1. What do you look for in scholarship recipients?
Students that best reflect the criteria of character, leadership and community service are considered to be strong candidates. Activities both within the school and out in the community are weighed equally. An 85% average is the minimum academic threshold for consideration.

2. How can I get an application?
Download an application form and speak to your guidance counselor about your school's nomination process.

3. May I apply for the award online?
No. You can complete the application on your computer, but you must print it out and mail it to us with original signatures. An alternative is to print out the form and physically cut and paste answers on to the application. We prefer that applicants prepare their applications on a computer, as they are easier to read. But, if you do not have access to a computer, then we will accept legible, handwritten applications in black ink.

4. Can I photocopy the application?
Yes, you may photocopy it as often as you like. One copy of your application must have an original signature.

5. How many copies of the application form do I need to submit?
All applicants must submit three copies of both their application and official transcript. One copy must bear original signatures.

6. Are the chances of winning a university award the same for a sponsored as for a direct pool applicant?
Historically, more sponsored students win awards and recognitions (honour citations and semi-finalist certificates) than do students who apply through the Direct Pool. Approximately one-third of Loran scholars were direct pool finalists. This number is quite consistent from year to year.

7. I am currently a student at a university or college. Can I still apply for your award?
No. Current full-time post-secondary students are not eligible for Loran Awards.

8. Are your awards only open to university-bound students? What about college-bound students?
We have two separate award programs. The Loran Awards are granted to university entrants, while the Garfield Weston Merit Scholarships for Colleges are offered to students studying at or entering community college.

9.a What are your deadlines?
Please see the important dates

9.b I missed the deadline for the application. Do you consider late applications?
We do not accept any late applications. No applications will be accepted after the deadline, regardless of the postmark date.

10. How many students can my school sponsor?
Secondary schools may sponsor up to three (3) applicants for the Loran award. CEGEPS may sponsor up to four (4) applicants. It is in the best interest of your school to nominate three qualified candidates because The Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation offers $1,000 to each secondary school that nominates an applicant who receives a Weston Loran Award . We hope that this $1,000 recognition of your institution's accomplishment will provide an opportunity for the continued development of outstanding students.

11. What should I do if my school will not sponsor anyone for the Loran Award?
See your guidance counselor and stress the importance of school sponsorship. Remind them that, historically, more awards are granted to sponsored applicants than direct pool applicants. If your school still refuses to sponsor any students, please contact us. If you are not sponsored, then you may apply for the Loran Award as a direct pool applicant.

12. I am a student applying from outside of Canada. Can I apply for your the Loran Awards?
Yes, but only if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

13. I will be attending a university that is not on your list of participating universities, am I still eligible for your awards?
Loran Awards are only tenable at participating universities in Canada. Loran finalist and provincial awards are tenable at any accredited public university in Canada.

14. I am interested in attending a private university, am I eligible for this award?
Loran Awards and Loran finalist and provincial awards are not tenable at private institutions.

15. What is the Morehead-Cain award?
Click here for more information on the Canadian Morehead-Cain award.

16. Can my parent or good friend sign my activity verification form?
No, you must have your school administrator sign your activity verification form.

17. Can I courier my application?
All applications must be sent using Canada Post regular mail or XpressPost sevices.

Applications sent requiring a signature will not be accepted. We do not accept applications sent by fax, hand delivered or mailed through private couriers such as Purolator, Fedex, UPS, etc.

18. When will I be notified about the status of my application?
Within one month of the application deadline, we will mail a "receipt of application" to all applicants who included a regular size self-addressed stamped envelope with their application.

Only applicants invited to attend interviews are notified of the status of their application. We notify sponsored applicants through their schools, not directly. All schools will be notified by November 18, 2007.

We contact direct pool applicants directly. After the initial phone interview, successful direct pool applicants will be invited to national selections by January 20, 2008.