Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a WV resident to apply?
Yes, a student's parents or legal guardians must be legal
residents of West Virginia for a minimum of one year prior to the
application deadline (March 1, 2011).
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How much is the PROMISE Scholarship award?
Eligible 2011 high school graduates will receive annual awards
valued at the lesser of tuition and mandatory fees OR $4,750 at the
West Virginia public or private higher education institution they
choose to attend. The amount of a PROMISE Scholarship awarded in
combination with aid from all other sources shall not exceed the
cost of the education at the institution the recipient is
attending.
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I planned to attend one school when I submitted my PROMISE
application, but I've changed my mind and am enrolling a different
West Virginia institution. What should I do?
You should notify the Financial Aid office at the college or
university you will attend.
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How do the PROMISE Scholarship Program and the West Virginia
Higher Education Grant Program work together?
Students can receive both forms of state-level financial aid if
they meet each program's eligibility requirements. For additional
information about how the PROMISE Scholarship Program coordinates
with other financial aid programs,
click here, or contact the State Financial Aid Office at (304)
558-4417 or toll free at 1 (877) 987-7664. You can also e-mail promise@hepc.wvnet.edu.
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Can I use the PROMISE Scholarship at an out-of-state, Academic
Common Market school?
No. The PROMISE Scholarship can only be used at an
in-state, accredited institution.
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How do I receive my PROMISE Scholarship?
PROMISE awards are sent directly to the institution a student
attends. If you have questions or concerns about your account, you
should contact your school's financial aid office, or the PROMISE
Scholarship Program office.
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Can I renew the PROMISE Scholarship?
Yes, please visit our list of
renewal requirements for more information.
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May I take a leave of absence from college without losing the
PROMISE Scholarship?
In some instances, students may take a leave of absence from
college without losing the PROMISE Scholarship. PROMISE Scholarship
students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment in addition
to the other renewal requirements set forth in this section.
However, an institution of higher education may waive this
requirement for a medical or family bereavement absence consistent
with program policies. The institution may also grant a leave of
absence for students entering or being called to active military
duty.
Other requests for leaves of absence must be submitted in
writing by the student to the Director of State Financial Aid
Programs. Student leave of absence requests submitted to the
Director may include, but are not limited to:
- The pursuit of programs related directly to the student's
educational program
- Study abroad
- Extreme financial hardships of the student or the student's
immediate family
- Service or volunteerism
- Other extraordinary circumstances beyond the student's control
where continued attendance would create a substantial hardship for
the student.
A student granted a leave of absence under these provisions who
resumes his or her education at an eligible institution, assuming
he or she meets all other eligibility requirements at the time the
leave of absence was granted, shall retain eligibility for a
PROMISE Scholarship until the first of the following events:
- The student receives four semesters of PROMISE Scholarship
assistance while enrolled in an associate degree program or
graduates from the associate degree program.
- The student receives eight semesters of PROMISE Scholarship
assistance while enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program or
graduates from the baccalaureate program.
- The sum of the number of academic years from the date of the
student's initial selection as a PROMISE Scholarship recipient
equals six years, except for military service provisions outlined
under Section 5 of legislation outlining the rules and regulations
of the PROMISE Scholarship Program.
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Can I transfer institutions without losing my PROMISE
Scholarship?
Yes, as long as you transfer to another
PROMISE eligible institution and maintain your PROMISE
Scholarship eligibility as outlined under the
renewal requirements. You should contact your new school's
financial aid office if you decide to transfer.
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Can weighted grades be used in determining eligibility for the
PROMISE Scholarship program?
Yes, the PROMISE Scholarship program will accept the local
grading policy of each high school.
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What if I am awarded the PROMISE Scholarship, but choose to
enroll at an out-of-state or ineligible institution?
A student who was deemed eligible for a PROMISE award but elects
not to enroll at an eligible institution may regain eligibility
providing the student discontinues enrollment at the ineligible
institution no later than one academic year after high school
graduation and re-enrolls at an eligible institution. Any such
student must meet the eligibility standards for a PROMISE award
renewal.
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Do I need to maintain a 3.0 average in each subject area during
high school?
No, you are only required to maintain a 3.0 in the core subjects
and in your overall GPA.
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How is my core GPA determined?
The core GPA is determined based on your grades in all of the
core courses you have completed, not just those required for
graduation. Visit the list of core
courses for the PROMISE Scholarship for more information.
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Can I take college credit hours without jeopardizing my PROMISE
eligibility?
Yes, you may take as many college credit hours as you desire
prior to college enrollment. Please note: Dual credit courses may
affect your overall high school GPA, since students also receive
high school credit for these courses.
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What if I don't have a 3.0 GPA in the core and/or overall
courses at the end of my seventh semester of high school (the last
semester prior to the PROMISE application deadline)?
You should complete the PROMISE Scholarship application and
FAFSA prior to March 1 and try to improve your grades in your
eighth (final) semester of high school. If you achieve the 3.0
overall and core GPA in your eighth semester, you should then file
an appeal for the PROMISE Scholarship (and be sure to follow the
appeal process). Students must have followed all PROMISE
Scholarship application requirements in order to be considered for
an appeal.
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When is the last date I can take the ACT or SAT in order to
qualify for the PROMISE Scholarship?
June 4, 2011 for the SAT; June 11, 2011 for the ACT.
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When will I be notified of my PROMISE Scholarship application
status?
Students are typically notified in April.
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Can I appeal the decision regarding my application for the
PROMISE Scholarship?
Yes - please review our
appeals policy.
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Do I need to provide a copy of my final high school transcript
to the PROMISE Scholarship office?
If you are using your last (eighth) semester of high school to
determine your eligibility then you should have your school send an
OFFICIAL transcript which identifies both your overall and core
GPA. It is your responsibility to have your school send a
transcript.
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What happens if my GPA drops below 3.0 in my last (eighth)
semester (after the PROMISE Scholarship application deadline)?
Students are required to maintain eligibility through eight
semesters. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your
scholarship.
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If I accept the PROMISE Scholarship, are there any additional
requirements I must agree to?
Yes, by accepting the PROMISE Scholarship, you agree to provide
the PROMISE Scholarship Board information the Board may request
regarding your address after graduation, your employment after
graduation, whether and where you are enrolled in a postgraduate
program and such other relevant information as the Board may deem
necessary to assess the effectiveness of the PROMISE Scholarship
Program?
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Where can I view the legislation that outlines the rules and
administration of the PROMISE Scholarship program?
You can download the PROMISE Legislative Rule here 
.
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Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Promise Scholarship Program Staff
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4417 or 1-877-987-7664
promise@hepc.wvnet.edu