FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Navigating scholarships can feel overwhelming, so this section is designed to answer the most common questions students and families have. From understanding basic requirements to figuring out when to apply, these FAQs will help you feel more confident and prepared as you plan for life after high school. If you ever need extra guidance, reach out! Your school counselor is always here to help.

Can I make scholarship central an app?

What is the FAFSA?

Purpose: The FAFSA is a form that students complete to provide financial information to the U.S. Department of Education. This information is used to determine how much federal financial aid a student is eligible to receive. 

Access to Aid: Completing and submitting the FAFSA opens the door to a wide range of financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. 

More than just Federal Aid: While primarily used for federal aid, the FAFSA information is also used by many states and colleges to determine eligibility for their own aid programs. 

Annual Application: The FAFSA must be completed each year a student is seeking financial aid. 

What is a CFWV Account?

Purpose: CFWV/WVSAM accounts allow students to apply for various state-funded scholarships and grants, including the Promise Scholarship and WV Invests Grant. 

Functionality: The account allows students to, submit applications for state financial aid, check the status of their applications, upload necessary documents, view award information, ask questions and receive support.

Who needs one? Current high school seniors, current college students, and others seeking state financial aid for college should create a WVSAM account. 

How to create one: You can create a WVSAM account through the College for West Virginia website. 

Key programs:

• The WVSAM account is used to apply for programs like:

  • HEAPS Workforce Scholarship 

  • WV Invests Grant 

  • WV Nursing Scholarship 

  • WV STEM Scholarship 

  • Underwood-Smith Teacher Loan Forgiveness 

What are the requirements for the Promise Scholarship?

Academic Requirements:

• 3.0 GPA: Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. 

• Core Course Requirements: Students need to have completed specific core courses as defined by West Virginia. 

• Minimum Test Scores:

  • ACT: A minimum composite score of 21, with minimum subsection scores of 19 in each section (English, Mathematics, Science, and Reading). 

  • SAT: A minimum overall score of 1080, with a minimum of 510 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 510 in Math. 

Other Requirements:

• West Virginia Residency: Students must be West Virginia residents. 

• WV PROMISE Application: Students must complete the WV PROMISE Scholarship application. 

• FAFSA: Students must file the FAFSA by the deadline (typically March 1st). 

• Full-time Enrollment: Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in West Virginia. 

What is the difference between merit and need based scholarships?

Merit-Based Scholarships:

• These awards are given based on a student’s achievements. This can include academics, leadership, athletics, community service, arts, or other accomplishments. GPA and test scores often matter, but not always.

Need-Based Scholarships:

• These awards are based primarily on financial need. Students typically qualify by completing the FAFSA, and GPA requirements are usually flexible or minimal.

Key Difference:

• Merit-based rewards what you do, while need-based supports your financial situation. Many students qualify for both.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

Ideal Timeline:

• Students should begin looking for scholarships as early as junior year. Many major scholarships open in the fall of senior year, but some opportunities start earlier. A bulk majority will also open in January and March for seniors!

Why Start Early:

• Starting early gives you time to gather materials, write strong essays, and avoid missing deadlines.

Bottom Line:

• The sooner you begin, the more opportunities you’ll have — and the more money you can earn.

Should I still apply to scholarships even if I don't have the best GPA?

Short Answer: Yes, absolutely. Many scholarships look far beyond GPA.

Why You Should Still Apply:

• Many scholarships evaluate students based on more than academics. Qualities like leadership, community service, resilience, work ethic, and unique experiences often carry just as much weight.

Variety of Scholarship Types:

• Interest-Based Scholarships: Awards tied to majors, hobbies, or future career plans often do not require a high GPA.

• Activity-Based Scholarships: Programs for athletes, musicians, artists, volunteers, or club participants focus on involvement, not grades.

• Need-Based Scholarships: These awards prioritize financial need over GPA.

• Local Scholarships: Community foundations, local businesses, and school-specific scholarships often have flexible or no GPA requirements.

Other Important Factors:

• Essays: A strong personal story, clear goals, and authenticity can outweigh academic concerns.

• Letters of Recommendation: Teachers, counselors, and coaches can advocate for your strengths beyond the classroom.

• Persistence Pays Off: The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances, even with a lower GPA.

Bottom Line:

• Yes, still apply. There are scholarships out there for every type of student. The key is finding the ones that match your strengths, telling your story well, and applying consistently.

Do small scholarships really matter much?

Absolutely, and they add up quickly!

• Small scholarships (like $250–$1,000) often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of winning.

How They Help:

• They can cover books, housing deposits, meal plans, or fees.

• Stacking several small awards can add up to thousands of dollars.

• They strengthen your resume and help build momentum for larger scholarships.

Bottom Line:

• Never overlook small scholarships. Every dollar reduces your college costs.

Do scholarships affect my financial aid package?

Sometimes, depending on the college and award type.

• Scholarships are considered “outside aid,” and colleges are required to include them when calculating your financial aid package.

Possible Outcomes:

• Best Case: Your scholarship reduces your loan amounts, saving you money.

• Sometimes: A scholarship may adjust the amount of grants or work-study you receive.

• Always: Your total financial aid cannot exceed the school’s cost of attendance.

What Students Should Do:

• Contact your college’s financial aid office to ask how they handle outside scholarships because each school’s policy is different.

Can I reuse the same essay for multiple scholarships?

Yes, with small adjustments.

• Most scholarships ask similar questions about your goals, challenges, leadership, or community involvement. You can create one strong base essay and customize it for each application.

How to Adapt Your Essay:

• Change any specific names (college, scholarship fund, organization).

• Match your story to the prompt’s theme.

• Update examples to fit what that scholarship values.

Bottom Line:

• Reusing is encouraged, just make sure each version feels personalized.

What is the difference between grants, scholarships, and loans?

Scholarships:

• Free money that does not need to be repaid. Awarded for academics, need, interests, activities, or personal background.

Grants:

• Also free money. Usually based on financial need and awarded through FAFSA or your college.

Loans:

• Money you borrow and repay with interest. Federal loans typically have lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Key Takeaway:

• Scholarships + grants = free aid. Loans = borrowed aid.

Do I have to report outside scholarships to my college?

Yes.

• Colleges require students to report any private, local, or outside scholarships they receive.

Why This Matters:

• It helps the school calculate your full financial aid package.

• It prevents over-awarding beyond the cost of attendance.

• It ensures your financial aid is accurate and compliant.

How to Report:

• Submit the scholarship notification to your college’s financial aid office, usually through an online form or email.

Can I lose my scholarship after I've earned it?

Yes.

• If you do not meet the renewal requirements.

Common Renewal Requirements:

• Maintaining a specific GPA (varies by scholarship).

• Completing enough credit hours each semester.

• Staying enrolled full-time.

• Filing the FAFSA each year (for need-based awards).

Tip:

• Keep track of each scholarship’s renewal criteria so you don’t accidentally lose funding.

What is the WV Higher Education Grant?

Need-Based Award:

• The WV Higher Education Grant is for West Virginia students who show financial need.

Eligibility Requirements Include:

• Filing the FAFSA by April 15.

• Demonstrating financial need based on FAFSA calculations.

• Being a West Virginia resident.

• Attending an approved WV college or university full-time.

Award Amount:

• Varies each year but can significantly reduce students’ tuition and fees.

Do my parents need to help with scholarship applications?

Not usually

• But sometimes!

Student Responsibility:

• Most parts of scholarship applications (essays, resumes, activities, short answers, forms) can be completed independently.

Parent Involvement May Be Needed For:

• Creating the FAFSA ID and completing the FAFSA.

• Providing financial information if the scholarship asks for it.

• Supplying signatures or documents for certain applications.

Overall:

• Students can complete the majority of scholarship applications on their own.

What if I don't have any extracurriculars?

You probably have more experiences than you realize. 

• Many students think “extracurriculars” only mean clubs or sports, but scholarships value all responsibilities.

Examples That Count:

• Part-time jobs

• Babysitting or caring for siblings

• Helping with family responsibilities

• Volunteering (formal or informal)

• Church or community involvement

• Creative hobbies (art, writing, music)

• Personal projects or passions

Key Message:

• Scholarship committees want to know how you spend your time and what matters to you, not just how many clubs you’re in.