The Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program is a competitive merit grant that acknowledges the smartest and brightest students at Simmons University who are interested in a transformative education. This is Simmons’ most distinguished award, and it recognizes distinction in study abroad, scholarly research, and intellectual curiosity.

The Kotzen Scholarship covers full tuition, lodging and board, as well as an additional $3,000 for academic pursuits such as study abroad, research assistance, and other opportunities. This scholarship is offered for four years of full-time undergraduate education and replaces any previously awarded merit scholarship.

• Host University: Simmons University
• Location: USA
• Deadline: December 1, 2023
• Duration: 4 years
• Level of study: Bachelor’s degree and supersedes any previously awarded merit scholarship

Scholarship Benefits:

• Free tuition
• Room and board
• $3000
• Research and academics such as study abroad support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Apply for the autumn semester as a first-year student.
• You can decide whether to submit your test results with your admission application since Simmons is a test-optional institution. For individuals choosing to submit test results, a 28 on the ACT and a 1300 or higher on the SAT are required.
• Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS, TOEFL fundamentals, SAT/ACT results, or Duolingo English Test).
• Unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Math curriculum during high school at a different level
• Any certificate of honor, advanced placement at AP and international baccalaureate students took during their high school

Essay prompts:

Two essays of the following title:

• How would you use your additional annual award of $3000 (for study abroad, short-term courses, summer internship tuition, and/or research support)? (maximum 250 words)
• Formal essay: Some people argue that leaders are born, not made, while others defend the opposite view, namely that leaders are “made.” Write an essay in which you defend one view or that other. Explain it with a clear example of a leader, either from history or from your own personal experience to support your argument. (Maximum 500 words).

Note: Your essay must be in PDF or Word format.

How to apply?

The application package consists of a short answer and a formal essay answering the essay prompts above. Applicants should also submit a resume including activities and involvements. Essays and resume format is PDF or Word Doc and must be submitted via email with the subject line “Kotzen Application” by December 1. Please note that each page of the document must consist the student’s full name and date of birth.

• By December 1, 2023 applicants must have completed and submitted both their scholarship application and their admission application to the University.
• In mid-January, finalists for scholarship consideration will be notified.
• Finalists chosen for scholarship consideration will be required to complete an interview in February.
• By March 1, recipients will be contacted.

Submission Email: ugadm@simmons.edu 

For further information about Kotzen Scholarship, please visit Simmon University’s website.

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