The Coolidge Scholarship: Full Ride for Juniors Who Lead with Intellect
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A rare full-ride scholarship awarded to high school juniors — covering four years at any accredited U.S. college. Based entirely on academic merit, intellectual curiosity, and principled leadership.
⚠️ Only open to current high school juniors.
⚠️ Only a handful of juniors win this each year.
Jump to: What They’re Looking For | Academic Profile | Ideal Student | Parent Tools | Sample Winner | How to Apply | Limitations
🎯 What the Coolidge Scholarship Is Actually Looking For
The Coolidge Foundation is searching for students who demonstrate not just academic excellence, but also a deep respect for the principles of limited government, constitutional values, and intellectual humility. This is a scholarship for thinkers — students who read deeply, communicate clearly, and lead thoughtfully.
- Academic Excellence: Top test scores, GPA, and course rigor.
- Curiosity + Intellectual Depth: The essays matter — they want to see how your kid thinks.
- Character + Values: Students who lead with integrity, modesty, and independence.
📊 Academic Profile
| Category | Typical Winner |
|---|---|
| ACT | 34–36 |
| SAT | 1500–1600 |
| GPA | Unweighted 3.9–4.0 |
| Class Rank | Top 1% |
🧭 Ideal Coolidge Candidate
Not just smart — thoughtful. The Coolidge Foundation isn’t looking for flashy leaders or résumé-packers. They want juniors who:
- Read and write deeply, often outside of class
- Show curiosity in history, economics, or philosophy
- Have a strong moral compass and a quiet, principled leadership style
- Think critically — and aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions
This isn’t for the loudest kid in student government — it’s for the junior who writes op-eds, leads a book club, or builds a constitutional law simulator in their spare time.
🧰 Parent Tools
Create a profile your recommender can actually use 📬 Recommendation Toolkit
Ask for a letter the right way — and make it easier to say yes ✍️ Essay Toolkit
Every prompt, every trick, every tip we’ve got
🌟 Could This Be Your Kid?
Show Sample Winner Profile
Name: Daniel — Public school junior in Georgia
Stats: ACT 35, GPA 4.0 unweighted, Top 1%
Story: Daniel led his school’s debate team, founded a student publication on constitutional law, and interned with a local judge. His essays highlighted his respect for originalist legal thought and a deep appreciation of Coolidge’s restraint and character. His profile stood out because it paired strong academics with thoughtful leadership rooted in civic values.
📎 How to Apply
- Only open to high school juniors — apply before senior year begins
- Submit academic info, test scores, extracurriculars, and two essays
- One essay typically asks applicants to reflect on President Coolidge’s legacy or values
- Two recommendations required
- Finalists are flown to Vermont for interviews and a finalist summit
Apply here: Coolidge Scholarship Application
📌 Note: Many exceptional juniors apply and don’t win — that’s not a failure. Treat this as a bold swing that helps sharpen your child’s writing and vision, no matter the outcome.
⚠️ Limitations & Considerations
- This scholarship is only open to current high school juniors
- Extremely competitive — fewer than 10 winners each year
- Applicants must be willing to engage with and articulate traditional constitutional values