The following page covers all the information you need to join our family. Please take time to carefully read this page and follow each step below.

The Southern Scholarship Foundation proudly serves students attending four major universities in Florida: Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida.

• Download the application. Complete it fully and return it along with all necessary documents in one packet to:
  
  Student Affairs
  Southern Scholarship Foundation
  322 Stadium Drive
  Tallahassee, FL 32304
  
• Keep track of what you must submit with the application check list.
• When we receive your completed application you will receive an email with further details.

• March 1 — Evaluation of complete application packets begins. We do not have an application deadline as applications are accepted year round. However, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• May — Notification of acceptance
• Late June — Accepted students will receive their house assignment packet
• Late August — Accepted students move into their new homes depending on start of classes

Interviews will be conducted as time permits. Once you submit a completed application packet, you will be contacted via email to schedule an interview. Tours are highly encouraged for all interested students as they allow you and your parents to meet SSF staff and students and learn more about the program. You can tour a house and see it in "action.", as well as ask actual residents any questions you may have about college or SSF life.

• Application — Please completely fill in all blanks.
• Photograph — Attach a recent photograph, not larger than wallet size (3 x 2 5/16). Newspaper photos are not accepted.
• Acceptance to the University or College — We must have a copy of the official acceptance letter from FSU, UF, FAMU, or FGCU. A current transcript is sufficient for applicants attending a university served by SSF.
• Honors and Activities List — Please send a list of honors, clubs, social activities, employment, volunteer experiences, talents, and interests.

• Transcripts — Please send transcripts from high school and any colleges attended. If you are a junior college graduate, send only your college transcript. If you are currently attending FSU, UF, FGCU, or FAMU you must enclose your most recent official transcript which includes your cumulative GPA.
• Letters of Recommendation — Please send three letters of recommendation with specific information regarding your academic ability, character, family background, and financial status from any of the following: principal, dean, teacher, advisor, minister, employer, or civic leader. The letters should contain information that is not included on other parts of the application. We are looking for good house members, strong leaders, and potentially successful college students. Letters should be addressed to the President of the Southern Scholarship Foundation.
• Essay — In an essay of 500-750 words, please respond to all of the topics below.
  1. Write a brief autobiography, which includes your characteristics and general outlook on life.
  2. Select the most significant event in your life and discuss how it affected you.
  3. Briefly discuss your professional goals and how you hope to achieve them.
  4. Tell us why you would make a good candidate for SSF.
• Financial Information — Financial information is required on each applicant. Please see the Financial Need section below to determine eligibility.
• Attention International Students — Although you are not eligible for federal financial aid, you must demonstrate financial need. Financial documentation may include, but is not limited to, pay stubs and/or income tax information.
• Resumes — are accepted.

• Financial Need — All applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a processing agency. After processing, you must send a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR), Part 1, pages 1-7, to the Southern Scholarship Foundation office. If printing from the web, send us the "Print Summary" and "SAR Transactions" sections. SSF uses the Student Aid Report (SAR) in determining financial need. An Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of 07500 ($7500) is a guide to an applicant's financial need.
• High GPA — Applicants must have at least a 3.00 GPA (unweighted). A majority of our current residents are Bright Future's recipients and enter with a GPA well over the minimum required.
• Outstanding Character — Applicants must demonstrate high character by submitting an essay and providing character references. Applicants must send three letters of recommendation (addressed to the President of the Southern Scholarship Foundation). Letters should include information regarding the academic ability, character, family background, and financial status of the applicant. Employers, ministers, principals, teachers, counselors, and civic leaders are possible references. We look for young adults who are involved in the community, have worked, and still maintain a high GPA.
• Motivation — With the community based scholarship program we facilitate, the most successful residents are highly motivated to contribute to the cooperative-living atmosphere of the Southern Scholarship Foundation. This is demonstrated through the awards and activities list submitted by all applicants.
• Acceptance to University — We must have a copy of the official acceptance letter from FSU, UF, FAMU, or FGCU.

Questions about applying?
For FSU and FAMU: scuzzort@southernscholarship.org
For UF and FGCU: tturner@southernscholarship.org