Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the Scholarships and Awards application in MyFile, select this award, and fill in the extracurricular activities and community service sections
• ✓ Two reference letters (one academic, one from your extracurricular involvement; family members cannot be referees; one page maximum each)
• ✓ A letter explaining your relationship to the York University graduate
• ✓ Optional: one supporting media piece, such as a news article about your accomplishments or a photo of your volunteer work
• ✓ Reference letters and supporting documents emailed to FAAS@yorku.ca by February 15
• ✓ York student number

About this award

You get $6,000 per year for 4 years, which is a total of $24,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a Canadian high school student entering first-year undergraduate study at York University and you are the child, sibling or grandchild of a York University graduate. You must apply by February 15. York University will notify you by email or letter between May and June if you are selected. You need a minimum admission average of 90% (based on Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent) and a record of participation and leadership in extracurricular student life. Ask York University roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your York Student Account and will show up on your August statement. Confirm with York University if there are any other specific payment steps. The award is renewable in years two, three and four if you keep a minimum grade point average of 7.8. It cannot be held together with another renewable entrance scholarship, the York University Automatic Entrance Scholarship or the York University Continuing Student Scholarship.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian high-school applicant. To qualify as a high school applicant, you must be less than 21 years old by December 31 of the calendar year in which you are admitted to the university. Also, you must have been out of full-time high school studies for less than two years from your high school graduation date, and you must not have attempted studies at an accredited college or university. You must be the child, sibling or grandchild of a graduate holding a York University degree, have a minimum admission average of 90% (based on Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent), and have a record of participation and leadership in extracurricular student life.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to high school students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid waiting until you have an official offer of admission to start. Instead, apply as soon as you have your York student number. Submit your application through MyFile starting December 1.
• SupportAvoid sending your supporting documents through the portal if they are requested via email. Instead, send all required documents directly to FAAS@yorku.ca (the Financial Aid and Awards Services office).
• StrategyAvoid missing the early window. Instead, aim to complete your application well before February 15, as some awards close earlier than the general April 1 deadline.
• RealismAvoid counting on the money just because you meet the basic eligibility rules. Instead, remember that these awards depend on available funding and a review of your final grades.

Questions students ask

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