Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the GFF Award?
Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are eligible to apply.
Is it possible to apply to more than one enrichment program?
Yes. In fact, the GFF encourages students to “cast a wide net” by doing so. Start by researching the list of approved programs on the GFF website to find those that match your interests and goals. If there is a program to which you wish to apply that is not on the approved list, you may provide that program’s information on your application and make a strong case for why it should be considered.
Can I apply more than one time?
The GFF has several students who have applied and been awarded a second or even a third time. The selection process is a competitive one though, so prior “GFFers” are not necessarily guaranteed repeated awards.
The program to which I am applying requires a deposit. Am I responsible for paying that?
If financial circumstances prohibit the student’s parent or guardian from covering the deposit, timely communication with the Program Director is essential so the GFF can consider making payment.
There is financial aid available for the program I am interested in. Should I apply for it?
Indeed. The GFF requires that all students apply for financial aid at their respective institutions. Any aid awarded allows the GFF funds to go further.
I’ve been accepted into more than one program. Now what?
The GFF application asks students to list the programs to which they are applying in order of preference. Once accepted into a program, students forward the acceptance letters (usually an email) to the Program Director as they receive them. A committee then reviews the situation and approves which program it is willing to sponsor based on program reputation, whether it believes the program to be the best fit for the student, and the GFF’s budget.
My family has plans to travel, or I have baseball or band or drama camp. Do I have to give up my whole summer to an enrichment experience?
Not at all. Most of the GFF approved enrichment experiences are two to three weeks. That gives you ample time to honor other commitments. We recommend looking at the dates of specific programs to see how they fit into your summer calendar.
I’ve never been away from home for that length of time. Should I worry that I'll feel lonely?
Being in a residential program will give you a small taste of college life, and is equally as important as the academic or artistic side. Former GFF students have told us that meeting like-minded peers from other parts of the country, living in a dormitory, and socializing were a large part of their experience. A few stated they were nervous, and maybe even a little “homesick” at first, but that quickly passed once things got underway!
