Guidance Counselor FAQ
ABOUT THE IMPACT SCHOLARS PROGRAM
A competitive, merit-based scholarship recognizing exceptional academic talent and leadership potential. Scholars study abroad at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) and receive significant tuition support.
25 total scholars per semester.
Up to $25,000 for the semester and $13,000 for the mini-mester. Scholarships cover program tuition (airfare and the $250 application fee not included).
IDEAL CANDIDATES & COMPETITIVENESS
Students who are academically strong, curious, motivated, and emerging leaders who are ready for an immersive global learning experience.
This is a highly competitive program for academically outstanding students. From a national pool of applicants, only 25 scholarships are awarded per semester.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application includes two stages:
Stage 1 - Initial Essay
Submission
Students submit:
• Interest form
• 500-word essay: "Why am I applying to
be a Muss Impact Scholar?"
Stage 2 - Full Muss Application + Supplemental Materials
Selected
students submit:
• Muss application
• Resume
• Two recommendations
•
Two essays
• Interview
IF A STUDENT IS NOT SELECTED
They can still apply to and attend Muss. We assist them with:
• Standard Muss
application
• Dream Israel (up to $7,500)
• Merit awards
• Need-based and
community scholarships
ACADEMIC & SCHOOL CONSIDERATIONS
Yes. Muss aligns coursework to graduation requirements and provides Honors/AP options.
No. Students receive support with essays, counselor meetings, and test prep.
Licensed social workers, Student Life staff, and 24/7 supervision are provided.
COUNSELOR ACCESS & NEXT STEPS
Yes, for Stage 2.
Schedule a meeting using our calendar link.
Family & Student FAQ
ABOUT THE IMPACT SCHOLARS PROGRAM
A competitive, merit-based scholarship recognizing exceptional academic talent and leadership potential. Scholars study abroad at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) and receive significant tuition support.
25 total scholars per semester.
Up to $25,000 available in funding for a full semester or $13,000 for a mini-mester. Funding covers all tuition (flights and $250 application fee not included).
ABOUT MUSS
Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) is Jewish National Fund-USA's premier college-prep, study abroad experience in Israel for American teens.
There are two campus options: Muss North in Hod HaSharon and Muss South in Be'er Sheva. Both campuses offer students the opportunity to live an authentic Israeli lifestyle, while building their independence and living amongst peers who will become life-long friends. Each campus houses state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, dorms, athletic facilities, a music room, kosher dining rooms, health clinic, and gym.
We take safety very seriously! Both of our campuses are completely fenced and guarded. There is only one entrance, which is gated and manned by a guard 24 hours a day. A guard also patrols both campuses regularly.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
The full semester is a complete 4-month long experience offered in both the fall and spring. The mini-mester is a condensed 2-month experience, perfect for students who cannot commit to the longer 4-month period. While both programs offer a comprehensive and immersive academic experience, the full semester includes Hebrew language courses and specialty trips (like our trip to Poland), which the mini-mester does not.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application includes two stages:
Stage 1 - Initial Essay
Submission
Students submit:
• Interest form
• 500-word essay: "Why am I applying to
be a Muss Impact Scholar?"
Stage 2 - Full Muss Application + Supplemental Materials
Selected
students submit:
• Muss application
• Resume
• Two recommendations
•
Two essays
• Interview
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED
You can still attend Muss. We help with:
• Applying to Muss
• Dream
Israel funding (up to $7,500)
• Merit awards and scholarships
COLLEGE READINESS
Yes. Students stand out for independence, maturity, leadership, and global perspective.
Yes. Muss coordinates with home schools.
NEXT STEPS
Families may schedule a call, visit our website, or begin Stage 1 of the
application.