Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit whose mission is for high-achieving, low-income, underrepresented students to get into and graduate from top colleges equipped to reach their full career potential. To achieve this, Thrive provides Scholars with college guidance and intensive academic preparation before college and a comprehensive set of academic, personal, social-emotional, financial, and professional supports throughout college. Together, they position students to attend top colleges prepared to excel and gain the meaningful work experience, skills, and savvy to launch them professionally.
| Who should apply? | low-income students |
| Eligible Grade Levels | Juniors |
| Cost | Free ($500 stipend after summer academies, $1000 stipends in college) |
| Opens | open now |
| Deadline | January 5, 2022, noon EST |
| Decisions Released | semifinalists: February 2022 final decisions: April 2022 |
| Location | varies (TBD) |
| Selectivity | 180 students per year |
| Link | https://www.thrivescholars.org/ |
Application Requirements
- high school junior (c/o 2023)
- holistic application, but Thrive says typical applicants are
- cumulative UW GPA above 3.7
- SAT/PSAT score above 1200
- household income at/below $75k
- first gen / POC
- if you are not one or more of these (esp GPA and test scores), it is still encouraged that you apply.
Application Process
Round 1 (open now, due Jan 5, 2022)
- academics, finances, interests, aspirations (essay info TBA)
Round 2 (semifinalist round, announced Feb)
- more academic + personal information
- 2 letters of recommendation
- complete an interview
Final decisions released April 2022
Notes
- Thrive Scholars has its own core program, designed for all prospective majors. However, it also has two specialized programs for students interested in STEM or Law.
- It is a 6-year-long program, which include required coaching and activities for college academics, career prep, and emotional wellbeing.