FAQs

General

• Is this scholarship available for anyone?

  The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is awarded yearly to a graduating high school senior.

• Do I have to reapply each year to receive my award?

  Yes. Students are responsible for submitting grades each semester, along with an update of activities and plans for the semester ahead.

• Do I need to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) to retain my award?

  If your GPA falls below a 3.0 the board will review your academic progress.

• How will my eligibility be affected if I decide to drop a course(s)?

  Recipients must maintain full-time (12+ hours) enrollment status each semester. You should never drop a course without talking to the financial aid office at your institution.

• If I decide to take a semester off, how will my award be impacted?

  All award recipients must maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution. Summer session is not required.

• If I lose my award, can I regain it?

  No. Students who fail to meet the renewal requirements and lose the Engebretson Scholarship cannot regain the award.

• How long can I receive the Engebretson Scholarship?

  Students who meet all criteria to retain the Engebretson Scholarship may continue to receive the award until the student has earned a baccalaureate degree or four (4) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any eligible postsecondary institution.

• Where can I use the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship?

  The Engebretson Scholarship may be used at any accredited (4-year) postsecondary institution approved by the Foundation Board.

• If I change schools, how do I transfer my award?

  If you transfer to another eligible postsecondary institution, you can transfer your award by contacting the Engebretson Foundation to notify of transfer status. You can also list your new institution as the first choice on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college of attendance must be notified of the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship requirements.

• What is done with tax documents and FAFSA information?

  Upon selection of a recipient, all tax documents and application information are professionally shredded for confidentiality purposes.

• What is the maximum Student Aid Index (SAI) score on the FAFSA that you will consider for eligibility for your scholarship?

  If the SAI is below $12,000 annually, the family is considered with a need.

• Do you want my parents federal forms or mine?

  Please submit both your and your parents form(s).

• Is the scholarship intended for students from a particular locality or school?

  No, the scholarship is open to all those that meet the criteria.

• Is it all right if my ACT scores are already printed on my high school transcript, or do I need to order an official copy of my scores and send that?

  We are satisfied with a copy of the ACT/SAT results or with the scores printed on your high school transcripts.

• Will you accept the highest sub scores from my two most recent tests to form a 28 composite?

  We are unable to accept combined or an average from multiple test dates.

• Can my teacher send the recommendation letter separate?

  No. All items must arrive in one envelope on or before March 1st in order for an application to be considered complete.

• What if I have not received an acceptance letter from one of the colleges I am considering?

  You can submit acceptance letters at a later date if you are chosen for the scholarship. Please just note what acceptance letters you have applied for that are processing.

• Can I black out my SSN?

  Yes.

• Can I hand deliver to the address shown or fax my application?

  No. All items must be postmarked and arrive prior to March 1st in one envelope to be considered complete.

• How many scholarship recipients are selected per year?

  One scholarship is awarded each year; however, each chosen recipient may reapply yearly.

• How will I know when a recipient has been chosen?

  We will contact and post the new recipient on our website as soon as possible. Due to the number of applicants each year, recipients will NOT receive individual notification.

• Will all applicants be notified on award status?

  No. Due to the number of applications received, the Engebretson Foundation will only notify the winning recipient.

• To apply for this scholarship, does the student have to be a US citizen or have permanent alien registration documentation?

  At this time, the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is only available for US citizens.

• Do you have to be from Nebraska to apply?

  No, you must be a graduating senior with US citizenship.

• How many scholarships are selected each year?

  One scholarship recipient is awarded each year to a graduating high school senior.

• Do you consider students that are homeschooled?

  Yes, homeschool students are encouraged to apply, assuming they meet all academic and financial requirements.

• Can the scholarship be applied toward any educational expenses?

  No, the scholarship must be applied to college tuition costs only.

• Will you accept a “superscore” for the ACT/SAT test results?

  No, only individual test scores will be accepted.

• Is there are annual income or Standard Aid Index (SAI) that would make a student ineligible for the scholarship?

  It is encouraged that a student with an SAI below $12,000 apply for the scholarship.

• Do you accept weighted GPA?

  The Engebretson Foundation will consider both weighted and unweighted GPA and strength of the course work completed.

• Is the Federal Form 1040 my parent’s form?

  Yes, the Federal Form 1040 is your parent's form.

• What if we don’t have our taxes done in time?

  If you do not have this information by the deadline you may include all of the following to still be considered: a copy of last year’s form and copies of this years W-2 forms.

• Can I hand deliver to the address shown on the application?

  No, all applications must be mailed to the designated post office box.

• May I fax or email a portion of the application or all of it?

  No, all applications must be mailed to the designated post office box.