Q: If I haven’t decided which graduate school to attend or haven’t yet received an admission decision, can I apply for this scholarship?
A: Yes, you are eligible to apply. In the online application, you will be asked to list the institutions or programs that you are considering. If you are selected as a scholar, you will be asked to provide enrollment confirmation in a graduate program.

Q: Which graduate programs are eligible for this scholarship?
A: Any graduate program that is 2 years or longer at a university in the United States

Q: If I will be in a Master’s/PhD program, am I eligible for this scholarship?
A: Yes, if the Master’s degree portion of the program will require at least 2 years.

Q: If I receive another scholarship, can I apply for this program?
A: Yes, you can apply. The program will work with the limits of other awards to give scholars the maximum benefit from all sources of funding. Note that the Samvid Scholars funding applies only to tuition and fees.

Q: What transcripts do I need to provide?
A: Transcripts from all higher education institutions that provided or will provide you with a degree are required. This means your undergraduate transcript and, if applicable, transcripts from graduate schools. Transcripts from summer abroad courses or non-degree programs are not required.

Q: Do I have to submit an official transcript?
A: For the application, you may submit a school-issued unofficial transcript. If you are selected as a scholar, you will be required to submit official transcripts.

Q: What standardized test scores are required?
A: You should submit the standardized test score that is required for admission to your graduate program.

Q: Are there minimum requirements for standardized test scores?
A: No, there are no minimum test score requirements. However, the selection committee will weigh the strength of applicants’ test scores, in combination with other qualifications, when selecting finalists and scholars.

Q: What if my graduate program did not require a standardized test score?
A: If your graduate program waived the standardized test score requirement, then we will also waive the requirement for the scholarship application. In the application fields asking for test score information, indicate that it was not required for your program (or put N/A). For the question that requests an upload of a score report or score report screenshot, simply create a document that says that standardized test scores were not required by your graduate program. Your application cannot be submitted unless these fields have an answer.

Q: Who should be my recommenders?
A: You should choose recommenders who can give a candid and thorough assessment as to how you meet the scholarship’s selection criteria. At least one of the recommendations should be academic; a professor would be ideal, but another recommender who can discuss your academic ability and potential for success in graduate study would be fine.

Q: How many recommendations should I submit?
A: You are required to submit the names and contact details for two people who will provide your recommendations.

Q: What is the deadline to submit recommendations?
A: The recommendation deadline is the same as the application deadline – April 20, 2021. Recommendations will be submitted through the online application system.