The Dell Scholarship

The Dell Scholarship awards money for college to low-income students with grit, ambition, and determination. Read on to find out more about the scholarship and how to apply.

What Is the Dell Scholarship?

The Dell Scholarship helps students from underrepresented backgrounds afford college and fulfill their academic dreams. The Dell Scholarship considers the obstacles that low-income students face in their school and home lives. That’s why the scholarship committee prioritizes ambition and determination over GPA.

The Dell Scholarship awards students for who they are, not what their academic records show. A student with drive and future goals sometimes says much more about a student than a perfect GPA. 

How Much Is the Dell Scholarship?

The Dell Scholarship awards $20,000 scholarships, plus a laptop and textbook credits. 300 deserving students receive the scholarship every year. The scholarship is not renewable.

Recipients may use the award towards tuition, fees, books, and room and board. In some situations, students may use the money for internships and study abroad.

As a Dell scholarship winner, you’ll receive much more than money. You’ll become part of a support network of other students, peer mentors, and Dell Scholars staff. You’ll receive resources for stress management, debt management, and childcare. Throughout college, you’ll receive ongoing support to help you succeed.

What Are the Dell Scholarship Requirements?

To qualify for the Dell Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S citizen.

• Show financial need and qualify to receive a Pell Grant in your first year of college.

• Take part in an approved college readiness program as a junior and senior in high school.

• Show a desire and ability to overcome barriers and achieve your goals.

• Be on track to graduate from an accredited high school.

• Have a minimum 2.4 GPA.

• Be entering a bachelor’s degree program in the fall after high school.

Scholarship winners tend to be students who have overcome obstacles. They show a willingness to succeed and plans for future goals. They also show motivation in difficult coursework.

How to Apply for the Dell Scholarship?

To apply for the Dell Scholarship, you must complete a Dell Scholars application online. The online application will ask you questions about the following:

• Basic personal information
• Basic information about your parents
• Information about your high school transcript
• Information about your GPA and test scores
• Top 3 college choices and intended major
• Short essay questions

The short essay questions will cover a variety of topics. Examples include discussing the challenges you expect to face transitioning to college. Another example includes writing about your home and work responsibilities.

After submitting the initial application, you will wait to hear if you are a semi-finalist. As a semi-finalist, you’ll have to submit official documents. These include high school transcripts, a student aid report from the FAFSA, and an online recommendation.

When Is the Dell Scholarship Deadline?

The Dell Scholarship timeline is as follows:

• October 1- The Dell Scholarship opens.

• December 1- The Dell Scholarship closes. 

• December 10- Semifinalists announced.

• January 29- Semifinalists’ materials due.

• May 6- Dell Scholarship winners announced.

Tips for Winning the Dell Scholarship

Now let’s get to the super important stuff- how to actually win the scholarship. Here are some tips to get you started on the path to success:

• Show your grit and ambition in the short essay questions. Remember, your character matters a lot more than your test scores and GPA! Describe the challenges you have overcome in the past and your determination to succeed.

• Read the essay questions over several times. Make sure you pay attention to all parts of the questions and answer them completely.

• Proofread your application before submitting it! Make sure that there are no spelling mistakes.
• Choose a good person to recommend you. Select somebody who knows you well! This person should know about your academic history and your personal life. If you can, choose a teacher or somebody who works in your school.

Final Thought

The Dell Scholarship awards low-income students with money for college. It also provides students with an excellent support system to help them succeed in college. On the application be sure to impress the committee with your determination and motivation to succeed despite challenging obstacles standing in your way. This is more important than a GPA, though you do need at least a 2.4 GPA to apply. 

Overall, the Dell scholarship is an excellent opportunity students should definitely take advantage of.