Coolidge Scholarship Guide

Coolidge Scholarship

The Coolidge Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships available to students from the United States. Sometimes known as the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship, this scholarship program offers an incredible opportunity: a full-ride scholarship to any accredited college or university in the United States. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Coolidge Scholarship, you’re in the right place! This guide will detail the Coolidge Scholarship application process from beginning to end. We’ll cover: 

• Coolidge Scholarship eligibility criteria
• Coolidge Scholarship requirements and deadlines 
• How to apply to the Coolidge Scholarship 
• How to make your Coolidge Scholarship application stand out 

As one of America’s most competitive scholarships, the Coolidge Scholarship rewards outstanding students who embody academic excellence and the values of Calvin Coolidge. If you’re planning to apply, keep reading to learn how to make your Coolidge Scholarship application the best it can be. 

What is the Coolidge Scholarship?

The Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is a fully funded merit-based scholarship available to high-achieving high school students in the United States. The scholarship was launched in 2016 by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. It’s a renewable award, so qualifying Coolidge Scholars can receive aid for all four years of undergraduate study. 

The Coolidge Scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and all mandatory fees for any accredited college or university in the United States. The scholarship also offers an annual personal stipend for students to use on books and supplies. This means the Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship. True to their name, these scholarships cover the entire cost of school — not just tuition.

The Coolidge Scholarship was founded to honor Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States. Calin Coolidge believed in the importance of an undergraduate education, public service, and personal humility, and this scholarship works to continue his legacy. Several Coolidge Scholars are chosen annually based on how they embody Coolidge’s principles in their personal and professional lives. 

Many Coolidge Scholars have made big impacts on their communities or have exercised their passion for public service by junior year. We’ll cover the eligibility requirements for the Coolidge Scholarship in the next section.

Who is eligible for a Coolidge Scholarship?

The Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is open to current high school juniors who plan to attend college the fall after they graduate high school. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the US; students from all over the country are eligible to apply. The Coolidge Scholarship is not restrictive to a specific income, ethnicity, geographic location, or intended major. 

The Coolidge Scholarship requirements are based entirely on merit and academic excellence. As one of the few full-ride scholarships out there, it’s got a very competitive applicant pool. Coolidge Scholarship winners typically have strong GPAs, rigorous courseloads, and a demonstrated intellectual curiosity outside of the classroom. While there is no formal GPA cut-off, most Coolidge Scholarship winners are at the top of their class. 

This scholarship application is earlier than most, so you’ll need to prepare early.

Applications for the Coolidge Scholarship are due during a student’s junior year. For many students, junior year is when they start to focus on college applications and extracurricular activities. If want to apply to the Coolidge Scholarship, you’ll need to plan ahead. Sophomore year is the most important year for aspiring Coolidge Scholars. During this time, strong applicants dedicate themselves to enriching extracurricular experiences, which they’ll discuss on their scholarship application. 

Given how competitive the application process is, it’s a good idea to review the eligibility requirements. Have you been an excellent student and involved community member since a young age? The Coolidge Scholarship may be a good fit for you. If those don’t sound like you, don’t worry: there are innumerable other scholarships that can get you money for college.

In addition to having a strong academic record, Coolidge Scholarship winners typically demonstrate alignment with Calvin Coolidge’s values. Coolidge emphasized the importance of effective public policy, humility, and community service. It can be helpful to read over current winners’ biographies to get a sense of what the Foundation’s looking for. 

Coolidge Scholarship Requirements

In order to apply to the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship, you’ll need to submit: 

The Coolidge Scholarship essays differ quite a bit from other merit scholarship applications. Rather than self-reflective essay prompts, the Coolidge Scholarship essays require you to research and respond to questions about Calvin Coolidge’s philosophy and policies. Two of the essays have required readings, so it’s important to start drafting your essays early. 

Letters of recommendation should come from teachers or mentors who can speak to how you fit into the criteria for the Coolidge Scholarship. They should have specific examples of how you embody Calvin Coolidge’s ideals. Try to pick recommenders who have seen you take leadership positions in your community, help your community members, or seen you embody humility. The letters of recommendation are a key part of the Coolidge Scholarship requirements, so choose wisely.

After the Coolidge Scholarship application is reviewed, finalists are invited to attend an in-person Finalist Interview Weekend. In-person interview takes place at Woodstock and Plymouth Notch, Vermont. Finalists will be evaluated on poise, communication, and strength of conviction in their interview with a jury. If you’re selected as a finalist, it’s important to prepare for the interview. Selected finalists should continue studying Calvin Coolidge and be prepared to expand on their essay responses. 

Compared to other merit scholarships, the application process for the Coolidge Scholarship is relatively rigorous and time intensive. The Coolidge Scholarship is a great opportunity for a specific kind of student. That is, someone who understands and embodies Coolidge’s values and has demonstrated a commitment to public service. 

If this sounds like you, we’ve broken down the Coolidge Scholarship application process step by step in the next section.

How to Apply

If you plan to submit a Coolidge Scholarship application, you should start preparing well before the Coolidge Scholarship deadline. We’ve outlined the step by step directions on how to apply to the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship, detailed here: 

4 Coolidge Scholarship Application Steps

1. Create an account on the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship website, found here.

This is where you’ll submit all your application materials, so be sure to keep track of your account information. 

2. Complete the online application form.

Be sure to dedicate enough time to fully complete the online form with no mistakes. Double check all your responses and make sure you’re reporting accurate information. 

3. Upload your transcript and completed essays.

Make sure your transcript is up to date, and your essays have been edited and proofread. 

4. Submit contact information for your recommenders.

These are the people who will submit letters directly via the online application. Give them advance notice and ample time to prepare and draft your recommendation letters. 

The Coolidge Scholarship application does not end at submission. Once students submit the online application, there is a two-stage review process. The committee reviews applications to select ten or more finalists. These finalists are notified directly of their status and offered an invitation to the Finalist Interview Weekend in Vermont. Note that the Foundation covers transportation and lodging for each finalist along with up to one parent. 

As you prepare to apply to the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship, let your recommenders know early. Ask your letters of recommendation six to eight weeks before the Coolidge Scholarship deadline. As the Coolidge Scholarship differs from other merit scholarship programs, be sure your recommenders understand the Coolidge mission. The better they know the Foundation’s goal, the better they can represent your experience. 

These letters of recommendation will likely differ from other ones needed for college admissions. Letters for this scholarship need to highlight how you embody the Coolidge Foundation’s mission and values. At the same time, these recommenders will likely help you apply for other scholarships and even your college admissions applications. Forming positive relationships with them early on can be invaluable in getting glowing recommendations.

Note that the Coolidge Scholarship website is the single authoritative source on the application portal, required forms, and any updates to the application process. Third party websites may have outdated information, so be sure to check the official website often for updates. 

When is the Coolidge Scholarship due?

The Coolidge Scholarship deadline is different from most other full-ride scholarships, as students apply during their junior year. The Coolidge Scholarship application is usually due in mid-December. Be sure to check the Coolidge Scholarship’s website for the exact deadline, as it can change year to year.

Applying as a junior requires a lot more preparation and thought. You must start building your application profile, such as your extracurricular activities and resume, well before you need to apply. For students interested in the Cavlin Coolidge scholarship, sophomore year is the best time to plan. If you’re already thinking ahead as a freshman, all the better.

Prepare early to ensure you complete all required parts of the application.

To ensure you’re prepared to apply to the Coolidge Scholarship, work backwards from the deadline. This is most crucial in planning for recommendation letters. Ask your recommenders at the end of sophomore year, to give them plenty of time to work on their recommendation letters. 

Prepare for and start drafting your essays over the summer before your junior year. These essays have required reading, and summer is a great time to get familiar with Calvin Coolidge’s presidential legacy. The sooner you can collect ample information to start writing responses to the essay questions, the better. 

Finalize your materials at least two or three weeks before the deadline, leaving time to review everything and make any necessary changes. This is not a scholarship application you want to rush through. The Coolidge Scholarship requires careful planning, preparation, and execution.

Coolidge Scholarship winners are notified in June after their junior year. The interview weekend will take place the summer after the application closes, so be sure to plan accordingly. If you have any summer commitments, consider notifying them as soon as possible that you might need time off for interviews. Even if you aren’t selected as a finalist, it’s good etiquette to let people know your availability.

How to Stand Out as an Applicant

Given the very competitive Coolidge Scholarship acceptance rate, your application must exemplify academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and Calvin Coolidge’s values. As a full-ride presidential scholarship, the Coolidge Scholarship is extremely selective. Standing out as an applicant to the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship is no small feat.

Academic depth is necessary.

In your application, highlight your academic depth rather than the breadth of your academic interests. If you can, discuss a subject you’ve done deep research on, both inside and outside the classroom. The Coolidge Scholarship is designed for students who expand their own horizons, so demonstrate your commitment to deep academic learning.

Have a knowledge and understanding of Calvin Coolidge.

Additionally, it’s important that you build a deep understanding of Calvin Coolidge. In the course of writing the essays, you’ll read his autobiography and learn about his opinions and politics. Read these texts deeply, and don’t be afraid to consult with educators and mentors as you go. Teachers may be able to guide you in checking your understanding or digging deeper into certain areas. These insights can give you firmer footing in forming your own ideas and connections in your writing.

Service is an important extracurricular.

As for your extracurricular activities, hone in on grounded, authentic service. Don’t just list a bunch of clubs and activities. Try to focus on meaningful community involvement, even if it didn’t come with a fancy title. How have you made the most impact on your community? Do you have a specific memory that has helped you define your own ideas about public service? Reflect on your experiences and consider how they might mesh with Coolidge’s vision.

Interviews make the difference.

The Coolidge Scholarship interview weekend will be the true differentiator, so it’s important to prepare early. Be ready to speak about your experiences, values, and interests. Brush up on Coolidge’s philosophies and prepare talking points. If you make it this far in the Calvin Coolidge Scholarship process, go all out in preparing.

What is the Coolidge Senators Program?

The Coolidge Senators Program recognizes outstanding applicants who demonstrate strong alignment with Coolidge’s values, but who are ultimately not chosen as Scholars. This is distinct from the Coolidge Scholarship and functions as a separate program. 

Senators receive special recognition from the Calvin Coolidge Foundation and invitations to various Foundation programming, including the Coolidge Senator Summit. Senators also receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship for college and remain connected to the Foundation throughout their undergraduate journey.  

The Coolidge Foundation picks 100 of the top applicants to the Coolidge Scholarship to join the Coolidge Senators program. If you’re concerned about the Coolidge Scholarship acceptance rate, the Senators program is less competitive. All students who apply to the scholarship are considered for the Senators program — there is no additional application. 

Senators are invited to attend the Coolidge Senator Summit, a multi-day event. They are able to tour Calvin Coolidge’s hometown, learn about his values, and attend various seminars. Coolidge Senators can network with local business leaders and develop strong connections with their fellow Senators. 

Senators also have the opportunity to attend alumni events and annual conferences. The Coolidge Senator program is a great opportunity for students to build a strong network of different connections across industries. 

While the Coolidge Senators Program does not come with full-ride scholarships, it is still a prestigious honor. Through networking programs and events, it can lead to many great opportunities and connections. The Coolidge Senator Program is a worthwhile opportunity to pursue alongside the Coolidge Scholarship. 

Should I apply for a Coolidge Scholarship?

Given the extremely competitive Coolidge Scholarship acceptance rate, it’s important to think through your application and whether or not you should apply. The Coolidge Scholarship is a unique opportunity and designed for a specific kind of student. In other words, not every student’s experience and interests will align. 

If this sounds like you, you should apply to the Coolidge Scholarship!

Given that this is a presidential scholarship, it’s no surprise that the application process is extensive and time consuming. The application is highly competitive and involved; you should balance the value of the scholarship against the resources required to apply. If you apply and aren’t selected, you still have a chance of being selected as a Senator and receiving a one-time award.

Research Calvin Coolidge and his values and decide if this is a good scholarship for you. There are other full-ride scholarships for you to apply to, such as QuestBridge, that may be a better fit. With so many students looking for money for college, the Coolidge Scholarship is a great opportunity for students with a specific niche. At the same time, there are lots of scholarships that meet various needs.

CollegeAdvisor has lots of resources like webinars and written guides on merit scholarships, too.  We also have guides on the National Merit scholarships, the Hope Scholarship, and paying for college. Getting money for college can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning and preparation, scholarships can be great for covering your expenses. 

5 Coolidge Scholarship Application Tips

Ready to apply? We’ve compiled a list of five tips to help guide you through the Coolidge Scholarship application process: 

5 Application Tips for the Coolidge Scholarship

1. Know Coolidge before you write. 

Make sure your understanding of Calvin Coolidge extends beyond surface level facts. Take the time to really understand his perspectives and ideas. Before you draft your essays, read as much as you can on Coolidge’s presidency and his advocacy for public policy. Ask yourself how you embody Coolidge’s ideals and start to draw connections between your extracurricular experiences and his vision. It will be clear if you don’t know Coolidge’s ideas very well. Given the low Coolidge Scholarship acceptance rate, it’s important to do your research before you start the essay drafting process. 

2. Choose your recommenders wisely.

Your letters of recommendation play a huge role in the Coolidge Scholarship, so choose them wisely. Pick recommenders that know your character and can speak to how you embody Coolidge’s principles. Provide information about the scholarship to your recommenders, so they have an understanding of what the Foundation is looking for. Make sure your recommenders know you well enough to articulate why you’re perfect for the Coolidge Scholarship. 

3. Treat your essays as arguments, not biographies. 

Your essays must convey a sense of what you think about Calvin Coolidge and his ideas — not just biographical details. Write in an argumentative style: clearly state your position, and provide examples and support for your argument. If you’ve never written an argumentative essay before, do some research and read some examples. Your essays are the best way to convey your personality and passion for public service, so make them count.

4. Prepare for the interview early. 

The interview weekend is the defining moment of the Coolidge Scholarship, so it’s crucial for applicants to prepare and be ready. As you draft your essays, you will inevitably research Coolidge’s thoughts and ideas. Take it as an opportunity to prepare for the interview as well. Think of how you would defend your position verbally, or answer questions about Coolidge and his vision. Practice with friends and mentors, drafting mock interview questions and rehearsing your responses. If you are chosen as a finalist, you’ll be ready! 

5. Don’t let politics get in the way.

The Coolidge Scholarship is a non-partisan award for any student who embodies the principles of academic excellence, humility, and public service. The scholarship requirements do not specify a specific political affiliation. The Foundation is looking for students across the political spectrum who embody Coolidge’s values. Even if you don’t completely agree with all of Calvin Coolidge’s policies, it may be worth applying for the scholarship. If you’re able to make connections with his vision for public service and your own convictions, go for it.

Coolidge Scholarship — Final Takeaways

The Coolidge Scholarship is a highly prestigious and competitive full-ride scholarship for select students across the United States. This presidential scholarship is meant for students with a strong passion for public policy and U.S history. The Coolidge Foundation has a commitment to keeping Calvin Coolidge’s legacy alive through the scholarship, and Coolidge Scholars embody that mission. 

With its unique mission and intense application process, the Coolidge Scholarship is not for everyone. Applying takes time and careful planning, as students apply during their junior year. Applying to the Coolidge Scholarship is a time commitment and has specific requirements — it won’t be a fit for every student. However, if you resonate with the scholarship’s mission and feel your experience aligns with the Foundation’s mission, it’s an incredible opportunity. 

If the Coolidge Scholarship is not a good fit for you, don’t worry! We have plenty of resources on other scholarships. You can read our guide on How to Win Scholarships and Grants, or watch our webinar on Finding and Applying to Scholarships. No matter what you’re looking for, CollegeAdvisor is here to help.

This article was written by Jessica Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.