What are the selection criteria?

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation reviews each application individually with assistance from a committee of expert professionals in the field of education. The criteria used in the selection process are:

•Academic ability and achievement: Strong academic record, academic awards and honors, and substantive assessments by educators providing confidential recommendations. We also look at:
○ GPA (minimum of 3.75, unweighted)
○ test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, IB)
○ participation in available advanced courses
○ commitment to learning
○ intellectual curiosity
•Unmet financial need: We will consider applicants with family annual gross income up to $95,000. Last year’s cohort of new College Scholars had a median family income of approximately $34,000.
•Persistence: Demonstrates perseverance when facing obstacles, is goal-oriented, and exhibits the ability to adapt to change.
•Leadership: Considered a positive role model, takes initiative, and contributes meaningful service efforts to a community or social issue.