FAQs
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Q: Who can apply for the award?
Any senior in the San Francisco Unified School District who has plans to attend any educational program after they graduate is eligible to apply.
Q: What type of students do you choose for the Award?
Although any SFUSD graduating senior may apply, the award is primarily designed to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged students. Applicants are evaluated in many areas including attendance record, recommendations, and grade point average, but their financial need is given the most weight. All recipients who have clearly demonstrated that they are committed to pursuing their education.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA (grade point average) requirement?
This award targets students with a 2.0 to 3.5 GPA. We give priority to students who may have more trouble receiving scholarships based on academic performance. We value a student’s commitment to their education more than their GPA.
Q: Can I apply if I do not have a Social Security Number?
Yes! You do NOT need a Social Security Number to apply. Later we will ask you for your student ID for our records.
Q: Should I bother applying if I have no financial need?
Yes, students are evaluated in many areas including attendance record, personal recommendations, grade point average, personal essays, as well as financial need. Your personal essay garners almost as much points as your financial need. Students with a strong essay and financial need are likely to place higher.
Q: Can I receive the scholarship if I’m attending a vocational or training program like a culinary, cosmetology, or technical training program and NOT a university or college?
Yes! We want to help you pursue the education program that inspires you. All forms of education beyond high school are applicable.
Q: Other scholarships denied me because my grades were not high enough, is the Maisin Award the same?
No, we are unlike other academic scholarships. If you are dedicated to continuing your education and have at least a 2.0 GPA, we want to support you.
Applying
Q: I have questions about filling out my Application Form. Is there anyone who can help me?
If possible, ask a counselor, teacher or parent for assistance. Otherwise, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Please email us at info@maisinscholars.org.
Q: How should I submit my application?
You can submit your completed application packet in two ways: postal mail or delivery. If you mail it, it must be postmarked no later than the first Friday of March annually. If you decide to drop it off at our office, please call to make sure someone is in the office. We do not accept applications sent via fax or e-mail.
Q: How many students apply for the Maisin Scholar Award?
Each year, we receive roughly 300 applications. Out of those, we select 75 winners. That means you have an excellent chance of receiving the award if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Q: Do I have to submit financial documents like tax returns?
No. Although you need to answer questions about your financial status, you do not need to submit any financial documents.
Q: Can I turn in my application form with out all of the required attachments or send some at a later date?
No. We will not process any incomplete applications. You must send all requirements together to be considered.
My Scholarship
Q: Can I only use my scholarship for tuition?
The $1,500 award is applied towards tuition. If your tuition is covered, or the scholarship exceeds tuition, money may be used for school-related expenses such as books.
Q: When do I receive my scholarship?
If you have submitted all of your necessary forms, we distribute checks in early August to your school. You will instruct us as to which office or department we should send the check, but we usually mail them to the Financial Aid office.
Q: Is the check sent directly to me?
No. The award is mailed directly to your school or educational institution.
Q: How is the money distributed?
We instruct your school to split the award over the semester or quarters of the school year. For example, if you are attending a school on the semester system (such as San Francisco State or City College), half of your scholarship will be applied towards your Fall tuition and the other half will be applied in the Spring. If you attend a quarter system, we split your scholarship equally between all quarters you are enrolled.
Q: Do I still receive my award if I’m only going to school part-time?
We will award you a partial scholarship based on your enrollment status.
Q: Will I still receive my scholarship if I change schools?
Your award follows you wherever you go. However, you must alert us of any changes immediately; otherwise your check will be sent to the wrong school. We are not responsible for sending the award to an incorrect school if you have not informed us otherwise.
Q: Is the Maisin Award a one year or multi-year scholarship?
This is a multi-year scholarship of up to 4 years but you must renew each subsequent year to qualify.
