Collier Scholars Common Application

• List of awards/recognition received in the past 1-3 years
• List of volunteer/ employment/ extracurricular activities in which you have participated in the last 1-3 years
• Unofficial academic transcript
  • If you are a HS senior or a recent HS graduate you MUST upload a transcript that includes final fall semester grades from senior year.
  • If you are a current college student you MUST upload a transcript that includes final fall semester grades from current academic year.
  • If you earned your GED, please upload your certificate.
  • If you do not have GPA or transcript available, you will need to provide details on why you are not able to provide information
• One letter of recommendation is required from within the past year written by professional or academic contacts (please do not use family members or friends) that include the following:
  • Applicant’s work ethic and dedication
  • Applicant’s potential in chosen career field
  • Applicant’s educational and/or career goals
  • Insightful and not too brief
  • Personalized letter that provides details unique to applicant
• Up to two (2) optional letters of recommendation may be included on the application
  • Please note: specific opportunities may require additional letters of recommendation as supplemental info
• Page 1 & 2 of the most recent 1040 tax form (2 year’s prior taxes—for the 2025-2026 academic year application, use 2023 taxes)
• Needed to verify household adjusted gross income
  • Applicants considered “dependent” for financial aid (FAFSA) purposes will need to submit parent(s)/guardian(s) tax returns
  • Applications considered “independent” for financial aid (FAFSA) purposes will need to submit their own tax returns
    • If you need help determining your dependency status, please visit the Federal Student Aid website – FAFSA is slated to open 12/1/2024.

Answers to the following essay topics:

1. Personal Statement

• Tell us your story–share about your family, background, and personal interests.
• Describe a person, event or activity that has shaped who you are as a person.
  • Why or how has this been significant to you?
  • What lessons have you learned from this?
• How will receiving this scholarship help you achieve your goals or dreams?
  • Share what you hope to do in the future

2. Academic/Career Goals

• Why do you want to go to college?
• What are your academic and career goals?
• Is there a specific institution you wish to attend? If so, why?
• Has something or someone significantly influenced your choice of study/career/major?
• Discuss any circumstances that have encouraged you to pursue your education.

3. Community Impact

• How have you made a difference in your community?
• How will you make a difference in your community and beyond in the future?
• What does leadership mean to you?
• How will you be a leader in your community in the future?

The Collier Scholars Common Application is one application that qualifies applicants for multiple opportunities!

• Students should NOT submit their application until their transcript contains FINAL FALL SEMESTER GRADES – CCPS Grades should be posted by 1/13/2025