Coolidge Scholarship

Overview

• Full-Ride Scholarship: Covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study.
• Eligibility: Open to high school juniors in the United States, regardless of citizenship.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance is a primary criterion.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in school, community, or other activities.
  • Public Policy Interest: A keen interest in public policy and appreciation of Coolidge’s values, including civility, service, and humility.
• Number of Recipients: Typically, only a small number of students (often just one or two) receive the scholarship each year, making it one of the most selective scholarships in the country.

Application Process

1. Application Submission: Applicants must submit an extensive application that includes academic records, essays, and recommendation letters.
2. Semifinalist Stage: A group of semifinalists is selected and interviewed.
3. Finalists: Finalists are invited for an in-person interview and participate in activities at the Coolidge Foundation’s headquarters in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.
4. Winners: The Coolidge Scholars are announced after the final selection process.

Additional Opportunities

• Finalists and semifinalists often gain access to other enrichment opportunities, including leadership development programs and networking with scholars.

The scholarship celebrates the legacy of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. president, emphasizing values like hard work, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional governance.

Here is more detailed information about the Coolidge Scholarship, including its benefits, application components, and unique features:

1. Scholarship Benefits

• Full-Ride Coverage: The Coolidge Scholarship provides full tuition, room, board, and other necessary expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited U.S. college or university.
• Flexibility of School Choice: Recipients may attend any accredited institution in the U.S., including Ivy League schools or smaller liberal arts colleges.
• Enrichment Opportunities: Scholars engage in leadership development programs, internships, and events with the Coolidge Foundation, emphasizing public policy and Coolidge’s values.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Grade Level: Open to current high school juniors (students who plan to enroll in college as first-year students in two years).
• U.S. Residency: Applicants can be U.S. citizens or legal residents, but this is not limited by nationality.
• Academic Standing: The scholarship looks for exceptional academic achievement, though no specific GPA threshold is mentioned.
• Leadership and Character:
  • Demonstrated initiative, leadership skills, and commitment to service.
  • Alignment with the principles of Calvin Coolidge, such as humility, hard work, and respect for law and governance.
• Public Policy Interest: Applicants are not required to major in political science or public policy but should display a general interest in issues affecting public life.

3. Application Components

The application is extensive and requires significant effort. It includes:

• Basic Information: Personal and academic details.
• Transcripts: Official high school transcripts showcasing strong academic performance.
• Standardized Test Scores: SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores may be included (though not mandatory for 2024 due to COVID-era policies).
• Essays: Thoughtful essays responding to prompts about leadership, values, and public policy issues.
• Recommendation Letters: At least two letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and character.
• Extracurricular Activities: A detailed record of leadership roles, extracurricular involvement, and achievements.

4. Selection Process

The selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, involving multiple stages:

1. Initial Application Review: Applications are screened for academic excellence, leadership, and alignment with Coolidge’s values.
2. Semifinalist Interviews: Top candidates participate in virtual interviews with the selection committee.
3. Finalist Weekend: Finalists are invited to Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where they engage in interviews, group activities, and learn about President Coolidge’s legacy.
4. Scholar Selection: The scholarship winners (Coolidge Scholars) are announced, often just one or two recipients per year.

5. What Sets the Coolidge Scholarship Apart

• Merit-Based Focus: Unlike many scholarships, financial need is not a consideration—selection is based solely on merit.
• Small Pool of Winners: The Coolidge Scholarship is among the most selective scholarships, often awarded to just one or two students each year.
• Emphasis on Values: The scholarship champions values of fiscal responsibility, respect for the Constitution, and civic engagement, inspired by President Coolidge’s legacy.
• Comprehensive Support: Winners receive mentorship and support from the Coolidge Foundation, connecting them to policymakers, scholars, and other leaders.

6. Important Dates

• Application Opens: Early fall each year (typically September).
• Deadline: Late January.
• Semifinalist Notifications: Spring (March-April).
• Finalist Weekend: Summer (June).
• Winner Announcement: After Finalist Weekend.

7. Resources for Applicants

• The Coolidge Foundation provides resources, including essay-writing tips, webinars, and examples of strong applications.
• Finalists and semifinalists often remain connected to the Foundation, even if they don’t win, gaining access to additional opportunities like the Coolidge Senators Program.

For the most up-to-date information, check out the official Coolidge Scholarship website. Let me know if you’d like advice on any part of the application!