Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about the GEICO Achievement Award Program? Here is a list of frequently asked questions that we typically receive.
Who is eligible to receive a GEICO Achievement Award?
What is the deadline to apply?
Are GEICO Achievement Awards considered scholarships?
Will my award be taxed?
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
I'm majoring in Psychology / Biology / Chemical Engineering. Can I apply?
In terms of eligible majors, what is meant by "related programs?"
I go to a community college. Am I able to apply?
I'm currently a senior who has to complete one more semester. Can I still apply?
How do I apply?
What do you mean by letter of recommendation?
Where do I send my application packet?
What if I don't see my school listed?
Why must I send all of my application information in one envelope?
How much will it cost to mail my application packet?
Are Achievement Awards given based on financial need?
When will I be notified about the result of my application?
I applied last year. Am I able to apply again?
My parent works at GEICO. Can I still apply?
I was a GEICO intern. Am I eligible to apply?
Who is eligible to receive a GEICO Achievement Award?
Sophomores and juniors attending an accredited college or university, who possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and who have demonstrated leadership on campus or within their community are eligible.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application window for this year's program is now closed. Please check back this fall for 2011 program details.
Are GEICO Achievement Awards considered scholarships?
No, Achievement Awards are not scholarships. They are cash awards given (in the form of a check) directly to selected recipients based upon academics and leadership, and are therefore considered taxable income by the IRS.
Will my award be taxed?
GEICO Achievement Awards are considered taxable income by the IRS and should be included in any tax return that you file. If your parent or legal guardian is able to claim you, they will need to include your award on their tax return. Each award recipient will receive a 1099-MISC tax form from GEICO by January 31.
For example, if you received a GEICO Achievement Award in May 2010, you will receive your 1099-MISC form by January 31, 2011 in order to file it with your 2010 taxes.
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, international students who meet our eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.
I'm majoring in Psychology / Biology / Chemical Engineering. Can I apply?
This award is designed to recognize students majoring in business, computer science, mathematics or related programs. At this time, it is not open to students majoring in liberal arts, the natural sciences or most engineering programs. There are links to several scholarship resources posted on our site that we hope you will consider.
In terms of eligible majors, what is meant by "related programs?"
We will consider students who are majoring in programs related to business, computer science and mathematics. Such majors could include economics, information systems, statistics and actuarial science.
I go to a community college. Am I able to apply?
No, this award is designed to recognize students currently attending an accredited four-year college or university.
I'm currently a senior who has to complete one more semester. Can I still apply?
No, only students who currently possess sophomore or junior status (who meet all other eligibility requirements) will be considered. If you are senior during the spring semester and plan to graduate during the fall semester, you may want to learn more about summer internship programs at GEICO.
How do I apply?
Please refer to our step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
What do you mean by letter of recommendation?
Your letter of recommendation should be written by a professor, dean, advisor or other campus staff member who knows you well and can speak to your achievements. It should be typed on official school letterhead, signed and sealed in an envelope.
Where do I send my application packet?
Achievement Award mailing addresses vary depending on which school you attend. Refer to our step-by-step instructions on how to apply for full details.
What if I don't see my school listed?
If you don't see your school, you can still apply as long as you meet our program eligibility requirements. Please visit our How to Apply page for detailed instructions.
Why must I send all of my application information in one envelope?
Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is difficult to piece applications together when documents are received separately. Therefore, we ask that you wait until you have gathered all application materials and send them together, in one envelope.
How much will it cost to mail my application packet?
It costs approximately $1.50 - $2.00 to send your application packet via USPS first class mail. In most cases, four 44-cent stamps will be ample postage.
Are Achievement Awards given based on financial need?
No, the program is designed to recognize and award students for their academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in their schools and communities.
When will I be notified about the result of my application?
Applicants for the 2010 Achievement Award program will be notified of their status no later than May 31, 2010.
I applied last year. Am I able to apply again?
If you previously received an Achievement Award you are not eligible to reapply. However, if you previously applied and were not selected then we encourage you to submit your application this year.
My parent works at GEICO. Can I still apply?
No, children of GEICO associates are not eligible to receive an Achievement Award. However, we offer six different scholarship programs for children of associates. Encourage your parent or guardian to find out more from their local HR department.
I was a GEICO intern. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, as long as you 1) meet our eligibility requirements, 2) are not a child of a GEICO associate, and 3) have not previously received an Achievement Award.
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