National Scholarships
JACK KENT COOKE FOUNDATION GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FAQ
www.jackkentcookefoundation.org
What is the JKCF Graduate Scholarship?
The Graduate Scholarship is a highly competitive award given to approximately 65 college seniors or recent graduates each year. It provides students with funding for tuition, room and board, books, and other fees up to $50,000 each year for the length of the graduate program, up to six years.
Who is eligible?
Students are required to have graduated from a US college or university within the past five years, have been admitted to a graduate program to begin in Fall 2006, have an undergraduate GPA above 3.5, and be nominated by their college or university.
Are there limits to what students may study or where they may study?
Students may study in any field, including medicine, law, business, the fine arts, and music. They may study anywhere, including international universities.
What is the application process for the JKCF Graduate Scholarship?
The application forms may be found on the JKCF website. The application consists of an application form consisting of personal information and several essays, a financial information form, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, resume/CV, copy of acceptance letter from the graduate school, portfolio (for applicants in the arts), and institutional nomination form. The application is typically due in late April, so that the committee will be able to evaluate any other financial aid received by the candidate. There are no interviews. Winners are notified in July.
How competitive is the award?
For the 2005 competition, 1,290 students from over 600 universities were nominated, and approximately 65 recipients were selected.
What are the selection criteria?
The listed criteria are academic ability and achievement, unmet financial need, will to succeed, leadership and public service, critical thinking ability, and appreciation for or participation in the arts or humanities. Of these, academic ability and financial need make up 30% of the selection each. Will to succeed is the general theme sought by the selection panel.