Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to submit a transcript?
- How do I know if I am a need-based applicant?
- What scholarships can I apply for, and how many?
- How can I use the money?
- Are international students eligible for scholarships?
- How will receiving a scholarship affect my financial aid award?
- Will late applications be accepted?
- What grades do I need to have for a scholarship?
- Will I receive a refund for any unused balance?
- How and when will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship?
- If I am awarded a scholarship, can it be used for the summer semester?
- When will the scholarship be posted to my account?
- Are letters of reference important?
- Can I submit partial information or an incomplete application?
- Are transient students eligible for a scholarship?
- Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Do I need to submit a transcript?
Yes, all applicants, including MTC students, must submit a transcript. Students currently attending MTC may submit a copy from MTC Online. Newly entering students must send an official transcript from the last school attended even if they have already submitted one to the MTC Admissions Office. If no transcript is available, please contact the Scholarship Office at 803-822-3646.
How do I know if I am a need-based applicant?
When you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you and the colleges you designated to receive the information will be sent an EFC score. This score is the Expected Family Contribution and states what funds your family should be able to spend for college expenses. A score of $4611 or less is currently considered need-based. This information is used by the Financial Services Office to calculate your financial aid package and by the Scholarship Committee to determine your financial situation. All MTC Foundation scholarship applicants must complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for need-based scholarships.
What scholarships can I apply for, and how many?
You may apply for as many scholarships for which you meet eligibility requirements. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a scholarship, you should not apply for it, as only qualified applicants are considered for each scholarship. Please review the Scholarship and Application Guide for criteria.
Scholarships must be used for college-related expenses including tuition, fees and equipment. Some are specific as to how they can be used, e.g., tuition and fees. Read the criteria under Eligible Expenses carefully.
Are international students eligible for scholarships?
Scholarships are open to international students. If you are unable to file the FAFSA, you may not be eligible for need-based scholarships.
How will receiving a scholarship affect my financial aid award?
In most cases, scholarships will not affect your financial aid package. However, based on the amount of your awards and your cost of attendance, there may be a change in your award eligibility. If you receive a scholarship and have concerns, please check with Student Financial Services for more information.
Will late applications be accepted?
Applications will not be accepted after the application deadline. Scholarship application processing requires a large amount of administrative work following the deadline, and there is often a very short timeframe between the application deadline and the time the applications are due to the Scholarship Selection committee.
What grades do I need to have for a scholarship?
This varies from scholarship to scholarship, so please read the requirements carefully. Generally, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or financial need. Others take into account extracurricular activities or special circumstances.
Will I receive a refund for any unused balance?
No refund is given for any unused funds.
How and when will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship?
You will receive a letter in three to four weeks after the application deadline notifying you if you have received a scholarship. The letter will list all details relevant to your award. Two copies of the award letter will be sent; you must sign and return the original by the date listed, and one copy is yours to keep for your records. If you do not receive a scholarship, you will receive a letter informing you of that.
If I am awarded a scholarship, can it be used for the summer semester?
Awards are generally awarded for fall and spring semesters. If you do not use all of the scholarship during these two semesters, then you may carry a balance forward for the summer semester.
When will the scholarship be posted to my account?
The scholarships are posted to your account after you register for classes. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Finance Office at 803-822-3644.
Are letters of reference important?
A number of scholarships will ask for academic and/or personal references or a reference from a specific person. Letters of recommendation give the Scholarship Committee further insight into your qualifications for particular scholarships. It creates a better impression if you have one or two good letters of recommendation.
Can I submit partial information or an incomplete application?
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Every applicant should wait until they have compiled all documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, before submitting an application.
Are transient students eligible for a scholarship?
Students who are transient or consortium students, meaning they are planning on earning a degree or certificate from another college or university but are taking classes at MTC, are not eligible for MTC Foundation scholarships.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Please contact the Scholarship Office at 803-822-3646 to ask questions or to schedule an appointment. The office is located on the Airport Campus in Reed Hall, Room 130.