FAQ: The Application Process
- How do I apply for a Park Scholarship?
- Who can be considered for a Park Scholarship?
- Can I be considered for a Park Scholarship even if I am not endorsed by my high school?
- What is the deadline for submitting Park Scholarships application materials?
- Are there minimum academic scores, averages or ranks that students must have in order to apply?
- What are the latest test dates for the ACT Plus Writing or SAT for which I should register?
- Is there a citizenship requirement for candidates for the Park Scholarship?
- What do I need to submit as part of the application?
- May I mail my application materials?
- What tips do you have for writing essays?
- Who should write letters of recommendation for a candidate?
- Can recommenders submit paper copies of their recommendation forms and letters?
- What kinds of extracurricular activities increase the chances of selection?
- What are general tips on preparing an application?
- If I no longer wish to be considered for the Park Scholarships what must I do?
How do I apply for a Park Scholarship?
You must either be endorsed by your high school or you must self-endorse in order to access the Park Scholarships information on the NC State Undergraduate Admissions application. You apply to NC State using the online WolfPAW system.
Who can be considered for a Park Scholarship?
To be eligible for a Park Scholarship, candidates must be United States citizens (permanent residents are ineligible) and be applying for fall, freshman admission into a baccalaureate program at NC State.
Can I be considered for a Park Scholarship even if I am not endorsed by my high school?
Yes. If you meet the selection criteria but do not attend a high school on the endorsing list, you may self-endorse. Outstanding home-schooled students may also self-endorse. Finally, if you attend an endorsing high school and are not endorsed, but believe you are at least as competitive a candidate as those endorsed by your school, you may also self-endorse.
What is the deadline for submitting Park Scholarships application materials?
November 1. Late materials are almost never accepted, and then only at the discretion of the program director.
Are there minimum academic scores, averages or ranks that students must have in order to apply?
No, there are no minimum SAT, ACT or grade point averages to apply for the Park Scholarship. However, most successful candidates have an A average and score higher than the average 1190 SAT score of incoming NC State first-year students.
What are the latest test dates for the ACT Plus Writing or SAT for which I should register?
You must take the SAT by October or the ACT Plus Writing by September in order for the scores to arrive by the November 1 Park Scholarships deadline. Scores must be reported by the College Board to NC State (code 5496).
Is there a citizenship requirement for the Park Scholarship?
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen when you apply.
What do I need to submit as part of the application?
The application is online and is part of the NC State Undergraduate Admissions application; there is a special section for Park Scholarship candidates. Park Scholarships candidates must provide two essays, names of two recommenders, one official transcript, and information about AP or IB courses.
May I mail my application materials?
One official copy of your transcript must be mailed to the Park Scholarships office. All of the other required materials must be submitted online through the WolfPAW system.
What tips do you have for writing essays?
Essays should delve beneath the surface and reveal insights about candidates. Essays that go beyond merely describing an experience, person, or project help a selection committee reviewer learn more about a candidate.
Who should write letters of recommendation for a candidate?
The best recommendation letters are from people who know you well and can give specific examples of how you meet the selection criteria. We strongly suggest that at least one of the recommenders be a teacher, counselor, or high school principal.
Can recommenders submit paper copies of their recommendation forms and letters?
No. Recommenders must use the link in the email they receive from park_scholars@ncsu.edu to submit their recommendation. See the For Recommenders page for details.
What kinds of extracurricular activities increase the chances of selection?
There is no specific activity that makes a difference. What is important is that a student is involved deeply in a few meaningful activities in their school or community. Too many activities may suggest a student is over-extended or not very involved in any activity.
What are general tips on preparing an application?
Applications provide the initial contact between selection committee reviewers and Park Scholars candidates. Thus, applications should be well prepared, free of grammatical errors, and should show depth of thought. The best applications also included letters of reference that address different strengths of the candidate that are related to the selection criteria.
If I no longer wish to be considered for the Park Scholarships what must I do?
You will not be able to submit your NC State undergraduate admissions application unless you 'Opt out' of completing the Park Scholarships information. You will find this option under the Park Scholarships section on WolfPAW.