Answers to frequently asked questions
When can I apply for the scholarship?
For the 2012-13 academic year, we will begin accepting application materials on April 16, 2012. Applications submitted before this date will be returned to you. The deadline is April 20, 2012 at 5 pm. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Can I mail my application materials?
No, you must hand-deliver your completed application materials to Chemeketa's Salem or Chemeketa Yamhill Valley (on April 13 only). If you are unable to personally deliver your application packet, contact us.
What does the scholarship pay for?
The scholarship pays full tuition for up to two years. Fees, books and other miscellaneous expenses are not covered.
I am interested in earning a technical certificate or degree and not lower division transfer. Am I eligible?
Yes, technical certificate and associate degree programs are eligible.
Who qualifies for this scholarship?
Applicants must -
Be graduating with a regular diploma from a high school within Chemeketa’s district
or
Be residing permanently within our district (if attending a high school outside our district)
or
Be receiving a home-school diploma (while residing permanently within our district)Have earned a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or better (as of first semester/quarter grades of final year in high school).
Earn the required minimum scores on Chemeketa's placement test.
Home-school students must have minimum ACT or SAT test scores
Enroll at Chemeketa in fall term immediately following your high school graduation or diploma completion
Enroll full-time at Chemeketa with a minimum of 12 credits
I am a home-schooled student. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as your permanent residence is within Chemeketa’s district and you earn either an ACT composite score of 27 or SAT Reasoning Test combined score of 1,200 in Critical Reading and Math. Your home-school status must also be registered with the Willamette Education Service District. You should have a WESD Home School Student Confirmation letter.
What if I didn’t receive or cannot locate my WESD Home School Student Confirmation letter?
You can request a “verification” letter from the WESD confirming that you are a registered home-school student. For more information, contact Kathy Bonogofski of the WESD at 503.385.4623.
I am graduating early from high school. Am I eligible?
Yes, seniors graduating a semester early and juniors graduating a year early are all eligible. Your cumulative, unweighted GPA must be 3.5 or better as of your first semester/quarter grades of your final year in high school. If your high school transcript indicates a graduation year other than 2012, provide a letter from your school indicating that you are graduating in 2012.
I am a 5th year high school student in Chemeketa’s Early College program. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as your cumulative, unweighted GPA is 3.5 or better.
I am earning a modified high school diploma. Am I eligible?
No, only students receiving a regular high school (or home school) diploma are eligible.
I don’t attend a high school within Chemeketa’s district, but I live within the district. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you can verify that your permanent residence is within the boundaries of Chemeketa’s district. If you’re unsure, contact your county’s elections office. You also must have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or better (as of your first semester/quarter grades from your final year of high school).
I joined the military immediately after I graduated high school and have just been discharged. Am I eligible?
Yes, newly discharged military personnel are eligible as long as the following criteria are met –
Graduated from a high school within Chemeketa’s district
Graduated with a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or better
Joined the military within three months of graduating from high school
Enroll at Chemeketa within six months of military discharge
I am an international student. Am I eligible?
No, this scholarship award is intended for students from our district only.
What if my high school GPA is 3.49 at the end of the first semester of my senior year?
A minimum 3.5 GPA is required to qualify for the scholarship. No exceptions will be granted and no appeals can be made for decisions regarding ineligibility due to grade point average.
What if I have a 3.499 cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester of my senior year?
The requirement is technically a 3.50 cumulative GPA. Rounding to the nearest 100th decimal point brings the 3.499 to a 3.50. A 3.49 GPA, however, does not meet the minimum requirement.
If my weighted GPA is 3.5 or better, am I eligible for the scholarship?
No, your GPA must be at least 3.5, unweighted.
If I have not achieved the minimum reading and writing placement test scores, am I still eligible?
No, you must earn minimum COMPASS placement test scores of 80 in Reading and 75 in Writing; a minimum math score is not required, although you are required to take the math placement test.
Can I take the placement test more than once?
Yes, if you do not earn the required minimum scores, you can re-take the test for a $15 fee. In some instances, an alternative version of the placement test can be granted.
Can I enroll in summer or do I have to wait to start in fall?
You may start college either term. However, the scholarship benefits are available beginning fall term.
Can I take more than 12 credits per term?
Yes, the scholarship will pay up to a maximum of 18 credits each term, including the summer after your first year.
Can I take classes at any of Chemeketa's campuses and centers?
Yes, Chemeketa offers classes in a variety of locations. You may take your classes at locations convenient for you.
What if I enroll as a full-time student with 12 credits but I drop some classes?
You must earn a total of 36 credits by the end of spring term. If 12 credits are not completed during a term, the remaining credits must be made up before the end of spring term. For example, if you register for 12 credits during winter term, but drop a class and only complete nine credits, you would need to take 15 credits during spring term to make up those three credits in order to have a total of 36 credits by the end of the academic year.
I understand that I must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or better while enrolled at Chemeketa. When are GPAs checked for eligibility?
Grades are checked at the end of spring term to verify that a cumulative 3.25 GPA has been maintained to determine eligibility for the following year.
Do I have to be eligible for federal financial aid in order to qualify for this scholarship?
No, you do not have to qualify for federal financial aid in order to be considered for Chemeketa Scholars.
What is Chemeketa’s district?
Our district includes most of Marion and Polk counties and parts of Yamhill and Linn counties. If your permanent residence is located within the boundaries of Chemeketa’s district, you are eligible for the scholarship. If you’re not sure, you can contact your county’s elections office to verify.
Which high schools are in Chemeketa’s district?
If you are graduating from one of these schools, you are eligible for Chemeketa Scholars.
Amity |
Livingstone Adventist |
Sheridan |
More Information
If you would like more information about Chemeketa Scholars, contact us at 503.399.5129 or by E-mail.