How to Become A Scholar
Application FAQs
General FAQs
Am I required to attend a Cooperman Collegiate Partner school when I enroll in college?
We want you to select the right college/university for you – regardless of whether or not it is a Collegiate Partner. During the Summer Academy and your senior high school year, we will work with you to create a list that includes some of our collegiate partners alongside colleges and universities outside of our partnerships as well.
Application FAQs
What if I am a U.S. citizen but my parents are not?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet our eligibility guidelines, you should apply to the scholarship even if your parents are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
What if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
We are not currently able to provide a scholarship to any student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Where and when should I send my supporting materials?
The required supporting materials must all be uploaded to your online application by the application deadline. If you do not follow the upload instructions exactly, your application may not be considered. Please contact a member of our team at apply@coopermanscholars.org with clarifying questions or concerns.
If you experience trouble uploading your documents, you may also bring them into our office at 494 Broad Street, Suite 103 in Newark, NJ. Contact a member of our team at apply@coopermanscholars.org to schedule a drop off date and time.
When is the application deadline?
The early application deadline is November 21, 2025, and the final application deadline is December 4, 2025.
Early applications submitted by November 21 will receive Scholar selection decisions by mid March.
Regular applications submitted by December 4 will receive Scholar selection decisions by mid April.
When do I find out if I am accepted as a Cooperman College Scholar?
The Cooperman Scholarship application process consists of three stages:
- Online Application: Submit your application through our online portal.
- Virtual Interview: If your application is selected to move forward in the process, you will attend a virtual interview with a member of our Selection Committee. You will be notified by late January.
- In-Person Interview: If you are selected to move forward to the final stage, you will be invited to an in-person interview with a member of the Cooperman College Scholars team. You will be notified by mid February.
Early applications submitted by November 21 will receive Cooperman Scholarship Finalist decisions by mid March.
Regular applications submitted by December 4 will receive Cooperman Scholarship Finalist decisions by mid April.
What items do I need to apply?
- Transcript: Upload a copy of your high school transcript that includes your grades from 9th and 10th grade. It should include a list of your currently enrolled 11th grade classes, as available.
- Verification of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status: Upload one of the required citizenship verification documents listed on the eligibility document here.
- Financial Verification: Provide a copy of the 2024 income tax return from both biological parents or guardian(s). Upload all pages of the tax return. If your biological parents or guardian(s) do not file taxes, submit non-filer documentation. This eligibility document provides more information. There may be additional financial verification including completing an Asset Worksheet to submit based on your individual circumstances.
- Photo: Upload a full-faced photo. All photos should only include you and be properly focused. Please refer to the College Board’s photo guidelines as a helpful reference.
- Optional: Letter of recommendation (Strongly Recommended if your GPA is below 3.0)
Will I need to complete an interview?
Scholarship candidates who progress to the semi-final round of the process will be invited for a virtual interview. Candidates who progress to the finalist round will be invited to the Cooperman College Scholars office for an in-person interview.
The interview gives the selection committee another chance to get to know you outside of what’s in your application. When preparing for the interview, you can expect to answer questions about your background, interests, and reasons for wanting to attend college.
Successful applicants find it helpful to ask a friend, high school teacher or family member to help prepare with practice questions such as – What adjectives best describe you? Or What is your favorite subject and why?
Candidates should block ALL of the following dates and times on your calendars:
- February 7, 2026, 9am to 5pm
- February 8, 2026, 9am to 5pm
- February 20, 2026, 9am to 5pm
- February 21, 2026, 9am to 5pm
- February 24, 2026, 9am to 5pm
- February 28, 2026, 9am to 5pm
Potential interview dates are also emailed to all applicants immediately after the application is submitted so that you can block this time on your calendar. Failure to attend an interview will forfeit the scholarship opportunity.
Do I need to submit an essay? If so, how many?
- Yes, there are two short answer questions and one long answer question:
- What role do you play in your family and how has it shaped who you are? (250 Word Limit)
- Elaborate on a hobby, idea, issue, subject or topic about which you’re excited. How will college allow you to dive into this interest on a deeper level? (250 Word Limit)
- Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (500 Word Limit)
Which transcript do I submit if I have attended multiple high schools?
Please submit all available high school transcripts.
I am worried that I can not get financial information from my parent(s).
Financial documents from your parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to complete your application. If you have concerns about being able to access your parent(s) or guardian(s) financial information, please contact a Cooperman staff person at apply@coopermanscholars.org.
My GPA does not meet the 2.75 or better target. Will I still be considered?
We recognize that GPAs are not always reflective of a student’s full capacity. Students who have experienced academic challenges early on in their high school career, should have made significant strides toward developing an upward academic trajectory. Use the space provided in the application to discuss any grades that do not reflect your best.
I am a junior, but I have some college credits. Should I still apply?
Students who have obtained credits toward a college degree through advanced coursework are welcome to apply. However, students who have graduated from high school, or earned a bachelor’s or associate’s degree are not eligible to apply.
Can I submit a screenshot or a picture of my transcript?
Transcripts can either be uploaded as a .pdf or .jpg file. If you elect to use a picture, please make sure that you upload a clear photo of your academic record where all numbers and letters are legible.
Summer Academy FAQs
When is the College Prep Summer Academy?
Scholars will leave Newark, NJ to move into the college campus residential buildings for a three week timeframe in July 2026.
Because of the rigorous Summer Academy schedule, Scholars are unable to participate in other programs/activities, whether virtual or in-person, while attending the Summer Academy program. We are unable to make exceptions to this requirement.
Full Participation and successful completion of the entire Summer Academy is mandatory to maintain scholarship eligibility.
Do I have a choice to select which college I will attend for the Summer Academy?
All of the Summer Academy programs will provide a similar experience. You are welcomed to share your preference about which Summer Academy campus you are most interested in attending; however, the CCS Staff will consider a number of factors to make the final decision.
What if I cannot attend the Summer Academy?
One of the eligibility requirements to receive a scholarship is that all Scholars are required to attend their assigned three-week Summer Academy. If a Scholar is unable to attend and complete the Summer Academy, the student will forfeit his or her eligibility to be a Cooperman College Scholar.
Scholarship FAQs
What is the average scholarship amount?
The financial component of the scholarship is a “last-dollar” award where the amount is determined after the Scholar has applied for financial aid at the college under consideration. The scholarship award for those attending partner institutions is a maximum of $10,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship award for those attending non-partner institutions is a maximum of $4,000 per year for up to four years. Scholars may receive less depending on their financial need.
Will I receive a scholarship if I do not attend a Collegiate Partner school?
Yes, the scholarship award for those attending non-partner institutions will be a maximum of $4,000 per year for up to four years. Scholars may receive less depending on their financial need.
Am I guaranteed a scholarship once I am accepted to participate in the College Prep Summer Academy?
Acceptance into the Cooperman College Scholars program as a rising senior high school student does not guarantee a four-year college scholarship. In order for a Scholar to maintain his/her standing in the program, and therefore be eligible for a college scholarship, each Cooperman College Scholar must meet the requirements outlined in the scholarship contracts shared with new Scholars, including:
- Successfully complete the three-week College Prep Summer Academy;
- Maintain enrollment in and continue to achieve academically during the senior year of high school;
- Graduate from high school 1 year from the completion of 11th grade;
- Apply to and earn acceptance into an eligible four-year accredited U.S. college or university in the Fall term immediately following high school completion;
- Maintain good academic standing each academic year at the college or university;
- Make satisfactory progress in four years toward an undergraduate degree at the college or university.
Do I need to live on campus if I attend a partner college?
Yes! Scholars who attend a partner college are required to live on-campus for their freshman and sophomore years. While we do not require this for Scholars attending our non-partner colleges, we certainly encourage it.
Do I need to attend the EOF/Summer Bridge Program if I attend a partner college?
Yes! The EOF/Summer Bridge Program provides our students with a critical early introduction to campus life and gives them a valuable jump start on their academic coursework. For this reason, all Scholars who attend a partner college will be required to participate in the EOF/Summer Bridge Program.
If selected as a Scholar, when will I receive my scholarship?
To receive the Cooperman Scholarship, Scholars must first successfully complete all of their required high school milestones. These milestones include, timely submission of college applications, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and successfully participation in required CCS programming. Once these milestones are complete, the Scholar will send their itemized bill to CCS each semester to receive their scholarship award. Fall awards are typically sent in late August while spring awards are sent in late January.
Is the Cooperman Scholarship paid directly to me or the college I choose to attend?
Cooperman Scholarships are paid directly to the college each Scholar attends.
Financial Eligibility/Income Verification FAQs
Do I need to submit financial documents for both biological parents if I do not live with both parents?
Yes. Please work with BOTH biological parents to submit the 2024 1040 tax document. Similar to colleges and universities, we require financial documents from both biological parents and their spouse(s), if applicable. If a parent does not live with the student, this parent is referred to as the “Non-Custodial” parent. We also require financial information from any Non-Custodial parent that does not live with the student.
My parent(s) did not file their 2024 taxes. What should I submit?
Please work with your parent(s) to complete the appropriate fields in Part B: Parent/Guardian Information & Financial Eligibility of the application. You will be asked to enter 2024 source(s) of income and upload documentation of each source of income for each parent who did not file taxes for the 2024 tax year. Examples include, but are not limited to, W2 Forms, 1099 Forms and Documentation of Government Assistance.
What if one or both of my parents has had a history of absence in my life?
Applicants not in contact with one or both biological parents, and therefore unable to access financial documentation, should submit a statement in Part B: Parent/Guardian Information & Financial Eligibility of the application that explains the situation in as much detail as possible. A written statement from a social worker, teacher or counselor who can attest to the particular situation will be requested should the applicant move forward to the interview round.
None of the conditions listed below, singly or in combination, qualify as circumstances meriting a parent being waived and excused from providing financial documents:
- Parent refuses to contribute to the Scholar’s education
- Parent is unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA/CSS Profile or for verification
- Parent does not claim the Scholar as a dependent for income tax purposes
- Scholar is unwilling to request parent income information or communicate with parent
My parent is refusing to provide financial documents. What should I do?
You should continue to request financial documents from your parent, as long as you feel safe in doing so. Most well endowed colleges and universities require financial documents from BOTH biological parents and will not waive documents due to refusal to provide information requested.
One of my biological parents lives in another country. Do I need his/her financial information?
Yes! Financial information for BOTH biological parents is needed. Cooperman College Scholars will use Foreign Currency Exchange Rates to convert income earned outside of the United States into US Dollars. Please work with your parent to complete their section of Part B: Parent/Guardian Information & Financial Eligibility and include documentation of their 2024 income.
I do not see my question listed here. What should I do?
This eligibility document provides more information.
Applicants with additional questions can email financialdocs@coopermanscholars.org for guidance.
If we haven’t answered your question, please contact us at apply@coopermanscholars.org.