FAQs

Who can participate in the Scholar Program?

Students who are in eighth grade and will attend one of the high schools that follow:

Round Lake High School
Warren Township High School
Highland Park High School
Maine East High School
St. Martin de Porres High School
North Chicago High School

Students who are in ninth grade and currently attend one of the schools that follow:

Waukegan High School

Rank criteria varies by school
Can answer "yes" to at least two of the questions that follow:
- Are you the first generation in your family to attend a four-year U.S. college?
- Will you need financial assistance in order to attend college?
- Are you from a population that is typically underrepresented on college campuses?
- Do you have a unique family circumstance that might qualify you for consideration?

Can anyone apply?

No. Application is by invitation only.

In addition to academic performance, the SSP considers motivation and character traits, need for guidance, parents’ level of education, extracurricular involvement and financial need.

How does the application process work?

Phase 1 – Applications

Qualified students receive an invitation to attend a Family Information Night during which applications are distributed.

Applications are submitted.

Scholar Program staff reviews applications, transcripts, testing data, the writing samples, and teacher recommendations.

Phase 2 – Interviews

Selected applicants and their parents/guardians are invited to interview.

Within two weeks of the interview all applicants will be notified of their status.

Phase 3 – Induction

The newly selected scholars and their families participate in an induction ceremony.

The scholars and their parents/guardians sign a contract outlining the terms and conditions of the program, a release of information form and a consent form to attend a mandatory 10-day summer leadership program at Camp Manito-wish in Boulder Junction, WI.

How many scholars do you enroll in the Scholar Program every year?

The Scholar Program enrolls between 20-30 scholars per year at each partner high school.

If a qualified student will not be able to attend the summer Leadership Camp can he/she still apply?

No. Participation in the Leadership Camp is mandatory.

Can the scholarship be applied to any college or university?

No. Scholars must attend an institution that meets the approval of the Schuler Scholar Program. Approved institutions are highly ranked, uphold a high level of academic rigor, offer scholars individualized attention through small classroom learning environments, offer substantial financial aid, are highly selective in their acceptance process, and have high retention and graduation rates. A team of counselors provides one-on-one and group coaching to ensure admission into the best colleges and universities possible given each scholar’s academic background, career interests, learning style and cultural and socio-economic fit.

Does the family pay anything?

Families do not pay for any of the enrichment programs offered during high school. The $4,000 scholarship ($1000/yr) is a supplement to the family’s Expected Family Contribution as determined by the federal government.

Is it possible to lose the scholarship?

Yes. Scholars who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement or do not attend mandatory enrichment programs can lose the scholarship.

What is the application deadline? When do applicants interview and get inducted into the Scholar Program?

Deadlines vary by school. Visit our How To Apply Section for more information.