Rules and Eligibility

2021 Quetzal Mama Scholars Program

Deadline: 5:00 pm (Pacific Time) Friday, July 2, 2021


Applications currently being accepted for the 2021 Quetzal Mama Scholars Program. A total of 35 Scholars will be selected for this summer college admissions series (July 30 through August 21). The program is free for participants.

What Do Scholars Receive?

Scholars will participate in 10 college admissions workshops. The workshops are 1.5 hours in length, on Friday and Saturday mornings (10am to 12pm). Workshops are facilitated by Dr. Roxanne Ocampo. Workshops include strategies and hands-onn activities for the following topics:

Populate UC Activities Sheet
UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQ's)
Common App Prompts
Common App Supplements
Letters of Recommendation


ELIGIBILITY
*Proof of eligibility will be verified. Apply only if you meet ALL eligibility criteria:
  • Must be a rising senior (senior year Fall 2021; graduate Spring 2022)
  • Must attend a high school in California
  • Not enrolled or will participate in another college admission coaching program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.50 (unweighted)
  • Identify as Latinx/Hispanic
  • Receive or eligible to receive Free and Reduced Lunch
  • First Generation College Student
  • On Track to Complete A-G Requirements
  • Completed a minimum of 4 AP or IB courses (completed by spring junior year)
  • Desire to attend a public (University of California) or private 4-year university (not 2 year or a "for profit" college). Program is not aligned with students applying to CSU campuses.
HOW TO APPLY

Students must meet all eligibility criteria to apply. Complete the application (Official Application) on the www.quetzalmama.com website on or before 5pm (Pacific Time) Friday, July 2, 2021. The Google form also requires that you upload the following in order to submit a complete application:

  • Letter of recommendation from secondary counseor, TRIO advisor, or Mecha Advisor
  • Official Transcript. If you do not have one, you may obtain from www.parchment.com
  • Proof of income eligibility. This includes proof of Free & Reduced Lunch, SNAP (CalFresh), TANF, Cal-Works, or other qualifying programs.

RULES

See detailed rules on the www.quetzalmama.com website

FINALISTS

Finalists will be notified via email by Friday, July 9, 2021. Finalists will be invited to a Zoom interview and will be notified via email regarding the day and time of ther interview. Selected students will be notified of admission by Saturday, July 23.


FAQs
How much does this program cost?

This is a free program, offered at no cost to qualifying students. However, the value of this program is $5,000 for each student.

Who is eligible to participate in this program?

Refer to Eligibility section above.

Do I have to be a US citizen to apply to this program?

No. You cann have any status (undocumented, DACA, etc.) and be eligible for this program.

Where is the program held?

The program is held remotely, via Zoom.

How often do students attend workshops?

Workshops are held twice per week, for five (5) weeks -- for a total of 10 workshops. Typically, meetings are approximately 1.5 hours. Workshops are held from 10am to 12pm.

How are students selected?

Applications are carefully reviewed, and finalists are selected. Finalists will conduct a Zoom interview with the Founder, Dr. Roxanne Ocampo. Students are not selected based exclusively on GPA or test scores. In fact, many students who have been selected did not have the highest grades or test scores, but had other compelling qualities.

I'm already in another college admission program. Am I still eligible for the QM Scholars Program?

Students who are already participating (or will be prior to college admissions) in a similar college admission coaching program are not eligible to apply. However, students should still apply (even if they think they may be in a conflicting program) and we will review the program to see if there are conflicts.

I am an average student but I want to attend a very selective campus like UCLA, Stanford or Harvard. Will this program improve my chances?

For students who have very limited academic or extracurricular profile, this program will not increase your chances of gaining admission to highly selective campuses. However, for students who are already very competitive candidates (high GPA, leadership, clubs, community service, cultural authenticity, etc.), this program will provide strategic tools to gain an edge in the application process.

I can only attend the workshops on Fridays (not Saturdays). Should I still apply?

No. Only apply to this program if you are available to attend both Friday and Saturday workshops.

I plan to attend either a CSU or community college campus. Should I apply?

No. This program is exclusively tailored for students seeking admission to a University of California (UC) or private campus. However, you can still apply if you are seeking admission to a UC and a CSU.

Why doesn't this program cater to student applying to CSU's or community colleges?

This program focuses on strategies for application contents (components) of the UC's and private colleges. These components include essays, letters of recommendation, and activity lists. The CSU's and the community colleges do not require these components. Therefore, it would not be an effective program for students who will not be needing these strategic services.

My family is not eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch. However, everyone at my school receives Free & Reduced Lunch. Does this make me eligible?

Maybe. It depends on a few factors. First, does your family meet the income eligibility for Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL)? If so, yes, you meet the income criteria. Second, even if your family doesn't receive FRL, but you are eligible to receive, then you are eligible. Moreover, if your family receives any of the other benefits listed including SNAP (CalFresh), TANF, Cal-Works, or Medi-cal, you are likely eligible.

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