Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

+What is a Peyton Anderson Scholarship?
Peyton Anderson Scholarships have been established to help fund a college education for highly promising high school students in Bibb County, Georgia, who demonstrate academic promise, strong character, community involvement, and financial need.
+How much is the scholarship?
The scholarship varies up to $7,500 per year, depending on your financial need, tuition and living expenses. Ten or more scholarships will be awarded each year.
+Can I combine this scholarship with other financial aid?
Yes, you can combine a Peyton Anderson Scholarship with the HOPE scholarship and other financial aid awards.
+Who is eligible?
You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Bibb County for the past two years, a graduating senior from a SACS-accredited high school in Bibb County that you have attended for the past two years, graduating with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and applying to one of the listed colleges or universities
+Which high schools are eligible?
You must be a graduating senior from a Bibb County public high school or private high school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
+Which colleges are eligible?
Scholarship winners must register as full-time students in an undergraduate degree program at one of Berry College, Central Georgia Technical College, Fort Valley State University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Middle Georgia State College, Mercer University, University of Georgia, or Wesleyan College
+Where can I learn more about colleges in Georgia?
You can learn more about the eligible colleges and universities on the Peyton Anderson Scholarship list (link to scholarship page), as well as other Georgia colleges at www.gacollege411.org.
+How do I apply?
You must submit a complete online application, including two letters of recommendation, by the application due date. The application must tell us about your academic potential, your character, community involvement, and your financial need.
+What is a complete application?
An online application with all supporting documents submitted by the application deadline.  To view the requirements, click on the applicant checklist.
+When is the application deadline?
The Application and all supporting documents must be submitted online by March 15.  Two letters of recommendation must be submitted BEFORE the application is considered complete.
+Why should I take the SAT or ACT?

Most of the schools on the Peyton Anderson Foundation list of eligible colleges require the SAT or ACT for admission. You need to apply for and take the SAT or ACT in the fall or early winter in order to have scores ready to send to colleges and to the Foundation.

If you cannot afford the test fees, ask your guidance counselor about a fee waiver. You can also contact Talent Search (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) at 478-746-4518 or www.apaets.org for more information and assistance paying for application and testing fees.

You can learn more about the SAT at www.collegeboard.com and the ACT at www.act.org.

+Why do I need to fill out a FAFSA?

The Foundation can’t award a scholarship until we know your level of financial need, and you must document that with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a free online form that must be filled out by your parent or guardian in order for you to apply for financial aid at your college or university.

The Foundation asks for the Student Aid Report from the FAFSA to determine your level of financial need. The FAFSA application process can take several weeks once you submit the online form, and require your parents’ most recent income tax information. Start your FAFSA application as early as possible. You can learn more about the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

+What’s the next step after I apply?
Once you’ve submitted a complete application, your materials will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee will choose a number of applicants for interviews.
+What’s involved in the interview?
The interview will last about thirty minutes and will give you an opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your plans for your future. To qualify for a Scholarship Interview, you must have a Letter of Admission from one of the colleges or universities on the Peyton Anderson Scholarship list. We’ll ask you to bring to the interview a printout of the financial aid award from your college, a small photo of yourself (school pictures are fine), and to sign a Media Release Form.
+How will I learn if I’m selected?
If you are chosen for a scholarship you will be contacted by letter, usually in about ten days after the interview.
+How do I receive the scholarship?
The Foundation will send a check to your college.
+Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years; a fifth year may be considered under special circumstances.
+How do I qualify for a renewal?
You must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and perform and document twenty hours of community service (volunteer or service-learning) each year for automatic renewal. If your GPA falls below a 3.0, or you have not met the community service requirement, you can request an interview with the Peyton Anderson Scholarship Committee to discuss your circumstances and request a renewal.
+Where do I send my application?
Submit your application online by this year’s deadline.

+Who can I call if I have questions?
Phone the Peyton Anderson Scholarship line at 478-314-0948 and speak to Mrs. Charla Ivey, Program Director, or email us at scholarships@pafdn.org.
+Where can I find the application?
The Application is available on the Application page. Your high school guidance counselor’s office also has information on The Peyton Anderson Scholarship.