Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is LINK Unlimited?
LINK Unlimited is a not-for-profit organization that provides four-year high school scholarships, mentoring and support programming to low-income Chicago high school youth who possess high academic potential and strong personal character.

2. Who can qualify for LINK?
Any Chicago-land area African American eighth grader who is highly motivated and demonstrates financial need, academic potential, and good moral character.

3. What is considered “financial need?”
Each family’s ability to contribute toward the educational cost of the student applicant will be evaluated by the Private School Aid Service. Each family must prove through the application, verification of income, and parent statements that attending a private high school without financial assistance would not be possible.

4. What is the application process?
PHASE 1 – All complete and on-time applications are reviewed. (Please note: you should apply to, take the entrance exam for, and fill out a financial aid form at a LINK Partnership School separate from the LINK Unlimited application. See questions 5 & 6.)
PHASE 2 – Qualified applicants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are invited for an interview. LINK will set these appointments and notify families by mail. Students not selected for interviews will also receive notification in the mail.
PHASE 3 – Candidates are notified of program acceptance by mail by mid-April.
PHASE 4 – Summer School: All LINK Freshmen will attend an intensive summer enrichment program upon which full membership will be contingent. The program incorporates the following:
A rigorous introduction to High School level Algebra and English
A uniform curriculum and environment in which to evaluate the academic performance of each student
An opportunity for LINK staff to observe the character and commitment of students

5. Does the scholarship apply to any school?
The LINK scholarship only applies to the schools listed on the back of this sheet. If the school you wish to attend does not appear on this list, please contact the LINK office (312-225-5465) immediately so that we can look into the feasibility of establishing a partnership with that school.

6. How do I apply for the high schools on your list?
Call the schools directly to find out about the school’s application process and entrance exam – watch for deadlines!!!

7. Does the family have to pay anything?
Yes, families will pay a portion of tuition plus the cost of books, uniforms, school registration fees and school incidental fees. The scholarship is a three-way partnership. The partners are LINK Unlimited, the school, and the family. LINK will contribute approximately $3,500 - $4,500 per year. Families must fill out financial aid forms each year at the school in order to receive financial assistance from the school. Based on the individual family financial situation, the school will award financial aid and the family must cover the remaining balance. The average family contribution covering tuition, books and fees will be approximately $1,000 - $3,500, for the 2008-2009 school year.

8. When is the application deadline?
Completed applications must be mailed and postmarked by December 17, 2007. The instructions and mailing address are printed on the front cover of the application. Hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

9. Will applications be accepted after the deadline?
Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed!

10. Can recommendations be mailed separately?
No. The entire application must be submitted in one packet. References who wish to do so can give confidential recommendations to the applicant in a sealed envelope.