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Scholarship FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

All Initiated Brothers that are in good standing with the Fraternity are eligible to apply.

Can International students apply?

Yes, as long as you are an Initiated Brother in good standing and will be enrolled in an academic program next year, then you are eligible to apply for an Educational Trust Scholarship.

Are there scholarships available for graduate students as well?

Yes, there are scholarships available for both undergraduate AND graduate students! View our list of scholarships.

How much will I receive in a scholarship award from the Educational Trust?

Most scholarships range between $1,000 to $2,700 and are for one academic year.

Can I apply for a scholarship every year?

Absolutely! Just know that there is a lifetime award maximum of $10,000 in scholarships from the Educational Trust. This does not include money that is awarded directly from a Chapter Excellence Fund. 

When is the deadline to apply?

All applications must be completed and submitted by April 16, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern). Please note that this does include the letter of recommendation and there are no exceptions to this deadline.

Do I need to submit more than one application?

No! We have streamlined the process; therefore, you only need to submit one application. You will automatically be considered for all scholarships that you are eligible for.

Do I have to finish the application in one sitting?

No! The Smarter Select program allows you to work on a section at a time, save, close out, and then log back in when it is convenient for you. So, know that you may save and log in to work on your application as many times as needed to complete it. If you applied for a scholarship last year, your account may still be active and you can log back in.

What can I submit to verify my GPA?

You will need to submit a copy of your academic transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable). Screenshots of courses or grades will not be accepted. Also, it is important to note that you must submit your SPRING 2022 transcript.

Who reviews applications?

The Scholarship Review Committee is currently composed of twenty Alumni from Chapters across the country who have graduated between 1980-2019.

Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?

You want to ask someone who can speak to your character, accomplishments, and academic/professional goals. You’ll want to consider asking a professor, academic advisor, a Chi Phi Alumnus, a supervisor from work/internship, etc.

How do I send the letter of recommendation request to my reference?

You can send a request through the Smarter Select application. Once you fill in your reference’s name and contact information, you can send them the request. He/she will then be able to upload the letter directly to your application. However, if there are any technical difficulties, feel free to reach out to scholarships@chiphi.org.

How long should the cover letter be and what should it include?

The cover letter should be no longer than two pages; however, ideally it should be about one page in length. Again, the goal here is to provide some insight into your character, aspirations, goals, accomplishments, etc. Help the reviewers to really gain insight on who you are and how a scholarship will help you to achieve your goals.

I don’t know whether or not I’ll be enrolled in classes in the fall—should I still apply for a scholarship?

Yes! We encourage all Brothers to submit a scholarship application. We completely understand that circumstances might change. Once scholarship decisions have been made, we will reach out to recipients. If your status as a student has changed since you applied, then the scholarship will need to be declined. You are welcome (and encouraged!) to apply again next spring.

If I will be in a Co-Op or an Internship next semester, can I still apply for a scholarship?

As long as you are enrolled and receiving credit for courses in the next academic year, then you are eligible to receive a scholarship. If you are chosen to be a recipient, you will be asked to provide a Proof of Enrollment form from your institution prior to receiving your scholarship check.