|
If you've been accepted as an Africa's Tomorrow scholar, the work is just beginning. Find answers to your most pressing questions below. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
|
The timeline:
Accepted? Let's Get started!
Prospective Scholar
Once you've been accepted into the Africa's Tomorrow program, we consider you a Prospective Scholar. In this stage, you will:
In order to move forward, selected students will have to score high enough on the exam(s) to gain acceptance to the university they are applying for. These exams may be challenging, which is why the nominator's help in preparing prospective scholars for these exams is crucial - by providing computer access, study materials, guidance, and more. These exams are often taken in September, but take the exam as early as you feel ready. Make sure you have proper acceptable ID (such as passport) for the TOEFL exam. Africa's Tomorrow reimburses half the cost of the TOEFL exam for both the first and second attempts. Also, the TOEFL is not offered in Lesotho, but is offered in South Africa and Eswatini, so extra travel may be involved.
Berea College requires a minimum score of 68 on the TOEFL - most students that are accepted score 80+. Most colleges require a minimum of 80. It's okay if you have to take the exam twice; you can always use the first attempt to practice and become more comfortable with the exam. Note that the application for Berea is due Nov. 30 each year, so plan your test-taking accordingly. Berea also accepts the SAT I or the ACT, but these may prove to be more difficult. Talk with your nominator to discuss your best options.
Next, you will need to:
Luckily, there are many other universities in the U.S. (even other work colleges!). If you have connections at any schools, explore that. And, if the nominator knows of anyone who could host the scholar while attending college, that would help tremendously with housing costs. Community colleges are also an option - they offer a good start and are very affordable. Top tip: most schools will waive their application fee if you request it.
Once you've been accepted into the Africa's Tomorrow program, we consider you a Prospective Scholar. In this stage, you will:
- Register for entrance exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, and/or ACT)
- Study for entrance exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, and/or ACT)
- Travel to/take entrance exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, and/or ACT)
In order to move forward, selected students will have to score high enough on the exam(s) to gain acceptance to the university they are applying for. These exams may be challenging, which is why the nominator's help in preparing prospective scholars for these exams is crucial - by providing computer access, study materials, guidance, and more. These exams are often taken in September, but take the exam as early as you feel ready. Make sure you have proper acceptable ID (such as passport) for the TOEFL exam. Africa's Tomorrow reimburses half the cost of the TOEFL exam for both the first and second attempts. Also, the TOEFL is not offered in Lesotho, but is offered in South Africa and Eswatini, so extra travel may be involved.
Berea College requires a minimum score of 68 on the TOEFL - most students that are accepted score 80+. Most colleges require a minimum of 80. It's okay if you have to take the exam twice; you can always use the first attempt to practice and become more comfortable with the exam. Note that the application for Berea is due Nov. 30 each year, so plan your test-taking accordingly. Berea also accepts the SAT I or the ACT, but these may prove to be more difficult. Talk with your nominator to discuss your best options.
Next, you will need to:
- Do some research on colleges/financial aid
- Apply to colleges and for financial aid
Luckily, there are many other universities in the U.S. (even other work colleges!). If you have connections at any schools, explore that. And, if the nominator knows of anyone who could host the scholar while attending college, that would help tremendously with housing costs. Community colleges are also an option - they offer a good start and are very affordable. Top tip: most schools will waive their application fee if you request it.
Nominators
Try to fundraise to fill funding gaps - reach out to whomever you think may donate/help with funding (luckily, donations are tax-deductible!)
Foreseeable Costs:
Try to fundraise to fill funding gaps - reach out to whomever you think may donate/help with funding (luckily, donations are tax-deductible!)
Foreseeable Costs:
- Student Visa
- Tuition
- Flight
Africa's Tomorrow Scholar
Hooray! You've been accepted to the U.S. college and you've got funding. Congratulations! Remember to:
Hooray! You've been accepted to the U.S. college and you've got funding. Congratulations! Remember to:
- Keep fundraising
- Share your inspiring story through blog, video, and events
- Keep in contact with your nominator (they can be a great support system!)
Africa's Tomorrow Graduate
If you have made it to this step, we are all cheering, because we get to watch you change the world! At this stage, Africa's Tomorrow nurtures your connections with other scholars and professionals and will continue to support you and your dream.
If you have made it to this step, we are all cheering, because we get to watch you change the world! At this stage, Africa's Tomorrow nurtures your connections with other scholars and professionals and will continue to support you and your dream.
