Compared to other scholarship opportunities available, there are hardly any such grants that enjoy a reputation and upkeep like the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship. But this rare grant is made available to high school juniors across the United States by providing a fully financed, merit-based scholarship toward tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study.
It means a lot more to the ones who get selected, after stringent application processes, to pursue higher education without bearing the stress of finances. In this article, we discuss in detail with regard to eligibility criteria, the application process, and what Calvin Coolidge Scholarship covers. We will also be answering some of the most frequently asked questions that may be helpful to the prospective applicants.
Eligibility Requirements For the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship
For students to be found eligible for the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship, here are requirements they should meet:
- The scholarship will be available in a student’s junior year at high school-that is, the class of 11th graders. A scholarship applicant should express interest in college enrollment upon completion of their high school studies.
- U.S. Citizenship: Applications will be accepted only from U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- Academic Excellence: A Coolidge Scholarship is merit-based, and successful applicants generally have an exemplary academic record. That would include strong grades in rigorous coursework, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes.
- Leadership: The Selection Committee looks for students who have given some form of leadership to their school or community. That may be in the form of a leadership role in student government, clubs, or other extracurricular activities.
- Devotion to Public Service: An exemplary record of public service, volunteer work, or other forms of efforts that show the applicant’s concern for the benefit of society as a whole.
Application Procedure for the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship
Application to the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is relatively easy to make but very comprehensive. The following are the steps involved in making the application:
- Deadline:
Usually, the application opens during October every year and runs up to late January. For applicants to the 2024 class, the deadline is January 23, 2024. All materials should have arrived before this date, since late applications are never considered
- Online Application:
The entire application process will be done online on the Coolidge Scholarship website. You need to create an account and then complete the following:
Personal Information:
You are supposed to fill in your name, address, contact details, etc.
Academic Information:
You are supposed to state your GPA, class rank, standardized test scores taken, and then give information regarding your achievement level academically.
Essay Responses:
An applicant is also required to answer a set of essay questions on leadership, academic endeavors and commitment to public service.
Letters of Recommendation:
The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or other adults who can speak to an applicant’s character and achievements.
- Supplemental Materials:
Besides the online application, the students are encouraged to submit other documents representative of academic and co-curricular achievements. Examples include, but are not limited to, awards, certificates, and other forms of recognition
- Finalist Interviews:
After an initial review, a selection of applicants will be invited to interviews. These interviews are usually virtual and take up a great part of the overall selection process.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Since Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is extremely competitive, here are a few tips to help you stand distinguished:
Apply Early: You are encouraged to start the application early enough before the deadline. This will put you in a better position to revise your essays, request letters of recommendation, and ensure that everything is submitted well in time.
Leadership and Service: The scholarship committee strongly encourages applications that serve leadership and public service. Bring out specific instances of things you have done that helped or changed the community you live in or attend.
Reflection type essays: The essay responses are one of the most important elements of the application; take the time to reflect and write thoughtful, well-written responses that reflect your values and aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
- Is the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship renewable?
Yes, it is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided that a recipient demonstrates satisfactory academic progress and fulfills other requirements set by the Coolidge Foundation.
- Can I use the scholarship at any college?
Yes, the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university. Recipients are at liberty with personal choices to decide on which institution would best suit their career goals.
- Am I required to show financial needs?
No, the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship. Under no circumstance will financial need play any role in the selection criteria
- How many students does it give each year?
Even though the number of applicants lies in the several thousands, a handful of students are granted this award each year. The number may vary each year; on average, though, it rests between three to four students a year.
- What if I do not get the scholarship?
Even if you are not granted the full Coolidge Scholarship, you can be recognised as a finalist or a semifinalist. Most of the semi finalists and finalists get other forms of recognition and their various successes are rewarded by the colleges and universities during the admission processes.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell I’ll say, the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship represents an opportunity rarely afforded to high school juniors, based on academic merit, leadership, and dedication to public service.
The highly prestigious nature of the scholarship makes it a means to higher education for a selected few in the student population, and it is instituted as fully funded for four years by covering all expenses.
It is expected that adherence to application guidelines and timeliness, with a strong application, would place students in good stead to become strong candidates for this life-changing opportunity.