Becoming a Banaa Scholar

Banaa is no longer accepting applications for the 2008 academic year. Please check back this summer for the 2009 application

All applicants are required to complete the Common Application, the supplemental application of each University in the Banaa Network and the Banaa Supplement, which contains five essay options. Scholars are advised to complete two of the essays. Letters of recommendation are also required.

The Banaa Selection Committee and the University Admissions Process

All applications for the Banaa scholarship program are first submitted to the Banaa Selection Committee, which is comprised of a number of individuals from the Banaa Board of Advisors. Applicants are then evaluated holistically using the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated Commitment to Peace in Sudan
  • Academic Achievement
  • Relevant Employment
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Essay Quality
  • Interview
  • Leadership Experience

It is important to note that the Banaa Selection Committee does not employ a formula based admissions process. Applications are not assigned point values, but instead read cover to cover and given a comprehensive review. Moreover, neither race nor ethnicity is used to determine admission. During the comprehensive review, however, it is noted when applicants from economic or socially disadvantaged positions have exhibited character and determination in overcoming both personal and structural obstacles.

After all applications have been vetted by the Selection Committee, applicants are placed in lexical order. This ranking and the applications of the most competitive scholars are then submitted to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Admissions Officers review the files and admit all students who meet the University's academic qualifications. The applicant with the highest Banaa Selection Committee ranking who is admitted to the University receives the Banaa Scholarship.

Waivers

Given the extenuating circumstances under which many applicants live or grew up, SAT and TOFEL scores are often unavailable. Students who do present these scores may be more competitive in the admissions process, but ability to provide such documentation is not required.