FAQ

Where do I send transcripts, recommendation letters, and other components of my application?

Answer:

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™
c/o Summit Medical Communications
1441 E. Broad Street, Suite 340
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Email: ucbepilepsyscholarship@summitmedcomm.com
Fax: (919) 567-7591

If I am providing an artistic presentation, is an essay still mandatory?

Answer: Yes, the essay is a mandatory part of the application. Artistic presentations, which are optional, may include CDs, PowerPoint presentations, sketches, paintings, writing samples (e.g., poetry or short stories, etc.), or a scrapbook. Electronic files may be uploaded on the "My Essay" tab. Please note these items will not be returned.

What are the definitions of a:
  • School official
    Answer: A school official is any employee of the school in which you are enrolled; this includes, but is not limited to, teachers, special-interest group instructors, or coaches.
  • Community member
    Answer: A community member is someone whom the applicant knows well, such as an athletic instructor or coach, or a member of a community special-interest group, such as the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Rotary Club, etc.
  • Healthcare team member
    Answer: A healthcare team member includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or any certified practitioner who is directly involved in the medical care of the patient with epilepsy. If the applicant is a family member and/or caregiver of someone with epilepsy, this section should be completed by the healthcare team member that cares for the patient with epilepsy.
What if the healthcare team member does not know me well enough to provide a recommendation?

Answer: After the healthcare team member treating the person with epilepsy fills out the Medical History Form, the applicant may seek out an additional recommendation from an alternate source. The application will only be considered complete when three letters of recommendation are received.

I have been out of high school for a while. Do I still need to have a school official write me a letter of recommendation? Do I still need a transcript?
  • Recommendations
    Answer: If you have been out of school for a long time, you may obtain a letter of recommendation from an alternate source such as a co-worker, manager, community member, etc.
  • Transcripts
    Answer: To be considered complete, you must submit a transcript from the academic institution you are currently attending or last attended. Transcripts may be submitted online or mailed to the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ address above.
If I’m in college, do I still need to send my high school transcript?

Answer: If you are in college, you must obtain a transcript from your college. You may also supplement your application by including your high school transcript if you would like.

I wanted to have my doctor write a recommendation for me, but he or she is traveling. Can I have them submit it when they return?

Answer: In order to be considered complete, all applications must include three letters of recommendation and the completed medical history form submitted by the application deadline of Saturday, April 6, 2024. Please note that you are not required to submit a recommendation letter from someone in each category as long as you submit three letters. Materials submitted after the application deadline will not be considered.

What if my recommendations are submitted late? Will I still be considered?

Answer: All components of the application must be submitted by the application deadline of Saturday, April 6, 2024. Unfortunately, if one component of the application arrives after the application deadline, the application will not be considered.

Can I submit an application on behalf of a family member (e.g., daughter, grandson, father)?

Answer: No, the scholarship applicant must submit the application in order to be considered for a scholarship.

I am currently taking courses part-time toward my degree. Am I still eligible for the scholarship?

Answer: Yes, persons with epilepsy and family members and/or caregivers of persons with epilepsy are eligible for a scholarship as long as they are working toward a degree in an institute of higher learning.

Can I send in components separately?

Answer: Components may be uploaded online, faxed, emailed or mailed separately; however, all components must be submitted by the deadline of Saturday, April 6, 2024, for the application to be considered complete. Please be sure any pieces submitted by mail include the applicant’s contact information (i.e., name, address, phone number) so we can match all application components.

Do I have to include a Medical History Form if I am not the patient?

Answer: The medical history form of the person with epilepsy is required. Full medical history reports are accepted, however the form is preferred. If you are not the patient, the form of the person with epilepsy is still required.

When and how will I be notified about the status of my application?

Answer: All applicants who submit completed applications by the deadline will be notified of their status in June 2024. Please be sure to provide your correct mobile number, email address, and mailing address.

Who qualifies as a family member?

Answer: A family member is any immediate family member (parent, spouse, child or sibling). Cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. may only be considered immediate family members if they are living in the same household as the person with epilepsy.

What if I was diagnosed with epilepsy but it is now under control?

Answer: All persons who have had a diagnosis of epilepsy are eligible for a scholarship.

What can the scholarship be used for?

Answer: The scholarship can be applied toward tuition, fees, and books.

How do I check on the status of my application?
 
 
I am a high school senior, and I do not yet know where I am attending college.
 
  • You may include a list of the schools applied to, in order of preference.
  • You may write "TBD."
 
If I am not taking a UCB product, am I still eligible to apply for a scholarship?
 
  • Use of UCB products will not be considered when selecting scholarship winners.
  • Anyone who has a diagnosis of epilepsy is eligible for a scholarship.
 
Is there a minimum GPA required?

Answer: No minimum GPA is required. Scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria, such as community involvement, participation in increasing awareness of epilepsy in their community, and how the applicant has positively dealt with epilepsy as a part of their life.

I applied last year and did not win. Can I apply again?

Answer: Yes, applicants from previous years who did not win a scholarship may apply again. However, previous scholarship winners are not eligible to be considered again.