Smart Start Scholarship
Our Scholarship
Welcome to the Smart Start Scholarship application page! This merit-based $5,000 scholarship is designed to recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual curiosity, a love for learning, and a superior level of academic work. To apply, candidates must submit an essay detailing how they plan to engage with their future studies.
The application also requires a recommendation letter from a teacher, professor, or educator, highlighting the student’s academic abilities, curiosity, and dedication to learning. Your recommender should upload the letter directly through our portal using this link. You can either share this link with them or direct them to the link at the top right of this page. Be sure to allow your recommender enough time before the deadline to complete and submit the letter.
How to Apply:
Please email us the following information at support@smartstartworld.org:
Your Email Subject Line: Smart Start Scholarship 2025
Student General Information: Student full name, student current academic institution OR most recent academic institution (if in a gap year), student high school GPA, and student state/country of residence.
Essay Submission: Submit a 500-word essay that describes how you will engage with your future studies. We are particularly interested in hearing about: your approach to academic challenges, how you plan to take full advantage of academic opportunities, specific areas of study or projects you’re passionate about, your long-term academic goals or intellectual pursuits you plan to follow.
In addition to the above, please supply a letter of recommendation. Here are the steps for the submission of the letter:
Have a professor who knows you well submit a letter of recommendation. This letter should focus on: Your academic work, curiosity, approach to new ideas, challenges, and learning, and any other qualities that demonstrate your potential for academic excellence.
The professor may submit this letter directly via the online submission portal here. If the letter has already been submitted to another institution on your behalf, you may provide it here as long as it meets the content requirements.
Deadline: February 20, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. All application materials including recommendation letter must be submitted by this date. Late submissions will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be currently enrolled as a high school senior (or the global equivalent) or planning to pursue undergraduate studies in the next academic school year.
You must be applying for an 4-year undergraduate or graduate program.
All materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Selection Process:
The scholarship will be awarded based on the quality of the essay and the professor’s letter of recommendation. Our committee will be looking for a candidate who demonstrates intellectual depth, curiosity, and the ambition to engage meaningfully with their academic future. Preference will be given to students who exhibit a passionate approach to their studies, with the willingness to explore new areas and tackle complex challenges.
We are excited to support students who are ready to take their academic journeys to the next level and make an impact in their chosen fields of study. If you’re ready to embrace intellectual growth and tackle the future with fearlessness and curiosity, we encourage you to apply!
