Are you a high school graduate who has been admitted to Arizona State University (ASU) under assured admission? If so, you may be eligible for the Obama Scholarship Program. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a career in public service. In 2023, up to $2,500 in financial aid will be available to qualifying students.
The Obama Scholarship Program is highly competitive, with many students vying for the limited funds. However, you can increase your chances of winning this prestigious award with the right approach. This article will provide tips and strategies for crafting a winning application. From understanding the eligibility requirements to highlighting your achievements and goals, we will guide you through the process of applying for the Obama Scholarship at ASU.
Eligibility Requirements for Obama Scholarship ASU
To be eligible for the Obama Scholarship ASU, there are certain requirements that you must meet. Here are the eligibility requirements for the scholarship:
Arizona High School Graduates
The Obama Scholarship ASU is available to all Arizona high school graduates admitted to ASU under assured admission. This means that you must have met the admission requirements for ASU and have been accepted into the university.
Completed FAFSA
You must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before January 15th of the academic year you are applying for the scholarship. This ensures you submit all financial aid items on your My ASU task list.
Program Criteria
In addition to the above requirements, you must meet the program criteria to be considered for the Obama Scholarship ASU. The program criteria include maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.00, completing 30 credit hours per academic year, and participating in at least one extracurricular activity per semester.
Additional Funding
The amount of your Obama Scholarship ASU will vary based on the additional funding you receive. If the amount of your financial aid exceeds the charges on your account, you will receive a refund.
Overall, the Obama Scholarship ASU is a great opportunity for Arizona high school graduates looking to attend ASU. By meeting the eligibility requirements and program criteria, you can apply for up to $2,500 in scholarship funds to help pay for your education.
Application Process
Interested candidates must follow a few steps to apply for the Obama Scholarship at ASU. The application process is straightforward, and the eligibility criteria are clear.
First, all Arizona high school graduates who have been admitted to ASU under assured admission, have a completed FAFSA before January 15 and meet the program criteria will be automatically considered for the program. The program criteria include a minimum GPA of 3.0, a demonstrated commitment to community service, and leadership potential.
Second, students must submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, test scores, transcripts, and application fee) to be considered for the Obama Scholars Program. This deadline applies to both incoming freshmen and current Obama Scholars.
Third, students awarded specific institutional merit scholarships and students participating in the President Barack Obama Scholars Program or ASU College Attainment Grant Program must begin studying at ASU in the fall semester following high school graduation. Consecutive enrollment in the fall and spring semesters is required for renewal.
The best time for an Obama Scholar to go abroad would be a junior year, so planning should start the sophomore year. Your cost of attendance will reflect ASU’s standard off-campus budget.
The application for the 2023-2024 scholarship program is currently closed. But feel free to signup for this newsletter to be notified when the application becomes available for the 2024-2025 program.
To apply for the Obama Scholarship at ASU, students should focus on maintaining a good GPA, demonstrating a commitment to community service, and showing leadership potential. They should also ensure that they have a complete ASU admissions application on file and have submitted their FAFSA before the deadline. Planning for study abroad opportunities is also recommended.
Essay Tips
Writing a winning scholarship essay can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you craft an essay that stands out from the crowd:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise. This will help you produce a polished final product that showcases your best work.
- Follow the Prompt: Ensure you read and understand the essay prompt before writing. Pay attention to the word count, formatting requirements, and any specific instructions the scholarship committee provides.
- Tell a Story: A great scholarship essay tells a compelling story that initially captures the reader’s attention. Use vivid details and descriptive language to bring your experiences to life.
- Be Authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not in your essay. Be honest and genuine, and let your personality shine through. This will help the scholarship committee get to know you better and understand why you’re a good fit for the award.
- Edit, Edit, Edit: Once you’ve written your essay, take the time to review and revise it carefully. Look for spelling and grammar errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies. Ask a friend or family member to read it, provide feedback, and make any necessary changes before submitting your final draft.
By following these tips, you can create a scholarship essay that showcases your unique strengths and experiences and helps you stand out in the competitive field of scholarship applicants.
Interview Preparation
You will be required to attend an interview once you have been selected as a finalist for the Obama Scholarship at ASU. The interview allows the scholarship committee to get to know you better and understand why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview:
Research the Scholarship
Before the interview, make sure you have a good understanding of the Obama Scholarship program. Read through the program website to learn about the scholarship’s goals, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria. This information will help you understand what the scholarship committee is looking for in a candidate, which will help you prepare your answers.
Practice Interview Questions
To prepare for the interview, practice answering common scholarship interview questions. You can find a list of common scholarship interview questions online or ask your academic advisor or a career counselor for help. Practice answering the questions out loud, and try to come up with specific examples from your life that demonstrate your strengths and qualifications.
Dress Professionally
Dress professionally for the interview. This means wearing business attire, such as a suit or dress, and avoiding casual clothing like jeans or sneakers. Dressing professionally shows that you take the interview seriously and are prepared to represent yourself and the scholarship program professionally.
Be Confident
During the interview, be confident and enthusiastic. Speak clearly and make eye contact with the interviewers. Show that you are passionate about the scholarship program and excited about the opportunity to participate in it. Remember to smile and be yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask the interviewers questions about the scholarship program.
Follow Up
After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note or email to the scholarship committee. Thank them for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the scholarship program. This is a great way to show that you are professional, courteous, and interested in the scholarship program.
Tips for Winning the Scholarship
Winning the Obama Scholarship at ASU can be highly competitive, but you can increase your chances of success with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
- Start early: The application process for the Obama Scholarship can be lengthy, so it’s important to start early. Begin researching the scholarship requirements and deadlines as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time to assemble a strong application.
- Focus on your achievements: The Obama Scholarship is awarded to students with exceptional academic and leadership skills. Make sure to highlight your achievements in these areas, including any awards, honors, or extracurricular activities demonstrating your leadership potential.
- Craft a compelling personal statement: Your statement is a crucial part of your application, as it allows you to showcase your personality and explain why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Make sure to spend plenty of time crafting a compelling personal statement highlighting your strengths and explaining why you are passionate about your field of study.
- Get letters of recommendation: Letters from teachers, mentors, or other professionals can help bolster your application and demonstrate your potential to succeed. Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential.
- Pay attention to details: When completing your application, pay close attention to the details, including formatting, spelling, and grammar. A well-crafted application that is free of errors will demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.
Following these tips can increase your chances of winning the Obama Scholarship at ASU and achieving your academic and career goals.