College Counselor FAQs
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What is the deadline this year for the Morehead-Cain?
The deadline for the submission of the student online application and for supplemental materials is Friday, October 5, 2007 for students in the United States and Friday, October 12, 2007 for students in Great Britain.
How many Morehead-Cain Scholarships will be offered this year?
Approximately 75-85 Morehead-Cains will be offered in March 2008.
How many students can my school nominate?
Eligible out-of-state schools may nominate one student.
North Carolina schools may nominate up to five, depending on the size of your senior class at the time of nomination.
Up to 199 students = 2 nominees
200 - 399 students = 3 nominees
400 - 499 students = 4 nominees
500+ students = 5 nominees
I heard that students in North Carolina can now apply for the Morehead-Cain directly! Is that true?
Any senior at a secondary school in North Carolina may apply for the Morehead-Cain if they are not nominated by their school. Students considering this option should be advised that the process is extremely competitive, but direct applicants have been successful in each year that this option has been available.
How do secondary schools outside of North Carolina become eligible to nominate for the Morehead-Cain?
Secondary schools outside of North Carolina can become eligible to nominate by invitation of the Morehead-Cain Foundation. Interested school officials may request eligibility requirements by e-mailing moreheadcain@unc.edu.
What qualities should we look for in students as we make our Morehead-Cain nominations?
The Morehead-Cain criteria are Leadership, Scholarship, Moral Force of Character, and Physical Vigor.
Other qualities sought by Morehead-Cain selection committees include initiative, creativity, perseverance, and empathy for others.
Financial need is not considered in making nominations, recommendations, or selections. The Morehead-Cain is conferred solely on outstanding merit.
Do students have to hold an elected office to be considered a leader?
No. Leadership is broadly defined in the Morehead-Cain selection process. Successful candidates in the past have been students who have had a positive, significant, and lasting impact on their school and/or community through demonstrated leadership and who were able to reflect upon and discuss what they had learned and what they had taught others.
How can we be sure our nominees fulfill the "Scholarship" criterion?
Successful candidates generally come from the top 10% of their class. There is no minimum GPA requirement or SAT score, but nominees should be competitive candidates for admission to selective universities. Successful candidates are high-achieving students, take a rigorous course load, are engaged in a broad course of study, and are curious, gifted scholars. Being valedictorian or salutatorian is not a requirement.
What is moral force of character?
Moral force of character includes, but is not limited to, the following character traits: honesty, integrity, maturity, compassion, tolerance, and courtesy. A nominee is expected to have firm convictions of right and wrong and to exert a positive influence on his or her peer group. Furthermore, these traits should be consciously developed and understood, and not simply displayed out of obedience, habit, or good nature. No single religious, philosophical, or political set of values defines moral force of character.
What is physical vigor?
Physical vigor means that the student is currently involved in regular, rigorous physical activity. This may include, but is not limited to, involvement in team sports. The student should be able to describe how physical activity plays an integral role in his or her life.
Can physical vigor be displayed by activities outside of high school?
Yes. Morehead-Cain recipients sometimes participate in activities such as martial arts, dance, equestrian competition, etc.
What if a student has a physical disability?
Proper allowances are made for nominees with physical disabilities. For more information on this issue, please contact Executive Director Charles Lovelace.
Can Morehead-Cain nominees apply to other universities?
Yes. Morehead-Cain nominees may apply to any other university or program on a non-binding basis. The deadline to make a final decision concerning The Morehead-Cain is in mid-April. This deadline gives students sufficient time to hear from other universities regarding admissions decisions and to make a well-informed college decision.
Can Morehead-Cain nominees apply early action (non-binding) to another university?
Yes.
Do students have to apply to UNC to participate in the Morehead-Cain selection process?
Students must apply to and be accepted by UNC in order to accept the Morehead-Cain. Morehead-Cain nominees are strongly encouraged to apply by the University's first deadline of November 1, which is non-binding.
Does UNC have to be the student's first choice for college in order to be nominated for the Morehead-Cain?
Absolutely not! The Morehead-Cain Foundation encourages school nominating committees to nominate the students who are the best fit for the Morehead-Cain Program, regardless of their interest in UNC. This is a fundamental aspect of the Foundation's philosophy and the Morehead-Cain competition.
