Scholarship Alert for International Students: FULLY FUNDED Merit-Based Scholarship Award at this Prestigious US Liberal Arts College | Deadline for Nominations is 1st Nov

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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 this prestigious liberal arts college

Imagine studying at the same college as the 28^th President of the United States, a highly influential U.S. Secretary of State and a key architect of American foreign policy during the Cold War, and a basketball legend widely considered the greatest shooter in NBA History.

This scholarship is nothing short of phenomenal: it covers full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees, amounting to an impressive total of approx. $350,000 over four years of undergraduate study.

If you are an international student applying to colleges this season, don’t miss your chance to study at one of America’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges with a FULL SCHOLARSHIP.

The nomination deadline is rapidly approaching on November 1st.

For full details, including how to apply, please see below.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] with any questions.

FULL DETAILS BELOW…

1. What is the name of the scholarship?

The John M. Belk Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Davidson College, a highly respected liberal arts college in Davidson, North Carolina. Named after John Montgomery Belk, a Davidson alumnus and former CEO of the Belk Department Store chain, this scholarship was established to support students who demonstrate exceptional promise in leadership, service, and academic prowess.

2. Can you tell me something about Davidson College?

Established in 1837, Davidson is a liberal arts college dedicated to cultivating humane instincts and disciplined, creative minds. It is located 19 miles from campus to Charlotte, NC

Key Facts

Enrollment: 2,079 students

95% live on campus

11% international students

Most Popular Majors

• Economics/Econometrics & Quantitative Economics 

• Political Science and Government

• Biology

• Psychology

• Computer Science

• English

• History

• Mathematics

• Environmental Science

3. How many scholarships are given out each year?

Thanks to the generosity of the John M. Belk Endowment, 32 Belk Scholars are currently enrolled at Davidson (eight Belk Scholars are named in each entering class).

4. Is this scholarship ‘need-based?’

 No, this scholarship is one of the few fully-funded merit based scholarships available to international students at a prestigious US College. It's awarded solely based on merit through a rigorous selection process at Davidson College.

5. What is the cost of education at this college?

The cost per year is approximately $87,000 Details can be found here 

6. What does the scholarship cover? 

The scholarship comprehensively covers full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate study. That is roughly equivalent to $87,500 * 4 years = c. $350,000 in scholarships for the four years.

7. Are you sure international students are eligible to apply?

Yes, I have confirmed with the College that the scholarship is open to both U.S. citizens and international students. In fact, Davidson actively encourages applications from a diverse range of students, including those from outside the United States. This inclusivity allows international students to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the college community and to benefit from the same opportunities as domestic students under the scholarship program.

8. What are the key features of the scholarship? 

Full Tuition Coverage: It covers full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate study at Davidson College.

Summer Stipends: Scholars receive stipends to pursue summer programs that could include international study and internships, aimed at broadening their learning and experience.

Special Programming: The scholarship includes specially tailored programming designed to develop leadership skills and provide networking opportunities with leaders in various fields.

Mentorship and Guidance: Scholars benefit from comprehensive advising and mentorship from faculty and access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

9. What is the Nomination & Selection Process?

School counselors, principals/heads of school, or college access program staff may nominate up to two candidates per year. The Davidson admission staff may also nominate students based on the strength of their application for admission. 

10. What qualities are the Selection Committee looking for in a Belk Scholar?

Challenge Seekers: Embrace a multi-dimensional lifestyle, giving rich evidence of intellectual depth and academic achievement, as well as accomplishment in other meaningful activities.

Intellectual Explorers: Exude an eagerness to learn within every facet of life. Generate & engage with ideas seriously, striving to enrich their own understanding, as well as that of others.

Servant Leaders: Maintain strength of character, including confidence and humility, and a tremendous regard for collaboration. 

Change Agents: Act as catalysts for community improvement, making unique connections in order to bring about positive change.

11. What are the selection criteria?

A candidate’s record and recommendations must demonstrate academic excellence and purposeful engagement beyond the classroom. While academic achievement is paramount, Belk Scholars also exhibit intellectual curiosity and a commitment to both their local and global communities.

12. What are the key dates?

• November 1 - Nomination deadline.

• November 15 - Application deadline for all Belk nominees (application for admission). Davidson will accept all supporting documents, including recommendations, through November 30. View Davidson's application plans and requirements. Please note: application by this deadline does not necessarily imply a commitment to Early Decision.

• Mid-February - Semifinalist notification and interviews.

• Early March - Finalist notification.

• March - Finalists will participate in interviews and events designed to provide a fuller sense of the Davidson community.

• By April 1 - Belk Scholarship outcomes announced.  

13. Where can I see the nomination form?

Notes for Counselors:

• Complete this form for your school's nominee(s) - one student nomination per form. 

• Each school or community-based organization may nominate up to two students.

• Email confirmation of your nomination will be sent to you and your nominee. 

• Nomination form can be accessed by clicking here (Alternatively follow the link https://admission.davidson.edu/register/?id=b94eb33b-e9bb-4607-b72b-c24ba95f558b)

14. So, just to be sure, is there a separate application for the Belk Scholarship?

For the John M. Belk Scholarship at Davidson College, there isn't a separate application in the traditional sense. Instead, candidates must be nominated by their school (this is typically done by the high school counselor/school principal,etc.) as per #13 above. Each high school may nominate up to 2 candidates for the scholarship.

Nomination and Application Process:

1. Nomination: As mentioned, candidates need to be nominated by their high schools (please speak to your counselor or head of school/Principal). This is an important part of the process because not all applicants to Davidson will be considered for the Belk Scholarship unless they are nominated.

2. Davidson College Application: After nomination, the student must apply to Davidson College by the appropriate deadline. The admission application will be used by the scholarship committee to evaluate the candidates further.

3. Supplemental Materials: After receiving the nomination and the college application, the Belk Scholarship Committee may require additional information or materials directly from the nominees.

4. Interview: Finalists for the scholarship are typically invited to participate in a Scholarship Weekend at Davidson, where they will engage in interviews and other evaluative activities. This weekend is a crucial part of the selection process.

It is, therefore, essential for prospective applicants to coordinate with their high school guidance counsellors to understand the nomination process and ensure all deadlines and requirements are met. Moreover, interested students should strive to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and a commitment to service, as these are key criteria for the scholarship.

15. Who can I contact for further questions?

For questions related to the Belk Scholarship, please get in touch with the Davidson scholarships team.

[email protected]

For admissions-related queries you may write to [email protected]

GOOD LUCK - MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

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