Gateway Scholarship Program FAQ
If you have additional questions about applying for a Gateway scholarship, we hope the information below will be helpful.
How are Gateway scholarships determined?
Your child’s eligibility for a Gateway scholarship will be determined by the information you provide in a Clarity online application. Clarity will verify your application with relevant tax documentation, notably state and federal filings, as well as W-2s or business filings, as applicable. Our scholarship committee will review your verified application and make an appropriate decision on a scholarship.
Is a Gateway scholarship a gift or is it a loan to be repaid? Where do the funds come from?
Gateway scholarships are gifts that do not need to be repaid. We operate a budget for these scholarships, supplemented by donations to the school through the Notre Dame Fund and other philanthropic efforts.
How do I submit my Clarity application? Is there a deadline? Is there a cost?
The Clarity application will be made live annually on October 1, when we begin accepting applications for new and returning students. Applications for returning students will be reviewed exclusively between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. Applications for new students will be given priority review from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31. Applications will be considered after these dates as long as funds remain available. The Clarity application costs $65. The application fee automatically will be waived for applicants under a certain income level.
What information should I be expected to provide in my Clarity application?
In the simplest terms, Clarity will ask you to submit information pertaining to your income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Regarding income, you will be expected to provide your wages, as well as earnings from capital gains, dividends, interest, real estate, etc. Regarding expenses, you will be expected to provide costs related to housing, vehicles, insurances, utilities, etc. You also will be asked to indicate the amount of money you “can realistically afford to contribute towards tuition” for the upcoming school year at NDP.
In the case of divorced, separated or non-married parents, are both parents required to complete Clarity applications?
Yes, both living parents of a student—regardless of any court decrees or personal agreements between them—are expected to submit separate Clarity applications that will be merged prior to our committee’s review. For information on requesting an exception due to non-custodial parental abandonment or abuse, contact Director of Enrollment Management Kathleen Offer (248-373-1061 / koffer@ndpma.org).
How do I submit tax documents to Clarity? What if I file late or don’t file taxes?
By completing a 4506-C form provided by Clarity, you will authorize Clarity to receive your state and federal tax return documentation, as well as your W-2(s). If you have business tax filings, you will need to upload those directly to your Clarity application. If you file late or do not file at all, you will need to complete a Clarity application and explain the cause/status of your situation.
How long does this process take? When will I receive a decision? When are awards applied?
We expect it will take you less than one hour to complete your Clarity application on your desktop or mobile device. Verification can be delayed if all documentation is not provided at the time you submit your application. The Gateway scholarship committee will meet weekly during the regular evaluation periods to review applications and communicate decisions in a timely fashion. Parents of new students will be notified on/after Acceptance Day. Awards are applied on September 1, unless an arrangement is made with the Business Office.
What is the largest Gateway scholarship my child could expect to receive? Could I apply and not receive a scholarship?
Your child’s scholarship amount will reflect what our committee believes will bridge the gap between tuition and your present resources. Scholarship amounts will range from $1,000 to as much as half-off tuition.
Scholarship committee members act as stewards of the school and utilize industry best practices to reach decisions that can be disappointing to families at either end of the financial spectrum. If your application demonstrates that you have the means to support tuition in full, a scholarship may not be granted. The same decision may be reached if your financial picture indicates an inability to support at least half the cost of tuition.
Can I appeal the committee’s decision?
Gateway awards are not negotiable. However, families may request an appeal and second review. In such cases, families are expected to provide documentation that was not available in the first review.
If my child receives a Gateway scholarship one year, is that award guaranteed in the future?
Although Gateway scholarships cannot be guaranteed from year to year, you could expect your child to receive a scholarship of similar value if your financial position is mostly unchanged from one year to the next. NDP expects that Gateway scholars will perform to the best of their abilities in the classroom and have sound attendance and discipline records.
Will I need to submit a new Clarity application every year?
Yes, you will need to submit a new Clarity application every year. The committee will review applications from current families whose accounts are up to date.
Does Notre Dame Prep offer merit scholarships?
Yes, we offer merit scholarships to incoming 9th grade students based on their application for admission. Our merit scholarship committee looks forward to building the best possible freshman class made of academic achievers who are active in their schools and faith communities.
Does Notre Dame Prep provide Gateway scholarships to international or foreign exchange students?
No, we do not provide Gateway scholarships to international or foreign exchange students.
If I am a parishioner at a local Catholic church, may I apply for financial assistance through the Archdiocese of Detroit?
Yes, you may apply for financial assistance through the AOD. Please note, however, that that requires a separate application through a service called FACTS, with an annual deadline in February. Receiving a Gateway scholarship from Notre Dame Prep does not preclude a student from receiving aid from the AOD.
How can I receive more information on the Gateway scholarship program at Notre Dame Prep?
Please contact Director of Enrollment Management Kathleen Offer (248-373-1061 / koffer@ndpma.org).