FAQ

We have provided a series of common questions that our applicants may have, and have broken them up into categories based on the steps of the process. Just click on the link to see the list of FAQs.

Scholarship Applications

Can I use the same letters of recommendation and essays every year?The Review Committee would like you to update your essay to see the progress you are making each year.
Can I use the same picture I did last year?A picture is a requirement of the scholarship application, which means there are points attached to it. The more points you get, the more money you will receive. You can use the same picture as last year.
Can KEF help me fill out the application?Yes. You are more than welcome to come into the office or call us for help in filling out your application. We will help you in every way we can.
Can KEF make a copy of my application contents and send it to me?Yes

Scholarship Deadlines

What if I send you my application, but am still waiting on a professor to submit the letter of recommendation?? The deadlines are March 15 and June 1st of every year. Applications should be complete and postmarked by the deadline, but we will work with students on a case-by-case basis to get any missing items resolved.
Does the application have to be delivered to KEF or postmarked by the deadline?To be considered, applications must be postmarked by or before the deadline or dropped off at our office by midnight on the deadline date.
What if I am a day late postmarking my application and have a very valid excuse?Deadlines are strict; however, you may write a letter of explanation, addressed to KEF’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, C/O 4241 B Street, Suite 303 B, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Since the deadline is March 15 and June 1st, can I send the application in any other time, like in January, and you can hold it for me?Yes. Just contact us if there are any changes to your application.

Scholarship Guidelines

Once I have been awarded a scholarship, what do I need to do?Your scholarship is divided into payments for the terms you will be attending school (if you are attending for semesters, your scholarship is paid in two installments). You need to send us (by email, fax or mail) your unofficial transcript at the end of each term so we can send you the next portion of your scholarship. You should contact us by phone, mail or email if you move, drop out of class, change your major, change schools, or if your attendance status changes.
What if I drop a class?If your status changes from the scholarship requirements you applied under, such as dropping below full-time status, then you will be considered “on probation”. You will continue to get the scholarship you have been funded for, but will need to apply as a “part-time” student for the next scholarship, or come back up to full-time status. If you stop attending school altogether, you will not receive funding for the rest of the year. Contact us and we will work with you on a case-by-case basis should this happen.
What if I do not maintain the minimum GPA for my scholarship?If your GPA falls below the requirement for your scholarship, you are considered “on probation.” You will continue to receive the scholarship you have been funded for, but will need to apply for the scholarship that your GPA allows in the next year (Basic Undergraduate requires a 2.0 minimum GPA and Academic/Graduate requires a 3.0 minimum GPA).
In order to be in good standings for a scholarship that requires a 3.0 GPA, do I need to get that every semester or is it the CUMULITIVE GPA that I must maintain?Your cumulative GPA must stay at 3.0 for an academic scholarship, or at 2.0 for an undergraduate scholarship.

Distribution of Your Scholarship Funds

When will I get my scholarship check?Your first scholarship check gets sent depending on the date you start school. If the first day of school is August 25th, then we will send the check on August 1st. The following payments are sent when we receive your unofficial transcript at the end of each quarter or semester. Be sure to let us know what kind of terms your school has on the application so we can fund you correctly.
How much will each check be?Your total scholarship award is broken into payments based on semesters or quarters. For example, if you were awarded $2,000.00 for the year, and if you are attending fall and spring semesters, you will receive 2 checks, each for $1,000.00. If you are attending fall, spring and summer classes, you will receive 3 checks, each for $666.67.
Will the check come to me?No. Due to IRS regulations, KEF cannot send funds directly to an individual. Your scholarship check will be sent to the school’s financial aid office, where they will use it to pay your tuition, fees, etc. KEF instructs the financial aid office to write you a check for the rest of the funding and that money is yours to use for books, gas, rent, etc.
What happens if I attend a fall semester (or quarter) but not the spring semester (or quarter)?We can answer this best with an example. If you were awarded $2,000.00, and are signed up for two semesters (fall and spring), you would normally receive 2 checks, each for $1,000.00. If you finished the fall semester, and decided not to attend spring semester, you simply wouldn’t receive the other $1,000.00 for the spring semester.
The financial aid office says they have not received the check, what should I do?Contact us and ask us when we sent your check. We’ll help you track it down. Keep in mind that it may take some time before the school is able to process it through their Financial Aid office.

General Questions

Can I get a scholarship every year?Yes. There is no cut-off amount, so you can receive a scholarship through KEF as long as you meet the requirements. You must re-apply each year.
If I graduated from college, can I still receive a scholarship to go back for a master’s degree? What if I want to go back to get an entirely different degree?KEF does not limit the number of awards you can receive. As long as you apply and meet the requirements each year, KEF will fund whichever educational path you pursue.
What is the scoring process for scholarship applications?? Every year, KEF board members are elected to the scholarship review committee. The three review committee members score each application independently and the final score is an average of these. Scores are based on your letter of application, letters of reference, GPA, your resume, and completion of the application form. Awards are determined on a scale based upon your score. It is a good idea to focus on your essay and keeping your GPA up.
Does KEF know about internships? Job vacancies?KEF is aware of many internships and job opportunities. You can find out more by calling our office or visiting our web site for updates.
If I am in school, who do I call if I have a question about my scholarship? Can I send an email? If so, to who?You can call 1-888-562-9093, toll free, anytime. Our office is open 9am-5pm Monday- Friday, and if we are in meetings you can leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. You can also email scholarships@koniageducation.org.