FAQs on Free Tuition Scholarship Program Note: This FAQ provides only general information. Individual circumstances may vary between students. For more information about your own circumstances please contact Damien Jackson, M.Ed., Assistant Dean for Student Finance. What is the purpose of the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund? The David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund is designed to cover the tuition and fees (but not room and board) for students pursuing an MD Degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Its primary goal is to eliminate the financial barriers to medical education, allowing graduates to choose their specialty based on passion and aptitude rather than financial obligation. Additionally, it aims to attract students from diverse backgrounds who may not have considered medicine a viable career path due to the cost. I am a current student with an existing institutional scholarship. How will the new David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund affect my financial aid package? For current students who already benefit from institutional scholarships, the introduction of this new David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund will be managed with careful consideration to ensure it enhances, rather than disrupts, your existing financial support. The fund is designed to cover tuition and fees (but not room and board), and it will be integrated with your current scholarship to maximize your financial benefit. Don't hesitate to contact the Student Finance Office to discuss how this will affect your financial aid package. What does the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund cover, and are there any ongoing academic requirements? The David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund covers full tuition and fees (but not room and board) for students enrolled in the medical program. The only ongoing requirement is that students remain in good academic standing as defined by the college's standards, ensuring they are fully committed to their medical education. How can students apply for the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund? All M.D. students accepted into Albert Einstein College of Medicine are automatically awarded the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship. There is no separate application process. If I have a 529 College Savings Plan, how will this scholarship affect it? The David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund will cover your tuition and fees at Einstein. Please review your 529 plan for guidance on other qualified educational expenses to which you can allocate your plan’s funds. It is also advised that you consult with a financial advisor or tax professional regarding the tax implications and optimal use of your 529 plan in conjunction with the scholarship. If I have an outside scholarship that covers tuition, how will this new David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund affect it? If you receive an outside scholarship earmarked explicitly for tuition, you may have more flexibility in how your financial aid package is structured. The Student Finance Office will review your total scholarship awards to ensure they do not exceed your cost of attendance. If there is an excess in funding, the outside scholarship might be reallocated to cover other educational expenses, or, depending on the terms of the outside scholarship, it may be possible to adjust its use for future terms or save it for other educational needs. It's crucial to communicate with the Student Finance Office and the outside scholarship provider to understand any restrictions or flexibility in how the outside scholarship funds can be used. If I receive the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund award, do I still need to complete a FAFSA? Yes, it is highly recommended that all students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, even if they receive a scholarship covering tuition and fees. Completing the FAFSA is essential for several reasons: Eligibility for Additional Aid: The FAFSA determines your eligibility for other financial aid forms, including federal, state, and institutional grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Even if your tuition and fees are covered, other aid forms can help with additional educational costs, such as books, supplies, and living expenses. The FAFSA is also essential in case your financial circumstances change. It will give you access to Federal funding options more quickly. Institutional Requirements: Einstein requires a completed FAFSA for all students as part of their financial aid process, regardless of their scholarship status. It helps the Student Finance Office provide a comprehensive package and may be necessary for certain internal grants and funding opportunities. It also helps us provide better guidance regarding undergraduate/graduate debt upon graduation. Maximizing Educational Benefits: By completing the FAFSA, you ensure you are not missing any financial aid opportunities that could further reduce your educational costs. How will service-related scholarships be managed with the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund, which covers tuition and fees? For students benefiting from service-related scholarships, our policy is to bill your respective service branch directly for tuition and fees. This approach ensures that your service-related scholarship benefits are utilized according to the terms set by your service branch.