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The University of Kentucky stands as a beacon of academic prowess and has consistently showcased its dedication to fostering a new generation of scholars and innovators. As we usher in the academic year for Fall 2024, the University is thrilled to announce its comprehensive scholarship program tailored for incoming freshmen. This initiative is not just a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence but also its endeavor to ensure that deserving students get the financial support they need. By offering these scholarships, the University aims to recognize and reward both academic merit and extracurricular achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to student development.
Kentucky Residents Scholarships
Delving deeper into the specifics of the scholarship offerings for Kentucky residents, the University has meticulously structured its scholarships to cater to a diverse range of academic achievements:
- The Provost Academic Scholarship is designed for those who have an unweighted GPA of 3.30. Under the traditional criteria, students need to have an ACT score of 26 or an SAT score of 1230 to qualify for an annual amount of $2,500. Alternatively, under the test-optional criteria, students with a GPA of 3.50 are eligible. For those with the same GPA but higher test scores of 28 ACT or 1300 SAT, the annual amount is raised to $5,000.
- The Presidential Competitive Scholarship targets top-tier students with a GPA of 3.50 and ACT/SAT scores of 31/1390 respectively, offering them full in-state tuition. Those opting for the test-optional route can still avail of this scholarship with a GPA of 4.00.
- The Otis A. Singletary Competitive Scholarship is one of the most prestigious, reserved for students with an impressive GPA of 3.80 and ACT/SAT scores of 33/1450. The rewards are commensurate with the stringent criteria, offering full in-state tuition. Additionally, Singletary Scholars are entitled to a housing stipend* of $10,000 per year, granted they reside on campus in a UK residence hall during their initial two academic years.
- The Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Presidential Competitive Scholarship is tailored for those who have not only achieved a GPA of 3.50 and ACT/SAT scores of 31/1390 but have also successfully completed programs like the Governor’s Scholars, School for the Arts, or School for Entrepreneurs. These exemplary students receive full in-state tuition.
- Lastly, the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Provost Selective Scholarship is available in two tiers. The first requires students to have completed specific programs like the Governor’s Scholars, School for the Arts, or School for Entrepreneurs, with an annual award of $2,500. The continued version of this scholarship, however, necessitates a GPA of 3.30, ACT/SAT scores of 28/1300, and program completion, offering an increased amount of $5,000 annually.
Through these varied scholarship programs, the University of Kentucky reaffirms its commitment to rewarding academic diligence and providing students with the financial support they need to realize their educational aspirations.
Non-Residents Scholarships
Expanding the horizon of its scholarship program, the University of Kentucky also has dedicated offerings for non-resident students, ensuring that geographical boundaries do not hinder the pursuit of academic excellence:
- The Bluegrass Spirit Academic Scholarship is tailored specifically for non-resident students. While the test-optional criteria require a GPA of 3.00 for an annual award of $5,000, students with the same GPA and an ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1200 are eligible for $8,000. The scholarship amount increases further to $10,000 for those with a GPA of 3.50 and the aforementioned test scores. For the highest tier, students with a GPA of 3.50 and ACT/SAT scores of 30/1360 can avail of a generous $12,500 annually.
- The Presidential Competitive Scholarship for non-residents mirrors its counterpart for residents. It seeks students with an unweighted GPA of 3.50 and ACT/SAT scores of 31/1390, providing them with full out-of-state tuition. Those who prefer the test-optional route can still qualify with a stellar GPA of 4.00.
- The Otis A. Singletary Competitive Scholarship for non-residents is another prestigious offering. It targets those with an unweighted GPA of 3.80 and ACT/SAT scores of 33/1450. The selected scholars are awarded full out-of-state tuition. In addition, much like its resident counterpart, Singletary Scholars receive a housing stipend* of $10,000 per year, provided they opt to experience the vibrant campus life in a UK residence hall during their first two years.
Through these scholarships, the University of Kentucky extends its warm welcome to non-resident students, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a diverse and global community of scholars.
Scholarship Eligibility
The path to securing a scholarship at the University of Kentucky is marked by a few essential milestones. The eligibility criteria have been set to ensure that the most deserving candidates are recognized. First and foremost, candidates must be incoming first-time freshmen, gearing up to join the University for the Fall 2024 semester. The completion of the university’s standard admission application is a prerequisite, accompanied by all necessary supporting documents, including an official high school transcript. The Early Action deadline, set for December 1, 2023, is a crucial date that prospective scholars must keep in mind. Furthermore, it’s pivotal to note that the scholarships cater to a diverse pool, with specific awards dedicated to both Kentucky residents and non-residents.
Scholarship Requirements
The University of Kentucky believes in flexibility and inclusivity, which is why we offer scholarships based on both traditional and test-optional criteria. Under the traditional criteria, students are assessed based on a combination of their unweighted high school GPA and their ACT/SAT scores. However, acknowledging the changing dynamics of academic evaluations, the test optional criteria allows students to be evaluated more on their unweighted high school GPA, without the necessity of test scores. Additionally, for specialized scholarships like the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar, there are added requirements centered around program completion.
Scholarship Benefits
The benefits of securing a scholarship at the University of Kentucky extend beyond just financial aid. Monetary awards vary, ranging from a supportive $2,500 annually to a full waiver of in-state or out-of-state tuition, contingent on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships, like the Otis A. Singletary award, offer additional perks such as a housing stipend. This stipend, amounting to $10,000 annually, is available for scholars who choose to experience campus life in a UK residence hall during their initial two years. Beyond these tangible benefits, the scholarships also signify the University’s trust and confidence in the student’s potential, providing a significant morale boost.
Scholarship Applications
The application process for scholarships is designed to be straightforward and student-friendly. For academic scholarships, the process is seamless – no additional application is required. Once a student secures admission, they are automatically considered based on their credentials. Competitive scholarships, given their nature, require students to be more proactive. They must complete the competitive scholarship section during the admission process. Given the limited number of such awards, this segment is intensely competitive. Selective scholarships, on the other hand, streamline the process for eligible students, especially those who have completed specific recognized programs.
Closing Dates or Important Dates
Time is of the essence when it comes to scholarship applications. The Early Action deadline is set for December 1, 2023, and it’s imperative for students to complete their applications before this date to ensure they receive the fullest consideration. However, it’s also essential for students to remember that scholarship offerings and criteria might undergo changes each year, so staying updated by regularly visiting the official university website is advisable.
Further Information
For those seeking a deeper dive or clarity on specific aspects, several resources and platforms provide detailed information. The university’s test-optional policy, for instance, is elucidated at go.uky.edu/testoptional. The William C. Parker Belonging Scholarship, an initiative that promotes inclusion, has its dedicated portal at go.uky.edu/parker. ScholarshipUniverse is another invaluable platform, that offers a comprehensive scholarship matching service for students. Lastly, for those eyeing department-specific scholarships, a wealth of information is available at www.uky.edu/financialaid/college-departmental.
As the University of Kentucky gears up to welcome its batch of 2024, we are filled with anticipation and excitement. We remain steadfast in our commitment to academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.
