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The preliminary application opens annually July 15. Students who meet the pre-qualification application requirements will be invited to complete a Second Round Application.
Apply to Become an Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholar
Complete the preliminary application before the December 31 deadline. This step collects basic information about you and authorizes the Division of Financial Aid to access electronic high school transcripts and standardized test scores. If you are attending a West Virginia private high school or out-of-state school, you may be asked to submit additional documentation. Preliminary applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.
The preliminary application just takes a few minutes to complete.
To monitor the progress of your application and requirements, you may create a WVSAM Account. After creating the account, you will be sent an email (may be in your junk/spam) with a link to create a password. It may take 15 or more minutes for your application to appear in the My Applications section. Once there, click the Confirmation Number to review your application.
Students who meet the pre-qualification application requirements will be invited to complete a Second Round Application.
During this step, you also must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before your second-round application can be reviewed. You may complete the FAFSA before this step.
The FAFSA opens October 1 year each year. Colleges use information from the FAFSA to help you unlock financial aid opportunities.
All Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholar applications must complete the FAFSA. Complete it as soon as possible starting October 1.
Finalists will be asked to submit a short (3-5 minute) video highlighting past experiences or future ambitions that have driven them to a career as a professional educator.
Students are typically notified about their eligibility in March.