How to Apply for the Coca Cola Scholarship and Become a Coca Cola Scholar

Are you a high school senior who wants to pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the world? Do you have a passion for leadership, service, and excellence? If yes, then you might be eligible for the Coca-Cola scholarship, one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships in the United States.

The Coca-Cola scholarship program awards 150 high school seniors $20,000 each for their first year of college. It emphasizes leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation exists to bring better to the world through investment in exceptional high school students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others.

In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Coca-Cola scholarship, including what it is, who can apply, how to apply, and some frequently asked questions. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to become a Coca-Cola scholar and join a network of more than 6,300 alumni who are changing the world for the better.

What is the Coca Cola Scholarship?

The Coca Cola Scholarship is a four-year achievement-based scholarship that recognizes and rewards high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. The scholarship covers up to $20,000 for the first year of college and can be renewed for up to three additional years, depending on the student’s academic performance and continued involvement in leadership and service activities.

The Coca Cola scholarship is not based on financial need, ethnicity, or any other factor besides merit. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States, and who are planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.

The Coca Cola scholarship is more than just a financial award. It is also a lifelong opportunity to join a network of Coca Cola scholars who share a common vision of making the world a better place. As a Coca Cola scholar, you will have access to various benefits, such as:

• A Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, where you will meet other scholars, attend leadership development sessions and participate in a group community service project.
• A Mentoring Program, where you will be paired with a Coca Cola scholar alumni who will guide you through your college journey and beyond.
• A Regional Council, where you will connect with other scholars and alumni in your area and engage in local events and activities.
• A Leadership Summit, where you will reunite with your cohort and learn from inspiring speakers and leaders.
• A Scholars Association, where you will become a member of a global community of Coca Cola scholars and alumni who support each other and collaborate on various initiatives and causes.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Coca Cola Scholarship

To be eligible for the Coca Cola scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school (or home-schooled) senior attending school in the United States (or select DoD schools).
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of your junior year of high school.
• Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• Not be a child or grandchild of employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, company divisions, or subsidiaries.

How to Apply for the Coca Cola Scholarship

The application process for the Coca Cola scholarship consists of two phases: the online application and the semifinalist application.

Online Application

The online application is the first and most important step to applying for the Coca Cola scholarship. The online application opens in August and closes on October 31st of each year. You can access the online application through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

The online application requires you to provide basic information about yourself, your academic achievements, your extracurricular activities, and your leadership and service experiences. You will also need to answer three short essay questions that will help the selection committee evaluate your potential as a Coca Cola scholar. The essay questions are:

• Describe your most significant endeavor since entering high school that demonstrates your leadership and creativity.
• Describe a situation in which you were involved or witnessed where someone took a stand for what was right.
• Describe a challenge you anticipate facing in the next 10 years and how you see yourself meeting it.

The online application also requires you to submit a transcript of your grades and a list of your senior-year courses. You do not need to submit any letters of recommendation, test scores, or financial information.

The online application is very competitive, as only about 2,000 applicants out of more than 100,000 will advance to the next phase. Therefore, you should make sure to complete your online application carefully and thoroughly and showcase your best qualities and achievements.

Semifinalist Application

If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be notified by email in mid-November. You will then have to complete a semifinalist application, which is due by the end of December. The semifinalist application requires you to provide more detailed information about yourself, your academic performance, your extracurricular involvement, and your plans. You will also need to submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, mentors, or other adults who can attest to your character and potential. You will also need to submit an official transcript of your grades and a copy of your SAT or ACT scores.

The semifinalist application is also very competitive, as only about 250 applicants out of 2,000 will advance to the final phase. Therefore, you should make sure to complete your semifinalist application carefully and thoroughly, and highlight your achievements and goals.

Finalist Selection and Interview

If you are selected as a finalist, you will be notified by email in late January. You will then have to participate in a regional interview, which will take place in February or March. The regional interview is a 20-minute panel interview with Coca Cola scholars alumni and staff, who will ask you questions about your background, your interests, your aspirations, and your views on various topics. The regional interview is the final and most important step to becoming a Coca Cola scholar, as it will determine whether you will receive the scholarship or not.

The regional interview is also very challenging, as only about 150 applicants out of 250 will receive the scholarship. Therefore, you should prepare well for your regional interview, and practice your communication and presentation skills.

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FAQs about the Coca Cola Scholarship

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Coca Cola scholarship, along with their answers.

How many Coca Cola scholarships are awarded each year?

The Coca Cola scholarship program awards 150 scholarships of $20,000 each for the first year of college, and up to $80,000 over four years, depending on the student’s academic performance and continued involvement in leadership and service activities.

What are the benefits of being a Coca Cola scholar?

The Coca Cola scholarship is more than just a financial award. It is also a lifelong opportunity to join a network of Coca Cola scholars who share a common vision of making the world a better place. As a Coca Cola scholar, you will have access to various benefits, such as a Scholars Weekend, a Mentoring Program, a Regional Council, a Leadership Summit, and a Scholars Association.

What are the selection criteria for the Coca Cola scholarship?

The Coca Cola scholarship is based on merit, not on financial need, ethnicity, or any other factor besides merit. The selection criteria for the Coca Cola scholarship are:

• Leadership: The ability to influence and inspire others, to take initiative and responsibility, to demonstrate integrity and courage, and to make a positive difference in the world.

• Academic Excellence: The ability to excel academically, to pursue rigorous and challenging courses, to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and creativity, and to achieve outstanding results.

• Community Involvement: The ability to engage in meaningful and diverse activities, to serve and contribute to the community, to collaborate and cooperate with others, and to demonstrate compassion and empathy.

How can I prepare for the Coca Cola scholarship application and interview?

The best way to prepare for the Coca Cola scholarship application and interview is to be yourself and to showcase your best qualities and achievements. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Start your online application early and complete it carefully and thoroughly. Make sure to answer all the questions and provide all the required information. Proofread your application and check for any errors or inconsistencies.

• Write your essays clearly and concisely. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Show your personality and voice, and avoid clichés and generalizations. Be honest and authentic, and avoid exaggerating or embellishing your accomplishments.

• Choose your recommenders wisely and ask them in advance. Pick people who know you well and can speak to your character and potential. Provide them with a copy of your resume and a summary of your goals and aspirations. Thank them for their support and follow up with them to ensure they submit their letters on time.

• Request your transcript and test scores early and make sure they are accurate and up-to-date. If you have any discrepancies or extenuating circumstances that might affect your academic performance, explain them in your application, in an additional information section of your application, or a separate email to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
• Prepare well for your regional interview and be confident and enthusiastic. Research the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and its mission and values. Review your application and essays and be ready to elaborate on them. Anticipate possible questions and practice your answers. Dress professionally and arrive on time. Be respectful and courteous to the interviewers and other finalists. Smile, make eye contact, and express your gratitude and interest in the scholarship.

Conclusion

The Coca Cola Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship that recognizes and rewards high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. The scholarship covers up to $20,000 for the first year of college, and can be renewed for up to three additional years, depending on the student’s academic performance and continued involvement in leadership and service activities. The scholarship also provides various benefits and opportunities to join a network of Coca Cola scholars who share a common vision of making the world a better place.

If you are interested in applying for the Coca Cola scholarship, you should start your online application as soon as possible and complete it by October 31st. You should also prepare well for your semifinalist application and your regional interview and showcase your best qualities and achievements. By following these steps, you will increase your chances of becoming a Coca Cola scholar and joining a network of more than 6,300 alumni who are changing the world for the better.