California Scholarship Federation
California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What do I need to get that cool, golden stole to wear for graduation?
A. You need to become a Lifetime Member (Sealbearer). This means you must qualify for CSF four semesters from the beginning of your sophomore year to the end of your senior year.
Q. What is a Lifetime Member?
A. Lifetime Members have qualified for CSF four semesters, only counting their 10th, 11th and 12th grade years. Furthermore, at least one of those semesters must be in the senior year. A semester is two terms (either Terms 1 and 2 or Terms 3 and 4.)
Q. Can I join in my 9th grade year?
A. No—you would be considered an “associate” member, which means that you would not be working towards earning Lifetime membership and Sealbearer status. We do not accept freshmen applications.
Q. Does CSF cost any money?
A. You need to pay $7 dues every semester you are accepted. This money goes directly towards paying for awards. You only have to pay for the four qualifying semesters.
Q. So then, when CAN I join CSF?
A. You can start after you finish your first semester of your sophomore year. You have to wait until Term 3 because you need your Term 1 and 2 grades for your application.
Q. How do I know when applications are available?
A. Mr. Williams will communicate over email, Trailivision, and daily announcements. You may also ask Mr. Williams, in HH-7. You will need a Google Classroom code. After that, you will need to pay attention to messages in the Google Classroom.
Q. What do I need to do to apply?
A. Fill out an application on Google Classroom and submit it like you would an assignment. Submit the application with an unofficial transcript. Instructions for downloading your unofficial transcript are on Google Classroom.
Q. Do I need an official transcript?
A. No. Just a pdf or screenshot of your unofficial transcript you can get on StudentVue.
Q. I’m a member of the CSF Google Classroom. Does that mean I’ve been accepted?
A. No. That means you have filled out an application or been added by another member. Being a part of Google Classroom is for informational purposes only and the place you submit applications.
Q. I have turned in an application and heard nothing. Does that mean I’ve been accepted?
A.
No. That means your application is being reviewed. Check Google Classroom daily after applications are due to wait for a message from the CSF Board.
Q. How will I know if I’ve been accepted?
A. You will receive a message from the CSF Board through Private Messages. The acceptance list will be posted and updated periodically on Google Classroom. Pay attention to emails and check in on Google Classroom.
Q. Are there application deadlines—in other words, when is this stuff due?
A. There are always deadlines. Applications are accepted during a two-week period that will be communicated over Google Classroom. No late applications will be accepted, for any reason.
Q. Am I guaranteed acceptance if my grades are good enough?
A. No one is guaranteed acceptance. All acceptances, for all reasons, are subject to my approval. You can be denied for having Ds or Fs on your transcript, being on the No Activities List, and because of discipline problems.
Q. Seems pretty easy to get in with eight classes in a semester, right?
A. You may only submit five (5) classes on the application, and they need to fit certain requirements that are on the application. Read instructions carefully.
Q. What happens if the Board tells me my application is incorrect?
A. You have a week to fix it -- after that, you will not qualify this semester. The instructions are very clear, and on the application, there are actually two different versions of the instructions. As the premier students on campus, it is expected that you will follow instructions and do things carefully.
Q. If I have any other questions?
A. Cruise by HH-7 and talk to Mr. Williams or email him: kwilliab@egusd.net. He often is not able to answer quickly on Synergy, so do not email him there. You may also contact him through Private Messages on Google Classroom.
About CSF
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide non-profit honor society that encourages high standards in academics and citizenship. To join or stay in CSF, students must apply for membership after each semester's grading period. Please remember that no one is guaranteed acceptance for all acceptances are subject to Mr. William's approval.
For more information about our program, feel free to visit the official CSF website: http://www.csf-cjsf.org
