Is financial need taken into consideration for the Teacher Scholars Academy?
Selection for the Teacher Scholars Academy is based on merit, not need. Financial need does not affect your admission to the program.
Do I have to complete a FAFSA to apply to the Teacher Scholars Academy?
No, you do not. Completing a FAFSA may flag you as eligible for additional scholarship money available only to students with financial need, so completing a FAFSA may be helpful. However, admission to the Scholars Academy is based on merit. Your financial status does not affect your admission to the program.
How do I apply?
Is there a minimum GPA or ACT score to apply?
No, any incoming teacher education freshman is eligible to apply. While GPAs and ACT (or SAT) scores are considered in the application process, the committee looks at many factors when deciding finalists. Complete eligibility guidelines may be found Read the complete eligibility guidelines.
When will I know about my application status?
All applicants will be notified if they are finalists for Interview Day. Out of the applicants invited to Interview Day, the top 28 candidates are extended invitations to join the Teacher Scholars Academy in June.
Can admission to the Teacher Scholars Academy be deferred?
No. However, if you decide to take a gap year (to travel or work) and will come to UNO the following fall as a freshman, you are invited to reapply to the program. The Teacher Scholars Academy does not accept transfer students.
I just graduated from high school but have enough dual enrollment credits to be considered a sophomore. May I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. However, Teacher Scholars must plan to be graduating in no less than three years. If you plan to graduate in fewer than three years, then the Teacher Scholars Academy may not be a good fit for you. We strongly encourage you to plan on graduating in four years to make the most of every opportunity.
What is Interview Day like?
Following a brief social time for candidates and their parents/guardians, all candidates participate in an interview with a faculty member, write a response to a prompt, and complete a group activity. A concurrent informational, Q & A session will be held for parents/guardians.
May I schedule a different interview time if I have a conflict on Interview Day?
Most likely, no. Occasionally, we do allow make-up interviews if a candidate has a very compelling reason and contacts us before the Interview Day. The opportunity to make up an interview is at the discretion of the Teacher Scholars Academy director and is likely to be denied.
Do you have an alternate list?
Yes. If candidates decline an offer to join the Teacher Scholars Academy, we extend the offer to candidates on the alternate list.
I will be a student-athlete at UNO. Can I apply to the Teacher Scholars Academy?
Yes, student-athletes may be in the Teacher Scholars Academy.
Can the Teacher Scholars Academy scholarship be stacked with other scholarships?
Yes. In fact, most Scholars earn additional scholarships. The annual scholarship is just the minimum a Scholar will receive.