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The Gates Scholarship is a program with a huge impact. Launched in 2017, the program's mission is to give opportunities to outstanding minority students to reach their highest potential.

In this guide, I'll go through all the details of the scholarship and the application protocols. After that, I'll give you expert tips and strategies for putting together the strongest Gates Scholarship application possible. Read on to learn more!

Note: The Gates Scholarship was established in 2017 as a replacement for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program , which reached its goal of 20,000 scholars in 2016.

What Is the Gates Scholarship?

The primary mission of the Gates Scholarship is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in all majors. By offering outstanding scholars better educational opportunities, the program aims to develop a diversified group of future leaders for America.

Each year, 300 student leaders are selected for the Gates Scholarship, with each winner receiving funding for the full Cost of Attendance to an accredited four-year US university or college.

Compared with other impressive corporate scholarships, the Gates Scholarship is especially comprehensive and generous. In addition to funding, it offers a wide structure of support, guidance, and mentoring.

Overall, the Gates Scholarship provides the following:

• Renewable educational funding: The scholarship covers any unmet need and self-help aid (in other words, instead of having to take out loans and do a work-study job, the scholarship would cover those Cost of Attendance expenses) for up to five years.
• Online support services: Services offered to scholarship winners include academic support, mentoring, professional advice and guidance, and help with financial literacy.

The total amount of aid you're eligible to get will depend on your amount of unmet need. Unmet need is the difference between your school's Cost of Attendance (room, board, tuition, fees, books, and personal expenses) and the amount you've received in grants and/or scholarships. The larger your unmet need is, the larger your scholarship award will be.

Your total amount of aid will also depend on how long you're able to renew the scholarship. As long as you meet renewal qualifications every year, you can continue to receive funds for up to five years for a bachelor's degree program.

Are You Eligible for the Gates Scholarship?

To be considered for the Gates Scholarship, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior

Be African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and/or Hispanic American

Be a US citizen, legal permanent resident, or national

Have a cumulative 3.3 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale

Meet federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria (this means that you must demonstrate significant financial need—check out our Pell Grant eligibility guide to learn more)

• Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year (bachelor's) degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit US college or university

Ideal applicants will also have the following traits, per the Gates Scholarship website :

An ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic performance (Students in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
• Leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
• Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)

If you meet all the above eligibility criteria, you're on the right track to getting a Gates Scholarship.

What Do You Need to Apply for the Gates Scholarship?

Before you get to work on your Gates Scholarship application, you'll need to gather some important information.

From your guidance counselor, you'll need to get the following:

• Your full academic record
• Your cumulative GPA
• Your class rank
• Your Enrollment Verification

From the college/university you plan to attend, you'll need the following:

• Your college acceptance letter (again, this must be a four-year, accredited, not-for-profit US college or university)
• Your Financial Aid Award letter

You'll also need some family financial information, including the following:

• Your status as either a dependent or independent student
• Your personal gross annual income from the past year

Next, you'll need to prepare names, dates, and descriptions of participation for the following:

• A list of your leadership roles and experiences
• A list of community service experiences
• A list of employment experiences

Finally, you'll need to have your SAT/ACT scores handy.

All applicants must make a MyTGS Profile and apply through their online account.

Note that the Gates Scholarship application process consists of two phases, with each phase having its own application and selection process.

The Phase 1 application consists of a questionnaire—that's it! If you get to Phase 2, you'll need to submit another application that's a bit denser and will take more time; this one includes another questionnaire, essays, updated transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

What Is the Gates Scholarship Application Timeline?

This year, the Gates Scholarship application is expected to open on July 15, 2022; the deadline for submission will be September 15, 2022. Selections will be made in April 2023, with awards given out from July to September.

Below is the annual timeline for the Gates Scholarship:

• July: Phase 1 application opens
• September: Phase 1 application deadline
• December: Semi-finalists announced
• December: Phase 2 application opens
• January: Phase 2 application deadline
• March: Finalists announced; interviews for finalists
• April: New class of scholars announced
• Fall: Scholarships disbursed to winners

It's time to get tactical.

Strategies: How to Increase Your Odds of Winning the Gates Scholarship

Every year 300 scholarships are awarded through this program, but that doesn't mean the Gates Scholarship isn't competitive.

If you want a chance at winning this prestigious scholarship, you'll have to dedicate yourself 100% to the application process. Winners come from all over the country, with many scholarship recipients ending up at prestigious colleges.

The strategies I'll present here won't just help you strengthen your application for the Gates Scholarship but will also help you more generally with your college applications.

The best candidates for the Gates Scholarship will be motivated, high-achieving students with strong resumes, transcripts, and test scores —basically, the students who prepare themselves well for college.

As you might expect, the best way to effectively implement the strategies below will be to start the scholarship application process as early as possible. We've divided the strategies into two sections depending on where you're at in school and the application process.

Scenario 1: You're in Your Early Years of High School

If you're still just a freshman or sophomore and want to get a head start on looking good for the Gates Scholarship, here are four important tips to keep in mind.

#1: Demonstrate Academic Excellence

Competition for the Gates scholarship is stiff. In order to be a strong applicant, you should strive for more than the minimum GPA (3.3). Be sure to take advanced, honors, and AP classes when available, and actively seek out extra help from your teachers in any weaker subjects. Take those opportunities to develop strong relationships with teachers, tutors, and/or mentors.

#2: Cultivate Leadership Skills

Many scholarships, including the Gates Scholarship, want to invest in future leaders and innovative pioneers. One of the best ways to prove you have leadership potential is to actively develop your leadership skills as a student.

Here are some ways you can do this:

• Actively participate in your classes. Volunteer to lead discussions or group projects. Help out other classmates who might be struggling with a particular problem or concept.
• Join clubs or extracurricular activities that ignite your passions and interests. Focus on quality over quantity; invest in fewer activities but stick with them. If the opportunity presents itself, move up to team captain or a club officer role. The more your instructors, coaches, and peers respect you, the easier it will be to assume a leadership role.

#3: Commit to Community Service

The Gates Scholarship isn't just for helping individuals achieve their own personal goals; it's also for aiding in the betterment of whole communities. An ideal Gates Scholarship applicant will use opportunities they'll get through the scholarship to give back to their communities.

You can demonstrate your commitment to service by choosing (and sticking with) a community service or volunteer position. Ideally, this should be something you participate in regularly, on a weekly or so basis.

If you're thoughtful about choosing where you volunteer and spend time doing something you're passionate about, it'll definitely pay off when you submit your scholarship application.

#4: Develop Relationships With Educators and Mentors

It's important to have wise people around you who can offer you trusted guidance and advice. It's also important to have good relationships with people who can serve as recommendation writers for any scholarships you apply to.

If you have respect for a particular class or activity, your teacher or mentor will come to respect you—that's Step 1.

To work on further developing these relationships, you can do the following:

• Go to office hours to ask for extra help on tricky problems or concepts
• Actively participate in class, practice, or club meetings
• Go to your teachers, coaches, or mentors with questions that might be outside the scope of your regular curriculum; this demonstrates intellectual curiosity

Scenario 2: You've Made It to Phase 2 of the Gates Scholarship

The following three tips are for high school seniors who've made it past the Phase 1 questionnaire and are ready to get started on the much heavier Phase 2 application for the Gates Scholarship.

#1: Plan Ahead

Recall that you'll need letters of recommendation for this part of the application. It's important to give your recommendation writers as much time to write their letters as possible.

And since you'll only have about a month after you move to Phase 2 before your application is due, it's imperative that you find and secure a recommender as soon as you are told you're a semi-finalist.

#2: Invest in Your Essays

If the Gates Scholarship evaluators only cared about your grades and resume, they wouldn't ask you to write essays. So how can you ensure that your essays are great?

First off, make sure you're answering every part of the essay prompt in your response. Most essay questions have multiple parts!

You also want to elaborate —don't just provide a list as a response or give a yes/no answer. The evaluators want to see that you're thoughtful and have put time into your application.

Another tip to keep in mind is to make your goals clear. Why do you want the Gates Scholarship? You don't want to worry about paying for college, sure, but how will winning the scholarship affect your long-term and short-term academic and/or career goals? Most importantly, how will it enable you to be the person you want to be?

You'll get brownie points if your future goals include pursuing an underrepresented field (i.e., computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or science) or serving others in some capacity.

The more thoughtful and clear you are in describing your goals in your essays, the more impressed the scholarship evaluators will be.

You should also craft a narrative with your essays. Make sure that all your essays work together to tell a single unified, logical story.

Before you start writing, come up with two to three points you want to get across about who you are. Maybe you want evaluators to know that you're empathetic, hardworking, and interested in mental health. Or maybe you want them to know that you're focused, ambitious, and passionate about social justice issues. The point is that all of your essays should ultimately serve to elucidate these points.

On that same note, don't be afraid to brag (to an extent). You're allowed to bring up any honors, awards, accolades, promotions, or fancy titles you've received. You earned them—talk about them! It's helpful to make a comprehensive of all these things before you start writing your essays so that you don't forget anything important.

That said, you should also be humble in your essays. Very few people can attribute their success solely to their own hard work. Did your family, friends, teachers, coaches, and/or mentors support you or offer guidance? Don't be afraid to partially attribute your accomplishments to them, as well as to your own efforts. Evaluators won't see this as a weakness but as insightful self-awareness.

Finally, remember to stay positive. Be honest about any struggles you've had but maintain a matter-of-fact tone. It's a smart idea to express optimism and a positive viewpoint about future outcomes and goals after you discuss any difficulties or disappointments.

#3: Choose Your Recommenders Wisely

Your recommenders will be expected to include detailed, glowing anecdotes and accounts of your personal relationships with others in addition to your academic and extracurricular performances.

Therefore, it'd be ideal if you could ask someone who knows you in multiple contexts (e.g., a teacher who serves as a club head, coach, or personal mentor). This should also be an individual with whom you feel very comfortable.

What's Next?

One of the best ways to make yourself a strong Gates Scholarship applicant is to set your goals high by being a strong college applicant. Check out our expert guides to getting perfect SAT scores and ACT scores , and learn how to get into your top-choice colleges .

Got more questions and Pell Grant eligibility since you have to meet these criteria in order to receive the Gates Scholarship? Read all about the Pell Grant and its eligibility criteria .

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

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Gates Scholarship Guide: Unlocking Opportunities for Academic Excellence

The Gates Scholarship serves as a beacon of opportunity for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households, helping to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity with substantial funding for academic pursuits . As a highly selective program, it recognizes students who show exemplary leadership skills and academic excellence, aiming to support their educational journey and foster future leaders. The scholarship emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, targeting a range of ethnicities including African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic American students.

Understanding the nuances of the Gates Scholarship application process is crucial for hopeful applicants. Eligibility hinges on several strict requirements, such as citizenship status, academic achievement, and participation in community life. Candidates must navigate through a multi-phase application process, demonstrating a consistent academic record and a commitment to their community. The scholarship not only offers financial resources but also support systems that help scholars maximize their college experience and post-graduate opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• The Gates Scholarship provides considerable educational funding for high-achieving, low-income minority students.
• Eligibility requires meeting stringent academic and citizenship criteria, and commitment to leadership and community.
• The multi-phase application process demands thorough preparation and showcases a student’s holistic achievements.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Gates Scholarship provides a significant opportunity for outstanding minority high school seniors across America. To ensure consideration, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements concerning their background, academic records, and citizenship status.

Basic Qualifications

To be eligible for the Gates Scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors and identify as a minority, which includes being African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American. They should also be Pell-eligible , demonstrating financial need and ensuring they meet the federal criteria for receiving a Pell Grant. Moreover, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to qualify.

Academic Criteria

Academically, Gates Scholarship candidates are required to exhibit a strong performance in their studies. They must hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Academic achievements are considered a clear indicator of intellectual prowess and dedication to learning, which are qualities the Gates Foundation seeks in its scholars.

Ethnicity and Citizenship

The scholarship specifically targets minority students from certain ethnic backgrounds to promote diversity and support underrepresented groups in higher education. Eligible ethnicities include African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American. It is crucial that applicants also hold status as a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident , which aligns with the aim of the scholarship to empower young change-makers within the United States.

Application Process

The Gates Scholarship offers a comprehensive application process designed to identify high-potential students with an emphasis on leadership qualities and commitment to the community. Each step is pivotal in showcasing the applicant’s abilities and fit for the scholarship.

Initial Application

Applicants must create a TGS Profile and provide basic information including educational background , extracurricular activities, and their role in the community. Additionally, they need to submit transcripts and standardized test scores , and demonstrate financial need typically by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ). The application deadline is critical and must be adhered to.

Essays and Personal Statement

The application requires several essays and a personal statement. These writings should reflect the applicant’s leadership experiences , their commitment to improving their community , and their educational goals . The essays are a chance to illustrate personal growth and potential to succeed in college .

Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation are essential, providing third-party insights into the applicant’s character and achievements. It is recommended that these letters come from individuals who know the applicant well and can speak to their leadership skills and educational commitments .

Interview and Final Evaluation

If selected as a finalist, applicants will undergo an interview to further assess their abilities and support they can provide to their communities through their education . Final evaluations consider the applicant’s interview, application materials , and their potential for impact in their chosen extracurricular activities and future educational endeavors .

Scholarship Benefits

The Gates Scholarship provides significant support to its recipients, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede their educational aspirations. This comprehensive program covers not only direct educational costs but also offers various resources to facilitate scholars’ academic and professional growth.

Financial Coverage

The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship , which means it covers any remaining tuition and fees not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution. Scholars receive funding that can be used toward the full cost of attendance, including books , room and board , and transportation . The scholarship aims to alleviate the financial strain on low-income households and enables students to attend college without the burden of educational expenses.

Additional Resources

Aside from monetary support, scholars have access to additional resources to enrich their college experience. These resources include various academic resources and services, ensuring that students maintain good academic standing and have all the necessary materials for their studies. The program also covers living expenses , which can significantly reduce the financial challenges associated with attending college.

Mentorship and Community

Importantly, the Gates Scholarship provides more than just financial support; it offers a sense of community and opportunity for personal and professional development. The scholars benefit from mentorship opportunities, connecting them with leaders and professionals who guide them through their four-year degree program at a not-for-profit institution. Additionally, the scholarship encourages involvement in a tight-knit network of peers and alumni, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Selection Criteria

The Gates Scholarship has a multifaceted selection process that targets individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to community engagement, and distinct personal characteristics that predict future success.

Leadership and Achievement

Candidates for the Gates Scholarship are evaluated on their leadership skills and achievements . Applicants are expected to have a track record of effectively guiding others and initiating positive change . This includes holding significant leadership positions in school or community organizations and exhibiting the potential to become global leaders in their respective fields. Leadership ability combined with academic excellence is critical, as competitive candidates must also possess strong grades and research experience relevant to their educational goals.

Community Engagement

Community service carries substantial weight in the selection criteria for the Gates Scholarship. Applicants must showcase their commitment to community by demonstrating meaningful and sustained engagement . They should provide examples of how their service has had a tangible impact on others and how they have inspired their peers to contribute to their community. Prospective scholars must embody motivation and a genuine interest in addressing community issues through action and mentorship.

Personal Characteristics

The scholarship committee pays close attention to personal success skills such as emotional maturity and perseverance . These attributes are essential for navigating the challenges of rigorous academic environments and beyond. A candidate’s capacity for thoughtful self-reflection, resilience in the face of obstacles, and ability to benefit from and appreciate the guidance of mentors are considered indicators of future success. Their personal stories and experiences provide insight into these characteristics, shaping them as outstanding individuals set to achieve a notable personal and academic impact.

Program Expectations

The Gates Scholarship holds its recipients to high standards, expecting them to maintain not only exceptional academic records but also to be actively involved in their communities and adhere to an ongoing commitment to leadership and excellence.

Academic Performance

The program demands outstanding academic performance from its scholars. They must enroll in an accredited institution of higher education and sustain a high level of academic excellence . The scholarship is renewable , but continued support is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress, which typically means keeping a robust academic record through consecutive terms.

Extracurricular Involvement

Beyond academia, scholars are encouraged to engage in meaningful extracurricular involvement . This includes participating in organizations or initiatives that align with the scholarship’s ethos—fostering a diverse network of leaders. Such involvement demonstrates their dedication to using their education as a platform for broad and positive societal impact.

Ongoing Commitment

A defining feature of the Gates Scholarship is the ongoing commitment to societal betterment. Scholars are expected to grasp each opportunity as a means for growth and to provide support to others. As part of a community of leaders, they are tasked to give back through mentorship or service, thereby perpetuating the cycle of support and community strengthening that resonates with the program’s core mission.

Tips for Applicants

To excel in the application process for this prestigious scholarship, one must deliver a standout application, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and adhere to all timelines and deadlines with precision.

Crafting a Strong Application

A strong application begins with a compelling personal statement . Applicants should highlight their achievements, class rank, leadership roles, and how they envision themselves as future leaders. Including evidence of a supportive network —like endorsements from a mentorship program—can bolster the credibility of the application.

• Reflect on personal goals and how they align with the scholarship’s vision.
• Emphasize unique experiences and qualities.
• Seek feedback from trusted teachers or mentors.

Preparing for Interviews

Interviews are a critical component of this competitive scholarship process. They allow the selection committee to gauge applicants’ communication skills and level of commitment. One should practice answering questions that relate not only to their academics but also to their potential for leadership and contribution to their community.

• Conduct mock interviews with a mentor or advisor.
• Review core application materials to ensure consistency in responses.

Managing Timelines and Deadlines

Respecting the timeline is crucial for a successful application to a highly selective scholarship program. Missing a deadline can lead to an automatic disqualification, regardless of an applicant’s qualifications.

Important Timeline Points:

• Note all relevant deadlines in a calendar.
• Prepare application components well in advance.
• Plan for contingencies, such as technical issues, when submitting online.

By adhering to these tips, applicants can improve their chances of joining the ranks of scholars benefiting from this prestigious scholarship .

Beyond the Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship provides more than just financial resources; it lays down a foundation for future leaders, especially those from minority backgrounds, to excel in both academic and professional arenas.

Educational Paths

Recipients of the Gates Scholarship gain access to prestigious four-year degree programs, with the funding necessary to cover the full cost of attendance not already paid by other financial aid. This highly competitive scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership skills, offering minority students an opportunity to pursue higher education without the burden of financial strain. Educational paths are not just limited to private colleges; the scholarship ensures that scholars can attend a wide range of accredited institutions where they can engage in rigorous coursework and research opportunities.

Career and Networking Opportunities

The program extends beyond funding, providing scholars with crucial mentorship and a strong network of alumni and professionals. This empowers them with career and networking opportunities that can shape their professional lives. The scholarship’s community fosters connections that can lead to valuable internships and job offers in a diversity of fields, aligning with the scholars’ education and aspirations. The trajectory laid forth by the Gates Scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders equipped with robust leadership skills and a comprehensive support system.

Additional Gates Foundation Opportunities

The Gates Foundation provides a plethora of opportunities aimed at empowering education and research. One prominent example specifically targeting postgraduate applicants is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-cost scholarship intended for outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and return airfare.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study: Ph.D., MSc/MLitt, one-year postgraduate course.

Scholars are selected based on:

• Academic excellence
• Leadership potential
• A commitment to improving the lives of others

Application Process:

• Apply to the University of Cambridge for an eligible course
• Complete the Gates Cambridge section of the graduate application form

For a detailed guide on the eligibility and requirements, refer to the Apply Now for the Gates Scholarship: A Guide to Eligibility and Requirements .

Understanding Financial Aid

Navigating the complexities of financial aid is critical for students aiming to manage the cost of attendance at college. Understanding the types of aid available, such as federal grants and scholarships, is essential, particularly for those from low-income households seeking to minimize tuition and fees.

FAFSA and Federal Grants

FAFSA , or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that students must complete to determine eligibility for financial aid. The data collected from FAFSA is crucial in the allocation of federal grants, such as the Pell Grant , which is awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. The size of the grant is based on factors like the cost of attendance, expected family contribution, and enrollment status.

• Eligibility for FAFSA : Determined annually, requires submission of financial documents.
• Pell Grant Amounts : Vary based on program funding, but can cover a significant portion of tuition and fees for qualifying students.

Scholarship as Part of the Aid Package

Scholarships, including the prestigious Gates Scholarship , play a pivotal role in an aid package, often significantly reducing the financial burden on scholars. They can be merit-based or need-based and do not require repayment, making them an attractive form of financial aid for many.

• Merit-based Scholarships : Reward academic, artistic, or athletic excellence.
• Need-based Scholarships : Aimed at supporting students from low-income households.

In summary, both scholarships and federal grants can be instrumental in making higher education more accessible and affordable, and tools like FAFSA are key to unlocking these resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gates Scholarship is a highly prestigious opportunity that beckons many queries. Below, find the most pertinent questions addressed with clarity and detail.

What are the requirements to be eligible for the Gates Scholarship?

Eligibility for the Gates Scholarship hinges on high school seniors from minority backgrounds who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal residents. They must also be Pell-eligible and have demonstrated academic excellence.

How can one apply for the Gates Scholarship for the upcoming academic year?

Students can apply for the Gates Scholarship by submitting an online application. The process includes providing detailed information about academic achievements, community involvement, leadership qualities, and financial need.

What are the selection criteria for the Gates Scholarship recipients?

Recipients are selected on criteria such as academic excellence, leadership ability, and personal success skills. The Gates Scholarship seeks individuals with an outstanding academic record who exhibit great leadership potential and have a drive to succeed despite personal adversities.

What kind of financial coverage does the Gates Scholarship provide?

The Gates Scholarship offers full financial coverage to its scholars, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation costs. It aims to remove financial barriers for exceptional students to enable them to maximize their educational potential.

By what date should applicants submit their Gates Scholarship applications?

Applicants should aim to submit their Gates Scholarship applications by the specified deadline, which is typically in September of the year preceding college enrollment.

What tips can help applicants strengthen their Gates Scholarship essays?

Applicants can strengthen their Gates Scholarship essays by being concise, personal, and reflective. They should convey their experiences, challenges, and goals while demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of others.

Helpful Resources

Navigating the scholarship landscape can often be overwhelming, but there's no need to go through it alone. Scholarship Owl offers a supportive platform that can help simplify your search by matching you with scholarships suited to your unique situation. By consolidating numerous scholarship opportunities into one place, it provides a significant time-saving benefit, allowing you to focus more on your studies and less on the search. If you're looking to streamline the scholarship application process, Scholarship Owl may be a valuable tool in your educational journey.

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The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program, created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, offers various scholarships funding between one and four years of study at Cambridge University in England. Areas of funded study are graduate, affiliated (a second undergraduate degree), clinical, and MBA, and the scholarships are competed for internationally. Students apply directly to Cambridge through the usual procedures, with the scholarship award decision heavily driven by the target Cambridge department. About 500 US students per year apply for the scholarships, with approximately one-fourth of them being offered a follow-up interview. Nearly 100 scholarships are awarded per year, and about one-third of those awarded scholarships typically go to US applicants.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship Selection Criteria

Gates Cambridge Scholarship applicants are evaluated by the following criteria:

• exceptional academic achievement and scholarly promise;
• aptitude for research, analysis, and a creative approach to defining and solving problems;
• appropriate fit between candidate’s plans and Cambridge offerings, as revealed through the applicant’s written application and interview.

Gates Cambridge scholars will become leaders who address such global concerns as social equity, health, and technological advances. Obviously, evidence of an applicant’s ability to have such an impact leads to a more favorable outcome.

Preparing the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Application

Gates Cambridge application questions vary slightly based on the area of funded study, but commonalities are questions related to your intended course of study and a 500-word personal statement. When answering these and other narrative questions, detail should be given about how your past activities reflect both leadership and service, and for how a particular course of study at Cambridge will serve to help you attain your goals. A useful exercise is to browse through the Gates Cambridge website link below, where you will find ample opportunities to hear from past Gates Scholars about their work and background. For instance, one Gates Scholar notes the value of her volunteer work in Ecuador. Discussing research and future plans, one scholar describes his plan to work on neuron regeneration at the Brain Repair Centre in Cambridge, while another summarizes his long-term goal to serve in Pakistan as a financial advisor. There is also a 12-minute film on the website detailing the goal to create a network of scholars through the Gates Scholar Alumni Association, and featuring recent Gates Scholars discussing their motivations and goals. Obviously, familiarizing yourself with these scholars will help you decide how to present yourself so that you can stand tall among them.

Evaluation of Two Sets of Sample Gates Scholarship Application Essays

In the pdf link below, the two sample excerpts from Gates Cambridge applications show the depth and diversity of students who apply for this scholarship. The first student, studying colon cancer, shows interests in everything from Renaissance painting to technical writing, while the second, studying speech technology, discusses interests ranging from computer security to swing dancing. Both of these students were awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

The first writer uses her short statement of research proposal to demonstrate her thorough awareness of the program at the center where she aims to conduct research at Cambridge. In her accompanying 500-word essay, she strikes a bold and creative tone by representing herself as something of a modern “Renaissance woman” (she even explores her creativity by “reproducing an intricate Renaissance painting” at the age of 13)—one who sees the study of science as an outlet for her creative mind, and one who takes the initiative to co-found and edit a health journal as well as teach science to students in state custody. Her theme of creativity as the “driving force” in her development and eventually leading her to science is both rhetorically persuasive and stylistically elegant.

The second writer discusses the specific course of study he would like to complete at Cambridge, followed by research which he hopes would make computer technology available to a wider audience, “including those suffering from physical disabilities.” His passion for working in this area becomes further articulated in his 500-word essay, where he expresses concerns about sensitivity of personal information and “the safety and stability of the global economic community.” Like the writer in the first example, he sees education as an important vehicle for change, and he has taught computer literacy classes to the elderly as well as studied abroad during his junior year at Oxford University. He ends his essay affirming his desire to “take action to improve the condition of humanity.”

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship website provides information on applying for the scholarship, profiles and quotes from recent Gates winners and alumni, and links to the bi-annual magazine The Gates Scholar.

Visit the Gates Cambridge Scholarship website.

• Scholarship Application
• Help Center

Opportunity today, for America’s young change-makers

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households.

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