Kevin Higgins College Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by US Rugby Foundation

Description **Purpose:** The US Rugby Foundation (USRF) scholarship program provides financial support to student-athletes who combine strong academic performance with demonstrated rugby ability. The program aims to ease college costs for high school seniors who will play collegiate rugby in the fall. The universal application covers all USRF scholarship opportunities and streamlines the review process. Applicants should review all program details on the USRF website before applying. Key takeaways: - Supports high school seniors who will play college rugby and maintain academic achievement. - One universal application is used for all USRF scholarships. - Review program details on the USRF website before starting your application. Eligibility **Who qualifies:** Applicants must be current high school seniors graduating in the Spring or Summer of the application year and planning to enroll in college and play rugby that coming Fall. If you are not graduating this year, do not proceed with the application—those applicants are ineligible. Confirm eligibility carefully before completing application sections. Key takeaways: - Only graduating high school seniors (Spring/Summer) are eligible. - Must plan to play rugby for a college team the Fall after graduation. - Stop the application if you are not graduating this year. Application Form & Scholarships **Universal application and choices:** The USRF college scholarship form is the single application used to apply for any or all of the 11 USRF scholarship programs. On Page 1 you choose which specific scholarships to be considered for by checking the corresponding boxes. Do not check boxes for scholarships for which you do not meet the requirements. Key takeaways: - One form applies to all 11 USRF scholarship programs. - You must explicitly check each scholarship you want to be considered for. - Only select scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. Completing the Application **Accuracy and completeness:** Follow all instructions exactly and submit a complete application; incomplete applications are disqualified. The Scholarship Selection Committee advises having a trusted third party review your submission before you submit. Paragraph answers and tax questions require careful attention—drafting them offline first is recommended. Key takeaways: - Incomplete applications will be ineligible. - Have someone else review your application before submission. - Prepare narrative and tax responses carefully to avoid disqualification. Saving & Preparation Tips **Protect your work:** The online form supports a Save feature, but the Committee strongly recommends composing paragraph answers and tax data in a local document (Word, Google Doc) and saving copies. Keeping a local backup protects you from accidental data loss and speeds re-submission if needed. Assemble all materials (letters, transcripts, photos, tax returns) ahead of time to streamline the upload process. Key takeaways: - Use both the form’s Save function and a local backup copy. - Draft longer answers offline before pasting into the form. - Gather all supporting documents before starting the online form. Scholarship Selection Strategy **Maximizing consideration:** If you are eligible for multiple scholarships, check every corresponding box so the Selection Committee can consider you for all applicable awards. If you check only a higher-value scholarship and are not selected, you will not be automatically considered for lower-value awards unless you checked those boxes as well. Only select scholarships you meet; selecting ineligible awards can invalidate that choice. Key takeaways: - Check every scholarship box for which you are eligible to maximize consideration. - Checking only one (higher) scholarship does not auto-qualify you for others. - Do not select scholarships where you don’t meet the requirements. Applicant Academic & Rugby Information **What to include:** Complete the sections on your rugby history, high school information, and personal statement if you meet the graduation eligibility. Paragraph responses are limited to 3,000 characters each, so plan concise, focused answers that showcase academic and athletic achievements. Only proceed with this section after confirming you will graduate and play college rugby in the Fall. Key takeaways: - Fill out rugby history and personal statement only if you meet eligibility. - Paragraph responses have a 3,000-character limit. - Highlight both academic and rugby accomplishments succinctly. College & Coach Contact Information **Accuracy matters:** Provide complete and accurate contact information for the college or university rugby coach; the Scholarship Committee will contact the coach prior to final award decisions. Incorrect coach contact details can delay or jeopardize your application. Include full coach name, team, phone, email, and institution address. Key takeaways: - Coach contact information must be accurate—the Committee will verify it. - Missing/incorrect coach contacts can affect award decisions. - Include full coach and institution details. Financial Information **Required financial documentation:** The financial section is mandatory and must be completed precisely. Use the previous year’s tax returns to find adjusted gross income (AGI)—line 37 on Form 1040, line 21 on 1040A, or line 4 on 1040EZ—and attach copies of the tax returns. If no tax return was filed, indicate that on the form and explain why; failure to supply required information will disqualify your application. Key takeaways: - Financial section is required and must be accurate. - Attach copies of previous year tax returns with the application. - If no return was filed, indicate that and explain. Letters of Support **Format and sources:** At least one Letter of Support (LOS) is required and you may include up to three. One LOS should come from a rugby coach; additional letters from teachers, counselors, employers, or community leaders are encouraged. Each LOS should be no more than 3,000 characters and must include the recommender’s name, team/school, address, phone number, email, and the writer’s relationship to you. Key takeaways: - Minimum of one LOS required; up to three accepted. - At least one letter should be from a rugby coach. - Letters must include complete contact information and be ≤3,000 characters. Photos and File Formats **What to upload:** You must upload three photos in jpg, jpeg, or png format: a headshot and two action shots. Ensure files are clear, relevant, and appropriately sized for the online form. Label your files clearly so uploads are correct and easy to identify. Key takeaways: - Upload three photos: headshot + two action shots. - Acceptable formats: jpg, jpeg, png. - Use clear, correctly labeled image files. Required Supplemental Information (Transcripts) **Academic verification:** You must submit proof of completed units and GPA via an official high school transcript copy or a computer printout of your academic record. These documents verify academic eligibility and are required for consideration. Ensure transcripts are current and legible. Key takeaways: - Submit official high school transcripts or an academic record printout. - Transcripts must show units completed and GPA. - Make sure transcripts are current and readable. Award Value **Variable award amounts:** Award amounts vary by individual USRF scholarship program. Specific award values, eligibility details, and deadlines for each scholarship are posted on the USRF website. Consult the site for the exact amounts and any additional scholarship-specific requirements. Key takeaways: - Award amounts differ across the 11 USRF scholarships. - Check the USRF website for exact award values and requirements. - No single award amount applies to all applicants. Application Timeline & Correspondence **Deadlines and communication:** The current scholarship application period is open through August. All official correspondence will be sent to the address you provide on the application—notify USRF immediately of any changes to your mailing address, phone number, or email. Plan to complete your application and obtain supporting documents well before the deadline to allow time for review and corrections. Key takeaways: - Application period is open through August. - USRF will use the contact information on your application for all correspondence. - Update USRF promptly if your contact details change. History & Program Notes **Program scope:** The USRF administers a set of 11 collegiate scholarships aimed at supporting student-athletes who excel academically and in rugby. The universal application and centralized Selection Committee simplify administration and ensure consistent evaluation. For the most current program history or additional context, refer to the USRF website. Key takeaways: - The scholarship program covers 11 distinct USRF awards. - One universal application supports consistent evaluation. - Visit the USRF website for further program background and updates.