Coolidge Scholarship: An Opportunity for Exceptional Students
The Coolidge Scholarship is a distinguished and highly competitive award that gives extraordinary students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue their academic and intellectual interests in a way that would not otherwise be possible.
Since its inception in 1999, the scholarship has a long tradition of awarding financial assistance to high school students who succeed in the areas of leadership, character, and academics.
In this article, I will provide an overview of the Coolidge Scholarship, its eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, past winners, and tips for applying.
History of the Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is named after the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, who was known for his conservative policies and strong advocacy for limited government.
The scholarship was founded by the Coolidge Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote Coolidge’s legacy and support young leaders who share his values.
Since its inception in 1999, the Coolidge Scholarship has awarded more than $30 million in scholarships to over 300 students across the United States.
The scholarship is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of less than 1%. It is aimed at students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential.
Eligibility Requirements for the Coolidge Scholarship
To be eligible for the Coolidge Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
Be a current high school junior (i.e., graduating in the spring of 2023)
Have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
Score in the top 1% on either the SAT or ACT
Demonstrate an interest in public policy and/or philosophy
Display outstanding character and leadership potential
In addition to demonstrating that they satisfy these prerequisites, applicants are required to furnish the committee with a number of written essays, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
The application procedure is extremely competitive and competitively selective, consisting of numerous rounds of assessment and multiple rounds of interviews.
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How to Apply for the Coolidge Scholarship
In order to be eligible for consideration for the Coolidge Scholarship, there are a few tasks that need to be accomplished.
In order to move on to the next round, you are going to need to submit your initial application.
This application ought to include vital information about the student, in addition to the student’s academic achievements and interests.
The following step requires the student to submit a series of essays, the purpose of which is to evaluate the student’s intellectual curiosity, writing abilities, and critical thinking skills.
The final stage of the application process involves an in-person interview with the Coolidge Scholarship selection committee.
This interview is designed to assess the student’s character, leadership potential, and overall fit with the scholarship’s values and mission.
Benefits of the Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship provides a range of benefits to its winners, including:
Full tuition and expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree at any accredited college or university in the United States
A yearly stipend for books and other educational expenses
Access to a network of alumni and scholars who share the student’s interests and values
Opportunities to participate in internships, seminars, and other educational programs
In addition to these advantages, recipients of the Coolidge Scholarship are given the chance to pursue their academic and intellectual interests in an atmosphere that is both encouraging and rigorous.
Past Winners of the Coolidge Scholarship
Since it was first established, the Coolidge Scholarship has been successful in luring a wide range of bright and talented students from all around the United States.
Previous recipients of the scholarship have gone on to pursue a variety of academic and professional vocations, such as those in the fields of law, medicine, commerce, and public service, amongst others.
Among the most prominent recipients of the Coolidge Scholarship are:
Daniel Lerner, a 2005 winner who went on to become a White House fellow and a professor of positive psychology at NYU
Amanda Hu, a 2014 winner who is currently pursuing a PhD in economics at Harvard
Drew Magaoay, a 2019 winner who is studying physics at Caltech
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Tips for Applying to the Coolidge Scholarship
The application procedure for the Coolidge Scholarship is one that is extremely difficult, as well as highly competitive, and demands a large investment of both time and effort.
It is imperative that you adhere to the following guidelines if you want to increase your chances of becoming successful:
Start early: It is important to get a head start on the application process for the Coolidge Scholarship because it can be tough and time-consuming.
Start working on your application as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed by the process.
Showcase your achievements: Students who are able to demonstrate extraordinary academic accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, and the capacity to take on leadership roles are encouraged to apply for the Coolidge Scholarship.
When submitting your application, be sure to mention the accomplishments you’ve had in these areas.
Be authentic: The committee in charge of making selections is searching for students who can demonstrate that they are sincere, thoughtful, and enthusiastic about their chosen activities.
Be sure to present yourself authentically in your application and highlight the ways in which your experiences and perspectives are distinctive.
Seek feedback: The application procedure for the Coolidge Scholarship entails numerous iterations of assessment and input from the selection committee.
If you want to enhance your writings and application, seek comments from your instructors, counselors, and any other mentors you may have.
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Conclusion
A highly selective and distinguished scholarship, the Coolidge Scholarship offers exceptional individuals the chance to follow their academic and intellectual ambitions.
It draws a talented and diverse group of students from all around the United States because it rewards academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential.
If you’re thinking about applying for the Coolidge Scholarship, be sure to get started as soon as possible, highlight your accomplishments, be genuine, and ask for comments.
You may become the following Coolidge Scholar with perseverance, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
