CA 90036

1. Two to three letters of recommendation that are specifically addressed to Point’s Selections Committee.

2. Transcripts

a) First-year students need to submit a transcript from the most recent school they graduated from, as well as a transcript from their first semester in college. University and are a first-year student in an undergraduate program, you are to submit both your fall term university transcript and your high school transcript. A first-year student in law school would submit their fall term law/university transcript and their transcript from the previous university from which they graduated.

b) Community college students need to submit transcripts from all institutions from which they have received credits to initiate a transfer. If community college students have already transferred to a four-year university and have just completed their first semester they are to send transcripts from both their current university and the community college from which they transferred.

c) If, as a semifinalist, you have already attended a university for either one year or longer you need to submit only your current university transcript.
Please note that it can take up to five weeks to receive a transcript from an educational institution. Do not have transcripts sent directly to Point from an educational institution, as the information will not have a PIN or name on the outside of the envelope, and subsequently will not be accepted.

d) Verification of test scores that were submitted in the Point application. If standardized test scores are required for admission to an applicant’s educational institution for which they are hoping to receive Point support, official verification of that testing is required. For instance, if you are selected as a Point Semifinalist applying to law school and the law school to which you are applying requires LSAT testing for acceptance, you are required to send to Point your LSAT scores only. Semifinalists will be required to either mail, or e-mail the online score report provided on collegeboard.com, or submit the appropriate testing organization verification with the other required supplemental material. Point highly encourages you to e-mail the online score report. Copies of test scores printed from the official testing organization may be submitted.

e) A resume and/or CV

3. Financial Aid Award. Semifinalists who are currently studying in a community college, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programs must submit the most recent copy of your school’s financial aid award, If the semifinalist does not currently receive financial aid, but will in the following academic year, please include a brief later of no more than 200 words which explains why you will be receiving financial aid in the 2010-2011 academic year. Current financial aid award letters are not available yet for high school seniors, thus they are not required.

NO STAPLES

For FINALISTS ONLY:

Point personally notifies each finalist by e-mail and/or phone with an invitation to attend an in-person interview with the organization’s board of regents and management staff. All finalists should save the date and be prepared to submit the final information indicated below to Point no later than April 5, 2010.

Attending the in-person interview

Each finalist must interview with Point’s Board of Regents and members of the executive management staff in person in San Francisco. Interviews are coordinated by Point and will take place between Thursday, April 29 and Saturday, May 1 of 2010. The cost for transportation, lodging and meals are covered by Point.

All finalists must also attend the Point Finalist Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 29 and an in-person interview. (TBD)

Attend a phone meeting (TBD) to review the weekend program and interview format with undergraduate and graduate finalists.

Final items of submission (by e-mail only)

1. A Student Aid Report (Completed & accepted http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
This report is required and may be submitted electronically. It is a governmental document that required by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for need-based financial assistance. Falsifying information on the FAFSA carries a criminal penalty. Please fill out the form thoroughly and accurately. The deadline to submit SAR reports, New Scholar Financial Application, other requested information and a photograph is APRIL 5. E-mail submissions should be sent to Shannon Connolly by clicking .

2. Additionally, Point requires submission of a Point’s New Scholar Financial Application and Parental Support Affidavit.

3. Finalists must review and sign Point’s Contract of Excellence and bring the COE with you to final selections.

4. Submit a professional looking photograph (optional)/ Preferred first name and preferred pronoun for nametag.

5. Submit a Point Finalist Travel Release form and travel plans for the weekend.

6. School Updates: Please email Shannon if you have received any new acceptances or made a final decisions on where you will be attending school in the fall of 2009. If you are still awaiting acceptance, or you have not yet made a decisions, please email your top 2 preferences.

7. For dissertation finalists return Point’s Ph.D. academic questionnaire.