Everything You Need to Know About the Dell Scholarship: A Resource for Aspiring Scholars
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program honors students who have surmounted major challenges to continue their studies. Candidates that exhibit the traits of grit, potential, and ambition will be evaluated for their financial needs as well as their motivation to succeed in spite of personal setbacks. Applications are open to seniors in high school who have completed an authorized college preparatory program.
The Dell Scholars program enables you to complete your degree and begin your career. Every year, 500 students around the country become Dell Scholars, receiving financial aid, academic guidance, career coaching, and support from a team of devoted specialists.
About 5,000 students have benefited from the Dell Scholars Program since it started in 2004. The program’s objective is to assist low-income and underprivileged students who encounter major academic, financial, or personal obstacles in realizing their goal of obtaining a college degree.
Eligibility of the Dell Scholarship
To be eligible, you need to:
- Be a high school senior taking part in an approved college preparedness program.
- Plan to attend full-time in a recognized four-year college or institution immediately following high school.
- Be Pell Grant eligible.
- Have at least a 2.4 GPA.
Keep in mind that being an exceptional student is not a requirement for eligibility. “The Dell Scholars program places greater emphasis on your determination to succeed than your academic record and test scores,” the Dell Scholars website highlights.
The Dell Scholars Program inquires about your responsibilities in the community, at work, and at home. This include household duties or caregiving obligations, part-time employment, and community service.
Inquiries concerning your family situation, including who you live with and whether your parents are married and/or working, will also be made. Along with demographic questions, you will also be asked if you have any other siblings enrolled in college.
Requirements for the Dell Scholarship
Promising applicants exhibit:
They have a strong sense of purpose; they make plans and take action to reach their goals.
They have a career-driven perspective, viewing their bachelor’s degree as a first step toward a rewarding profession.
Perseverance: They find methods to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals.
Self-motivation and tenacity; they take charge, look for chances, and never give up.
How to Apply
The first step in applying for a Dell Scholars scholarship is filling out the online application. All applications will be evaluated after they are submitted, and a selection of finalists will be made.
A FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), an online recommendation, and a current copy of their high school transcript are required of finalists. An independent selection committee reviews all of the information given by the finalist.
Scholarship Reward
The flexibility of the Dell scholarship allows recipients to use their award money to cover a variety of expenses that come up during their time in college.
Scholarship awards can be applied to graduate school, loan repayment, study abroad, internship stipends, and tuition, fees, and the entire cost of attendance for undergraduate studies.
- individualized, comprehensive assistance for the emotional, financial, and academic obstacles that can keep students from finishing college
- A laptop covered by a four-year warranty
- For four years, Chegg credits ($500 per year) can be used for textbook rentals and purchases, as well as textbook solutions (via Chegg Study).
- A Scholars Resource Network that provides tools to students and their families to manage their finances, stress, child care, and other life circumstances
- A teletherapy program that links students with licensed counselors
