Do high school seniors ever win the SMART scholarship?
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2025 6:10 pm
Hello,
I have been looking into applying to the SMART program, but I have seen people say that high school seniors rarely (if ever) get chosen. I would say that I am fairly competitive, with a 36 ACT, 10+ AP classes (with 5s on all of them but one), state-level awards in DECA and Science Olympiad, and some leadership in school clubs. This year, I am taking very rigorous classes as well, with more AP tests, and I will graduate with an IB diploma.
Can anyone tell me if I have a chance at the scholarship, or do I believe people who say that the Dellum award won't be given out, as colleges would have to pay for 3-4 years of college for someone with little work experience, vs. 1-2 years for someone graduating soon and with internships under their belt? Is it even worth writing the essay to apply?
Thank you in advance. Any advice is appreciated.
I have been looking into applying to the SMART program, but I have seen people say that high school seniors rarely (if ever) get chosen. I would say that I am fairly competitive, with a 36 ACT, 10+ AP classes (with 5s on all of them but one), state-level awards in DECA and Science Olympiad, and some leadership in school clubs. This year, I am taking very rigorous classes as well, with more AP tests, and I will graduate with an IB diploma.
Can anyone tell me if I have a chance at the scholarship, or do I believe people who say that the Dellum award won't be given out, as colleges would have to pay for 3-4 years of college for someone with little work experience, vs. 1-2 years for someone graduating soon and with internships under their belt? Is it even worth writing the essay to apply?
Thank you in advance. Any advice is appreciated.