Frequently Asked Questions About Cincinnatus
Answered by Connie Williams, director of Financial Aid
If my school doesn't use a four-point system, can I still enter the competition?
Yes. If your school does not use a 4.0 scale, you can still be invited to the competition. The university will convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale. It's helpful if a key is sent with the high school transcript, so we can easily understand the point system that your school uses. It's important that a GPA be listed on the high school transcript.
Other points to keep in mind:
Parents often fill out the admission application and accidentally write down their own social security number instead of the student's. The student's social security number must be on the form.
Apply early! If we come across problems or notice we're missing information, we want to catch those problems in time for the student to enter the competition.
Students need to take their ACT or SAT exams by Jan. 15, in time for scores to be considered for an invitation to the competition.
Attention, school counselors:
Don't forget the student portfolio, a requirement for competition, must be signed by the high school counselor and mailed to the Cincinnatus Scholarship Office.
We recommend an idea for high school freshmen that can be very beneficial during their senior year. Keep a journal or computer log of all of your student activities, offices held and honors. This will be easier than trying to remember your entire high school career when you're registering for events such as Cincinnatus.
How should I study for the competition?
You've prepared for Cincinnatus all through high school. It's not a test for which you can study and no, you do not need a calculator for the competition.
How is the competition judged?
There are four categories; two of them are tallied before the day of competition. Each category is counted as 25 percent of the total score:
Academic Record - Includes school transcripts, GPA, ACT or SAT test scores.
Student Portfolio - Students invited to the competition must submit a portfolio listing achievements, school activities, honors, awards and community service. The portfolio must be sent 14 days after the invitation is received.
Essay Contest - Students will write an essay during the Cincinnatus competition. The essay will be scored by UC's English department.
Problem Solving - Students will be divided into groups of eight to 10 students to perform problem solving activities. Two assessors will score each group of students. Assessors are members of the UC community, such as professors and administrators, and undergo special training before the competition.
Application for Admission
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