Common Questions
I know that I want to go to college, but I’m not sure where I’m going or what I’m going to study. Can I still apply?
Yes. Even without a clear educational plan in mind, students interested in college should apply. You should be able to express how you have prepared for college, and which career options interest you. Students already in college are expected to have a more clearly defined plan.
Do the ETF scholarships renew automatically each year?
No. Students must apply each year.
What are the important dates?
The scholarship application becomes available in January. It is due in its entirety by March 1. In late April or early May, the Selection Committee will notify all applicants of its decision. In late May ETF will host Awards Night, where recipients are presented with their scholarship and instructions for retrieval.
Is every field required in the application?
Not every question requires an answer. However, certain scholarships have eligibility requirements. It is in your best interest to fill out the application completely, honestly, and to the best of your ability. Keep in mind that you will not be able to save your application and return to it; some preparation is necessary before you begin.
How will ETF contact me?
ETF will communicate with students using their email address, phone number, or mailing address provided in the application.
- Students should expect one confirmation email after submitting their application.
- Most Graduating High School Seniors‘ transcripts are sent electronically by Junction City High School; students should expect a confirmation email when the high school registrar responds with their transcript. The student will be contacted by email if there is an issue.
- Continuing Education students will receive an email upon receipt of their transcript(s).
- Students will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision by email.
What happens if the application is incomplete by the deadline?
Incomplete applications are disqualified. All components must be received electronically by March 1. A complete Graduating High School Seniors application includes the online application submitted through ETF’s website and your current high school transcript. A complete Continuing Education application includes the online application submitted through ETF’s website and your current college transcript.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure application completeness. We are here to help! Students are encouraged to email scholarship@jcetf.org if they need assistance prior to the deadline.
Can I amend my application after it is submitted?
No, all applications are final once submitted. However, students are encouraged to email scholarship@jcetf.org prior to the deadline if they need assistance with any part of the application process.
Graduating High School Senior Application Contents
Part I: About the Applicant
- Student’s basic contact information
- Parent/guardian’s basic contact information
- Parent/guardian’s graduation year, if they are a JCHS alum
Part II: Academic Achievements
- GPA, class rank, SAT, ACT test scores
- Desired institution or program
- Proposed field of study
- You may opt to elaborate on any bumps or gaps in your academic journey (ex: poor grade, hard term, etc.)
Part III: Personal Essay
- What led you to pursue your intended field of study? And, what have you done to prepare yourself for that field of study? (2000 character limit)
Part IV: Activities and Experiences
- Describe your activities (500 character limit)
- Describe any hobbies or personal interests (500 character limit)
- Describe any paid employment (500 character limit)
- Describe service for your family or community (500 character limit)
Part V: High School Transcript
ETF requires an unofficial high school transcript; it is only accepted electronically. If the student attends Junction City High School, there is a space in the application to request a transcript from the JCHS registrar. If the student attends a different high school or has GED coursework, there is an option for entering an alternative email address; instructions will be sent electronically.
It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the transcript is included as part of the application. The transcript is due by March 1.
Continuing Education Application Contents
Part I: About the Applicant
- Student’s basic contact information
- Type of Continuing Education Student
- Returning Student: Institution, Field of Study
- First Time Student: Preferred Institution, Preferred Field of Study
Part II: Academic Achievements
- GPA, Credits Earned
- Field of Study
- List any degrees, internships, or programs related to your field of study
- You may opt to elaborate on any bumps or gaps in your academic journey (ex: poor grade, hard term, etc.)
Part III: Personal Essay
- What led you to pursue your intended field of study? And, what have you done to prepare yourself for that field of study? (2000 character limit)
Part IV: Activities and Experiences
- Describe your activities (500 character limit)
- Describe any hobbies or personal interests (500 character limit)
- Describe any paid employment (500 character limit)
- Describe service for your family or community (500 character limit)
Part V: Transcript
ETF requires an unofficial transcript(s) for this application; the transcript is only accepted electronically.
- Choose what kind of transcript(s) should be considered
- List the institution(s)
Upon completing the application, instructions for submitting the transcript(s) will be sent electronically. You must reply to the email before March 1. Instructions:
- If you have more than one, combine the transcripts into one PDF file.
- Name the PDF file YourLastName_YourInstitution.PDF.
- Reply to the email and attach your transcript.
Scoring and Selection
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and application content to the extent that funds are available. Neatness, grammar, and spelling are considered. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Points are awarded as follows:
- Academic Achievements, 1-35 points
- Personal Essay, 1-35 points
- Activities and Experiences, 1-30 points
All scholarship applications are screened and reviewed by a panel of community volunteers. Please read our Conflict of Interest statement for more information.