Tips for Submitting a Successful Young Scholars Application

The Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program is a selective 5-year pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Each Cooke Young Scholar is assigned an on-staff educational adviser who works closely with the student and their family, individually and as part of a scholar community. Educational advisers support Cooke Young Scholars to maximize high school experiences and go on to thrive at the nation’s top-performing colleges.

Here are some tips for submitting your application:

 

1. Give yourself plenty of time

The Young Scholars application is long enough that you will need to set aside some considerable time to complete it. Most applicants take a few weeks from when they start the application to submit it. Give yourself as much time as possible by continuing to work on your application today.

 

2. Talk to your recommenders

Your recommendations are an essential component of your application. Quality recommendations will help us see beyond your grades or essays to learn more about who you are as a student and as a member of your community. Once you have chosen your recommenders, talk with them about your aspirations and how this scholarship fits into your personal goals. This will help give them a frame of reference as they write your recommendation.

 

3. Attend a webinar to learn more

Want to learn more about the Young Scholars Program and how to apply? At our webinars offered throughout the application period, Cooke Foundation staff will provide strategies for submitting competitive applications as well as review eligibility requirements, deadlines, and answer questions from attendees. View recorded and upcoming presentations on our How to Apply page.

 

4. Proofread

Make sure you are turning in your best work by giving it to a peer or trusted adult to proofread. Often, others can catch mistakes that we easily miss.