FAQs

  1. How do I become a Simon Scholar?

    You must be a sophomore (10th grader) attending one of the Simon Family Foundation's Certified Simon Scholar High Schools, complete a Simon Scholar Application, and submit it to your high school Guidance Counselor's office by the specified deadline for each school district. If you are selected as a Simon Scholar finalist at your school, you will be notified of the date and time of your scheduled interview. Students who are ultimately selected as Simon Scholars by the Simon Family Foundation will be announced on the dates specified on the Application Calendar. Typically, applications are due in January or February (2nd semester sophomore year) and the Simon Scholar selection process is completed by the end of the academic school year.

  2. Can I still become a Simon Scholar if I don't attend one of the Simon Family Foundation's participating high schools?

    While the Simon Family Foundation itself currently operates the program in seven Southern California high schools, the Simon Scholars Program is growing nationally and has established chapters across the country in New Mexico, Washington, D.C. and Georgia that are sponsored by other Foundations. Go to the simonscholars.org website to view a list of additional chapters.

  3. Can I move to a different high school once I become a Simon Scholar?

    Your scholarship's eligibility is dependent upon your attendance at one of the Simon Family Foundation's Certified Simon Scholar High Schools. Your scholarship will be terminated if you do not attend one of these high schools.

  4. What criteria are used to select Simon Scholars?

    The Simon Family Foundation is seeking to select scholarship recipients of high character who meet our Scholarship Requirements. Because we offer an intensive, participatory support program, we are looking to find a diverse group of Simon Scholars who will appreciate the opportunity to achieve personal growth through interaction with other students, serve as role models, and positively represent the Foundation. Our Scholars come from a multitude of social and cultural backgrounds and bring many different types of personalities and talents to the group.

  5. Do I need to be a straight-A student to become a Simon Scholar?

    While many of our Simon Scholars are very high academic achievers, we consider applicants with GPAs of at least 2.5 who truly want to go to college and are willing to put forth the effort to raise their grades with support from the Foundation. The Foundation is aware of the importance of helping our Scholars reach their academic potentials so that they become competitive college applicants. Simon Scholars are required to meet certain academic expectations while in the program.

  6. How many Simon Scholars will be selected at my school each year?

    There will be up to eight (8) Simon Scholars selected at each of the participating Certified Simon Scholar High Schools.

  7. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation when I apply to the Simon Scholars Program?

    It is important to select recommenders that know you well and can write about your academic talents, potential, character and personality traits. These individuals should be adults including teachers, counselors, employers, mentors and/or professionals in the community. Recommendations from family members and friends will not be considered. It will enhance your application if you submit recommendations from individuals who take the time to write thorough, detailed letters with specific anecdotes and examples.

  8. If I am selected as a Simon Scholar finalist, who will be interviewing me?

    Each school will have an interview committee of approximately 6-7 professionals including Foundation staff members, and school/ district administrators.

  9. How often do Simon Scholar events take place?

    The Simon Family Foundation hosts a myriad of events throughout the year including Leadership and Teambuilding Retreats, a Spring Break College Tour, Annual Awards Banquets, Community Service days and social and cultural outings. The Foundation's goal is to create a strong sense of camaraderie amongst its Scholars, while helping to develop confident, self-sufficient and resourceful individuals. Keeping these goals in mind, Simon Scholars are required to attend all Foundation- sponsored events and to make a strong commitment to our program. Simon Scholars will be expected to log-in to the SFF website on a regular basis, where they can view Announcements and an ongoing Calendar of Events.

  10. Are there any costs associated with applying to and becoming a part of the Simon Scholars Program?

    No. There is no fee to apply and the Foundation covers all expenses for Simon Scholar events.

  11. Once I graduate from high school, where can I use my Simon Family Foundation college scholarship?

    The Simon Family Foundation Scholarship may be used to fund higher education at any U.S. accredited four-year university or college. Scholarship funds may not be used for tuition at vocational schools or online universities.