As an LGBTQ+ junior starting the college search, I've heard about the Point Foundation's scholarships. Can anyone share insight or experiences with the application process or the requirements? Is it super competitive?
The Point Foundation is a well-known philanthropic organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ students through scholarship awards and mentoring. The process is competitive, but potentailly worth the effort.
Firstly, your eligibility: the scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ students who are about to start an undergraduate or graduate degree in an accredited college or university. They target applicants who have a record of leadership and community engagement, and who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
The application process is quite extensive. It opens annually around November and closes in late January. The process begins with a preliminary round of basic information questions and a short response about your hopes and plans for fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
If you pass this round, you'll move to Phase 2 in late February, where you'll submit essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, financial information, a resume, and potentially other supporting materials.
In April, semi-finalists are notified and have about a month to complete Phase 3. This phase includes video interviews and additional short essay questions.
Finalists are invited to the Point Selections Program for face-to-face interviews in early June. Scholars are finally announced in late June, so be prepared for this to be a months-long process if you get to the final stages.
As far as competition goes, the organization itself admits that the process is rigorous and highly competitive. Remember, though, you don't need to limit yourself to a single scholarship. There are multiple other LGBTQ+ friendly scholarships out there.
Good luck with your applications! The process may be challenging, but the opportunities provided through the Point Foundation are significant and go beyond financial support, including mentoring, internships, and networking opportunities with the LGBTQ+ community.
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