Dell Scholarship

What Is the Dell Scholarship?

The Dell Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship designed to support students who have overcome significant challenges and are committed to earning a bachelor’s degree. 

Dell Scholars are selected based on their grit, potential, and ambition—qualities that help them persist through college and successfully graduate.

Beyond financial assistance, Dell Scholars receive a comprehensive support system, including mentorship, academic resources, and wellness services to help them navigate the challenges of higher education.

Who Is Eligible for the Dell Scholarship?

The Dell Scholars Program is designed to support hardworking students from underserved backgrounds who demonstrate financial need, determination, and a commitment to completing a bachelor’s degree. 

Unlike merit-based scholarships, this program focuses on students’ potential and resilience rather than just grades or test scores.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Dell Scholars Program, applicants must:

• Be a high school senior on track to graduate in the current academic year
• Participate in a college readiness program approved by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in grades 11 and 12
• Be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant in their first year of college
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university immediately after high school
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 on a 4.0 scale

Note: Standardized test scores are not required for this scholarship. Instead, the selection committee evaluates applicants based on their commitment to education, personal circumstances, and demonstrated perseverance.

Importance of Financial Need and Community Involvement

The Dell Scholars Program is need-based, meaning applicants must demonstrate financial need to qualify. To verify this, students must be Pell Grant eligible, which is determined through their FAFSA application.

Although community involvement is not among the formal Dell Scholarship requirements, applicants who show resilience in overcoming challenges—such as balancing work, family responsibilities, or personal hardships—stand out in the selection process. 

The program looks for students who have demonstrated perseverance and determination in their academic and personal lives.

Bottom Line: The Dell Scholars Program is ideal for motivated students from low-income backgrounds who have faced challenges but remain committed to achieving a bachelor’s degree.

Dell Scholarship Requirements

The Dell Scholars Program has a structured application process that evaluates students based on their financial needs, commitment to education, and perseverance. 

While standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are not required, applicants must submit several key documents to be considered.

Necessary Documents for the Application

• Completed Online Application: Available on the Dell Scholars Program website during the application period
• High School Transcript: Must reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 on a 4.0 scale
• Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA: Confirms Pell Grant eligibility, which is a requirement for this need-based scholarship
• College Readiness Program Verification: Proof that the applicant has participated in an approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12

Details on Essays, Letters of Recommendation, and Transcripts

The Dell Scholars Program does not require standardized test scores or formal letters of recommendation. 

However, applicants must:

• Answer several short-answer essay questions: These responses help the selection committee understand the applicant’s background, challenges, and commitment to earning a college degree
• Provide a transcript: Used to verify that the applicant meets the minimum 2.4 GPA requirement

Any Additional Materials Required?

• Proof of College Enrollment (if selected as a finalist): Winners must provide official confirmation of full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year college or university
• Acceptance of Dell Scholars Support Services: Recipients gain access to mentoring, teletherapy, textbook credits, and a laptop, making it essential to participate in the program’s ongoing support network

How to Apply for the Dell Scholarship

Applying for the Dell Scholars Program is a straightforward online process, but students must ensure they submit all required materials before the deadline. 

The program evaluates grit, potential, and ambition, so thoughtful responses are crucial to a strong application.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

• Access the application on the Dell Scholars Program website.
• Provide basic personal and academic details, including your high school transcript and college readiness program participation.

Step 2: Answer Short Essay Questions

• The application requires short-answer responses that highlight:
  • Personal challenges you’ve overcome
  • Your commitment to earning a college degree
  • How you plan to succeed in college despite obstacles
• There are no word limits, but clear, well-structured answers are key.

Step 3: Submit Financial Documents

• Upload your Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA to confirm Pell Grant eligibility.
• Ensure financial need information is accurate and up to date.

Step 4: Submit the Application by December

• Double-check that all sections are complete before submitting.
• Late applications are not accepted, so submit early to avoid last-minute issues.

Step 5: If Selected, Complete the Semifinalist Phase

• Semifinalists are notified and must submit:
  • Updated transcript
  • Proof of college readiness program participation
  • Additional financial documents (if requested)
• Finalists are announced in March.

How to Submit Required Materials

• Upload documents directly to the online application portal.
• Ensure all answers are complete and accurate before final submission.
• Use a valid email address to receive important updates and notifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

• Forgetting Required Documents: Double-check that your transcript, FAFSA report, and proof of college readiness program participation are included.
• Skipping the Essay Questions: These responses help judges understand your story, so don’t leave them blank or rush through them.
• Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Financial Information: Ensure your FAFSA and Pell Grant eligibility details are accurate.
• Missing the Deadline: Late submissions are not accepted.

Dell Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates

The 2024 Dell Scholars Program application cycle is currently ongoing, with finalists set to be announced on March 18, 2025. 

While applications for 2024 are closed, students interested in applying for 2025 should stay informed, as the next cycle’s dates will be announced later this year.

Current Application Deadlines (2024 Cycle)

• Application Opens: October 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 (Closed)
• Semifinalists Announced: December 10, 2024
• Semifinalist Materials Due: January 27, 2025 (Closed)
• Dell Scholars Announced: March 18, 2025

Important Note: The 2025 cycle dates will be announced later this year. Be sure to check the Dell Scholars Program website for updates.

Key Timeline for Students to Follow

• October–December
  • Application period (Closed as of December 1, 2024)
  • Students should begin preparing documents, short-answer responses, and FAFSA submissions for next year’s cycle.
• December–January
  • December: Semifinalists announced
  • January: Semifinalist materials due (transcript updates, proof of college readiness program participation, and financial documents)
• March
  • Dell Scholars announced
  • Scholarship recipients will receive funding, a laptop, Chegg textbook credits, and access to personalized support services.
• Mid-2025
  • 2025 application cycle dates announced—students should prepare to apply as soon as the next cycle opens.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

The Dell Scholars Program prioritizes students who demonstrate grit, ambition, and financial need. A strong application highlights your commitment to overcoming challenges and completing college.

What Scholarship Judges Look for in an Applicant

• Perseverance: Share obstacles you’ve faced and how you stayed committed to your education.
• College Readiness: Show participation in a college readiness program in 11th and 12th grade.
• Financial Need: Ensure your FAFSA confirms Pell Grant eligibility.
• Commitment to Graduation: Explain your motivation to earn a bachelor’s degree.

How to Write Strong Short-Answer Responses

• Be personal and authentic. Share real struggles and growth.
• Show resilience: Explain how you overcame challenges.
• Be clear and direct: Answer thoroughly but concisely.

The Role of Community Service & Leadership

• Leadership at Home & Work: If you’ve helped support your family or worked a job, mention it.
• Volunteer Efforts: While not required, showing initiative in helping others can strengthen your application.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dell Scholarship

How competitive is the Dell Scholars Program?

About 500 students are selected annually from thousands of applicants, making it highly competitive.

Can I apply if I’m already in college?

No, applicants must be high school seniors enrolling in a four-year college.

How will I receive the scholarship money?

Funds are sent directly to the student’s school for tuition, books, and expenses.

How much is the Dell Scholarship?

Each Dell Scholar receives $20,000, plus a laptop, textbook credits, and access to mentorship and wellness resources to support them through college.