Instructions for Completing Application Questions:

• Your application must be completed electronically or it will not be considered.

• PART B must be completed online during a single computer session. Be sure to have all of the required information available before filling out the form. We suggest that you first view the PART B form, print it out, and use it as your rough draft.
• The Essay section may be completed online during a single computer session, or at a later session. We suggest that you first view the Essay section, print it out, and use it for your rough draft.

PART A
This page contains an applicant statement with an electronic signature from you and your parent/guardian. In the first box, enter your initials. The second box is for the initials of your parent or guardian. You should use two or three letters in each box. You must complete this page to make your application valid.

PART B

Question 1:  Please complete all information accurately.

Question 2: Click here if you would like to be considered for a loan as well as a scholarship.  

• Bootstraps, Inc. loan recipients must meet the same high standards as scholarship recipients.
• The Bootstraps, Inc. interest-free loan allows you to repay only the amount borrowed. In addition, the Bootstraps, Inc. loan is renewable, funds permitting, as long as you are in good academic standing.

Question 3: College grid

• Enter schools to which you have applied in order of preference, with the one you are most likely to attend first. For each school, enter
  • your expected major
  • whether you plan to live in a dorm, at home with your parents, or another location
  • whether you have been accepted or are awaiting a reply.

Question 4: Are you the first person in your family to attend college?

• If you have an older sibling who is in college but your parents and grandparents did not attend, you may check this box.
• If you have an older sibling who has graduated from college but your parents and grandparents did not attend, then leave this box blank.

Question 5: Educational Data and Test Information:

1. Weighted class rank (Home schooled students may enter 1 out of 1)
2. Weighted GPA based on a 4.0 scale. (Your weighted GPA reflects any AP courses).
3. ACT test scores: List only the composite score. If you have taken the test more than once, enter the highest score.
4. Total number of AP semesters successfully completed:
   • Count any course that you passed
   • A full year course counts as two semesters
   • Count fall semester of any full-year course in which you are currently enrolled
5. AP courses currently enrolled
   • Count only spring semester courses. 

Question6: High school counselor's last name.

Question 7: EFC
EFC stands for Estimated Family Contribution. You will find this number near the top of the page of your Student Aid Report (SAR). See sample SAR on page 4 of these instructions.

Question 8: Do you have any sources for funding besides yourself and your parents?

• Do not count your own savings.
• Do not count financial aid other than scholarships.
• Do include sources such as grandparents, trust fund, and other scholarships.
• Please list each source and the approximate amount you expect to receive.

Questions 9-12: Please list your extra-curricular activities (including sports), awards received, volunteer work, and work experience. Please be concise since many of the spaces allow a limited number of characters.

ESSAYS

Questions 13 - 15: Essays

Your essays should be between 150 and 400 words. They should respond to the following questions. (Hint: You can write your essay in a word document and paste it into the application form.)

Essay 1: Who are you? Tell us something about yourself, your life, and/or what makes you unique.

Essay 2: What are your career goals?

Essay 3: (Optional) Are there any special circumstances you would like us to know about?
Please explain or elaborate on anything else you feel is important in evaluating your situation. For example:

• you have overcome some adversity,
•  your family is experiencing some difficulties,
•  you have an IEP or 504 plan,
• Your family has exceptional medical expenses,
• your parents are supporting a grandparent,
• anything else you want us to know.

SAR - The Student Aid Report

• To receive your SAR, you must complete the FAFSA
• To complete the FAFSA, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and follow the instructions.
• It is best if you complete the FAFSA using completed 2011 federal tax returns. If you or your parents owe taxes, you can file the returns with the IRS later, but by completing them early, you will know that your information is accurate. If you use estimates, you may be required to make corrections later.
• When your FAFSA has been processed (usually within two business days from submission date) you will receive an email. You can then go to the FAFSA web site above, and click on “View and Print Your Student Aid Report”. Save the report to your computer, then attach it to an email sent to secureapp@bootstrapsinc.org.
• We have included an example of the first page of the SAR HERE. For this application, you must submit the entire SAR form.

Transcripts:
Transcripts must be received directly from your high school counseling office. Transcripts may be sent by mail to: Bootstraps Application, PO Box 4234, Evergreen, CO 80437, or sent by email to secureapp@bootstrapsinc.org.

Recommendations:
Open and print the Recommendation Request Form ( see left menu or click here to go to form page) on the Bootstraps application page. Be sure to allow adequate time for your teacher/counselor to write their letter of recommendation.