What are the submission deadlines?
How can I find out the status of my application?
When will I know if I am selected for the Kaplan Leadership Program?
Can I still apply if I don't have a 3.25 GPA?
What if I have a GED instead of a high school diploma? Can I still apply?
What does the application process entail?
What is a Student Aid Report(SAR)?
What is an award letter?
Where should I mail or email my documents?
How can I get help with my application?
How long is the program?
How much are the scholarships?
Can part-time students apply?
Do I have to reapply to the program each year?
What are the requirements to remain in the program?
Who are acceptable references?
What will I receive in each year of the program?
Are Kaplan Scholars restricted to applying to specific transfer schools, programs or majors?
What is the level of financial need required to be eligible?
Is there an age requirement to be in the program?
How many college credits do I need to have to be eligible for the program?
Am I eligible to apply if I am in a bachelor's program?
Are students enrolled in any associate's degree in the United States eligible?
Any pointers for preparing for interviews?
Is there a campus representative I could speak to at my school?

What are the submission deadlines? Back to top

• We are currently recruiting a new cohort.
• Completed applications are due February 1, 2010.
• Offers of acceptance will be delivered on or about April 15, 2010.
• Once accepted, students immediately begin the program.

How can I find out the status of my application? Back to top

If your application is missing any items or required documentation you will receive email notifications detailing which parts of your application are still outstanding.

When will I know if I am selected for the Kaplan Leadership Program? Back to top

Offers of acceptance will be delivered on or about April 15, 2010.

Can I still apply if I don't have a 3.25 GPA? Back to top

Yes. While the Kaplan Leadership Program is designed for students capable of performing at the very highest levels, your college GPA is only one of a number of factors we use to assess your academic potential.  If you feel you are a student capable of a level of academic excellence that is not reflected in your GPA,  we ask you to submit a brief statement (limited to 200 words) that explains why your current GPA might not be reflective of your academic potential.

What if I have a GED instead of a high school diploma? Can I still apply? Back to top

Yes, students with a GED are more than welcome to apply for the program. We will need you to submit a copy of your GED diploma and scores either via mail or fax. If you do not have a copy or your diploma and scores, you can request to have them sent to you for submission or directly to the Kaplan Educational Foundation by contacting the Department of Education in the state it was granted. If you took the test in New York, you can get more information by contacting the New York State Education Department at (518) 474-5906 or by going to http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/contact.shtml

What does the application process entail? Back to top

The process begins with submission of the application and all of the supporting documentation requested. A number of finalists will be selected for interviews after which a fifth cohort will be selected for the Program.

What is a Student Aid Report(SAR)? Back to top

A SAR is the document produced by the Department of Education based on the information provided in your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). SARs can be obtained by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and/or the financial aid office at your school.


What is an award letter? Back to top

Award letters are a summary of all academic expenses and financial aid received for a given academic year. You can obtain an award letter from your school's financial office.

Where should I mail, fax, or email my documents? Back to top

You can email all application materials to: applications@kaplanedfoundation.org
Please have your references email their materials to: references@kaplanedfoundation.org

Our fax number is: 212.492.5806

Our mailing address is:
Kaplan Leadership Program Admissions
c/o Kaplan Educational Foundation
888 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10106

How can I get help with my application? Back to top

If you are having difficulties with your application or just want assistance, please see your campus Champion.

You may also contact the Foundation at 212-707-5300 or info@kaplanedfoundation.org

How long is the program? Back to top

The multi-year program is designed to provide financial and academic support and encouragement for students through the completion of a bachelor's degree.  Students will actively participate in the program for a minimum of three years and maximum of six years. However, the connection to the Foundation and your fellow Kaplan Scholars will last a lifetime.

How much are the scholarships? Back to top

Scholarships vary by year based on one’s financial need and are contingent upon successful performance in the program. The scholarship amounts go up to $3,000 per year toward associate’s degrees and up to $20,000 per year towards a bachelor’s degree.  The program also provides Scholars with other education-related expenses, such as funding for books, tutoring and stipends which enable students to attend school full time while working no more than 15 hours per week.


Can part-time students apply? Back to top

Yes. As long as they have completed 12-30 non-remedial college credits at a New York City area associate’s degree program.

Do I have to reapply to the program each year? Back to top

No. Once accepted (and assuming you continue to successfully meet all program requirements), you remain in the Kaplan Leadership Program until you have completed your bachelor’s degree.

What are the requirements to remain in the program? Back to top

• Work closely and cooperatively with fellow Scholars, the Foundation's Academic Advisor and program staff
• Participate actively in all program activities
• Continue and surpass your current level of academic excellence
• Maintain academic integrity
• Display consistent personal growth as a leader

Who are acceptable references? Back to top

The best references are people who know you well and can give detailed insight into what makes you a good candidate for the Kaplan Leadership Program. Limit references to high school teachers or college professors who have taught you within the last two years, current or former employers, people who have observed your community involvement, or other people who have known you for more than six months.  At least one reference must be written by a high school teacher or college professor.  No more than one of your references can be submitted by family member.

What will I receive in each year of the program? Back to top

• Financial support, including scholarships and living stipends
• Assistance identifying, applying and selecting a bachelor's degree program upon acceptance
• Personal, academic and career coaching
• Specialized tutoring as needed, including SAT and TOEFL exam preparation
• Access to and assistance identifying and applying for other scholarships
• Ongoing training designed to help you succeed

Are Kaplan scholars restricted to applying to specific transfer schools, programs or majors? Back to top

No. Our goal is to help you get into and succeed in the best school and program for you. You can apply to private or public colleges and universities anywhere in the United States, and you can choose any major you want. We want to help you get wherever your career dreams take you!

What is the level of financial need required to be eligible? Back to top

Currently, any student eligible to receive any amount of Federal and/or State financial aid is eligible for our program.

Is there an age requirement to be in the program? Back to top

No, students of all ages are eligible.

How many college credits do I need to have to be eligible for the program? Back to top

Students who have already earned at least 12 and no more than 30 college-level credits by the application deadline date are eligible to apply.  Credits earned for remedial courses will not be counted.

Am I eligible to apply if I am in a bachelor's program? Back to top

No, students currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program are not eligible for this program. This program is designed to assist students who are currently enrolled in associate's degree programs and planning to complete a bachelor's degree.

Are students enrolled in any associate's degree in the United States eligible? Back to top

At this time we are only accepting applicants enrolled in associate's degree programs in the New York City area. We hope to expand the program to other areas soon.

Any pointers for preparing for interviews? Back to top

Keep in mind that the best preparation is thinking through your past accomplishments and preparing to articulate them. Be prepared to talk about the qualities that allowed you to perform well in a given situation or a time when you put a certain skill to work.

The best way to accomplish this is to use the three-step STAR process or 1. Situation or Task 2. Action 3. Result or Outcome.

For example, you might recount a time when communication within your work group had broken down (situation). To resolve the problem, you organized informal lunch meetings for people to discuss relevant issues (action). Morale then improved, as did the lines of communication (result). Using this three step STAR process is a powerful way for you to frame your experiences and accomplishments for the interviewer.

Is there a campus representative I could speak to at my school? Back to top

The following provides the location on each campus where students can pick up program brochures and applications and receive help with their application. If your college is not listed and you meet the Program’s eligibility requirements please download the application form here.