Do you lack access to quality writing programs? If so, don’t miss your chance to apply for a 2015-16 Writers’ Program Scholarship. Up to 10 qualified applicants will be selected to receive three complimentary full-length Writers’ Program courses during a one-year period. But the application deadline is rapidly approaching! All materials must be received in our office no later than 5pm on June 29, 2015 (please note that this is NOT a postmark deadline). To make the process as easy and smooth as possible, we’ve put together this handy list of tips and frequently asked questions.

Application tips:

  • All application materials must be submitted hard copy; electronic materials will not be accepted.
  • If you haven’t already, start your application packet NOW. It can take up to two weeks to receive your FAFSA Student Aid Report, and you need time to solicit letters of recommendation, for your recommenders to write the letters, and for the letters to be mailed to our office.
  • Speaking of the Student Aid Report, make sure that you are submitting the SAR and not the FAFSA summary page which you receive immediately after completing your FAFSA application. These are not the same thing and your scholarship application will not be considered without an SAR.
  • FedEx and UPS are your friend. All mail sent USPS is automatically routed through the UCLA campus mail system, which can slow delivery to our office by a few days. To be safe we recommend using FedEx or UPS and getting a tracking number, or delivering your application packet in person.
  • Ask your recommenders to mail their letters to you, then include them with your application packet. If they mail the letter directly to us, there is always the risk that they will forget or it will not arrive in time.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I didn’t file taxes for 2014. Does this make me ineligible to apply?

A: Not necessarily, but you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the appropriate financial forms to submit given your situation. However, note that everyone MUST submit a FAFSA Student Aid Report with their application.

Financial Aid Office contact info:

Tel: (310) 825-4246
Email: finaid@uclaextension.edu

Q: Is my spouse’s income included in the $2500/month max?

A: No. For households with more than one individual, add 10% for each additional person. For example, the gross monthly max for a two person household would be $2750 ($2500 + $250). For a three-person household it would be $3000, and so on.

Q: Does my letter of recommendation have to come from a former teacher or employer? Can I email them the recommendation form separate from the rest of the application PDF?

A: Your recommendation letter can come from a previous or current employer, teacher, former college professor, mentor, or leader of a volunteer or civic organization with whom you have worked. The application does not allow you to email the recommendation form separate from the rest of the application PDF, so you have the following options:

  • Email your recommender(s) a copy of the application. They will then fill out the recommendation form, print it, sign it, and either mail it to you or directly to us.
  • Your recommender can submit a letter of recommendation on their letterhead, as long as it addresses all the information requested on the application recommendation form.

Q: I am not a US citizen. Can I still apply?

A: Eligible non-citizens with a green card may apply, however you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office to determine your eligibility. International students are not eligible to apply.

We hope this has helped, but if you still have questions, please contact Katy Flaherty at kflaherty@uclaextension.edu or at 310-206-0951.

Good luck!

Katy Flaherty is the Program Representative for Creative Writing (Onsite). Write to her at kflaherty@uclaextension.edu.

Pin It on Pinterest