Powell Scholar Program
Annual Award: $15,000
The Powell Scholarship is the university's premier academic merit award, and is designed to cultivate future leaders through mentoring, instruction, and service.
Qualification of Candidates | To Apply | FAQ | Key Dates (Application deadline extended to Dec 1, 2012)
In addition to the generous scholarship award, Powell Scholars will have special access to research opportunities, study abroad programs, and nationally recognized speakers visiting Pacific; and will participate in extensive mentoring and leadership development. Each Powell Scholar will have access to up to $5,000 for research projects and $2,500 for international travel.
To view the components of the program and some accomplishments of our Powell Scholars, go to: go.pacific.edu/powellscholars
The Powell Scholars award is renewable each year of your undergraduate studies assuming a minimum GPA of 3.25 is earned. The award may be accompanied by additional need-based financial aid, but not other merit-based scholarships from Pacific (including the President's or Regents' awards). If you are selected for more than one of these scholarships you will receive the most advantageous award.
Given the opportunities in research, fellowships, study-abroad, cultural experiences and community service supported by the scholarship, the Powell Scholars Program is designed to coincide with an undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, students who apply for and are offered admission to the Powell Scholars Program AND a Pacific accelerated program (including the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program, Pre-Dentistry Advantage Program, Pacific Legal Scholars Program, or Pacific Humanities Scholars Program) must choose either the Powell Scholar Program OR an accelerated program for enrollment by May 1. All Powell Scholars must earn an undergraduate degree.
To see some accomplishments of our Powell Scholars, go to: go.pacific.edu/powellscholars
The Powell Scholars award is renewable for undergraduate study and may be accompanied by additional need-based financial aid, but not other merit-based scholarships (specifically, the President's or Regents' awards). In addition, the Powell Scholars Program is designed to coincide with a four-year undergraduate curriculum given the opportunities in research, study-abroad and community service supported by the scholarship. Therefore, students applying for accelerated programs who are selected as Powell Scholars may choose to pursue their same course of study, but must follow a undergraduate degree track.
University of the Pacific is seeking Powell Scholars candidates who have:
- A cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher (on an unweighted 4.00 scale)
- Undertaken a rigorous academic curriculum - Honors, AP, and/or IB courses
- Demonstrated superior leadership skills in two or more areas, including student government, community service or religious and cultural groups
- Either an ACT composite score of at least 28 or a combined SAT Critical Reading and Math score of 1250.
Students who meet these minimum criteria are encouraged to apply. A select number of finalists will be invited to campus to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee.
Powell Scholarship Application Form.
(Complete by the deadline)
Selected students will compete for up to 15 scholarships awarded annually by the university. Selection will involve a personal interview designed to assess each candidate's potential for intellectual and leadership development, international study, research and creative endeavors, and the ability to make a difference in the world.
What if my test score doesn't meet the minimum?
Students are at a disadvantage if they do not meet the 1250 SAT or 28 ACT test score. Last year the average test score for the recipients was 1400 SAT or 32 on the ACT.
What kinds of leadership qualify?
Any kind of leadership is fine, but some are more common than others.
- Common Types: Student government, Band section leader, Camp counselor, Youth teacher at church, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts. (Note: students involved in these activities should try to explain the uniqueness of his/her particular experience....how is it different than all of the other student body presidents?)
- Uncommon: Leader/organizer of club of special cause (Save Darfur, Breast Cancer, etc), Leadership Role in Youth/city council, Founding of a club. One of our current Powell students started a club called "ISAW: I Support American Women." Another current student was very involved in training guide dogs.
Can I receive more than one merit scholarship?
Recipients of the Powell Scholarship are not eligible for other merit scholarships at Pacific (specifically, the President's or Regents'). Other need-based financial aid is permitted.
How can I check on the status of my Powell application?
Please allow up to two weeks for processing your Powell Scholars application. Please http://www.pacific.edu/checklist.
November 15, 2012 (The deadline has been extended to Dec. 1, 2012)
Deadline for Powell Scholars applications
Deadline for application for Admission if applying for a Powell Scholarship.
Month of February 2013
Students selected as finalists will be invited to campus to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee
February 15, 2013
Priority application date (FAFSA) for need-based grants, loans, and work-study
March 15, 2013
Scholarship winners announced