Scholarships FAQ

Q:

If I grew up in the qualifying area, but no longer live there, am I still eligible to apply?

A:

You are only eligible to apply if you currently live or attend school within Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, San Joaquin, or Contra Costa counties.

Q:

What is the qualifying GPA?

A:

No specific GPA is required. However, your academic standing should be satisfactory.

Q:

If I am in college, do you need my high school transcripts?

A:

We need at least four years worth of transcripts. If you are a freshman, sophomore or junior in college, include your high school transcripts.

Q:

If I have been out of high school/college for a while, do you still need my transcripts?

A:

Yes, at least four years worth of transcripts are required.

Q:

If I have been in the work world a while, do you want my resume?

A:

Yes, that would be helpful to your application.

Q:

My school failed to include the Transcript Request form in the sealed envelope with my transcripts. What do I do?

A:

Don't worry. It isn't necessary to return the Transcript Request form to us.

Q:

Can I have one of my instructors, other than a teacher at my current school, write the Teacher's Assessment?

A:

If you feel that someone who instructs you in an extracurricular activity, such as a sport or musical instrument, would know you best, by all means, have that person complete the Teacher's Assessment. If you are a freshman in college and feel that one of your high school teachers would know you better than a professor at college, feel free to have that teacher complete the Teacher's Assessment.

Q:

What do I do if my teacher mailed the Teacher's Assessment form and letter directly to the Buck Foundation?

A:

All of the application materials are supposed to be mailed together, but sometimes in an effort to be helpful, a teacher or administrator will mail their letter to us separately. We cannot guarantee that the teacher's letter will meet up with your application before it is time for it to be read. We will, however, make every effort to be sure that this does happen.

Q:

My school mailed my transcripts to you separately... help!

A:

See "What do I do if my teacher mailed the Teacher's Assessment form and letter directly to the Buck Foundation"

Q:

My essay is longer than 150-250 words. I've tried desperately to shorten it, but I absolutely can't remove any more material. What do I do?

A:

Remember, one person has to read every essay sent in by nearly 1,000 applicants. As you can imagine, brevity is certainly appreciated. You can, of course, send in more than 250 words in your essay, but why chance making a negative impression on the initial reader?

Q:

Why do you want me to include a photograph with my application?

A:

Your photograph personalizes your application, giving us a face to your name. If you are selected for a personal interview, your photograph helps us identify you.

Q:

When will I be notified if you received my application?

A:

All applicants are mailed a letter mid-February informing them whether or not they have been selected for a personal interview.

Q:

How many candidates are selected for personal interviews?

A:

Generally, 33 interviews are conducted by the Board and the Executive Director, 11 interviews daily for three days. The dates typically are scheduled during the third week of March. The interviews are conducted at the Buck Mansion in Vacaville or at another appropriate location.

Q:

How many scholarships are awarded?

A:

The number varies from year to year. We have awarded as few as 8 in one year, and 18 in another. It is up to the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Q:

Why do I have to use a black pen to complete my application?

A:

Since you need to make two copies of your application to submit with your original application, black ink copies better than other colors.

Q:

How come I can't staple any part of my application?

A:

It is more convenient for us in processing the application that they not be stapled.

Q:

What are the qualifications of a Buck Scholar?

A:

The Foundation staff is often asked, "What are the qualifications of a Buck Scholar?" Other than the specific geographical requirements, anything else we tell you might seem rather vague, even the "satisfactory" GPA requirement. Phrases such as "uniqueness," "special spark," "leadership potential," "well-rounded" and "strength of character" describe the attributes of a Buck Scholar, but they are not exactly the "shopping list" desired by potential applicants. Though our explanations may seem cloaked in mystery, all this means is that we don't want to place too many demanding restrictions on ourselves or our applicants. If you meet our geographical requirements, consider applying. You don't want to go through the rest of your life wondering "what if...?"