Scholarship
How many Lenfest Scholars are there?
There are currently 125 Lenfest Scholars attending colleges and universities around the country, and there are approximately 345 Scholar alums of the Lenfest College Prep Program (2001 - 2011) or the Lenfest College Scholarship Program (2002 - Present). In 2021, we chose 40 new Scholars to join the Lenfest Scholars community; they are currently seniors in high school.
What are the benefits of being chosen as a Lenfest Scholar?
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You receive financial support, including up to $12,000 per year for four years to help with college expenses, internship funding for at least one summer while you are in college, and reimbursement for a laptop computer.
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You also receive other kinds of support: Scholars receive comprehensive college counseling, individualized standardized test preparation, and extensive personal support throughout the college application and decision process. That support continues throughout and after college, with an assigned advisor who works with you during your four years of college and career support during and after college.
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You join a community of Scholars and Scholar alumni who will offer advice, support, and friendship. Once you become a Lenfest Scholar, you are a Scholar for life!
What is a “last-dollar” scholarship?
A "last-dollar scholarship" is a scholarship designed to fill the gap between what the financial aid package for a student offers and the true cost of attending the college. The exact amount that you will receive from Lenfest depends on the total cost of attendance at your school, your expected family contribution, and any aid you receive from the school or elsewhere.
Can I also receive other scholarships?
Yes! It’s helpful to ask your college's financial aid office how scholarships will factor into your total student aid package.
Can I go to any college I want?
Yes! Scholars attend a wide range of colleges and universities across the United States, and we will support you as you decide where to apply and attend.
Can Lenfest Scholars take time off from college or transfer to a different college?
Yes, you can defer your attendance, take a leave of absence, or transfer; you will just need to notify us of any such changes in your plans.
Application
What are the stages of the Lenfest Scholar application process?
The stages of the application process are: initial application, semi-finalist application, interviews, final decisions.
What materials will I need to submit as part of my application?
We may ask you to submit the following: essays, counselor recommendation, teacher recommendations, family financial information, high school transcript.
In the semi-finalist application, can I send the supplemental information forms to my counselor, teacher(s), and parent(s)/guardian(s) before I submit the application?
Yes. We encourage you to complete these sections of the semi-finalist application as soon as possible so that your contacts have enough time to complete the forms. When you complete these sections, your contacts receive an email with a link to complete their form. You will receive confirmation emails regarding the forms as well.
When completing the application, do I need to provide information for both of my parents if only one is custodial?
If the other parent contributes financially in any way, and/or will contribute in the future, please include them. You are welcome to include any notes you'd like us to be aware of in the "Special Circumstances" field of the Parent/Guardian section.
If I have questions about the application process, who can I contact?
Please write to contact@lenfestscholars.org with any questions not answered here.
Eligibility
Do I need a specific GPA to apply?
The Selection Committee will consider academic achievement and potential, as well as ambition to succeed at a challenging college or university, but you do not need to have a certain GPA in order to apply.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA while in college?
No. You do need to remain “in good standing” as defined by your school, and we will ask you for transcripts after each year of attendance to ensure you are making progress toward your degree. We encourage you to use campus resources, and we can help you identify them.
Is there an income limit to be eligible?
No. We look at applications holistically and consider family financial need as a factor.
Do I need to know what my major will be when I apply?
No. Some applicants may have specific major plans and even career ideas, but many do not, and this is not a requirement when applying to Lenfest or to college.
Can I apply if my high school is not part of the Lenfest network?
No. Only juniors at Lenfest partner high schools are eligible to apply.
Selection
Who is the “typical Lenfest Scholar?" What are you looking for specifically?
There is no typical Lenfest Scholar, so no set of criteria that you need to meet. We are looking for students who are intellectually curious, aspirational, self-reflective, motivated, and who take initiative.
Who will read my application?
The initial applications are read by Lenfest Scholars Foundation staff. At the finalist stage, your application will be read by members of the Selection Committee, who are college admissions directors and college deans. They will make recommendations to the staff.
What are the interviews like?
Interviews are about 30 minutes in length. We will welcome your questions toward the end. Our goal is to learn as much about you as possible in a relatively short period of time. To accomplish this, we try to create a relaxed and comfortable environment--one that will allow you to shine! You will not be put on the spot or asked trick questions to trip you up.
When are interviews held?
Finalist interviews are typically held at the very end of April. Depending on the most current public health advice available, interviews will be conducted either virtually or in person. In past years, in-person interviews have taken place in locations such as Carlisle, Gettysburg, Lancaster, and York so finalists will not have to travel great distances to participate.
Who are the interviewers?
Interviews are conducted by an interview team composed of two college admissions directors, two college deans, and members of the Lenfest Scholars Foundation staff. A member of the Foundation Board may participate, as well.
