Dean’s List Scholarship

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What is a Dean’s List Scholarship?

A dean’s list scholarship is financial aid based on academic achievement. Eligible students typically have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher. These prestigious merit awards tend to go to first year undergraduate students in the top 1% to 5% of their high school class. Sometimes, with no extra application form to fill out. You may need to apply for dean’s list scholarship when applying for colleges with early action deadline if specified.

If you are a current matriculated undergraduate student, you may qualify. In many colleges, a Dean’s List is for students that receive A’s and B’s for the semester. In comparison, the President’s List is a list of all student that received all A’s for the semester. 

Making the list is something to strive for. Dean’s List scholarship shows how you work hard to meet academic and personal goals. It is also a way to make an undergraduate degree program more affordable. Dean’s list students who show financial need often benefit from extra financial aid.

For instance, if you attend University of California in Irvine, the average annual cost is $14,604 according to the U.S. Department of Education. UCI Dean’s Scholars may receive up to $3,000 per year with a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher.

10 Dean’s List Awards You Should Apply for Now

Graduating high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree at a specific college may be able to apply for these Dean’s List scholarships. Since some colleges limit the number of recipients, it may be smart to apply for admission early. You also might need to file a FAFSA for the academic year that you plan to enroll in.

1. Dean’s Scholarship – University of Pennsylvania Law
2. University of Indianapolis Distinguished Dean’s Scholarships
3. CBS/SJU Dean’s Scholarship
4. DePaul University Dean’s Scholarship 
5. Concordia College of New York Dean’s Scholarship
6. Wilkes Dean’s Scholarship 
7. McMurry University Dean’s Scholarship 
8. Missouri State University Dean’s Scholarship 
9. University of Tennessee at Martin Dean’s Scholarship 
10. UNF Dean’s Education Advisory Council Endowed Scholarship 

How To Get on the Dean’s List?

Getting onto a Dean’s list is like graduating high school with academic honors. At the end of each college semester, the school calculates your GPA and awards to those who meet the qualifications. Students whose final grade point average is higher than the group, tend to make it onto the Dean’s list. 

Being on the list is a big deal and a privilege reserved for those committed to academic excellence. Landing on the list may pay off also since Dean’s List scholarships often cover a significant part of the tuition and may renew if you continue to perform well. Keep in mind, the specific requirements for all awards and honors may vary. If you believe you have what it takes, set yourself up for success with these seven tips. 

7 Tips to Making the Dean’s List

1. Don’t skip school. As a rule, you must be a full time student and take a certain number of semester hours. Some professors also take attendance and factor that into your grades.
2. Find a study zone. Whether you are on campus, or remote due to Covid 19, you still need a quiet place to study free of distractions. Sometimes turning off your phone and limiting social media use may help you focus more.
3. Organize your time. Keep a detailed calendar of assignments and tasks that allow you to plan your time. That may help you avoid all nighters to finish term papers. Tackling the hardest assignments first also may lessen your stress level.
4. Study smart. For every credit hour, figure two to three hours of study per week. You might break that down into daily study sessions for certain subjects. To get on most lists you need a clean academic record with no “Cs, Ds or Fs” so make sure you find a tutor if need be.
5. Review before class. Spend at least 15 minutes before class to go over the material from the last class. Highlight and make notes as well as write down your questions to make sure you understand the material when the class is over.
6. Pause and refresh. Avoid burning yourself out. At the same time, too many extracurricular activities can jeopardize your grades. Find a good balance of your school activities and studying hard to ace your exams.
7. Keep your eyes on the prize. Making the list at your college may earn you scholarships, help you get into an honors program and possibly lead to potential job prospects. In some colleges it also helps you land invitations to special events like networking receptions too.

What Colleges Have Dean’s List Awards?

Community colleges, private and public state universities around the United States offer dean’s scholarships to first year students. Whether it is hard or easy to make the list depends on the minimum GPA they set for it and how much above it your grades are. Here are some colleges that offer dean’s list scholarships.

University of Pennsylvania Law School awards range from $9,000 to $120,000 scholarships. Selection looks at academic performance as well as leadership, service, life or work experience. Eligible students must also be fully engaged with the Penn Law community. The school considers all admitted law students for these Dean’s List scholarships.

New freshman do not have to fill out a separate application for DePaul University Dean’s Scholarship. But priority does go to those who apply for admission early. These Dean’s List scholarships range from $15,000 to $24,000. Although in recent years, the school granted packages of up to $38,400 per year.

University of Indianapolis Distinguished Dean’s Scholarships range form $16,500 to $22,000 per year. To qualify, you need a minimum GPA of 3.6 or above and minimum SAT total of 1270 (or ACT composite of 29). The selection committee also looks for candidates with strong college prep curriculum and show leadership. These merit awards renew if you keep up a 3.0 GPA and enroll as a full time student.

List of Dean’s List Scholarships