Who is eligible to participate?
New freshmen students are eligible to compete if they have been admitted to the Columbia College traditional Day program. Admitted students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Required application materials
Complete the free online Columbia College Admissions application. Submit all required documents in order to be admitted. Additionally, all materials listed below must be submitted by November 27th to be eligible for the competition. Once all documents are turned in, the student will receive their interview time. This includes:
- Resume of high school, community and leadership activities
- One letter of recommendation
- A 300-500 personal statement
- In this goal statement, please elaborate on why you are an excellent candidate for one (or more) of below awards and why you will be an outstanding member of the Columbia College community. Be sure to provide information that may not be reflected in your resume or transcript. This statement will be reviewed by the scholarship committee as part of the competition.
Scholarships available
Presidential Scholarship
- Full tuition scholarship awarded to one student
- Requirements: 3.7 cumulative high school GPA and minimum 27 ACT
Provost Scholarship
- 75% tuition scholarship awarded to two students.
- Requirements: 3.7 cumulative high school GPA and minimum 27 ACT
Diversity Excellence Award
- Requirements: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
Number of awards and amounts vary. Members of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, students with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or others who feel they may be underrepresented in their chosen field of study are able to compete for this scholarship.
First Generation Achievement Award
- Requirements: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
Number of awards and amounts vary. Students who are considered first generation, defined by the following are encouraged to compete: Individuals whose both parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree or any individual who regularly reside with and received support from only one parent and such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
Outstanding Leadership and Service Award
- Requirements: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
Number of awards and amounts vary. Students who demonstrate solid high school academic preparation, exceptional leadership qualities, and have shown their commitment to inclusion and equity in their service through support, volunteering, or engagement activities are encouraged to compete for this scholarship.