VSAC-Assisted Scholarships

Getting started with VSAC-assisted scholarships 

Before you get started on applying for VSAC-assisted scholarships, here are 3 things you should know:

1. Scholarships are competitive: Your goal is to help the scholarship committee get to know you and believe in you. From proofreading your application to writing a powerful scholarship essay to getting great recommendations letters, you’ll want to be professional while at the same time being you.
2. Communication is key. To succeed, you’ll need to own the application process. Scholarship committees expect you to complete all requirements on time. So, don’t wait for others to follow up. Be proactive and verify that all items are complete and on time.
3. Eligibility is important: You and others will expend time and energy on the application process. So, before you start, make sure you’re eligible for the scholarships you’re applying for—and make sure you meet all requirements and submit your best work.

Finding scholarships

To apply for a VSAC-assisted scholarship or a forgivable loan, you’ll need to determine which scholarships or forgivable loan you’re eligible for, complete the Unified Scholarship Application (USA, a single application for all VSAC-assisted scholarships), and submit required documents. Look in the VSAC Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet for a list of all available scholarships.

Download VSAC's Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters book  (PDF) or order a free print version by mail.

After the deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships passes, students can still apply for others that are administered by other organizations. Refer to the "Other Scholarships" section of the VSAC Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet for all deadlines open through July.

Here’s the information you’ll see for each scholarship:

VSAC ID: A unique code for each scholarship that you’ll need in order to complete the USA. Write down the VSAC ID of any scholarships you’re interested in as you go through the booklet.

Eligibility: The specific criteria you’ll need to meet to be eligible for the scholarship. You're eligible only if you meet all the listed criteria.

To apply for a VSAC-assisted scholarship, you must:

• Be a Vermont resident, unless otherwise specified in the description. If you’re not sure about your residency, download our Vermont residency brochure.  (PDF)
• Be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen (unless a particular scholarship specifies otherwise). If you’re not sure about your status, visit the Student Aid website and search for “Are you a U.S. citizen?”
• Have Vermont listed as your “home of record” if you're in the U.S. military

There may be additional eligibility requirements for certain scholarships, such as:

• The type of school you will attend (accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding)
• A specific major or field of study (engineering/technology, social work)
• A certain town or county of residence (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle etc.)
• A demonstration of financial need, academic achievement, community service, etc.

Renewability: The number of years that the scholarship can be renewed (if applicable). Instructions for renewal will be included in the letter notifying you of the award.

Amount: The number of scholarships available and the possible dollar amount awarded

Selection: The documents and criteria the selection committee will consider when choosing the best candidate for the scholarship

Estimated # of applications: The estimated number of applicants, based on prior years

Estimated awards: The estimated number of scholarships awarded, based on prior years

To apply for VSAC-assisted scholarships, you’ll need to prepare the required documents listed below. Remember to label each document with the document name, your name, and the last four digits of your Social Security number (or your birth date in place of your Social Security number for documents submitted by others on your behalf). 

• The Unified Scholarship Application (USA). The USA is required to be filed for every VSAC-assisted scholarship.
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is also required for any VSAC-assisted scholarship with demonstrated financial need as a criterion for eligibility.
• Recommendation letters. At least 1 recommendation letter is required for nearly every VSAC-assisted scholarship. Recommendation letters are letters that teachers, coaches, counselors, or other adults not related to you write on your behalf.

Each recommendation letter must:

1. Be from a non-relative (such as a counselor, principal, teacher, employer, business leader, neighbor, or family friend)
2. Be written by the letter-writer him or herself
3. Include your name and date of birth as well as a letter number and name
4. Be on official letterhead from the letter-writer’s school, business, college, organization, etc. and/or be physically signed by the letter-writer

The general recommendation letter must address your:

1. Achievements and/or strengths
2. Talent and/or potential for success
3. Involvement in the school and/or community
4. Character, initiative, and/or leadership
5. Commitment to completing your education beyond high school
6. Commitment to your chosen career or field of study
7. Education and work ethic

Some scholarships for community service or visual/performing arts may require recommendation letters specific to the area of focus. Get tips on getting great college recommendation letters

• Scholarship essays. A general essay is required for all VSAC-assisted scholarships. This essay requires that you focus on 4 specific topics:
  1. Your commitment and goals
  2. Your financial need
  3. Your community service
  4. Your uniqueness

Be sure to check the individual scholarship you’re applying for for any other essays that may be required—or for specific points you’ll need to touch on in your general essay. Get tips on writing a great college essay

• Your official transcript. An official transcript is required for every VSAC-assisted scholarship that requires you to demonstrate academic achievement. A transcript must include grades through the previous academic year, a calculated GPA or proficiency-based GPA, student’s name, the school the transcript is from, and the school-year semesters that the grades are for.
• Other possible required documents. These may include:
  • A copy of your birth certificate
  • A portfolio (for artistic submissions)
  • Your résumé
  • Other documents (like child care information or family information) that a specific scholarship may ask you to provide

Important deadlines for VSAC-assisted scholarships 

Starting October 1, 2024

• Review descriptions in VSAC's Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet and identify those for which you meet all eligibility requirements.

• Submit the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) online.

• Draft your essays and ask for feedback from your guidance counselor. Get tips on writing your admissions essay.

• Identify the people who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation and share your strengths with them. Get tips on getting your college recommendation letters.

• Begin submitting all required documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.).

• View the status of your scholarship applications online through MyVSAC. 

In December 2024, submit a FAFSA

On or before February 12, 2025: Submission/postmark deadline!

All required documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted or postmarked on or before this date. If applying for a forgivable loan, you are encouraged to apply by the deadline; however, applications will be accepted after the deadline provided funding is available.

NOTE: After the deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships passes, students can still apply for the scholarships that are administered by other organizations.  Refer to the "Other Scholarships" section of the VSAC Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet for all deadlines open through July.

Before May 1, 2025:

VSAC will notify students of scholarships or the forgivable loan for which they were chosen as recipients. Check your MyVSAC account (click on "Work with VSAC-Assisted Scholarships") for the status of all scholarships.

Before June 1, 2025:

Through MyVSAC, colleges/universities can view the scholarships awarded to students.
 

You can apply online for any of the many scholarships or forgivable loans administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) using the Unified Scholarship Application (USA).

Be sure to apply by the deadline noted in the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters booklet. We must receive your online application and all required documents by the midnight deadline. If applying for a forgivable loan, you are encouraged to apply by the deadline; however, applications will be accepted after the deadline provided funding is available.

Check out the most frequently-asked questions about VSAC-assisted scholarships.

3 Steps to Applying for VSAC-Assisted Scholarships

Once you've carefully reviewed VSAC's Scholarships & Forgivable Loans booklet and identified the VSAC-assisted scholarships or the forgivable loan for which you're eligible, follow these steps to submit a single application. (If you need a printed copy of the booklet, you can order one in the mail.):

1. Log into your MyVSAC account. If you don’t have a MyVSAC account, click on “Register now” in the box labeled “New to MyVSAC?” and follow the directions to create an account.
2. Fill out the Unified Scholarship Application.
   • Click on “Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans” under Scholarships.
   • Look for “Submit Application” and “Unified Scholarship Application (USA)” and follow the instructions.
3. After you've completed your USA online, submit all required documents (see below) to VSAC:
   • Log into your MyVSAC account.
   • Click on “Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans.” 
   • Click on "Required Documents" or "Upload Scholarship Documents."
   • Click on the “Upload Scholarship Documents” button.

If you’re unable to submit your required documents online, you can mail them to:

    VSAC Scholarships Program
    PO Box 2000
    Winooski VT 05404