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Pennsylvania is home to one of America’s first universities: The University of Pennsylvania. There are also numerous residency-based scholarship opportunities available in the Keystone State. Check out the Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) if you’re a Pennsylvania student looking for scholarships.
Many Pennsylvania students have already benefited from privileged access that has assisted them in achieving their post-secondary educational goals thanks to this Ready to Succeed Scholarship.
We’ll begin this guide by discussing the qualifications needed and the application procedure. Also, we’ll provide advice and tactics for improving your chances of receiving a Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship in the second half of this article.
What Is the Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship?
The Pennsylvania RTSS is the only scholarship offered by PHEAA to outstanding Pennsylvania students. This scholarship, which is administered by PHEAA in close collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is created to give grants to top students who can show they have a need for money.
Students who have successfully completed at least one academic year and have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 and also have a family income of less than $126,000 are eligible for the RTSS.
In other words, you qualify for this scholarship if you’re a Pennsylvania student who can prove both your academic prowess and your financial need.
Funding for the award is limited for the program and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. What does it actually mean? In short, your chances of getting into the program increase if you apply early. You will probably receive a loan offer if you wait until the very end.
Hence, you should submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can if you don’t want to rely solely on student loans. Part of the conditions for eligibility include the submission.
You’ll have a better chance of receiving the scholarship that you don’t have to pay back if you submit your FAFSA early!
Am I Eligible for an RTSS?
Unfortunately, RTSS isn’t open to just any student. In order to be eligible, first and foremost, your school must participate in RTSS. Then, to be considered for the scholarship, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Have completed at least one academic year—defined as having earned at least 24 semester credits or the equivalent by the time that your school checks academic progress for the PA State Grant Program. This may be at the end of the Spring or Summer term of the previous academic year.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement by attaining a minimum GPA of 3.25 at the time that your school checks academic progress for the PA State Grant Program. The minimum GPA used to measure outstanding academic achievement could change for future academic years.
- Have a family income that does not exceed $126,000 (this threshold is subject to change each year).
In short, you’ll need a perfect report card to apply for this scholarship. If you’re confident that you may be the best candidate, continue to the next section.
How Much Money Can I Get from the Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship?
The program, in combination with the PA State Grant Program, provides scholarship to high academic achievers to cover the cost of attendance. Up to $2,500 for full-time and $1,250 for part-time students in total awards are offered in the 2022-23 academic year. The minimum award is $500.
What Information Do I Need to Apply?
You must submit both your PA State Grant Form (SGF) and FAFSA in order to be considered for the scholarship. From the FAFSA confirmation page, you can access the SGF online. Look for the button that says, “Start your state application to apply for Pennsylvania state-based financial aid.”
You might need to wait until you get an email directing you to the American Education Services (AES) website to finish the SGF if you already filed your FAFSA online but missed the direct link. Most renewal students are exempt from having to finish the SGF.
During the PA State Grant application process, if you don’t already have an online account with AES, you can create one.
How Do I Apply for the Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship?
The RTSS does not have a separate student application. Students will be nominated by accredited, participating institutions for prize eligibility. You must fulfill all RTSS eligibility requirements and have submitted an FAFSA and SGF in order to be nominated.
Your academic standing and GPA will be sent by participating schools to PHEAA for use in determining your RTSS eligibility. PHEAA will be in touch with you if more information is required.
When Do I Found Out Whether I’ve Been Selected for the Scholarship?
Student eligibility for the RTSS will be revealed in the middle to end of the fall, with nominations starting in mid-September. Depending on the contact information supplied on their FAFSA and SGF, awarded students will be notified via email or letter.
Once eligibility is declared, your reward status will also be shown in Account Access. If you were nominated by your school, you can check your award status in Account Access in the middle to end of the fall. Following that, awards will be given to qualified, certified students starting in mid-November for the award year.
How to Raise My Odds of Winning an RTSS Scholarship?
Before starting the application process, be sure you meet all eligibility requirements. You won’t even be given access to the nomination if you don’t match the criteria.
Maintaining your grades is one of the best things you can do as a younger high school student to improve your chances of getting the scholarship. Keep in mind that the screening committee is seeking for a student with outstanding academic potential.
Additionally, submit your FAFSA as soon as you can. FAFSA application deadline is October 1. As was already mentioned, early applicants have a better chance of being accepted.
What’s Next
There are lots of scholarship opportunities out there, even if you’re ineligible for the Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship. The Golden Apple Scholarship is one great option. If you want to explore all your financial aid options and not just scholarships, learn about the most recommended government grants for students.
