FAQs
These questions were suggested by our Student Advisory Group (SAG) or were asked by an applicant during the application process. Answers are provided by our ZF Team, ZF Students & ZF Alumni. Please feel free to send additional suggestions or recommendations to us.
What do I have to do to apply to ZF?
Thoroughly read our website and understand who we are and what we do. Determine whether you will benefit from and contribute to the ZF community. If so, please complete our Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) during our open PQA cycle (Dec 1-Jan 15). Please provide thoughtful, concise answers and the required brief financial information. Be sure to review your PQA carefully before you submit.
How many Pre-Qualify Applications (PQAs) do you receive each year vs number of awards given?
During our last open cycle, we received over 30 PQAs and funded 10 new ZF Students. Currently, we coach and co-invest in 38 ZF students.
What does the Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) consist of?
Student information, five questions requiring short but thoughtful answers and financial information. We strongly recommend you read our website before filling it out.
What does the Full Application consist of?
The full ZF online application includes mini-essays, a references section, our College Affordability Toolkit (CAT), and requires submission of a college application essay, an official school transcript, and your student loan information (FAFSA Submission Summary which includes your Student Aid Index estimate, CSS Profile or Institutional financial aid form). If you are not applying for financial aid, we require a written statement as to why, including a synopsis of your family's financial situation.
Can my parents/guardians help me with my PQA or Full Application?
Yes! We expect this to be a joint effort. You cannot complete these without having honest conversations with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about affordability as well as gather the needed financial information to complete. An example would be a conversation about what amount they can contribute (each year - eight semesters/4 years for college or 4 semesters/2 years for community college). We are a student-centered organization. We expect students to drive their relationship with ZF and for parents/guardians to be a supportive resource to the students. Also, we expect you to consult other adults you trust and/or your guidance counselor. Take advantage of the resources around you!
Can a ZF staff person help me if I have questions on the PQA or Full Application?
Of course! Please contact Sarah with any questions.
Is the money given directly to me or given to the school?
The school.
What is the average scholarship amount and how is the scholarship money distributed?
$6,000 per academic year, however award amounts vary based on each student's situation. Each semester, ZF will disburse 50% of your scholarship amount directly to your school. Prior to this, you will provide verification of full-time enrollment (as defined by your institution). We provide these instructions in your award email.
Is the scholarship for 1 academic year?
Our commitment to our students is for eight semesters for college or 4 semesters for community college as long as they remain in compliance with their award. This said, the scholarship amount (just as your financial aid), may vary each year due to changing financial circumstances. A good example would be if you became a Resident Assistant your sophomore year. This generally covers your room and board costs which significantly lessen your financial need. This may affect both your need and your ZF scholarship amount.
Do you have to pay back the money you receive?
No as long as you remain in compliance with the award. It is a scholarship, therefore no pay back. We encourage our students to contribute time to help ZF better serve our current and future students through volunteering as a Student & Alumni Advisory Group (SAG) member, a student mentor or ZF advisor, or perhaps, as a future ZF coach. Our students are the future ZF!
Can I re-apply to ZF if I take a year off?
Each circumstance is considered on an individual basis. We recommend you be proactive and discuss with your coach ahead of time.
Do you cover summer courses?
You need to enroll with a full-time course-load. You also need to demonstrate how the summer semester will allow you to graduate early and how it is a financially responsible decision. We consider summer courses on an individual basis. We recommend you discuss with your coach ahead of time.
How are ZF coaches assigned?
We try to match coaches by interests and location. Our coaches are located across the United States.
Where do I find more info?
All over our website. Take the time to explore ZF and then ask yourself if you are interested in becoming part of an integrity-driven, values-based community whose common goal is to make a positive contribution to the greater community & strengthen ZF for future students.
Have any questions that weren’t answered here or on the website? Contact us!
What do I have to do to apply to ZF?
Thoroughly read our website and understand who we are and what we do. Determine whether you will benefit from and contribute to the ZF community. If so, please complete our Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) during our open PQA cycle (Dec 1-Jan 15). Please provide thoughtful, concise answers and the required brief financial information. Be sure to review your PQA carefully before you submit.
How many Pre-Qualify Applications (PQAs) do you receive each year vs number of awards given?
During our last open cycle, we received over 30 PQAs and funded 10 new ZF Students. Currently, we coach and co-invest in 38 ZF students.
What does the Pre-Qualify Application (PQA) consist of?
Student information, five questions requiring short but thoughtful answers and financial information. We strongly recommend you read our website before filling it out.
What does the Full Application consist of?
The full ZF online application includes mini-essays, a references section, our College Affordability Toolkit (CAT), and requires submission of a college application essay, an official school transcript, and your student loan information (FAFSA Submission Summary which includes your Student Aid Index estimate, CSS Profile or Institutional financial aid form). If you are not applying for financial aid, we require a written statement as to why, including a synopsis of your family's financial situation.
Can my parents/guardians help me with my PQA or Full Application?
Yes! We expect this to be a joint effort. You cannot complete these without having honest conversations with your parent(s)/guardian(s) about affordability as well as gather the needed financial information to complete. An example would be a conversation about what amount they can contribute (each year - eight semesters/4 years for college or 4 semesters/2 years for community college). We are a student-centered organization. We expect students to drive their relationship with ZF and for parents/guardians to be a supportive resource to the students. Also, we expect you to consult other adults you trust and/or your guidance counselor. Take advantage of the resources around you!
Can a ZF staff person help me if I have questions on the PQA or Full Application?
Of course! Please contact Sarah with any questions.
Is the money given directly to me or given to the school?
The school.
What is the average scholarship amount and how is the scholarship money distributed?
$6,000 per academic year, however award amounts vary based on each student's situation. Each semester, ZF will disburse 50% of your scholarship amount directly to your school. Prior to this, you will provide verification of full-time enrollment (as defined by your institution). We provide these instructions in your award email.
Is the scholarship for 1 academic year?
Our commitment to our students is for eight semesters for college or 4 semesters for community college as long as they remain in compliance with their award. This said, the scholarship amount (just as your financial aid), may vary each year due to changing financial circumstances. A good example would be if you became a Resident Assistant your sophomore year. This generally covers your room and board costs which significantly lessen your financial need. This may affect both your need and your ZF scholarship amount.
Do you have to pay back the money you receive?
No as long as you remain in compliance with the award. It is a scholarship, therefore no pay back. We encourage our students to contribute time to help ZF better serve our current and future students through volunteering as a Student & Alumni Advisory Group (SAG) member, a student mentor or ZF advisor, or perhaps, as a future ZF coach. Our students are the future ZF!
Can I re-apply to ZF if I take a year off?
Each circumstance is considered on an individual basis. We recommend you be proactive and discuss with your coach ahead of time.
Do you cover summer courses?
You need to enroll with a full-time course-load. You also need to demonstrate how the summer semester will allow you to graduate early and how it is a financially responsible decision. We consider summer courses on an individual basis. We recommend you discuss with your coach ahead of time.
How are ZF coaches assigned?
We try to match coaches by interests and location. Our coaches are located across the United States.
Where do I find more info?
All over our website. Take the time to explore ZF and then ask yourself if you are interested in becoming part of an integrity-driven, values-based community whose common goal is to make a positive contribution to the greater community & strengthen ZF for future students.
Have any questions that weren’t answered here or on the website? Contact us!