Table of Contents
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IN THIS EDITION
Spotlight on one of America’s most generous ‘merit-based’ scholarships, available also to international high school students to study at Duke or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In today’s edition, I will introduce you to one of the most prestigious and generous merit-based scholarships at one of America’s finest universities - Duke. This is a rare fully-funded opportunity open to both domestic and international students.
This scholarship goes beyond covering full tuition and room and board; it opens doors to unique leadership experiences, cross-campus engagement, and transformative summer programs. For ambitious students considering Duke or the UNC Chapel Hill, this is a chance to make their education both impactful and affordable. The deadline to submit the application for the scholarship is 15 Nov 2024.
Duke University, though not an Ivy League school, is often grouped with America’s elite as an “Ivy Plus” institution alongside Stanford and MIT. Founded in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke as a memorial to his father, Washington Duke, Duke University has risen to become a powerhouse of academic and leadership excellence. In the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2024, Duke is ranked #6 nationally, alongside CalTech, Northwestern, and Johns Hopkins.
Duke’s academic reputation powers through its most popular undergraduate majors: Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Public Policy, and Psychology. Its global appeal is clear, too—among its 6,417 undergraduates, students from China, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada are the most represented international student communities.
The beautiful Duke University Campus during Fall
As college costs continue to rise, scholarships like this one become essential in making top-tier education accessible. Here, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this Duke scholarship—from eligibility and application steps to the unique benefits it offers.
Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] with any questions.
For FULL DETAILS, including the Application Link, please see BELOW…
The Roberston Scholarship at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
1. What is the Robertson Scholarship?
The Robertson Scholarship is a merit-based leadership scholarship founded in 2000 by Julian and Josie Robertson to support students at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. This prestigious program provides full financial support and unique leadership opportunities, promoting collaboration between Duke and UNC.
2. Who founded the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program?
Julian H. Robertson, Jr., billionaire philanthropist and founder of the global hedge fund Tiger Management, along with his wife Josie, established the program with a $24 million donation. They envisioned creating a legacy of leadership, encouraging collaboration between Duke and UNC, and supporting outstanding students who demonstrate leadership potential.
3. What’s the difference between merit-based and need-based aid?
Merit-Based Aid: The Robertson Scholarship is merit-based, meaning it’s awarded based on leadership, academic excellence, and character, not financial need.
Need-Based Aid: Most financial aid in the US is awarded based on a student’s financial need. These are separate from the Robertson Scholarship.
4. What does the Robertson Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is amongst the most generous merit scholarships in the United States - it covers 8 semesters of full tuition, room, board, and most mandatory fees. It also provides funding for up to 3 summer experiences, two semesters of study abroad, and access to conferences and special projects.
5. What is the cost of attendance at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill
Cost of Attendance (Out-of-State/International Students)
Duke University (2024-2025)
Tuition: $66,326
Fees: $2,814
Housing: $10,254
Food: $9,544
Total Billed Expenses: $88,938
Books & Supplies: $536
Personal Expenses: $3,274
Transportation: $582–$1,318 (depending on home location)
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance: $93,330–$94,066
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
Tuition: $39,228
Fees: $1,990
Housing: $7,736
Food: $6,068
Books & Supplies: $1,290
Travel: $1,772
Loan Fees: $56
Personal Expenses: $1,900
Estimated Total Cost: $60,040 (does not include health insurance, etc.)
For full details on the cost of attendance:
6. Do I need a nomination to apply?
No nomination is required. Any eligible high school senior applying to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill may apply independently for the Robertson Scholarship.
7. Application Timeline
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Finalist Interviews: March 5–March 8, 2025
8. Is the Robertson Scholarship open to international students?
Yes, the Robertson Scholarship welcomes applications from students of all nationalities.
9. Are standardized test scores required?
No, standardized test scores are not required or considered in the Robertson Scholars application process.
10. Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me?
The Robertson Scholars Program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders should be individuals who can speak to your leadership abilities and character, such as teachers, coaches, counselors, supervisors, or research mentors.
Family members, family friends, and peers are not encouraged as recommenders.
Applicants must submit the names and email addresses of their recommenders in the online application. Recommenders will receive an email with instructions and a link to the online recommendation form.
Direct submissions from applicants will not be accepted.
The Duke Blue Devils - Basketball is one of the most popular sports at Duke
11. Will the Robertson Selection Committee have access to my Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill Common Applications?
The Selection Committee primarily evaluates students based on the Robertson online application. While the committee may review students’ Duke or UNC applications later in the process, the initial decisions are made independently. Therefore, it’s essential to include all critical information in the Robertson application, as it serves as the primary evaluation tool.
12. Do I have to apply to both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill to be considered for the Robertson Program?
No, you do not have to apply to both. You may apply to either Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, or both:
If you apply to both universities, you’ll be considered for the Robertson at both institutions.
If you apply only to one university, you’ll be considered for the Robertson at that school only.
Note: A student cannot receive the Robertson Scholarship if they are not admitted to either UNC-Chapel Hill or Duke.
13. Do I need to complete a Robertson Application to be awarded the scholarship?
Yes, students must complete the separate Robertson application to be considered. The deadline is November 15th, and this application is the only way to ensure full consideration. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is the only independent merit scholarship at Duke requiring a pre-matriculation application process.
14. What are the eligibility criteria for the Robertson Scholarship?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Admission: Apply for admission to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill in the same year they apply to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
Application Deadlines: Follow the Early or Regular Decision deadlines for the respective institutions.
Separate Admission Process: Admission to Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill is independent of the Robertson application. Correspondence about university admission should go directly to the respective Offices of Undergraduate Admissions.
Gap Year Students: Students on a gap year who have already been admitted to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill may only apply for the Robertson once they matriculate.
Transfer Students: Transfer students are not eligible to apply.
Undergraduate-Only Program: The scholarship is available only for undergraduate students; graduate students are not eligible.
15. How competitive is the Robertson Scholarship?
The Robertson Scholarship is highly competitive, selecting students who demonstrate strong leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and strength of character.
16. How many students are chosen for the Robertson Scholarship?
Each year, around 36 to 40 students are selected for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. This includes students from both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with roughly half of the scholars attending each institution. This selective cohort size ensures a close-knit community and personalized development opportunities for each scholar.
17. So I have some context, what are the acceptance rates and average SAT/ACT scores for Duke and UNC?
Both Duke and UNC are highly selective:
Duke University: Acceptance rate is approximately 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT score for admitted students is 1510–1560 and ACT range is 34–35.
UNC-Chapel Hill: Acceptance rate is around 10-12% for out-of-state students, higher for in-state. Middle 50% SAT score for admitted students is 1390–1520 and ACT range is 29–34.
18. Do I have to apply Early Decision or Regular Decision to be considered for the Robertson?
You may apply Early Decision or Regular Decision to Duke, or Early Action or Regular Decision to UNC-Chapel Hill. As long as you apply for first-year undergraduate admission to one or both of these universities, you are eligible to apply for the Robertson.
Robertson Scholars at the UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
19. Do I need to complete my Duke or UNC application before submitting my Robertson application?
No, your Robertson application needs to be submitted by the Robertson deadline which is Nov 15. Your Duke and/or UNC admissions applications should follow their respective deadlines.
20. Can I edit my application after the deadline?
No, the Robertson Scholars Program does not accept updates or edits to applications after submission.
21. Can I apply to both Duke and UNC for the Robertson?
Yes, students who apply to both universities are considered for the Robertson at both institutions. However, finalist interviews are specific to each school, and a student can only receive the scholarship from the institution where they are admitted.
22. Do North Carolina residents receive special consideration?
No, applicants are evaluated equally regardless of their residency or country status.
23. If I apply Early Decision to another school, can I still apply to the Robertson?
Yes, students applying Early Decision to other institutions may still apply for the Robertson. However, they must inform the program if admitted under a binding agreement elsewhere.
24. What unique opportunities does the Robertson Program offer?
Robertson Scholars benefit from:
Fully-funded summer programs: Up to three summer experiences, including internships with nonprofits and global exploration.
Study abroad funding: Scholars can receive support for two semesters of study abroad to gain international perspectives.
Leadership training and cross-campus engagement: Includes a "Campus Switch" program where scholars spend a semester at the partner university.
Conference and project funding: Support for attending academic and professional conferences as well as for personal leadership projects through LEAD Grants.
25. Is there feedback on why an applicant was unsuccessful?
No, the Robertson Scholars Program does not provide individualized feedback on applications or interviews.
26. How do I apply for the Robertson Scholarship?
Applications are submitted directly through the Robertson Scholars website by November 15, 2024. You must also apply for undergraduate admission to Duke and/or UNC through their respective portals. Your Robertson application is separate and evaluated independently from your university applications.
To start your application, click here https://robertson.myvideointerview.co/account/login
27. Where can I find more information?
For additional details, visit the Robertson Scholars website or contact the program at [email protected].
28. Social Media
For updates and insights into the program, follow @robertsonscholars on Instagram.
Duke University is one of America’s most prestigious universities that has produced more than 55 Rhodes Scholars.
Students enjoying a warm spring day on the UNC-Chapel Hill Campus
GOOD LUCK - MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!
BEFORE YOU GO…
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