Coolidge Scholarship 2025 – Eligibility Application Process and Deadline
The Coolidge Scholarship 2025 is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. Named after President Calvin Coolidge, this scholarship is a full-ride award that covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited U.S. college or university.
Unlike many scholarships that consider financial need or specific fields of study, the Coolidge Scholarship rewards academic excellence, leadership, and moral character. It is open to high school juniors who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academics and community service. The program aims to honor students who reflect President Coolidge’s values of integrity, perseverance, and commitment to public service. Check QuestBridge Scholarship 2025 for bright future.
Eligibility Criteria for Coolidge Scholarship 2025
To qualify for the Coolidge Scholarship 2025, students must meet certain academic and personal standards. Below are the main eligibility requirements:
- Grade Level:
The scholarship is open to high school juniors (students who will complete their junior year in 2025). Seniors or underclassmen are not eligible. - Citizenship:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. - Academic Excellence:
A strong academic record is required. Successful applicants usually rank among the top of their class with excellent grades, high SAT or ACT scores, and evidence of intellectual curiosity. - Leadership and Service:
The Coolidge Foundation looks for students who demonstrate leadership in school or community, such as organizing activities, founding clubs, or contributing to civic causes. - Character and Integrity:
The scholarship emphasizes honesty, humility, and respect for others—values that President Coolidge embodied throughout his life. - College Enrollment:
The scholarship can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university, regardless of location or size.
What is the Coolidge Scholarship?
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride merit scholarship offered by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, located in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. It is unique because it is based purely on merit, not financial need, athletic ability, or intended major.
Winners of the Coolidge Scholarship receive:
- Full tuition and room & board for four years of undergraduate study.
- A monthly stipend for textbooks and other academic expenses.
- The chance to attend the Coolidge Senators Summit in Washington, D.C., which connects scholars with leaders, mentors, and policymakers.
In addition, finalists who do not win the full scholarship are often awarded a Coolidge Senator designation, which includes a smaller scholarship and participation in national leadership programs.
The scholarship celebrates students who are not only academically gifted but also demonstrate good citizenship and a sense of responsibility toward their communities.
Coolidge Scholarship Acceptance Rate
The Coolidge Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships in the U.S. With thousands of applications received every year, only a handful of students, usually about 3 to 5 are selected as Coolidge Scholars.
This means the acceptance rate is below 1%, making it even more selective than Harvard or Stanford admissions.
However, even students who reach the finalist stage gain national recognition for their achievements and may receive other academic or leadership awards through the program.
Despite the competition, the scholarship values well-rounded excellence, so students who combine academic brilliance with leadership and character stand a good chance of being noticed.
Coolidge Scholarship Deadline 2025
The Coolidge Scholarship 2025 application is typically open from October to February each year.
For the 2025 cycle, the expected deadline is around 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 22, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early to gather recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and test scores in time.
Key Dates for Coolidge Scholarship 2025:
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 2024 |
| Application Deadline | February 22, 2025 |
| Finalists Announced | May 2025 |
| Final Interview in Vermont | June 2025 |
| Winners Announced | July 2025 |
Missing the deadline will result in automatic disqualification, so it’s essential to plan ahead and submit all documents before the closing date.
Coolidge Scholarship Application Process
Applying for the Coolidge Scholarship 2025 requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation’s official website to start your application. All applications must be submitted online—no paper submissions are accepted.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with a valid email address and create an account. This will allow you to save your progress and return later to complete the application.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
You’ll need to provide:
- Personal and contact information
- Academic details (GPA, class rank, standardized test scores)
- Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- Community service and volunteer experience
Step 4: Write Essays
Applicants are required to submit several short essays that highlight their academic goals, leadership experience, and personal values.
These essays play a critical role in the selection process, so students should write with honesty, depth, and reflection.
Step 5: Submit Recommendations
You must provide two recommendation letters:
- One from a teacher who knows your academic abilities.
- Another from a community leader or mentor who can speak about your character and leadership.
Step 6: Upload Transcripts
Official high school transcripts must be uploaded or sent through the school counselor.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Before submitting, double-check all sections for accuracy. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Step 8: Interviews for Finalists
Finalists will be invited to interview in Vermont. The interviews are an opportunity to discuss your ideas, leadership, and commitment to public service.
Final winners are then selected based on academic excellence, essay quality, interview performance, and overall character.
Conclusion
The Coolidge Scholarship 2025 represents a rare opportunity for outstanding high school juniors who excel in academics and leadership. As a full-ride merit scholarship, it removes financial barriers and allows students to study at any U.S. college or university of their choice.
However, it’s also one of the most selective scholarships in America, with an acceptance rate of less than 1%. Therefore, preparation, authenticity, and early submission are key to success.
FAQs Coolidge Scholarship 2025
Q1: What is the Coolidge Scholarship?
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride merit scholarship for U.S. high school juniors, covering tuition, room, board, and other college expenses.
Q2: Who can apply for the Coolidge Scholarship 2025?
Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school junior with excellent academic and leadership records can apply.
Q3: What is the acceptance rate for the Coolidge Scholarship?
The acceptance rate is below 1%, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the United States.
Q4: What is the deadline for the Coolidge Scholarship 2025?
The expected deadline for the 2025 application is February 22, 2025.
Q5: How do I apply for the Coolidge Scholarship?
You can apply through the official website of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation by filling out an online application, writing essays, and submitting recommendations and transcripts.
Q6: Can I choose any college if I win the scholarship?
Yes, winners can use the scholarship at any accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.
Q7: Do I need financial need to apply?
No. The Coolidge Scholarship is purely merit-based and does not consider financial need.
Q8: What qualities do they look for in applicants?
They look for intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, leadership, service, and strong moral character.
