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The financial aid application deadline is around the corner, and our Admissions & Financial Aid team is here to help you. As you put the final touches on your financial aid application, check out our answers to some frequently asked questions about the application.
Application Logistics
How does financial need impact my eligibility for aid?
Financial need is used to determine the amount of some awards, but it is not used to determine your eligibility for fellowships or scholarships. Fellowships and scholarships are awarded on a merit basis.
What does “merit” mean?
When evaluating merit, we consider factors such as your academic and professional background, as well as your future goals. Because each scholarship or fellowship may emphasize different qualities, we encourage you to thoroughly review the selection criteria for each award.
Do I have to submit the FAFSA by January 16, too? Is there any benefit or detriment to completing it?
It is not required but it is recommended for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonresidents. Submitting the FAFSA early will allow us to provide you with a full financial aid package, including federal student loans, at the time of admission. Submitting or not submitting the FAFSA does not impact any fellowship or scholarship decisions.
Does “taxes paid” include all taxes paid for the year (federal, state, local, sales, etc.)?
Taxes paid refers to federal taxes paid during 2024. For U.S. tax filers, this would be on IRS 1040, line 2a.
I have gotten married since filing taxes in 2024. Do I need to report both mine and my spouse’s income?
If you filed single in 2024 but have since married, your information and your current spouse’s information are required.
When will I find out if I am awarded financial aid?
The majority of fellowship and scholarship decisions will be released in mid-March on the same day that admissions decisions are released.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Will the scholarship committees have read my application for admission?
Your application for admission and applications for scholarships/fellowships are reviewed by different committees. You should approach your financial aid essays as if it is the first time the reader is learning about you. The only admissions application material shared with fellowship committees are letters of recommendation requested by research centers.
If I get an interview for a specific research center fellowship, should I assume I will be admitted to HKS?
Scholarship/fellowship selection is separate from the admissions selection process, so you should not make this assumption.
How many fellows are selected for each fellowship?
The number of fellows depends on the amount of funding available and the number of eligible applicants. Many research center fellowships support several students each year.
Can I receive more than one scholarship or fellowship?
It is possible. In most cases, however, students receiving financial aid are only offered one award. In limited situations, students may receive more than one award if one of them is for a relatively small amount.
There is an HKS scholarship listed on the website I want to apply for, but I don’t see it listed on the financial aid application. How can I apply for it?
Only fellowships that require specific essays are explicitly listed on the application. If there is an HKS scholarship you want to apply for but you do not see it on the application, you should complete the financial aid application, including all eligibility questions and the general financial aid essay, to be considered.
Essays
How should I approach the general financial aid essay?
You should use this essay to talk about your background—including academic, professional, and service-related achievements—as well as your future professional goals. This essay will be used to determine your eligibility for scholarships or fellowships that do not otherwise require a specific essay.
Do the research center fellowship committees see our general financial aid essay as well?
No, they do not see the general financial aid essay.
Do I have to submit all of the essays?
You are not required to submit all of the essays. However, we encourage you to apply for all forms of aid for which you may be eligible, which may involve completing multiple essays.
How many words should each fellowship essay be?
If the format is not specified in the description on the application, essays should not exceed two pages in length and should be single-spaced.
Should I mention my financial circumstances in my general financial aid essay?
You should focus on responding to the prompt regarding your background and professional goals. The information you provide on the application about your income and assets will be used to evaluate your financial need.
I have financial circumstances that are not captured on the application. How can I explain these circumstances?
You may use the special circumstances essay to share any additional financial information you would like us to be aware of. You should keep in mind, however, that we award financial aid primarily on a merit basis.
Learn more about applying for financial aid.
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