If you have an application question, please contact us at 800-941-3300 or[email protected].
PLEASE NOTE:
All College Scholarship Program applicants are required to have eligible SAT and/or ACT test scores in order to apply.
THE BASICSWho can apply? Eligibility and selection criteria
What information and materials do I need in order to apply? Parts of application and the people involved
When do I apply? Timeline
How do I apply? Access to the online application materials
Why should I apply? Our approach
WHO CAN APPLY?Eligibility
To be eligible for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Senior standing – Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2017.
- Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2017.
- GPA – Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Test Scores – Receive standardized test scores in the top 15%: SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 (old SAT scores) or above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above.
- Income – Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000. However, we anticipate that a majority of scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive a Pell grant.
Selection Criteria
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation reviews each College Scholarship Program application individually with the assistance of a panel of national education experts. Among the criteria used in the selection process are:
- Exceptional academic ability and achievement: Strong academic record, academic awards and honors, and substantive assessments by educators providing confidential recommendations. In addition to GPA and college entrance exam scores, we consider participation in available advanced courses, commitment to learning, and intellectual curiosity.
- Unmet financial need: Limited family income and assets in light of educational expenses. Substantial unmet educational costs after taking into account other scholarships and grants students may receive.
- Persistence: Determination and perseverance in the face of challenges, ability to set and remain focused on goals and to put in the effort needed to meet those goals in the face of obstacles.
- Leadership: Ability to organize and positively influence others in and out of school (family, religious community, sports, arts, etc.).
- Service to Others: Purposeful and meaningful commitment to others which may be evidenced by participation in volunteer/community service activities.