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TRIO Application FAQ 

APPLICATION PROCESS
When will I know if I was accepted into the program?   
All applicants will be notified of their application decision by mid-September. 

If I am offered a waitlist position, what does that mean?    
Since TRIO Scholars has limited spots, we cannot provide acceptance to every highly eligible applicant. If you are offered a spot on the waitlist, we will reach out to you once a spot becomes available. Once offered a spot off the waitlist, you must accept your spot by the deadline provided. If you decline the offer or do not respond by the deadline, we will offer the open spot to the next person on the waitlist.

Does the application process include an interview?
Interviews will be extended to applicants on a case-by-case basis to allow TRIO Scholars staff a chance to follow up with any additional questions. Whether or not you are offered an interview does not indicate our final decision on your application. 

TAX INFORMATION
Which tax information am I submitting? 

We are collecting 2021 tax information for you/your parent(s)/guardian(s). It is the same tax information that you submitted to complete your FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.    

These tax documents are confusing. Where do I find the 2021 Taxable Income?   
The taxable income can be found on the 2021 federal income tax return document you received. If you have IRS Form 1040, see line 15.

What do I do if I/my parent(s)/guardian(s) did not file taxes for 2021? 
No problem – simply select the “did not file 2021 taxes” option on the online application and provide your/your parent(s)/guardian(s) 2021 total income. Income information is needed to determine program eligibility. 

Can I submit tax information for a different year if I cannot obtain 2021 tax information?   
No – we are only collecting 2021 tax information. If you/your guardian(s) did not file 2021 taxes, simply select the “did not file 2021 taxes” on the online application and provide your/your parent(s)/guardian(s) 2021 total income. 

TRANSCRIPTS
I am not able to get a hold of my unofficial high school/community college transcripts, what should I submit?   
If you are unable to submit an unofficial transcript, we will accept any forms of academic records that display your coursework and grades. This includes official transcripts, screenshots of final grades from your online portal, etc. All academic records submitted should have your name clearly displayed to authenticate these documents. 

I am a community college transfer/current UCR student, why do I need to submit my high school transcripts?     
Per federal eligibility regulations, you must demonstrate an academic need to qualify for TRIO Scholars. Submitting your high school transcripts gives us more information to assess that need. 

Can I mail my transcripts to the TRIO Scholars office?
No – please scan the document and submit the digital file in the online application. 

My transcripts are from a foreign country and not in the English language. What should I do?
Submit your transcripts in the appropriate section and provide additional information in the Educational History comments section. Include the name of the school, country and language. Also, submit helpful information such as the grading system, time attended, and any details about your academic performance that may not be clear.

PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS 
I am worried I will not be able to meet the program requirements during the year due to my classes. What if I have work and class and cannot make it?
All participants are required to meet the following requirements: (1) meeting with their assigned staff member once per quarter, (2) workshops per quarter, (1) Summer Check-in, (1) financial literacy workshop per year,  (2) CashCourse modules per year, (2) campus partner workshops per year, and  maintain good academic standing. In addition, incoming first years are part of our Peer Mentor Program, students meet with their peer mentor (3) times per quarter during their first year. While it may seem overwhelming to meet TRIO requirements, it is doable! TRIO Scholars offers a wide calendar of events to allow participants the flexibility to choose workshops that work with their schedule. Please communicate any challenges/barriers to your TRIO staff advisor, we are flexible and are able to accommodate students' needs. 

What if I want to be more involved? Can I attend more workshops/events?
Yes! These requirements are minimum to stay active in the program, students can attend as many events as they would like. The more involved one is with TRIO, the more they get out of our program.