Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
What is my role as a parent when my student is applying for MSP?
As a parent, monitor your student's progress in terms of MSP completion and remind and motivate them to apply early as the deadline is December 1st. Read their essay and see if their responses adequately answer the essay question. As a parent you can check on the status of your student's online MSP application by going to www.oma.osu.edu/recruitment and clicking on "check my student".
What are the award amounts for the MSP scholarship?
Excellence – is equivalent to the value of in-state tuition. Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award.
Prominence - is awarded to non-Ohio students. Students named as Prominence scholars will receive the value of in-state tuition and the out-of-state surcharge. Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award.
Distinction – is equivalent to the value of full tuition(for both Ohio residents and nonresidents), room & board, book allowance, and miscellaneous expenses. Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award.
What does E.F.C. mean and how does it apply to me?
For a parent, E.F.C. means Estimated Family Contribution. The EFC represents the estimated amount that the family can contribute to the student's education. This is often confused with the amount that a student will owe. That is not the case. The primary purpose of this figure is to determine the student’s financial aid need. For more information go to www.studentaid.ed.gov.
What if my financial and/or personal situation changes?
If this happens or will happen and you experience job loss, divorce, death in the family etc... then you can appeal and provide documentation to the financial aid office and your original FAFSA information along with the new information and appeal form will be reviewed.
How can the FAFSA help my student?
Often we think we do not qualify so we do not fill it out. In order to have a clear concise picture of your student's award package, fill the FAFSA form out by the deadline. If you will not have your tax information by the end of January then use the prior year's tax information as an estimate. You can always go back in online and correct the information. Meeting the deadline is crucial. It is highly recommended for all MSP applicants to fill the FAFSA out by the deadline February 15, 2010.
Do I need to turn in copies of the college prep form, high school transcript, and activity list for the MSP application?
No, we can use the information that is mailed to the admissions office.
Should I apply online or mail in my application?
There is no paper application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the MSP application online.
When will I know how much financial aid my student will receive?
Ohio State will send award letters in early April 2010.
How can I help speed up my student's MSP application decision?
Please be patient. Students that apply by December 1, 2009 will receive an email in March 2010.
What safety measures has Ohio State taken to protect my child?
Ohio State understands the importance of safety and takes every measure possible to create a safe environment on campus. As a parent, take the time to sit down with your student and look over Ohio State’s public safety website so you and your student can begin your experience at OSU feeling happy, confident and safe. http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu/.
What is the weather like on Ohio State's campus?
Rumors can circulate about the many feet of snow, but Ohio State's campus is well maintained. With many trees around, your child will enjoy spring's greenery, summer's sunshine, the colorful trees of autumn and the pristine snowfall during the winter. If you would like to check weather daily feel free to log onto a weather website and enter OSU's zip code "43210" for accurate, up to date weather conditions.
How will the MSP program help my child adjust to Ohio State?
The Office of Minority Affairs which houses the Morrill Scholars Program (MSP) has many support services and events sponsored throughout the Academic Advancement Services Office. Your student can spend their time interacting with like minded scholars during their time at Ohio State. For more information, please visit oma.osu.edu website to take a peek at all the different OMA departments and support services.
How does Ohio State's Office of Minority Affairs stay involved with parents?
We are here 5 days a week, 8:00 to 5:00, 12 months a year to answer emails, phone calls, and even be available for office visits. It is essential to this office that you know that you can contact anyone in this office at any time to answer any concern or question. We are not just responsible for recruiting your family to OSU but we are responsible in seeing that your student has everything in place to be successful to graduate from OSU. Even then we do not stop there; we want your student to attend graduate or professional school.
How can Ohio State keep my son/daughter positively involved?
As a first year student, your student will have many exciting opportunities to get involved. The RPAC, Ohio State's state-of-the-art student recreational center, is considered one of the best in the nation and offers a wide range of athletic organizations and clubs. From weightlifting to yoga, swimming to Pilates, the RPAC is just one of many positive outlets a student can enjoy. Additional forms of positive outlets are becoming involved in one or more of our 800 organizations. OSU showcases these organizations during Welcome Week, held during their first week of classes! It is almost a certainty your student can find a positive outlet, and if not then, all your student needs is three peers and they can begin the process of forming their own organization.