Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What codes are used to send official SAT or ACT score reports for my Teaching Fellows application?
A: The SAT code is 3680, and the ACT code is 3873. If your guidance counselor sends your SAT or ACT scores, you do not need to have an official score report sent. However, if you have an updated score after your guidance counselor has mailed your transcript and test scores, and you would like the new score added to your application, you would need to have an official score report sent. In order for test scores to affect the first round of scoring (determining who is invited to a regional interview), the score report must be postmarked no later than December 16.
Q: How many awards will there be?
A: The number of awards will be based upon funding. Funding for the Program is approved annually by the South Carolina General Assembly.
Q: Are applicants guaranteed their first choice institution?
A: As much as possible, students will be assigned to their first choice institution. However, each institution has a limited number of Fellowships. As a result, some students may be awarded a Fellowship to their second or third choice institution, based on composite scores.
Q: Does receiving a Teaching Fellows award mean automatic acceptance to the institution of choice?
A: No. Teaching Fellows award winners must apply and be accepted by the institutions as any other student would. Applicants should apply early to their first three choices.
Q: What are the ‘payback’ provisions in the program?
A: The amount of time it takes to “work off” a fellowship depends on the number of years the fellow receives funds. The fellow owes one year of teaching in an SC public school for every year he or she receives funds. Each Teaching Fellow has five years following graduation to satisfy the teaching requirement. If a Teaching Fellow does not meet this requirement, he or she is obligated to repay the appropriate portion of the award with interest.
- maintain successful progress toward SC teacher
- successfully complete 30 semester hours per academic year
- maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (collegiate) and be accepted into the TFI Teacher Education Program
- remain a full-time student during each fall and spring term
- attend TFI programs as assigned by the institution
- attend enrichment programs as assigned by the TFI and CERRA
Fellows who do not fulfill these commitments/responsibilities will be placed on probation for one semester pending fulfillment of the obligation. Continued failure to meet requirements will result in loss of the Fellowship. The Fellow is then obligated to repay the total award made to that point, beginning 180 days after notification. Repayment may be postponed if the student remains in school.
Q: When will I know if I am invited to a Regional Interview?
A: Applicants will be notified of their status by early February. Interviews will be held in March. All students who apply for the Fellowship will be contacted by mail.
Q: If I am invited to a Regional Interview and new SAT/ACT scores come in, can they be used to raise my academic composite score?
A: Yes, but scores must be received by CERRA no later than the date of the Teaching Fellows interviews.
Q: Who serves on the Regional Interview teams?
A: The teams will be comprised of educators, elected officials, business persons, PTA/PTO representatives and other education stakeholders.
Q: Can the Teaching Fellows scholarship be combined with other state scholarships and loans?
A: Yes, it may be combined with the Palmetto Scholarship, LIFE scholarship, or HOPE scholarship. A Fellow may also receive the SC Teachers Loan.
Q: If I choose to leave the Teaching Fellows Program but continue as an education major, can I work off my monetary obligation by teaching in a public school?
A: No, the provision allowing the student to repay the Fellowship by teaching is an option only for students who complete the Fellows Program.
Q: Are there other programs in the state that will assist with paying for college for students majoring in education?
A: Yes, the SC Teachers Loan Program can provide funds for students who teach in certain critical subject areas or are willing to teach in critical geographic schools. Contact the Student Loan Corporation by calling 800.347.2752 or visit them on the Web at www.scstudentloan.org.
Q: What happens if my parents move out of state? Do I lose my Fellowship?
A: No, but there must not be a break in your college attendance, other than during the summers. You can learn more about this by reading from the Codes and Regulations for the State of
Q: Can Fellows scholarship money be used for summer school at another SC institution if the hours are part of the program at the home institution?
A: No, the money must be spent at the home Teaching Fellows Institution (TFI).
Q: Can summer school hours be used as part of the required 30 hours for the previous year?
A: Yes. Summer school hours count toward the 30 required hours.
Q: Can Advanced Placement credits count as part of the 30 hours to meet Teaching Fellows requirements?
A: Yes, these hours are applied during the Fellow's freshman year.
Q: Are GPA credits transferable from another institution other than my TFI?
A: No. GPA calculations are based only on courses taken at the home TFI.
Q: Is it possible to transfer from one TFI to another, once I have started the program?
A: Yes. The Fellow must initiate the process by talking with his/her Campus Director and must be in good standing with the requirements of the program. There must be an opening in the lateral cohort at the TFI where the Fellow wishes to transfer. Students may transfer no later than the first semester of their sophomore year.
Q: Are credit hours transferable?
A: There are two scenarios where transfer of credits is acceptable: 1) When a student takes approved courses at an institution other than the home TFI, these may be used to meet the program requirement of 30 hours per academic school year, or 2) when a student transfers from one TFI to another TFI.
Q: How can Teaching Fellows funds be spent at the TFI?
A: Monies can be spent on any items that fall under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title IV establishes general rules that apply to student financial assistance programs. The financial aid administrators at the TFI are experts in this area and can provide you the best information.
Q: What if I have an over award during a particular year due to other support I am receiving and I do not need all of my Teaching Fellows funds? Can that money be carried over for future use?
A: No, funds not used during a particular year must be returned to CERRA at the end of that academic year in which they are initially awarded. Funds may be used for Maymester or Summer School, but only during the same academic school year. You will be responsible only for funds that you actually use each year.