Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I prepare for the application process?
Answer: Competition for Flinn Scholarships is rigorous--approximately 400 applications are received annually for approximately 20 scholarships. Reviewers evaluate applicants based on intellectual curiosity, personal characteristics, commitment, and demonstrated leadership potential. It is recommended that you pursue challenging college preparatory courses in high school.
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Do you count all the words in the essays (the, a, and, etc.)?
Answer: No. A word limit is put in the essay guidelines to encourage concise thinking and expression and to ensure reviewers are evaluating essays of equivalent length. Please Adhere to the spirit of the request and do not exceed the limit.
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How do I calculate 'total hours invested' for my school and community activities?
Answer: When we ask for the total hours you have invested in your activities, we are looking for the total time you have spent over multiple years, if applicable. We recognize that the scope of your involvement may have changed over the years as you have taken on new responsibilities or focused your attention elsewhere. To help you reflect these changing roles, we allow you the flexibility to calculate the total hours you have spent on a particular activity over time.
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Can I submit more than two letters of recommendation from teachers?
Answer: The reviewers will accept only two letters from teachers and one (required) from your counseler. You are encouraged to request one letter of recommendation from a teacher from English or a humanities or social science field and another from a teacher in either math or science.
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Do my letters of recommendation have to be from high school teachers?
Answer: The reviewers want independent confirmation of your intellectual potential and performance. Thus, your letters must come from either a high school teacher, college, or university instructor with whom you have worked or studied. A letter from a family member, community leader, or minister is not a substitute.
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What if I have been home schooled and wish to apply for the Flinn Scholarship?
Answer: Students who have been home schooled may apply for the Flinn Scholarship if they meet the criteria for citizenship and Arizona residency and if their SAT or ACT scores meet the minimum qualifications. Home schooled students must provide information about their curriculum and home schooling approach in the application's "additional information" section. The counselor recommendation and transcript are typically provided by the parent who took primary responsibility for the student's education. The other two letters of recommendation must be from persons who taught the student in an academic course at an accredited institution. This could be a high school, community college, or university. It is essential that we receive this independent assessment of the student's academic and social performance in a group context.
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How do teachers and guidance counselors submit recommendations online?
Answer: During the online application process, you will be asked to provide email addresses for your references. Embark will then forward notification to them, including instructions on how to submit recommendations online. Please notify your teachers and guidance counselor to expect email correspondence from Embark.
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How do I have my test scores forwarded to the Scholars Program?
Answer: Fill in code 2175 on the standardized test score sheet. We will also accept test scores that appear on your official high school transcript.
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Should I take both the SAT I and the ACT?
Answer: Only one standardized test is required. You have the option of including both scores if you feel that it will enhance your competitive advantage.
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What about the SAT II and the AP Achievement tests?
Answer: We encourage you to take both and include your test scores on your application. Your performance on these exams provides a basis for comparison to other applicants, especially to those from high schools that do not offer a wide array of college-level courses.
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Why do you need to know the specific out-of-state schools that I have applied to?
Answer: This information has no direct bearing on the review process. However, it does help the reviewers to understand your academic and career aspirations.
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What if I am applying early to an out-of-state college or university?
Answer: There are several ways to apply early to colleges and universities, and we approach them differently. Students applying "early decision" to an out-of-state college or university are discouraged from applying for the Flinn Scholarship. If you are an early decision applicant, you are making a commitment to attend that institution if you are accepted. For that reason, you would not be able to accept the Flinn Scholarship if offered, because you would not be able to attend an Arizona institution. You could be taking an opportunity away from a student who is serious about staying in Arizona.
Students who are applying via "early action" to a non-Arizona institution, in contrast, are not making a commitment to attend that institution if accepted. They are merely indicating their strong interest and asking for an early response from the college or university. They still have the freedom to attend an Arizona institution if offered the Flinn Scholarship, so they are welcome to apply for the Flinn. However, if you receive an early acceptance to an out-of-state college or university and you are sure that you will enroll there, we ask that you notify us and withdraw from the Flinn selection process as soon as possible.
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What if I am applying early to an Arizona university?
Answer: Applying early to Arizona institutions is encouraged, because it may increase your chances of earning university-based scholarships. There may be specific deadlines you must meet for early consideration of your application. Contact the admissions offices at the universities to learn more about their individual policies.
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Does it matter what I list as my potential major or career interests?
Answer: Reviewers are interested in the goals, interests, and aspirations of applicants. No one particular field is valued over another, and "undecided" is an acceptable answer. There is no "right" major or career.
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Are Advanced Placement or community college courses important?
Answer: Yes. If available, they show evidence of pursuing a challenging academic program. It also helps us to know if community college course credit was granted, and if the AP test for that subject was taken. Transcripts reflecting college work and AP test scores must be included as part of the final application and received on or before the application deadline. For this year's deadline, see Apply Here or Key Dates.
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What if I don't have access to the Internet to submit my application online? Can I mail or fax my application back to the Foundation?
Answer: Guidance counselors have been informed of the new online capability and may be able to assist you in locating appropriate Internet facilities for completing the application. Students who do not have Internet access from home should check with their high school, teachers, community centers, public libraries, etc., for alternative Internet access.
If there is a special circumstance prohibiting you from accessing Internet facilities, please contact the Flinn Foundation Scholarship Program LLC to explain the circumstances and discuss alternative arrangements.
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What feedback on my application or interview can I expect?
Answer: The Flinn Scholars Program does not provide information on an individuals' performance for applicants, their families, or their teachers/counselors during or after our selection process. All materials submitted by the applicant, and all material generated during the review process (i.e., readers' and interviewers' notes) remain confidential, as do the students' teacher and counselor recommendations.
Throughout the year, we do confer with counselors to suggest how students can maximize their educational opportunities during their high school careers and so become viable candidates for a wide range of competitive programs and awards. We conduct information sessions throughout the state to which educators, students, and families alike are invited. And we offer in-service conferences for teachers and counselors to help them better support their students through our process.
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