How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

Any U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (federal guidelines) who applies as a first-year college student to Ithaca College for an undergraduate major within the Roy H. Park School of Communications is eligible to apply for a Park Scholar Award.

Note: Transfer students are not eligible for the award.

How many people apply each year?

In previous years, the Park Scholar Program has received approximately 300–400 applications.

How many Park Scholar Awards are given out each year?

Each year, very few scholarships are awarded. The number varies from year to year. In 2022, seven Park Scholar Awards were given.

Do applicants need a certain minimum test score, grade point average, or class rank to be eligible?

No numerical limits are set. All applications will be reviewed. The award is extremely competitive, however, and applicants should understand that dedication to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity will be weighed heavily, along with demonstrated commitment to service and leadership.

What do applicants need to submit with their application?

The online application requires the following: three essays that are unique to the Park Scholar application; two letters of recommendation that are unique to the Park Scholar application; and a resume that includes volunteer, leadership, and employment activities. 

Do applicants need to submit all of the Park Scholar application materials at the same time?

Yes and no. The three essays and the resume must be submitted together, along with names and contact information for the two people writing letters of recommendation. Those people will submit the letters directly to the college. Applicants are not permitted to forward letters of recommendation that were sent first to the applicant.

The Ithaca College application requires letters of recommendation. Does the Park Scholar application require additional letters?

Yes. Applicants must submit the names of two additional people who will write recommendation letters specifically for the Park Scholar application.

The Ithaca College application requires an academic transcript. Do applicants need to resubmit a transcript with the Park Scholar application?

No. The Park Scholar application uses the transcript submitted on the Common Application to Ithaca College.

What is the deadline for submitting Park Scholarship application materials?

The Park Scholar application needs to be received by January 20, 2023. It is advisable to complete the application to study in the Roy H. Park School of Communications, using the Common Application, as early as possible and no later than January 15, 2023. The Park Scholar application in IC Connect will not be accessible until the Common Application to Ithaca College is complete, and all applicants are advised to give themselves enough time to complete that application. For information on the college application process, visit Admission.

When and how will applicants be notified about being selected as a Park Scholar finalist?

All applicants (including those not selected as finalists) are notified of their finalist status in writing by early March 2023. Award recipients will be notified in writing by late April 2023.

What is "Finalist Weekend?"

The Finalist Weekend is an opportunity (1) for applicants who were selected as finalists for the award to learn more about the program, through information sessions and individual and group activities, and (2) for the review committee to learn more about each applicant, through a series of individual and group interviews. All students selected as a finalist for the Park Scholar Award are expected to participate in the Finalist Weekend. Finalists will be emailed with the dates and other details for the Finalist Weekend, which is typically held at the end of March.

How many finalists are invited to participate in "Finalist Weekend?"

Approximately 12–15 finalists are invited to participate in “Finalist Weekend.”