Coolidge Scholarship – The Coolidge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the United States. It is awarded annually to a select group of high school juniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to public policy and government. Named after President Calvin Coolidge, the scholarship reflects his values of public service, limited government, and education.
The scholarship provides full-ride funding for a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses. It also offers additional opportunities for enrichment, such as internships, leadership conferences, and study abroad programs.
The Coolidge Scholarship is important because it recognizes and supports exceptional young leaders who have the potential to make a positive impact on society through their intellectual curiosity and commitment to public service. It also promotes the values of education and civic engagement, inspiring a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world.
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History of the Coolidge Scholarship
The Scholarship was established in 2014 by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of President Calvin Coolidge. The scholarship was created to honor Coolidge’s commitment to public service, limited government, and education, and to recognize and support outstanding young leaders who share these values.
The first Coolidge Scholars were selected in 2016, and since then, the scholarship has become one of the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarships in the United States. The scholarship is open to high school juniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and a strong interest in public policy and government.
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses associated with attending an accredited four-year undergraduate institution, and also provides funding for enrichment opportunities such as internships, study abroad programs, and leadership conferences. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, as long as the recipient maintains a high level of academic performance and remains committed to the values of public service, limited government, and education.
The Scholarship is unique in its emphasis on these values and its rigorous application process, which includes multiple rounds of evaluations and interviews. The selection committee looks for students who have a deep interest in public policy and government, a record of academic excellence, and a strong commitment to leadership and civic engagement.
Eligibility Requirements for the Coolidge Scholarship
To be eligible for the Coolidge Scholarship, students must meet several requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that the scholarship is awarded to the most exceptional and promising young leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to public policy, government, and civic engagement.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Scholarship:
- Students must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States.
- Students must be high school juniors at the time of application.
- Students must have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Students must score in the top 1% of the PSAT or SAT exams, or the ACT exam.
- Students must demonstrate a deep interest in public policy and government, as well as a commitment to civic engagement.
- Students must demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, as well as a commitment to serving their communities and making a positive impact on society.
- Students must demonstrate high levels of integrity, perseverance, and grit, as well as a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and grow.
Benefits of the Coolidge Scholarship (Amount)
The Scholarship provides full-ride funding for a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
How To Apply
To apply for the Coolidge Scholarship, you must first fill out an online application on the Coolidge Foundation website. Here are the steps to apply online:
- Visit the Coolidge Scholarship website (https://coolidgescholars.org/) and read through the eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions and other information provided on the website.
- Click on the “Apply” button on the homepage to access the online application form.
- Create an account using your email address and a secure password.
- Fill out the application form, which includes personal information, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and essays.
- Submit your application by the deadline, which is usually in early January of each year.
- After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions on how to submit other required materials, such as transcripts and test scores.
- Finalists will be selected in mid-March and will be invited to participate in an interview process. Winners will be announced in late April or early May.
The application process for the Scholarship is straightforward to navigate, and the Coolidge Foundation provides detailed instructions and support throughout the process.
Deadline
The deadline for the Coolidge Scholarship typically falls in the last week of January each year. For the 2023 Coolidge Scholarship, the application opened on November 1, 2022, and the deadline to submit the completed application is January 26, 2023, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications will be open on 1 November 2023.
Tips for Applying to the Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award, and the application process is rigorous and challenging. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success when applying for the Scholarship:
Start Early
The Coolidge Scholarship application requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail, so it’s important to start working on it well in advance of the deadline. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all the required materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, and to write and revise your essays.
Highlight Your Academic Achievements
The Coolidge Scholarship values academic excellence, so make sure to emphasize your academic achievements, such as your grades, test scores, and any advanced or honors courses you have taken. Be sure to explain how your academic achievements reflect your intellectual curiosity and love of learning.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
The Coolidge Scholarship is looking for students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience, whether it’s in school, your community, or other organizations. Explain how your leadership skills have helped you make a positive impact on others and why you are passionate about serving others.
Be Authentic and Original
The Coolidge Scholarship is looking for students who are independent thinkers and have a unique perspective on the world. Make sure to showcase your individuality and creativity in your essays, and avoid using clichés or generic statements. Be authentic and genuine in your application, and demonstrate why you are uniquely qualified for the scholarship.
Proofread and Edit
The Coolidge Scholarship application requires several essays, so it’s important to proofread and edit your work carefully. Make sure your essays are well-organized, concise, and free of errors. Ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend to review your essays and provide feedback to help you improve your writing.
Follow the Guidelines
The Coolidge Scholarship has strict guidelines for the application process, so make sure to read and follow them carefully. Pay attention to deadlines, formatting requirements, and any other instructions provided by the scholarship. Failure to follow the guidelines could disqualify you from consideration.
By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of success when applying for the Coolidge and demonstrate why you are a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
Coolidge Scholarship Essay Examples
Here are some tips and guidelines for writing an effective Coolidge Scholarship essay.
Show your passion
The Coolidge Scholarship is looking for students who are passionate about learning and making a positive impact in the world. In your essay, demonstrate your enthusiasm for your academic interests and your commitment to making a difference in your community.
Be specific
Avoid generalizations and platitudes. Instead, provide specific examples of your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and public service activities. Use concrete details to paint a vivid picture of your interests and accomplishments.
Be concise
The Coolidge Scholarship essay has a strict word limit, so make every word count. Focus on your most important experiences and accomplishments, and use clear and concise language to convey your ideas.
Be authentic
The Coolidge Scholarship values authenticity and originality. Avoid trying to write what you think the scholarship committee wants to hear, and instead, write from the heart about your genuine interests, values, and experiences.
Edit and revise
Take the time to revise and edit your essay carefully. Ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to read your essay and provide feedback. Make sure your essay is well-organized, free of errors, and effectively communicates your ideas and experiences.
Remember, the Coolidge Scholarship essay is just one part of a larger application. Make sure to give equal attention to all aspects of the application, including academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and any additional materials required by the scholarship.
Coolidge Scholarship Acceptance Rate
The Coolidge Scholarship is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate is around 1-2%, making it one of the most selective and prestigious scholarships in the United States.
Success Stories of Coolidge Scholars
The Coolidge Scholarship has a long history of producing successful and accomplished alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. Here are some success stories of Coolidge Scholars:
Roberta Diaz Brinton
Roberta Diaz Brinton was awarded the Scholarship in 1971 and went on to become a renowned neuroscientist and professor at the University of Arizona. She has made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases and has received numerous awards for her work.
Michael Joyce
Michael Joyce was awarded the Scholarship in 1982 and went on to become a successful author and screenwriter. His novel “The War Outside Ireland” was a bestseller, and he has also written screenplays for several Hollywood films.
Jennifer Lee
Jennifer Lee was awarded the Scholarship in 1988 and went on to become a highly successful film director and screenwriter. She co-wrote and directed the hit Disney movie “Frozen” and became the first woman to direct a Disney animated feature film.
Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster was awarded the Scholarship in 1990 and went on to become a highly successful lawyer and politician. He served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.
Alex Tepe
Alex Tepe was awarded the Scholarship in 2012 and went on to become a highly successful entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded the company AirGarage, which provides affordable parking solutions for universities and communities and has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
In Conclusion, The Coolidge Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for young people who are dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, and public service, and it is a testament to the power of education and the potential of young people to achieve great things.
Frequently Asked Questions (F&Qs)
How competitive is the Coolidge Scholarship?
The Coolidge Scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants each year and only a small number of recipients selected. The scholarship is known for its rigorous selection process, which includes several rounds of evaluation and interviews.
Can international students apply for the Coolidge Scholarship?
No, the Coolidge Scholarship is only available to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Can students who have already been accepted to college apply for the Coolidge Scholarship?
No, the Coolidge Scholarship is only available to high school juniors who have not yet enrolled in college.
Coolidge Winners