I'm trying to figure out what kind of requirements the top student scholarships usually have. Could someone give me a rundown or examples of eligibility criteria for some of the most valuable ones?
Sure, I can help with that! Below you'll find the eligibility criteria for three major scholarships.
1. The Coca-Cola Scholarship: This scholarship is available for high school seniors in the U.S. who demonstrate academic excellence, capacity to lead, and dedication to their community. Specifically,they are looking for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. This scholarship is merit-based and the selection process also heavily emphasizes demonstrated leadership and commitment to bettering one’s community.
2. The Gates Scholarship: This is a highly competitive scholarship that is available to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents, with a minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Applicants must also be from at least one of the following ethnicities: African American, Native American, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American, and be Pell-eligible (i.e., demonstrate significant financial need).
3. The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS): Unlike the previous two, this scholarship requires a project submission; it's the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. You need to have a passion for science along with a research project that can be submitted. This competition is open to any U.S. or international high school senior who has not attended a post-secondary institution full time.
Remember, some of the most valuable scholarships will often require not only academic excellence but demonstrated leadership skills and involvement in community service. It's important to start preparing early and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. Also, keep in mind that scholarship application deadlines often fall before college applications, so plan your time accordingly!
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