Scholarship FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Proof of acceptance into an ABA-accredited U.S. law school for a full-time Juris Doctorate Program (Fall 2024).
    • (NOTE: LLM students, part-time students, and students pursuing dual degree programs are ineligible.)
  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  • Provide the 2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form.
    • (NOTE: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students with an issued social security number must submit a completed FAFSA form. DACA students who were not issued a social security number must provide proof of DACA status in lieu of the FAFSA form.)
  • An interest in corporate law, including an interest in working in a corporate law department and/or law firm.
  • An interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated community service and leadership qualities.
When is the application deadline?

April 14, 2024 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time

When is the recommendation deadline?

April 22, 2024 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Should I submit all of my information before I request a recommendation?

You should submit your request as early as possible to ensure there is sufficient time for the recommendation to be submitted prior to the deadline.

What is the projected Program timeline?
  • Application Opens: March 5, 2024
  • Application Deadline: April 14, 2024
  • Recommendation Deadline: April 22, 2024
  • Notification of Selection Results: August 2024
What are the selection criteria?

An independent selection committee will evaluate the Complete applications and select recipients considering:

  • Financial need
  • Community involvement
  • Essay content
  • Academic achievements and records

Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

What are the details of the award?
  • Up to 6 scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to incoming first year law students.
  • The scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for course load at ABA‐accredited U.S. law schools.
  • Students may transfer from one institution to another and retain the award.
Is this scholarship renewable?

No.

Which school should I list on the application if I have not made a final decision?

You should list your first-choice school on the application. You can change your school choice anytime prior to the application period. If selected as a recipient, you will be asked to confirm your final school choice. If your school changes after the acceptance period, you will be able to update this information on your My Profile page.

How do I change my law school choice?

Make sure your My Profile page indicates your final college choice. It is your responsibility to make sure your My Profile page is correct at least 30 days prior to the check issue date listed above. If your scholarship check needs to be reissued for any reason, a reissue fee may apply.

How do I know if my application is complete?

Allow five to seven business days after uploading documents for your online status to update. You may monitor the status of your application on your home page.

Not Started – the form has not been requested or started

Started – the form has not been submitted and will not be considered.

Submitted – the form has been submitted but is not Complete.

Complete – all required forms and attachments (if applicable) have been received and your application will be considered for the scholarship

You may also monitor the status of your attachments and recommendations (if applicable).

Not received: the attachment has either not been received or has been rejected.

Requested: the form request has been created, but the form has not been started.

Processing: the attachment has been received and is being reviewed.

Accepted: the attachment has been verified and accepted by ISTS.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor the progress of all application requirements to make sure the application is complete. The status Complete will display on the homepage when all forms have been submitted and all documents have been verified.

I uploaded a document that no longer displays on my application. Do I need to submit it again?

Previously uploaded documents that are no longer displayed with a status on the home page have been rejected. The most common reasons for a rejected document are as follows:

  • The document uploaded is not one of the accepted file types: .pdf, .tif, .png, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg .bmp and .xps
  • The document uploaded was not the document requested.
  • Not all pages of the document were contained in the file.
  • We cannot open the file. The file may be corrupted or password protected.

Refer to the upload section of your application for the details of the required documents and upload a new file that meets the criteria stated.

How do I upload more than one file at a time?

You may create a .zip file containing more than one file as long as everything included is in an acceptable format (i.e. .pdf, .tif, .png, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps.) Do not upload additional documentation that is not requested. It will not be reviewed.

How do I create a .zip file?

To use this format, follow the steps outlined below:

  • Create a new folder on your Desktop, name it the document type you will be uploading. For example, Test Scores, Transcripts, or Financial Documentation.
  • Move all the files you wish to upload into the new folder.
  • Right-click on the document from your Desktop:
  • PC Users: select “Send to,” followed by “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
  • Mac Users: select “Compress ‘[folder name]’.”
  • Your new .zip file will be located on your Desktop, ready to upload.
What is the difference between Official and Unofficial Transcripts?

Official transcripts must be obtained through your high school administration office, or your college registrar’s office. These transcripts are normally printed on official letterhead and/or state that they are official. Transcripts may contain or require a signature.

Note: Your official transcript may come to you in a sealed envelope, stating it will become unofficial if opened. When scanning or copying your official transcripts, a watermark may appear noting they are now unofficial. Despite any watermarks or sealed envelopes, you may open the envelope if needed to upload the document. These documents will still be considered official for our purposes. Acceptable file types are: .pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps. When scanning or copying, you do not need to include a copy of the sealed envelope.

Unofficial transcripts may be accessed through your school’s online student portal. These pages must still be converted to one of the acceptable file formats. There are free tools available that will allow you to save various documents (including web pages) as a PDF. Unofficial transcripts must contain your name and the school name and contact information.

What are the DOs and DON’Ts of uploading documents to my application?

DO:

  • Upload one of the accepted file types.
  • Only upload the requested and required documents.
  • Blackout any Social Security numbers on the documents you are uploading. This is not required but highly advised.
  • Return to your Home page at https://aim.applyists.net/MCCA to verify your documents have been accepted.

DON’T:

  • Upload a Microsoft Word® document (.doc, .docx) or any other format we don’t accept.
  • Upload more than the requested documentation.
  • Assume your documents are correct and accepted once you have uploaded them.
  • Upload a document stating you are mailing your documents.
  • Assume the required document does not pertain to you. If the application states the document is required, your application will remain incomplete if you do not provide that document.
  • Password protect your uploaded documents. Password-protected documents will be rejected.
  • Upload any file that has a viewing expiration date.
How and when will I receive notification?

You will receive notifications from two (2) possible ISTS email addresses: donotreply@applyISTS.com and contactus@applyISTS.com. You should add both of these email addresses to your “safe senders list” to ensure important emails are not sent to your spam or junk folder.

Notifications vary by program based on the Program timeline. Refer to the Program timeline listed above for more specific information. Typically, deadline reminders are sent two (2) and one (1) week prior to the application deadline.

While you can opt out of notifications, this is not advised. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure your application is Complete. If you opt out of notifications, you will not receive deadline reminders or selection results. Your information is never sold to any third party. The only emails you will receive from ISTS are directly related to your application and, possibly, other scholarship opportunities.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

You must enroll in a law school full-time in the fall of the year in which the scholarship is awarded, continue the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by scholarship sponsor, deliver your scholarship check(s) to the proper office at your institution, and notify ISTS should your check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date.

How and when are checks issued?

Checks will be issued in September to each recipient’s law school’s mailing address and made payable to the institution on the profile page.

Are scholarships taxable?

Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against his or her scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance. You may also click here to consult IRS Publication 970 for further information.

Program Administration

To ensure complete impartiality in selection of recipients and to maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

For additional information regarding the scholarship program click here or call toll free (855) 670-ISTS (4787). ISTS offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Central Time. Program Support Representatives are available via live chat and email during these hours.

Scholarship FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible:

Proof of acceptance into an ABA-accredited U.S. law school for a full-time Juris Doctorate Program (Fall 2022)
(NOTE: LLM students, part-time students, and students pursuing dual degree programs are ineligible)

An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher

2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form
(NOTE: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students with an issued social security number must submit a completed FAFSA form. DACA students who were not issued a social security number must provide proof of DACA status in lieu of the FAFSA form.)

An interest in corporate law, including an interest in working in a corporate law department and/or law firm

An interest in diversity, equity and inclusion

Demonstrated community service and leadership qualities

When is the application deadline?

May 12, 2022 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time

When is the recommendation deadline?

May 19, 2022 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Should I submit all of my information before I request a recommendation?

You should submit your request as early as possible to ensure there is sufficient time for the recommendation to be submitted prior to the deadline.

What is the projected Program timeline?

Application Opens: March 14, 2022

Application Deadline: May 12, 2022

Recommendation Deadline: May 19, 2022

Scholarship Recipients Notified: July 2022

Scholarship Checks Issued: August 2022

What are the selection criteria?

An independent selection committee will evaluate the Complete applications and select recipients considering:

Financial need

Community involvement

Essay content

Academic achievements and records

Decisions of the selection committees are final and are not subject to appeal. No application feedback will be given.

What are the details of the award?

Up to 6 scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to incoming first year law students.

The scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for course load at ABA‐accredited U.S. law schools.

Students may transfer from one institution to another and retain the award.

Is this scholarship renewable?

No.

Which school should I list on the application if I have not made a final decision?

You should list your first-choice school on the application. You can change your school choice anytime prior to the application period. If selected as a recipient, you will be asked to confirm your final school choice. If your school changes after the acceptance period, you will be able to update this information on your My Profile page.

How do I change my law school choice?

Make sure your My Profile page indicates your final college choice. It is your responsibility to make sure your My Profile page is correct at least 30 days prior to the check issue date listed above. If your scholarship check needs to be reissued for any reason, a reissue fee may apply.

How do I know if my application is complete?

Allow five to seven business days after uploading documents for your online status to update. You may monitor the status of your application on your home page.

Not Started – the form has not been requested or started

Started – the form has not been submitted and will not be considered.

Submitted – the form has been submitted but is not Complete.

Complete – all required forms and attachments (if applicable) have been received and your application will be considered for the scholarship

You may also monitor the status of your attachments and recommendations (if applicable).

Not received: the attachment has either not been received or has been rejected.

Requested: the form request has been created, but the form has not been started.

Processing: the attachment has been received and is being reviewed.

Accepted: the attachment has been verified and accepted by ISTS.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor the progress of all application requirements to make sure the application is complete. The status Complete will display on the homepage when all forms have been submitted and all documents have been verified.

I uploaded a document that no longer displays on my application. Do I need to submit it again?

Previously uploaded documents that are no longer displayed with a status on the home page have been rejected. The most common reasons for a rejected document are as follows:

The document uploaded is not one of the accepted file types: .pdf, .tif, .png, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg .bmp and .xps

The document uploaded was not the document requested.

Not all pages of the document were contained in the file.

We cannot open the file. The file may be corrupted or password protected.

Refer to the upload section of your application for the details of the required documents and upload a new file that meets the criteria stated.

How do I upload more than one file at a time?

You may create a .zip file containing more than one file as long as everything included is in an acceptable format (i.e. .pdf, .tif, .png, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps.) Do not upload additional documentation that is not requested. It will not be reviewed.

How do I create a .zip file?

To use this format, follow the steps outlined below:

Create a new folder on your Desktop, name it the document type you will be uploading. For example, Test Scores, Transcripts, or Financial Documentation.

Move all the files you wish to upload into the new folder.

Right-click on the document from your Desktop:

PC Users: select “Send to,” followed by “Compressed (zipped) folder.”

Mac Users: select “Compress ‘[folder name]’.”

Your new .zip file will be located on your Desktop, ready to upload.

What is the difference between Official and Unofficial Transcripts?

Official transcripts must be obtained through your high school administration office, or your college registrar’s office. These transcripts are normally printed on official letterhead and/or state that they are official. Transcripts may contain or require a signature.

Note: Your official transcript may come to you in a sealed envelope, stating it will become unofficial if opened. When scanning or copying your official transcripts, a watermark may appear noting they are now unofficial. Despite any watermarks or sealed envelopes, you may open the envelope if needed to upload the document. These documents will still be considered official for our purposes. Acceptable file types are: .pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp and .xps. When scanning or copying, you do not need to include a copy of the sealed envelope.

Unofficial transcripts may be accessed through your school’s online student portal. These pages must still be converted to one of the acceptable file formats. There are free tools available that will allow you to save various documents (including web pages) as a PDF. Unofficial transcripts must contain your name and the school name and contact information.

What are the DOs and DON’Ts of uploading documents to my application?

DO:

Upload one of the accepted file types.

Only upload the requested and required documents.

Blackout any Social Security numbers on the documents you are uploading. This is not required but highly advised.

Return to your Home page at https://aim.applyISTS.net to verify your documents have been accepted.

DON’T:

Upload a Microsoft Word® document (.doc, .docx) or any other format we don’t accept.

Upload more than the requested documentation.

Assume your documents are correct and accepted once you have uploaded them.

Upload a document stating you are mailing your documents.

Assume the required document does not pertain to you. If the application states the document is required, your application will remain incomplete if you do not provide that document.

Password protect your uploaded documents. Password-protected documents will be rejected.

How and when will I receive notification?

You will receive notifications from two (2) possible ISTS email addresses: donotreply@applyISTS.com and contactus@applyISTS.com. You should add both of these email addresses to your “safe senders list” to ensure important emails are not sent to your spam or junk folder.

Notifications vary by program based on the Program timeline. Refer to the Program timeline listed above for more specific information. Typically, deadline reminders are sent two (2) and one (1) week prior to the application deadline.

While you can opt out of notifications, this is not advised. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure your application is Complete. If you opt out of notifications, you will not receive deadline reminders or selection results. Your information is never sold to any third party. The only emails you will receive from ISTS are directly related to your application and, possibly, other scholarship opportunities.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

You must enroll in a law school full-time in the fall of the year in which the scholarship is awarded, continue the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by scholarship sponsor, deliver your scholarship check(s) to the proper office at your institution, and notify ISTS should your check not arrive within 30 days of the issue date.

How and when are checks issued?

Checks will be issued in August to each recipient’s law school’s mailing address and made payable to the institution on the profile page.

Are scholarships taxable?

Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against his or her scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance. You may also click here to consult IRS Publication 970 for further information.

Program Administration

To ensure complete impartiality in selection of recipients and to maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

For additional information regarding the scholarship program click here or call toll free (855) 670-ISTS (4787). Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central.

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