If you want a stronger chance at achieving your academic ambitions as a high schooler, you should already be considering the resources and opportunities offered by scholarships. Securing a scholarship can provide crucial financial support while also showcasing your skills, ambition, and resilience. 

Securing one not only aids with expenses but also reflects positively on your dedication and drive—qualities that college admissions officers respect. Our blog today focuses on one such scholarship - the Dell Scholarship and we will delve into the eligibility application process and list 8 reasons why you should apply for this scholarship. 

What is the Dell Scholarship?

The Dell Scholarship, created by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, is a comprehensive assistance opportunity that goes beyond typical financial aid. This program offers a full suite of resources, including financial support, access to a robust network, personalized mentoring, essential materials, and even counseling services. 

What makes the Dell Scholarship unique is that it values those who may not have perfect academic records but who show a strong desire to succeed in the face of adversity and gives them the opportunity to do so.

Who is eligible to apply?

In keeping with its stated goal of empowerment, the eligibility criteria for the Dell Scholarship are relatively broad. Still, there are some key requirements to keep in mind:

• You must have taken part in a college readiness program approved by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation during both 11th and 12th grades.

• You need to be graduating from an accredited high school in the current academic year.

• A minimum GPA of 2.4 is required.

• You must demonstrate a clear need for financial support.

• You must qualify to receive a Federal Pell Grant during your first year of college.

• You should be planning to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited institution starting in the fall immediately after your high school graduation.

How do you apply for the Dell Scholarship?

Firstly, here are the deadlines to keep track of:

• Applications open: October 1, 2024

• Application deadline: December 1, 2024

• Semi-finalist notification: December 10, 2024

• Additional materials deadline: January 27, 2025

• Final decision announcement: March 18, 2025

What are they looking for in a Dell Scholar?

The Dell Scholarship selection process emphasizes qualities that go beyond academics. Although you need to meet the minimum GPA requirement, your application will be evaluated based on three main traits:

• Grit: Your determination and ability to overcome personal challenges within your family, school, or community.

• Potential: Your proactive involvement in college readiness initiatives and your motivation to excel.

• Ambition: Your commitment to pursuing higher education and achieving success despite personal hurdles.

What does the Dell Scholarship offer?

The scholarship offers support across four distinct aspects of your higher education journey:

1. Academic

1. Regular check-ins from academic advisors provide you with individualized support and help you navigate your college journey.

2. Access to academic resources that you may require.

2. Financial

1. You receive a $20,000 scholarship fund.

2. You’re also provided with a Dell laptop.

3. Over and above the scholarship fund, you’ll also get annual book credits for four years so that you are able to obtain the academic texts you need to excel in college.

3. Wellness

1. Access to live therapy sessions to support your mental health throughout your academic journey.

2. Student services that can provide free or discounted support in legal, financial, health, and even personal life matters.

4. Career

1. The Dell Scholarship has its own network of alumni who can help you with career advice or build valuable connections.

Is the Dell Scholarship prestigious?

The Dell Scholarship is highly regarded, not only for its financial support but also for its selectiveness and life-changing impact. Each year, thousands of students nationwide apply, but only 500 are chosen to become Dell Scholars. The success rate for Dell Scholars is impressive, with 80% of them graduating within six years—double the national average. 

Additionally, Dell Scholars gain access to an extensive alumni network of over 2,700 driven individuals. Many past scholars have achieved excellence in STEM fields, liberal arts, and other disciplines, studying at respected institutions such as Brown University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and San Jose State University.

8 Reasons to Apply for the Dell Scholarship

1. The program offers a holistic support system.
The Dell Scholarship provides a comprehensive support network designed to help you thrive. As a scholar, you will receive resources tailored to your needs, including financial aid, physical tools like laptops, and even access to teletherapy and mental health resources.

2. You will gain access to personalized mentoring.
As a Dell Scholar, you’re not alone on your academic journey. You will gain access to personal mentoring, which can be invaluable as you navigate college life, work through academic challenges, and plan your career path. Moreover, this mentoring is not only limited to your career but also your mental well-being, which can help you cope with the shift to college life. 

3. You will be able to tap into an exclusive resource network.
Dell Scholars enjoy an exclusive resource network that provides information and connections to help you succeed in college and beyond. This network helps bridge any gaps you may face, ensuring you have the tools to overcome academic, financial, or personal obstacles.

4. It provides financial support for essential college expenses.
One of the largest benefits of being a Dell Scholar is the substantial scholarship amount that can be used for various college-related costs, from tuition to textbooks. This financial backing eases the stress of paying for college and allows you to focus on your studies.

5. There is additional support for affording additional resources.
Beyond financial aid, the program also offers resources such as laptops, textbooks, and even funds for emergencies. These resources enable Dell Scholars to have a more stable and supported college experience, regardless of their financial situation. Moreover, you won’t have to tap into your own scholarship money to be able to afford your necessities, allowing you to use it for your college tuition or other expenses. 

6. You will now join an exclusive alumni network.
Joining the Dell Scholars alumni network connects you with over 2,700 other driven individuals who have faced similar challenges and achieved success, along with individuals who have gone to study and work at erupted universities and companies. This network can open doors to mentorship, career opportunities, and lifelong friendships with like-minded peers.

7. Dell Scholars benefit from a higher graduation success rate.
The Dell Scholarship program boasts an 80% graduation rate within six years, which is twice the national average. By becoming a Dell Scholar, you’re joining a program that truly prioritizes and supports students in achieving their educational goals.

8. You will receive recognition and prestige as a Dell Scholar.
Earning the Dell Scholarship is a significant achievement that sets you apart. The program is well-known for its selectivity and high standards, which can be a strong addition to your resume as it demonstrates resilience and ambition. 

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You can find the application link here.

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Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - Dell Scholar Logo