Do I need to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship before I graduate from my undergraduate institution?

No. You must apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship prior to beginning graduate school. For example, if you are currently in your senior year and plan to begin graduate school in fall 2026, you should apply during the 2025-2026 award cycle (i.e., by the January 2026 deadline). However, if you plan to work or get other experience before beginning graduate school, you should apply later, the year before you begin graduate school. You can apply within three years of completing your Foundation-funded undergraduate degree.