First, Phi Theta Kappans should have their college registrar complete the one-page certification form. The form is designed to verify applicant eligibility. Registrars must also provide the applicant's complete official college transcript.

Applicants are then expected to fill out a three-page biographical questionnaire, which includes questions about community and Phi Theta Kappa activities, work experience, honors and participation in out-of-class academic enrichment programs.

Next, applicants are asked to write an informal essay describing how their two-year college experience, influenced by involvement in Phi Theta Kappa, has prepared them to accomplish lifetime goals. The essay should not exceed 500 words.

Independent judges review applications, selecting 10 Guistwhite Scholars and up to 10 Guistwhite Finalists.

Scholars, who are the top finishers, each receive a $5,000 cash stipend, which is disbursed in increments of $1,250 before each of four academic terms, beginning with the1999 fall term. Scholars also receive a commemorative medallion.

Finalists each receive a certificate and a $1,000 cash stipend. The cash award is disbursed in increments of $250 before each of four academic terms. Students must be enrolled in college and pursuing a bachelor's degree to receive the stipends.

Several requirements must be met for Phi Theta Kappa members to be eligible for the program. Applicants must have been enrolled in a two-year college through December of 1998 and must be eligible for an associate's degree between September 1, 1998, and August 31, 1999. Society members must also have a grade point average of 3.5 or better and be active in their Phi Theta Kappa chapters.

Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established Phi Theta Kappa's first transfer scholarship, and his wife, Margaret, are charged with making the final selection. An independent committee that includes alumni and advisors evaluates all applications and makes recommendations to Dr. Guistwhite.

Dr. Guistwhite said there are several qualities that make an application a good one.One of the most important is thoroughness, he said. "If a student doesn't fill out the entire application or fails to provide letters of recommendation, they are probably going to be eliminated in the first round," Guistwhite said. "More than anything, students should be sure not to leave anything blank. I don't believe we ever have had a winner who left anything blank. It doesn't look good to send in the form without making sure it's completely filled out."

Students should also be sure to provide full accounts of their activities and honors. Some applicants may just list the honors they are proudest of, with judges then assuming these are the only honors to which the applicant holds claim.

"I like to have a lot of information in front of me," Guistwhite said. "I like to feel that I know a lot about the student. Students shouldn't leave details out."

Academics are important, but participation in service projects is often what helps put winning applicants over the top. Last year's Guistwhite Scholars, for example, all had very strong service backgrounds, participating in both community service projects and Phi Theta Kappa sponsored activities.

Previous Guistwhite Scholars have organized community-wide political forums, tutored at-risk elementary school students, talked to teens about the dangers of drug abuse, and educated adults about the financial perils of credit card abuse.

In the final rounds, participation in Phi Theta Kappa projects and programs is particularly important.

"Sometimes it is very difficult to make a decision," Guistwhite said. "I'll be frank. In some cases, we have had to step back and look at Phi Theta Kappa involvement. That was the only way to make a final decision. Members who have been chapter officers or regional officers have that advantage."

Guistwhite said he also looks closely at the three letters of recommendation that are provided by applicants. "Clearly, I want to see some strong references," Guistwhite said. "And I expect the people writing the letters to be people who know the student very well. That's important to me."

Guistwhite said all applicants must have a letter of recommendation from a Phi Theta Kappa advisor. "I like to know what the Phi Theta Kappa advisor thinks about the student," he said. "And I want to see that the advisor took some time to write the letter. The advisors can be an important part of this process. In many cases, when the advisor is involved, the students are involved."

Guistwhite said he looks for students who have a sense of selflessness. "If a student is very involved in the community, I like to hear that they are doing it to help other students," Guistwhite said. "I appreciate students who really care about their community - about the people around them."

To request a Guistwhite Scholar Program application, click here or call 800.946.9995, ext. 566.

Completed applications must be received at Headquarters by June 1, 1999.