Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
There are many questions about my parent’s finances and required IRS forms. Do I need to answer and submit all of them?
Yes, they are the basis of the Upakar scholarship determinations. Please remember this is a merit/need based scholarship and we need to confirm the need portion. Any application that does not fully answer the questions or does not include the requested forms will be immediately disregarded. Please get your parent’s help with this section if needed. If you are not able to access this information, send an explanation to upakarfoundation@hotmail.com with “No parent financial information” as the header.
I /my parents don’t feel comfortable sending this information. Can I send the required supporting documentation after the Scholarship committee has reviewed my application?
No, because these documents are scrutinized as an integral part of the application review process. Without these important documents, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed or considered.
Can I get an exception since I am not a United States Permanent Resident (“Green card” holder) or United States Citizenship?
No, an Upakar Scholar must be a US Permanent Resident or Citizen
Life got busy and I missed the deadline. Can I get an extension?
There is no exception to the deadline.
I really need the money to pay for school; can I get an exception to the eligibility criteria?
No, an Upakar Scholar must meet the eligibility criteria as listed
My school does not do weighted grades/cumulative GPA, what should I do?
Note this on the application so the reviewers know it is not available.
I was born in India, was adopted as a child and now I am a US citizen, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the other criteria to be an Upakar Scholar
I am just outside of the GPA requirements. Can I get an exception?
No. In general, an Upakar scholar far exceeds the GPA requirements.
I did not complete the FAFSA. Am I automatically disqualified?
No, but should be a clear and concise explanation for not completing it attached to the scholarship application.
I would like to drop off my application personally; can I make an appointment or drop it off somewhere?
No. If any attempt is made to contact the board members directly or attempts to influence the decision making process will cause an application to immediately be disregarded.
I live in India and want to come to America to study. Can I get an Upakar scholarship?
No. An Upakar scholar must be graduating from an US based high school and be currently living in the US. Income or a tax return from India cannot be substituted for the American requirements.
I live in the US and my parents live and work in India. Can I still apply?
If your parents live and work in India and you are studying in the United States, you must provide the tax return for your US based guardians or your own if you file independently.
I am in Graduate school/already in college/planning a gap year. Can I still apply?
No, the Upakar scholarship is only for high school seniors going directly to college.
I have enough money already for tuition, can I get a check sent directly to me instead?
No, the Upakar Scholarship donors expect the scholarship checks to be sent directly to the Institution on your behalf. Overages must be returned to Upakar and should not be paid out directly to a scholar.