How to Win a Posse Scholarship

When any student begins to apply to college, among life’s most exciting times, paying for college is no doubt an important consideration. In a bid to complement the cost of college, many students begin applying for scholarships, one of them being the Posse Foundation scholarship. The Posse Scholarship is one of the best merit scholarships for high school juniors. In addition to specialized mentoring, Posse Scholars receive money that helps them cover the cost of tuition at one of the many Posse Scholarship schools.

By definition, a merit-based scholarship differs from need-based scholarships, which, as the name would suggest, are granted based on financial need. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, are given based on a student’s demonstrated potential for success.

Most high school junior scholarships have specific eligibility criteria. Curious if you are a good fit for the Posse Scholarship.

In our guide to How to win a Posse Scholarship, we discuss the following:

What is a Posse Foundation Scholarship?
Posse Scholarship schools
The Posse Scholarship deadline
Posse Scholarship requirements
Tips on how to win a Posse Scholarship
Other college scholarships, and more!

If you do not believe that going to college is in your realm of possibilities, then a Posse Scholarship is just what you need. Before we examine what a Posse Scholarship is, let us examine the organization behind it.

The Posse Scholarship Foundation

The Posse Foundation was founded in 1989 as a nonprofit and has given full-tuition scholarships to more than 12,000 Scholars. In fact, it has provided more than $2 billion in scholarships. Identifying this collection of outstandingly talented and diverse individuals, allows the Foundation to create a cohort of people who will be able to jump-start positive change.

The students who are selected for a Posse Foundation Scholarship graduate at a rate of 90%. On campus, the majority of the Posse Scholars engage as officers in student organizations and student government. The Posse Scholars also come from more than 20 cities across the nation and Puerto Rico, and more than half of the Posse Scholars are first-generation college students.

The Posse Foundation has been highly recognized for its amazing contributions to the field of college access for students from diverse backgrounds. In 2010, President Barack Obama donated a portion of his Nobel Prize Award to Posse. In 2007, Deborah Bial, Posse’s President and Founder, received a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship for her work in reframing the college admissions process.

As one can see, the Posse Foundation does very critical work to innovate and improve college access. But what is a Posse Foundation Scholarship, and what does it mean for students who attend Posse Scholarship schools?

What is the posse scholarship?

Posse scholarship

First and foremost, the Posse Foundation Scholarship is not only an award but a basic preparatory program to prepare students for success at one of the Posse Scholarship schools and beyond. The Posse program is threefold, with Pre-Collegiate Training, Campus Program, and Career Program.
Each of these subprograms works to better prepare the Posse Scholars for success in, and with, their college educations. The requirements of the Posse Scholarship function to aid the Foundation in identifying those students who will most benefit from these aforementioned programs. And yes, the Foundation identifies students: there is a nomination and recruitment process, as we will later discuss.

Pre-Collegiate Training

Before they begin their freshman school year at one of the Posse Scholarship schools, the Posse Scholars will participate in Pre-Collegiate Training. Seniors meet once weekly from January to August for two hours. They attend regular workshops with other students in their Posse and Posse staff. These meetings pave the way to college by encouraging devotion to academics, team building, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills.

Campus Program

More than just paying a portion of college expenses, Posse works to support students through college. Once they have been placed at a university, Posse Scholars participate in the Campus Program. The Campus Program matches Posse Scholars with an on-campus mentor. This mentor meets with all the Posse Scholars together once a week. During their first two years, each Scholar will meet one-on-one with their mentor twice a month. Four times a year, the campus will be visited by Posse staff who will meet with the Scholars and their mentors as well as campus liaisons.

The most important role of a Posse mentor is to build a close relationship with Scholars and to encourage them to graduate from college. Individual bimonthly meetings are based, therefore, on academic performance, campus life, and goals. Group workshops follow through with leadership and team-building as experienced in PCT but add career development.

Career Program

Unlike most other college scholarships, Scholars are further supported through the Posse Career Program. Through the relationships that Posse has with graduate and professional schools and top-tier companies, students have the resources to secure highly competitive internships and jobs. The Career Program consists of five components: internship, career development workshops, career coaching, graduate + fellowship program, and the alumni network. As I mentioned above, we are not going to look at those components here; however, it is quite crystal clear already that long-term support is substantial with the Posse Foundation.

Then, the answer to “What is a Posse Scholarship? ” includes much more than the typical answer to “What is a merit-based scholarship? “. As you might have noticed, becoming a Posse Scholar is a good deal more than just having met the Posse Scholarship requirements.

Indeed, becoming a Posse Scholar means having a support system before, during, and after college.

That means Scholars will never be alone during their college experience no matter which of the Posse Scholarship schools they attend.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the Posse Scholarship Schools.

posse scholarship schools

To help their students succeed, Posse partners with Posse Scholarship schools. In addition, the Posse Scholarship schools are committed to helping Posse Foundation Scholarship recipients afford the cost of college and thrive. In practice, the Posse Scholarship schools provide various support to Posse Scholars, such as full-tuition scholarships and weekly faculty mentoring.

There are currently 60+ Posse Scholarship schools, placed all over the country. Below is a list of current Posse Scholarship schools. The schools listed with a notation of (V) are part of the Virtual Program. Those selected and trained in the Virtual Program will virtually engage in training and join geographically diverse cohorts to attend Posse Scholarship schools.

List of Posse Scholarship Schools

Agnes Scott College,　Illinois Wesleyan University,　The College of Wooster,
Babson College,　Kalamazoo College,　The George Washington University,
Bard College, Lafayette College Trinity College,
Boston University Lawrence University, Tulane University,
Brandeis University Lehigh University, Union College,
Bryn Mawr College Lewis & Clark College, University of California, Berkeley
Bucknell University Macalester College (V), University of Michigan,
California Institute of the Arts Middlebury College, University of North Carolina School of the Arts (V),
Carleton College, Mount Holyoke College, University of Notre Dame,
Case Western Reserve University (V), Northwestern University University of Puget Sound,
Centre College (V), Oberlin College University of Rochester,
Colby College Pepperdine University, University of Virginia (V),
Connecticut College Pomona College, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Cornell College (V), Purdue University (V), Vanderbilt University,
Cornell University, Rhodes College (V), Vassar College,
Davidson College (V), Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Villanova University,
DePauw University Sewanee: The University of the South Wellesley College
Dickinson College, Smith College, Wheaton College,
Franklin & Marshall College St. Olaf College (V), William & Mary (V)
Hamilton College Syracuse University,
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Texas A&M University

As you can see, you’ll find many highly-regarded colleges and universities on this list of Posse Scholarship schools. The top-ranked schools from all over the country have come together with Posse in an effort to make world-class education more achievable. As one might gather, Posse Scholars have access to some of the premier academic resources in the nation.
Now that you have an idea about the Posse Scholarship basics, you might be thinking about the application process for the Posse Foundation Scholarship. Next, we will talk about the eligibility for a Posse Foundation Scholarship, the Posse Scholarship requirements, and what Posse Foundation looks for.

Eligibility for a Posse Scholarship

Many students could actually qualify into a Posse Foundation scholarship. Since the process of recruiting by Posse is carried out in more than 20 cities, diverse geographic regions may stand a chance of being considered to win a Posse Scholarship. Meeting the requirement for a Posse Scholarship therefore qualifies one to get nominated through one’s high school or a community-based organization.
If you have been among those who ask yourself, “What is a merit-based scholarship?”, you may be wondering if the Posse Foundation Scholarship is one. Yes, the Posse Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship. That means the application is not constricted to any particular type of student from specific backgrounds or locations, and students of all identities can apply.

Posse Scholarship Nomination Process

The Posse Foundation identifies its scholars through the Dynamic Assessment Process. DAP uses “nontraditional forums” for the manifestation of competencies and talents among students every year in between September and December. It is a three-step assessment that involves an individual and a large-group interview. It does not consider academic performance as a basis of judging; instead, it determines the leadership potential and ability to work within a team, with further motivation to excel.

Students may be nominated as early as the second term of their junior year. For students, that means the Posse Scholarship should be included in those scholarships for high school juniors to apply for. Nomination cycles and Posse Scholarship deadlines differ between locations. Your local Posse Scholarship office can give you up-to-date information on all the important dates.
In addition to submitting on key deadlines, nominated students are required also to meet the requirements by the Posse Scholarship. Logically, every scholarship for college has some requirement; hence, let’s learn more about the Posse’s.

Posse Scholarships Requirements

Now, as we continue to understand the requirements for a Posse Scholarship. For any student to become qualified for a Posse Foundation Scholarship, they must:
Be in the first term of their senior year of high school
Must be nominated by either their high school or a community-based organization
Demonstrate their academic abilities and the potential to succeed
Must demonstrate leadership, in their high school, family, or community

Apply by the Posse Scholarship deadline

Most of the Posse Scholarship requirements are direct and straightforward. Nomination is a very important aspect of the requirements for a Posse Scholarship. This ascertains that only students whose abilities and potentials have been demonstrated and recognized can win. This way, all the students in the running are certain to have something to offer during the DAP.
However, some of the Posse Scholarship requirements are much more general and examine the qualities that Posse is looking for in their Scholars. What does demonstrating academic abilities look like? What does demonstrating leadership look like? Let us try to unpack these Posse Scholarship requirements by breaking down exactly what Posse is looking for when they grant their college scholarships.
What is it that Posse looks for?

Posse Scholarship requirements

It’s sometimes hard to know what type of student would be a good match for a Posse Foundation Scholarship. However, the Posse Foundation does offer a set of characteristics they seek in potential Posse Scholars. In a nutshell, the Posse Foundation is seeking students who are:
Leaders in their high school or broader community
Team players who have a demonstrated interest in working with people from a variety of backgrounds
Committed to their education-evidenced by a strong academic record

Positive, motivated, and ambitious

In essence, the Posse Foundation is looking to find future leaders. Whether it’s in government, a certain industry, or right here in your living room, Posse wants to ensure that future leaders have everything they need to be the best they can be. It’s no surprise that Scholars at Prestigious Posse Scholarship schools must demonstrate natural leadership skills and drive.
Leadership

Another critical requirement in the Posse Scholarship is leadership. Leaders tend to be people who act as “catalytic agents” and get people together for a common effort. Leadership experience could be found in school clubs, sports teams, volunteer organizations, or community groups.
The best leaders tend to be team players-they participate in many varied aspects of their institution and stand ready to help others. They don’t always take the lead with others and give orders, but know when and how to roll up their sleeves and get directly involved. Remember that you can be a leader without an official title or position. Consider the types of contributions you make to the groups you’re part of.

Education

Of all the requirements towards fulfilling the Posse Scholarship, education easily stands out as second to leadership in all ways. Attending college is no easy feat, and one always risks burnout from the stress and rigor that accompany college curricula. Students should thus be ready and willing to commit fully to pursuing their education in any one of the Posse Scholarship schools. An essential pre-requisite, therefore, is a proven academic record.
Strong grades and high test scores make for a compelling indicator that a student is capable of success. That does not mean, however, that students with lower GPAs are not taken into consideration. Showing improvement between terms in certain courses to illustrate your determination and desire to get better is a great thing to show. It will also be very beneficial for you if you take more challenging courses in subject areas that interest you.
How many students are awarded a Posse Scholarship every year?

Posse Scholarship acceptance rate

Every year, hundreds of students are awarded Posse Scholarships. For the year 2022, a total of 829 students were matched in a Posse, collectively earning $173.3 million in Posse Foundation Scholarships. These statistics include both the Posse cohorts from their traditional program and virtual program. It also includes Scholars from the first class of the Posse Arts Program.
Although it’s nice to know the number of students who will get the Posse Scholarship, you might also be curious to find out the acceptance rate for the Posse Scholarship. Actually, the foundation does not publish the Posse Scholarship acceptance rate on its website. However, in 2016, over 17,000 students were nominated for a Posse Scholarship and 718 were selected as Scholars. That is to say, the acceptance rate for Posse Scholarships was this low: as low as 4% from all nominated students.

What does a Posse Scholarship cover?

Well, students who are chosen for a Posse Foundation Scholarship will get full tuition at one of the Posse Scholarship schools. Obviously, this full-tuition scholarship can seriously lessen the cost of college. That said, it doesn’t cover all possible college expenses.

Other college scholarships will differ in what they cover. Having a Posse Foundation scholarship, you would still continue to have other expenses that may include room and board, school supplies, books, and transportation. Fortunately, Posse Foundation Scholars are still able to take advantage of other scholarships to college.

In addition to the full-tuition scholarship, Posse Scholars are provided with ongoing support during their four-year undergraduate college careers at the Posse Scholarship schools. Throughout the four-year period, Posse Foundation members, campus liaisons, and mentors will meet together with their Posse Scholars four times a year. As noted above, a Posse Scholar may also regularly meet with his/her on-campus mentor, either one on one or in a group setting.

How much does the posse scholarship give?

In addition, the Posse Foundation invites students on a weekend-long trip in spring called the PossePlus Retreat. Throughout the course of the weekend, students will pinpoint and discuss social issues important to them alongside faculty, administration, and other students.
Becoming a Posse Scholar

You might be selected to become a Posse Scholar if you meet all of the requirements for a Posse Scholarship. Part of becoming a Posse Scholar involves accepting an ED binding agreement to one of the Posse Scholarship schools. After selecting all the Scholars, the Posse in each city convenes in a ceremony to celebrate the newest class of students.
Being a Posse Scholar is a high honor and no small thing. It is a long-term commitment to your partnership with Posse. Just as Posse is dedicated to your future success, you’ll need to be dedicated to your Posse. Expect to engage with your cohort and the many resources Posse provides its scholars for many years to come.

5 Tips to Win a Posse Scholarship

1. Inquire about the Posse Scholarship with your counselor
Think you may fulfill all of the requirements of the Posse Scholarship? Be confident to ask if your counselor is part of the nomination network at Posse.

2. Practice your interview skills
The Dynamic Assessment Process is three rounds of both group and individual interviews. Prior to going, be prepared to speak to staff and other prospective scholars about your experiences.

3. All document and application requests are to be completed
All documents are due simultaneously with interviews, so be sure to check your email regularly, and stay current on all of the requirements set out by Posse Scholarship.

4. Reflect on strengths and weaknesses
Consider what aspects of yourself you would like to emphasize in your interview with Posse and how you might frame any lower scores.

5. Don’t let the deadline for the Posse Scholarship pass you by It is also of utmost importance to apply on time so one is considered; check in with the Posse program office in your city to keep you on track.

How to Win a Posse Scholarship

How to Win a Posse Scholarship

The Posse Scholarship Foundation