Frequently Asked Questions

What types of scholarships are available to new students?

The University Academic Service Scholarship is the most prominent university scholarship and is based upon ACT (SAT) scores and high school GPA.  Other university scholarships include music performance, debate, speech, alumni, diversity and some departmental scholarships.  Most departmental scholarships are donor-funded and have specific individual criteria.  These may include demonstration of financial need, county specific criteria, and major specific criteria.  All available scholarships offered by Tennessee Tech are accessible at www.tntech.edu/scholarships by searching ScholarWeb.

What is the deadline for applying for scholarships?

December 15th prior to the fall term in which you will attend.  (Example: December 15, 2007, for students enrolling Fall 2008).

What is the deadline for applying for scholarships if I plan for a spring or summer enrollment?

You would still need to apply by December 15th prior to the fall term. 

When will the on-line scholarship application be available?

The on-line scholarship application for current students only if you are applying for the 2008-09 application period will be available August 15-December 15 each year.  The hours of availability run from 8 am to 12 midnight Monday - Friday, and 12 Noon thru Midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Can I apply for admission and scholarships at the same time?

Yes, the scholarship application will be included on the online admission application beginning September 17, 2007.  If you completed a paper copy of the admission application, you will need to complete a paper scholarship application at www.tntech.edu/scholarship/forms.html.

Do I need to apply for each scholarship individually?

No, just completing one scholarship application per academic year is all that is needed.  As a freshman, your application information will be accessible to the Office of Admissions, your major department as long as you declare a major, and any units awarding scholarships based on extracurricular activities in which you may have participated.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Checklists for individual department requirements can be printed from the scholarship website.
1).  Search ScholarWeb for available scholarships
2). See the updated summary for 2008-09 application procedures at www.tntech.edu/scholarships/0809process.html

Which application do I need to complete -- New Student or Currently Enrolled Student? 

Because the application process varies slightly depending upon your status and with a new computer conversion taking place on our campus during 2007-08, please refer to the Application Procedures on the scholarship website.

Do I have to submit a goals statement and/or department form?

If you are a "new student," you must complete a department questionnaire if you major in Agriculture(pdf), Chemistry/Health Sciences(pdf), Computer Science(pdf), Engineering (pdf), History(pdf), Human Ecology(pdf), Music (pdf) or Physics(pdf) and Special Education (pdf).  The goals statement/essay will be included on the questionnaire.

For "currently enrolled students," all majors except Agriculture(pdf), Chemistry/Health Sciences(pdf), Computer Science(pdf), Earth Sciences (pdf), History(pdf), Human Ecology(pdf), Music (pdf) and Physics (pdf) and Special Education (pdf) must complete the general goals statement.  Those majoring in one of the areas listed above must complete the essay/goals statement  found on that department's questionnaire.  Additional departments may require submission of the departmental form.  Please check the application checklist of your major to determine requirements for your major.

Application Checklists, by major, are available at www.tntech.edu/scholarships for your convenience.

What types of information do departments consider when awarding scholarships?

Most departments strongly consider high school GPA, especially in the subject of your major.  They may also consider extracurricular activities, honor/recognitions, demonstrated financial need, and experience related to your field of interest.

Which ACT (SAT) test dates will be accepted?

ACT (SAT) tests taken through December will be accepted.  Tests taken after December will not be considered in scholarship selection.  However, you may continue to take the ACT (SAT) for other university purposes if necessary.  If you retake the ACT (SAT) after December 15 and increase your score, this will not change your scholarship qualification.  Make sure to list Tennessee Tech as a recipient school for your test score so we will receive them more quickly.

How important is the high school transcript in scholarship selection?

Very important!  You will not be considered for any university and departmental scholarships until we have your transcript.  We only require six semesters on your transcript so you do not need to wait on the fall grades to be recorded before requesting your transcript.  It is best to request your transcript as early in the fall as possible to ensure it reaches us by December 15.  We have an absolute deadline of February 1 for receipt of transcripts for scholarship purposes, but most departments need the information well before that date for you to be considered.

Where do I submit the financial aid estimate form, letters of ecommendations, and/or extracurricular resumes if I completed the on-line scholarship application?

Please submit them to Scholarship Manager, Tennessee Technological University, Box 51665017, Cookeville, TN  38505-0001.  Make sure you write your (student) name and social security number on the printed aid estimate form and any additional materials sent via mail or e-mail. Deadline to receive all supporting materials is January 15.

What is the Financial Aid Estimate Form?

The Financial Aid Estimate Form is a web-accessible automated calculator of financial need.  It was created by a private organization for personal use by students and parents to help them determine the likelihood that they would be eligible for federal financial aid.  The private organization maintains the web site for the financial aid estimate form.  We only ask that you perform the calculations and send us the printed results if you wish to be considered for scholarships considering financial need.  

Do I have to complete the Financial Aid Estimate Form?

No, it is optional.  However, since the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not always available during early considerations, it is advisable to complete and submit the form in order to be eligible for any scholarships considering financial need.

Which output and methodology do I use on the Financial Aid Estimate Form?

You should use the Summary Output and Federal Methodology for the Financial Aid Estimate Form. 

Where do I sign the Financial Aid Estimate Form?

The Financial Aid Estimate Form is generally for personal use.  For this reason, the on-line form does not provide a way to identify the person completing the form.  However, TTU requires the Financial Aid Estimate Form for need-based scholarship consideration.  Please write your name and social security number on the form before mailing.  Otherwise, we have no way of knowing whose information has been submitted.

Where do I get the income information for the Financial Aid Estimate Form? Use last year's income tax return to determine most of the information to be included in the Aid Estimate Form.  The summary of "School Costs" is not a necessity.  If you wish to know our cost of attendance, visit the websiteatwww.tntech.edu/admissions/undergrad_cost.html

What if my/my family's financial situation changes dramatically before I enroll at TTU?You may attach a written statement with the form if you have a substantial change in your financial situation that needs to be considered.

If I complete the financial aid estimate form, do I still need to complete the FAFSA?

Yes.  The aid estimate form does not replace the FAFSA, but it provides an unofficial early indicator of your financial needs.  The FAFSA is the official federal document for determining financial need and eligibility for all forms of financial aid in addition to cholarships.  If you wish to be considered for any form of financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA.  The FAFSA is available after January 1 each year and is available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you are eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship you must complete the FAFSA.

How will I know if I have received a scholarship?

If you are selected for a scholarship, you will be notified by the department/unit that selects you.  Methods of notification vary, but most will send an official letter of offer. University offers will be made by March 15, 2008.

If I didn't receive notification, does that mean I was not selected?

Yes.

What is a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Community College Scholarship?

This is the equivalent of the University Academic Service Scholarship offered at participating Tennessee community colleges.  They generally involve a service component and are based on academic performance.  Students receiving these may apply for a Community College Transfer Scholarship offered through our Office of Admissions.

Will I lose a scholarship if I switch majors?

In most instances, yes.  If you are receiving a departmental scholarship, it generally requires you to be a major in that department.  

Are letters of recommendation a requirement?

Because of the variations in departmental scholarships, it is best to review the scholarship checklist in your major and the individual scholarship criteria of the scholarships you are interested in to determine if you must submit one or more letter(s) of recommendation.

If I missed the scholarship application deadline, what other scholarship/financial aid options do I have?

It is always recommended that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  It is also recommended that you check with civic and professional organizations, parents'/students' employers, and national scholarship searches for scholarship opportunities.  You may apply each year you attend for departmental scholarships.

Who to Contact

I am interested in a particular scholarship, but  need more specific information.  Whom should I contact?

Contact the department administering the scholarship.  Individual departments have variations in award procedures.  It is always best to check directly with the department for details of a specific scholarship.  The awarding department can be found by performing a search via ScholarWeb.

Whom do I contact to receive a personal identification number (PIN) if I have never received one or have forgotten mine?

If you are a new student, you should contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-255-8881.

Whom do I contact if I am a currently-enrolled student that accidentally applied for scholarships as a new student?

Please contact the Scholarship Managerr at scholarships@tntech.edu.  Your student type on the scholarship application can be reset and you can go back into your application without losing your information.  It is very important to select the correct student type because the applications for new and currently-enrolled students are different.

If I receive a letter of offer, whom should I contact with any questions I may have? I

t is best to contact the department making the offer.  They should have a copy of the offer and information on their specific award and acceptance procedures.

Whom should I contact to confirm receipt of an acceptance letter?

It is best to contact the department making the offer.  In the case of the University Academic Service Scholarships, you would contact the Office of Admissions.

Whom do I contact to find out if I have received a scholarship?

You should contact the department of your intended major directly.  University Academic Service Scholarships awarded to freshmen and community college transfer students are administered by the Office of Admissions.  Generally, a department will only award to students indicating intention to major in that department.

How do I check the status of my financial aid, including scholarships?

You may check your status by logging on to: https://wserve.tntech.edu/webdocs/ahomepg1.htm (click "Login to Student Services").  You may also contact the department of your major to confirm your scholarship status.

Whom do I contact if my scholarship has not been applied to my account?
Please contact the Scholarship Manager at scholarships@tntech.edu.  All other account questions related to scholarships or financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid, 1-800-268-0236.

I am receiving a civic organization scholarship and am required to provide "Verification of Admission" or "Verification of Enrollment."  Whom do I contact?
The Records Office, Box 5026, Derryberry Hall or at 1-800-268-0242.