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Questions Frequently Asked by Nominators
DEADLINE: Referral Agency nominations are due
December 2, 2011 at 4:00 p.m., Mountain Time.
How do I nominate a student?
Each Referral Agency is given an unlimited number of nominations. Once you choose the students you wish to nominate, you will provide the selected nominees with a copy of the student guide, along with a nomination card. The card contains details on how to access the Daniels Scholarship online application. Before giving each student a nomination card, you will need to fill in the Referral Agency’s name, your name and your e-mail address. Students will need a personal e-mail address to complete an application.
For the purpose of protecting the integrity of the selection process, a student cannot be nominated by a Referral Agency where someone related to them is employed. They can, however, be nominated by a different Referral Agency. If the Daniels Fund becomes aware of a situation where this policy prevents a student from being nominated, we will evaluate the situation to determine if an exception is warranted. This occurs most often in rural areas where there are limited Referral Agencies to nominate students. Please contact the Daniels Fund if you have questions.
How do I help a student determine their financial eligibility?
The College Board offers a calculator to assist families in determining their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Before applicants begin their Daniels Scholarship application, it is highly recommended that they, along with their parents, visit the website below to gain insight into their family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and likelihood of eligibility for the Daniels Scholarship.
Tips for using the College Board EFC Calculator:
- Have previous year tax returns available for parents and applicant (if applicable)
- Website navigation tools are at the bottom of each page
- When you come to the step prompting you to “Pick a Formula” select Institutional Methodology formula (IM)
- Completing the EFC Calculator should take approximately 15 minutes.
- Keep this information for your personal records – this is not something Daniels Fund will request from you.
- Should you need further guidance regarding financial eligibility for the Daniels Scholarship Program, please contact the Daniels Fund.
Click Here to Access the College Board EFC Calculator
When will I receive my login and password information to go online and complete a nomination?
As a Referral Agency nominator, you will receive an e-mail with login instructions within 24 hours after the student has entered your e-mail address. The applicant is responsible for entering your correct e-mail address. The e-mail message will provide you with a special link to an applicant review page and instructions for completing an online nomination.
How do I change my User ID or password?
The User ID is a unique identifier that was created when the profile section of the student’s application was first filled out and may not be changed. If you have forgotten your unique User ID, you may click on Forgot User ID or Password? located on the login page to obtain it.
You have options for changing your password. Upon failure of an attempted login, click on Forgot User ID or Password? link located on the login page to have the password sent to your e-mail account.
What is the difference between a Nominator and a Recommender?
Nominator - An authorized representative from the agency that has worked with the nominated student and can provide candid, detailed responses based on the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria. The nominator will complete an online evaluation of the student and can monitor the status of multiple applicants.
Recommender - An individual that the applicant has identified to complete an online recommendation who can provide candid, detailed responses based on the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria. Recommenders do not have the ability to monitor the status of applications. Each student applicant must have two recommenders, in addition to the nominator.
How do I submit nomination for an applicant?
- Using the e-mail login instructions, you must click on the link in the e-mail to go to the login screen.
- On the login screen, you will enter the User ID and password (provided in the e-mail) so the system can confirm your identity.
- Follow the instructions on-screen. Select the student for whom you would like to complete a nomination by clicking on the small open circle next to the student’s name. You have the option of viewing or printing the application if you’d like.
- Once you have completed your review of the application click the Review button and follow the instructions for completing a nomination. Certify it is complete and click Submit.
- You will know your job is done when you see the student’s application status change to “Reviewed.” Note: after clicking Submit and returning to the Review page, you will need to refresh this page in order to see the students’ application status change to “Reviewed”.
How do I know that my nomination is complete?
You will receive a confirmation e-mail once your nomination is successfully submitted.
What if I need to complete a nomination for more than one student?
Our goal is to have one User ID per unique user. Your User ID is established the first time any student enters your unique e-mail address. If additional students enter your e-mail address, and it already exists in the system, you will receive e-mails regarding each student who selected you as a nominator. Your User ID, however, will remain the same in each subsequent message. Once logged in, you will see a list of all of the applicants who have listed you as their Referral Agency nominator.
Why did I get an error message when I submitted my nomination?
The error is usually related to the essay character count. If you exceed the limit, the system will not allow you to submit your nomination. Reduce the number of characters, and it should work.
Why do I see strange symbols in the text box when I copy and paste from word?
Special characters (apostrophes or double quotation marks) and formatting (bold, italics, underlining, etc.) may be problematic when you choose to cut and paste from another software program. To avoid this problem, remove or replace the special character (s) and formatting before pasting.
Am I the only nominator from my Referral Agency?
Not necessarily. Referral Agencies designate official nominators from their organization to complete a nomination for a student. These individuals must work directly with the student applicant, know the applicant and have the ability to confirm the applicant’s information. There may be more than one appointed nominator from each Referral Agency.
For the purpose of protecting the integrity of the selection process, a student cannot be nominated by a Referral Agency where someone related to them is employed. They can, however, be nominated by a different Referral Agency. If the Daniels Fund becomes aware of a situation where this policy prevents a student from being nominated, we will evaluate the situation to determine if an exception is warranted. This occurs most often in rural areas where there are limited Referral Agencies to nominate students. Please contact the Daniels Fund if you have questions.
How do I monitor the progress of my nominee’s application?
Login and monitor the “Status” column. You can also select an applicant by clicking on the small open circle next to the student’s name and click View. A new window will open, showing the application responses. For more information, please see the online training video or click here: www.danielsfund.org/apply
What makes a complete application?
- Complete online application
- An online nomination from a Referral Agency
- Two recommendations
Applications will be incomplete if any of the three components are missing by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not move on in the scholarship selection process.
How will a student know the status of their application?
Applicants will be able view the status of their application, nomination and recommendations through the Daniels Fund application site (our URL) and clicking the Review My Status button.
What happens after the scholarship deadline?
Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of January. Students who become semifinalists must provide the following documents by February 24, 2012 and we ask that you assist in this process if necessary:
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Copies of ACT and/or SAT exam results
- Copies of 2011 income tax information (Please note: The family will need to complete their 2011 tax returns no later than February 22, 2012.)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or asylum status
- CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
- Other documents as requested
Final awards will be announced in April
Where can the Daniels Scholarship be used?
Daniels Scholarships may be used at any two- or four-year not-for-profit accredited college or university in the United States. Students must intend to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The Daniels Fund strongly encourages students to apply to college by the end of December 2011. Please note that the Daniels Scholarship can only be used at one of the schools listed in the student’s Daniels Scholarship application. In other words, students may not apply to a new school once they are awarded a Daniels Scholarship.
Thank you for your interest in the Daniels Scholarship program. For more information, use the contact form, or call 877-791-4726 (toll free).
