Graduate School Prep Assistance Program
In Accordance with the 603WW mission statement (specifically in offering financial assistance in continuing education toward career achievement), the Board of 603WW has approved the Graduate School Prep Course Assistance Program. The goal is to provide financial assistance to students of 603WW who wish to utilize preparatory programs to prepare for admission tests to various grad schools. This will include prep courses for taking the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, DAT,PCAT, OAT, and other courses offered by accredited programs to prepare for entrance exams to accredited graduate schools in the field of the students choice. It’s well documented that regardless of where a student attends undergrad, these prep courses can significantly improve their admission test scores, and thus improve the chances of their attending the school of their choice, thereby helping them in their career achievement.
To be eligible the student must:
Be a student residing at 603WW in good standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher, house bills paid to date, in Junior or Senior year.
1 Prep course per student, through accredited course offering, in field to which they are applying to graduate school.
Student is required to pay FULL course cost initially. Then after completion, student may request reimbursement from 603WW for 1/2 the total cost, to maximum of $1000 per student. Student must provide receipt of payment and documentation that course was completed in full before reimbursement will be considered.
*This applies to cost of course and materials only. (Food, travel, lodging are not included, as all of these courses are available on line)
If circumstances of financial hardship exist such that student is unable to pay the full cost initially, or is unable to afford 1/2 the cost, he may apply for special consideration and possible additional support. There is no guarantee that further support will be available nor granted. On the other hand, if a student has financial means to pay the prep course fees without hardship, we ask that he does not apply for assistance from 603WW, so that these funds remain available for those who need it.
603WW does not advise nor accept any responsibility for any tax implications that the recipient of these funds might incur, either state or federal.
Our research and review of previous 603WW classes, shows that about 6-8 students take prep courses yearly, with costs ranging from $300 to $3500 per course. With different courses taken, this averages to around $6,500 per year of expense to 603WW. As a demonstration of belief in the assistance and benefits this program can offer, your fellow members of 603WW (through the prodding of Rob Matthews ‘ 76) have already almost funded the first year. We would like, with each members help, to fully fund this program such that it can become endowed, and provide even more assistance where needed. It’s a chance to give back to help those who follow, and with everyones help we can make a difference in the lives of those sharing the 603WW experience. Directions on how to donate are included in this newsletter.
603WW Graduate School Prep Course Committee
Mark Noffsinger MD ’78, Chairman