Below are a small collection of frequently asked questions that our scholars often ask. Review these to see if the answers you need are stated below. If not, please call the AMLA Home Office at 216-531-1900 between 8:30AM and 5:00PM EST.
What should be in my e-mailed application?
Each application sent via e-mail must have four (4) parts attached in one e-mail:
1: The application
2: The Essay(s)
3: The grades for the appropriate semester (Spring semester for scholarships; Fall semester for grants)
4: A photo of the applicant (at least 2” x 3” at 200 dpi or greater in JPG, TIF, or PDF format)
Make sure that the total files size of the e-mail is less than 10MB. Failure to include any part of the above list may disqualify the applicant.
What should be in my mailed application?
Each application sent via US Mail must have four (4) parts enclosed in one envelope:
1: The application
2: The Essay(s)
3: The grades for the appropriate semester (Spring semester for scholarships; Fall semester for grants)
4: A photo of the applicant (at least 2” x 3” at 200 dpi or greater in JPG, TIF, or PDF format)
How many essays do I have to write?
Scholarship applicants need to write 2 essays from the list of topics provided in the list on the application. Scholarship applicants who do not receive a scholarship may re-submit the exact same essay(s) for that year’s grant program.
Grant applicants have to complete 1 essay.
All essays should be completed as directed on the application.
Will the AMLA Home Office hold my scholarship application for the grant program?
No. Each applicant must re-apply—sending the complete application, essays, grades, and photo to be included in the Grant Program. HINT: If you apply digitally, and you applied for the Scholarship Program and did not receive a scholarship in that year, you can just re-send your application with the updated transcripts from the Fall Semester.
Why does an applicant have to resubmit an application for the grants if we do not qualify for a scholarship?
The program requires the final grades for the spring semester for scholarships, and the final grades for fall semester for grants. All documentation for the scholarships and grants must be submitted at one time. Applicants who submitted for a scholarship, and did not receive a scholarship, may resubmit THE SAME APPLICATION AND ESSAYS for the grant application FOR THAT YEAR.
Resubmitting everything by the applicant ensures that information is not lost or misfiled. Confirmations will be sent via e-mail (see confirmation question below) ensuring that the applicant is being considered. If an applicant is re-submitting after not receiving a scholarship, and is using e-mail to do so, the process is very efficient.
What class-load is the minimum to receive a Scholarship or Grant?
The program requirement is that the scholar have what the university they attend considers a course load for a full time student (usually 12 credit hours for undergraduate studies). The scholar must also be considered in good academic standing which each university designates a minimum threshold (an individual on academic warning is not considered in good academic standing for example).
Can I submit the same information for the grant application that I used for the scholarship?
YES. Provided that the applicant did not already receive a scholarship in that year, the applicant may re-apply using the same application, photo, essay, but must include the grades from fall semester.
Can I submit my application digitally?
YES. Applications will be accepted via e-mail, and may be completed in a text file. Essays may be completed in Rich Text Format, PDF, or Microsoft Word. All essays must be submitted together with the grades from the appropriate grading period, photo of applicant (JPG format preferred), and completed application (scanned is acceptable provided it is easily legible), in one e-mail to Member@AmericanMutual.org.
Can I submit my application partly in e-mail and partly through US Mail?
No. All application materials need to arrive in one package to ensure eligibility.
What formats are acceptable for receiving digital photos?
JPG (JPEG) images are the best bet. TIF (TIFF), PNG, and PDF are also acceptable. Please keep the size below 5 MBs (megabytes). Be sure that the total file size for the e-mail does not exceed 10MB.
What formats are acceptable for receiving digital essays?
Rich Text Formats (RTF) or PDF of essays or those created in Microsoft Word are acceptable. If the applicant is not certain of whether their format is correct, the applicant may scan the completed application and essays to submit via e-mail.
How will I know that my application was received?
For those who e-mail their applications, a confirmation e-mail will be sent within 3 days. If a confirmation e-mail was not received within that timeframe, please call the AMLA Home Office at 216-531-1900 and request one.
For those who mail a hardcopy of their applications to the Home Office, you will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail (via address enclosed) or via telephone. If confirmation was not received in 3 days, please call the AMLA Home Office at 216-531-1900.
Must I use the lined pages included in the application form?
No. Applicants may submit their essays on paper that was printed from a computer or written legibly on lined paper. Applicants may submit their essays in digital format as part of the e-mailed application as a Rich Text Format, PDF, or Microsoft Word document.
How will I be notified that I received a scholarship?
Scholarship recipients will be notified using their contact information provided in the application. Please be sure there are no misspellings or typographical errors. Winners of scholarships will be asked to come to the AMLA Home Office to receive official documentation and take a picture.
When will I receive the funds from the scholarship?
Scholarship money will be paid directly to the school the winner will be attending that August. Winners may be required to give additional information to facilitate payment.
When will I receive the funds from the grants?
Grant money will be paid to the recipient via check. This payment is generally made by February 1, on all approved recipients.
Are there exceptions for any of the rules stated or procedures?
Not generally. The AMLA is a fraternal organization interested in helping everyone get the most from their education. However, exceptions to the aforementioned rules and procedures for application to scholarship and grants are rare, if any. This position is necessary to remain fair to all participants. If you have problems downloading, completing or sending the application, or its attachments, please contact the AMLA Home Office by telephone at 216-531-1900. Our goal is to help you complete the application correctly. The more time you give the Home Office Staff to help, the more likely they will be able to help