Please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the accompanying answers below. If you have additional questions, please email scholarships@odk.org.
What if I am not planning to go to graduate or professional school?
O∆K Scholarships are designed primarily as tuition support of graduate or professional education. If you do not intend to go to graduate or professional school, it is recommended that you do NOT apply for a scholarship. Certifications and licensing programs do not qualify as graduate or professional school.
What if I am not currently in school?
If you are not currently enrolled, you can still apply for a scholarship. If initiated as an undergraduate student, applicants may apply for a scholarship up to five years from graduation date. If initiated as a graduate student, applicants may apply for a scholarship up to five years from the date of initiation.
The criteria states that I must be of at least senior class status. What if I am not currently considered a senior because I am enrolled in a dual degree program?
Scholarships are designed to support post-baccalaureate study. If a member is in a dual-degree granting program but is not yet classified as a senior, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. The purpose of senior status criteria is simply to encourage applicants who have almost completed an undergraduate degree with significant leadership accomplishments and a clear path toward graduate or professional school.
The instructions mention written statements. What are the written statements?
Two written statement are limited to 500 words maximum response. The third written statement is limited to 750 words maximum response.
- Please specifically describe the duties of each O∆K office you held, focusing on your level of involvement and accomplishments that advanced the circle. You may also describe the level of involvement in O∆K activities while serving as a member of the circle. If your circle is not active, please explain your level of involvement with current O∆K activities. Graduate students are encouraged to include O∆K involvement as an undergraduate student and any current O∆K involvement in graduate or professional school. (500 word-limit).
- Describe the most significant ways you have been active on campus (outside of O∆K), in the community, and in the world, and if you are in graduate/professional school now, in your professional field. Concentrate on those activities which best describe your leadership roles and accomplishments. Provide some detail about each activity: the time commitment involved, whether the activity is ongoing or one-time, the impact you had, and what you learned from your experience. The Scholarship Committee is interested in both the number of leadership activities as well as the depth of involvement as a leader. (500-word limit)
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Provide a written statement explaining (1.) your future academic interests and career aspirations, (2.) your personal story and past life experiences, and (3.) how you have applied one (or more) of the 5 Pillars of Campus Life (https://odk.org/about-odk/mission/five-pillars/) in addressing your campus leadership activities and how they have prepared you for future service and success as a leader. (750-word limit).
What if I am not a traditional student (example: online or adult student)? Do I need to complete a different application?
No. Non-traditional students should use the standard application and highlight all leadership activities both on campus and in the community. As a member of O∆K, your circle of initiation saw leadership characteristics in you, and we recommend including that information in your application.
I see that there are general scholarships as well as named scholarships. How do I indicate that I want to apply for a general scholarship or a specific scholarship?
The Scholarship Review and Selection Committee reviews applications and selects the best candidate for each scholarship. The application allows you to select which scholarships you would like to apply for. There is only one application for all scholarships; there is no need to complete additional applications for specific scholarships. It is the hope of the committee to make this process as easy and direct as possible for the applicant.
Do I need to have my recommendation form completed by a certain date?
Yes. Each applicant is required to have one reference complete a recommendation form. The recommendation form is considered material that is due on or before April 1. Please be sure that your recommender knows that their deadline for submittal is the same one that you have. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Who should I have complete my recommendation form?
The recommendation form should be completed by a faculty member or academic from your educational program.
When will I know if I have been selected to receive a scholarship?
The O∆K Scholarship Review and Selection Committee will review applications beginning in the middle of April. We anticipate that it will take a month and a half to review and select the recipients. We typically notify all applicants of the status by mid-June.
If I am selected to receive a scholarship, when should I expect payment?
O∆K will provide scholarship award payments directly to the institution where the student is enrolled beginning in July. O∆K requires the following items before payment will be made: scholarship acceptance, professional headshot, short summary biographical statement, proof of enrollment, the name of the institution where the student is (or will be) enrolled and student identification number, thank you note addressed to the O∆K Board of Trustees. If the graduate or professional school is outside of the United States, payment will be made directly to the recipient, and O∆K will require completion of a W9.
If I am not currently enrolled in graduate or professional school, may I defer the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a graduate or professional program may defer the award for up to three years. For example: if awarded a scholarship in June 2024, the recipient may defer through Summer 2026; the scholarship must be used by Fall 2026.
If I am not selected for a scholarship, may I apply again next year?
Yes. If initiated as an undergraduate student, applicants may apply for a scholarship up to five years from graduation date. If initiated as a graduate student, applicants may apply for a scholarship up to five years from the date of initiation.
If I have received a scholarship, may I apply again?
Yes. Previous scholarship recipients can apply for additional scholarship funding. Preference is given to applicants who continue to be active with O∆K.
I was nominated as my circle leader of the year and would like to apply for the National Leader of the Year Award. May I use the same form to apply for both?
No. The Leader of the Year application process is completely different from the scholarship application process. To apply for the National Leader of the Year Award, you must have been nominated by your circle as the circle leader of the year. Please direct any questions to awards@odk.org.
