Tuesday, November 24, 2009
About Us >> The Program >> Nomination & Selection Process
At the High School
Participating high schools designate one staff member as a University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program coordinator who will work with students, teachers and counselors in identifying candidates for the award. The staff of the Incentive Awards Program at Maryland will work closely with each high school in providing materials, information and support for the nomination process. An orientation session will take place each fall that will spearhead the process for recruiting candidates.
High schools conduct open, internal competitions to select nominees who meet the criteria for the award. Throughout the fall, schools should advertise the scholarship widely and establish the process for reviewing applicants.
Candidates' names are submitted to the Incentive Awards office by November 1, followed by completed applications on February 1 each year.
The process of selecting nominees differs from school to school, but successful methods usually include establishing a school committee of counselors, teachers and/or administrators to review the pool.
High schools conduct open, internal competitions to select nominees who meet the criteria for the award. Throughout the fall, schools should advertise the scholarship widely and establish the process for reviewing applicants.
Candidates' names are submitted to the Incentive Awards office by November 1, followed by completed applications on February 1 each year.
The process of selecting nominees differs from school to school, but successful methods usually include establishing a school committee of counselors, teachers and/or administrators to review the pool.
At the University of Maryland
Applications are initially checked to ensure they meet selection criteria, and then are distributed to the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program selection committee, comprised of community, corporate and university leaders as well as Incentive Awards staff.
Applications are compared with others from the same school, not with the other participating schools.
All candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be interviewed by members of the committee and the program staff. Interviews are completed by mid-February when the committee will meet to select a recipient and, as appropriate, an alternate from each participating high school. In the event that the selection committee cannot identify a qualified student for the Incentive Award, a scholarship will not be awarded.
The University of Maryland Office of Undergraduate Admissions will complete the admission process for all nominees and mail letters of admission. Note: While nominees will receive special consideration, no guarantees of admission can be made.
Applications are compared with others from the same school, not with the other participating schools.
All candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be interviewed by members of the committee and the program staff. Interviews are completed by mid-February when the committee will meet to select a recipient and, as appropriate, an alternate from each participating high school. In the event that the selection committee cannot identify a qualified student for the Incentive Award, a scholarship will not be awarded.
The University of Maryland Office of Undergraduate Admissions will complete the admission process for all nominees and mail letters of admission. Note: While nominees will receive special consideration, no guarantees of admission can be made.
Application Requirements
The Incentive Awards application should be submitted to the counselor who will sign it and send all the applications together to the program office no later than February 1. Candidates should consult with their counselors for internal deadlines.
The application consists of the following:
The Incentive Awards application should be submitted to the counselor who will sign it and send all the applications together to the program office no later than February 1. Candidates should consult with their counselors for internal deadlines.
The application consists of the following:
- Part I: Personal Data Form
- Part II: Essay Questions
- Three letters of recommendations from teachers, counselors, employers and/or community leaders addressing at least one of the following points: (a) academic potential, (b) leadership and community service commitment, (c) difficult circumstances overcome. Recommendation forms are included in the application packet. Students should inform their references of the area(s) they would like them to address.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted after January 1 but no later than February 1 to ensure that information is received by February 15.
NOTE: The original University of Maryland Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted, separately, to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. For best consideration, students should apply by December 1. Students should take the SAT I or ACT exams by October. Test results should be sent to the University of Maryland, College Park (school code: 5814).
NOTE: The original University of Maryland Application for Undergraduate Admission must be submitted, separately, to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. For best consideration, students should apply by December 1. Students should take the SAT I or ACT exams by October. Test results should be sent to the University of Maryland, College Park (school code: 5814).
Announcing Award Recipients
In the spring, all nominees are mailed letters by the Incentive Awards Program, which informs them and high school staff of the award recipient and alternate. Recipients have until May 1 to accept the Incentive Award. In the event that a selected recipient does not accept admission, the award will be offered to the first alternate, if there is one, for that school.
In the spring, all nominees are mailed letters by the Incentive Awards Program, which informs them and high school staff of the award recipient and alternate. Recipients have until May 1 to accept the Incentive Award. In the event that a selected recipient does not accept admission, the award will be offered to the first alternate, if there is one, for that school.
Spring and Summer Events for New Recipients
New University of Maryland Incentive Award Scholars, along with their families, guidance counselors and high school principals, will be invited to a spring reception at the President's residence in May. In July, a special orientation is required for all new scholars and their parents. Students are also expected to participate in the regular new student orientation program offered by the university.
New University of Maryland Incentive Award Scholars, along with their families, guidance counselors and high school principals, will be invited to a spring reception at the President's residence in May. In July, a special orientation is required for all new scholars and their parents. Students are also expected to participate in the regular new student orientation program offered by the university.
Go to next: Selection Criteria