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Application Deadline: November 15, 2024

Leading Scholar Award

Michigan Tech’s premier Leading Scholar program recognizes resident and non-resident high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and scholarly achievements both in and outside the classroom.

All finalists who attend one of the on-campus events will receive one of the following scholarships which are valued between $2,000 per year up to full tuition.

Scholarship Values

Leading Scholar Award

Michigan Residents: full tuition, housing and food, and $1,000 stipend (approximately $32,346) per year

Non-Michigan Residents: full non-resident tuition (approximately $42,662) per year

Distinguished Leading Scholar Finalist

$4,500 per year

Commended Leading Scholar Finalist

$2,000 per year

Michigan Tech Leading Scholar

For full scholarship details including renewal criteria, please see the Leading Scholar Award Details.

Applicants not named finalists for the Leading Scholar Award may be selected for the Distinguished Leader Award based on their application materials. This award is automatic—there is no requirement to attend an on-campus event.

Essay Question for Fall 2025 Applicants

Write a one page essay response (3,000 character maximum including spaces) on the following topic:

Leaders have the ability to ask outstanding questions that make people think and inspire action. What question do you feel you should answer for this scholarship application? Tell us your question, and provide your answer—be sure to draw on your leadership experience or include your future leadership goals in your response. There is no wrong answer (or question), so have fun—and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Contact Us

Leading Scholar Committee

LeadingScholars@mtu.edu

906-487-2622

Top 20

in the nation with a median early-career pay of $71,000
Top 25

colleges for your money
13th

on the list of the 50 Best Value Public Colleges in America
93%

placement rate within six months of graduation

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Additional Details

Who Should Apply

Academically talented high school seniors with leadership experience are encouraged to apply. In general, applicants should meet the following academic guidelines:

3.30 or higher cumulative GPA at time of application (on a 4.00 scale)

Finalists will be selected based on acceptance status, essay, and involvement.

How to Apply

Students must apply for admission to Michigan Tech by November 1.
Complete the Leading Scholar Award application by November 15. Create an account using your personal email address and set your own password. If you have already set up your Application Portal or applied for Michigan Tech scholarships, log in to your current account.

What We Are Looking For

The University Scholarship Committee is interested in getting to know you. Students will be evaluated on not only the leadership experiences highlighted in their essay, but in the way the information is conveyed through writing. The committee will also consider the students' involvement both inside and outside the classroom. We receive over 1,400 applications each year for this award—the essay plays a large role in the selection process. We advise you to avoid writing your resume in essay format. Inject your personality and think creatively to set yourself apart!

Essay Tips

Do your best to think of a question and response that will best convey your leadership experiences to us. We want to know who you are, get a glimpse of your personality, and learn about the positive qualities that you will bring to Michigan Tech.
Don't think about what we want to read--think about what you want to write about.
We encourage your essay to focus not only on your accomplishments, but on the type of person you have become as a result of those achievements.
Try to avoid writing a resume and instead focus on how you have used the skills you have gained to positively influence a leadership outcome or experience.
Your essay response is limited to a maximum of 3000 characters including spaces. You may return to your essay any time before the deadline to make changes to your essay submission.
With these suggestions in mind, ensure that your essay is well written, free of errors, follows the instructions, and is submitted on time. The application system will close at 11:59 p.m. (eastern time) on November 15—late submissions will not be accepted.

Important Dates

November 15: Leading Scholar applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (eastern time). You must also have a completed application for admission on file by this date.
December 15: Finalists are selected and notified no later than December 15. Notification will be made on the Leading Scholar application portal. Students not selected as a finalist will be notified on the application portal.
January 10, 13, 17, 24, 27, and 31: On-campus in-person finalist event. Finalists will register to attend one event.
Mid-March: Award notifications are mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students are invited to campus for the competition?

Each year we receive over 1,400 applications and approximately 850 finalists attend the on-campus competition. Finalists will have six different dates to choose from and should register for the day that works best for their schedule.

How many finalists receive the Leading Scholar Award?

All finalists who attend one of the on-campus events will receive one of three scholarships. The total number of full-tuition scholarships awarded will be dependent upon final evaluations but will not exceed more than 20 between resident and non-resident awards. For scholarship details including renewal criteria, please see the Leading Scholar Award Details.

Do I need to attend the on-campus Leading Scholar event to be considered?

Yes, finalists must attend one of the on-campus events to be considered for the Leading Scholar Award. Finalists will have six different dates to choose from and should register for the day that works best for their schedule.

If I’m selected as a finalist, do I need to prepare anything for the competition?

No, you do not need to study or prepare anything in advance. As part of the scholarship selection process, you will participate in activities where you will be evaluated on leadership skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, academic curiosity, and more.

Where can I find out more information about the on-campus event?

The program for the day will include engaging leadership activities and interactions with other finalists, current leading scholars, and faculty from your department of interest. A detailed schedule will be mailed to all selected finalists in December. After you register for the event, we encourage you to attend a live informational webcast to learn what to expect during the competition. You will receive an email with details and the link to participate. Additionally, you can email LeadingScholars@mtu.edu for more information.

In the case of inclement weather, will my day be rescheduled?

In the event of inclement weather, please email LeadingScholars@mtu.edu. We have limited space open for each day but will do our best to register you for a different day.

Can I switch days?

We have limited space open for each day. Please plan carefully and register for the day that works best with your schedule. Email LeadingScholars@mtu.edu in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.

What should I wear to the on-campus event?

The dress attire is business casual—no jeans, but suits and dresses are not necessary. There will be snow on the ground, so we recommend you bring a coat and boots or sensible shoes for walking outdoors on campus

What lodging is available during my visit?

A variety of local lodging options are available—visit our lodging page for a complete list. Please note: Hotels fill up quickly, so we recommend you make your reservations early.

Can I add additional guests after completing registration?

Yes. Please email LeadingScholars@mtu.edu.

I have a food allergy. What will you be serving for lunch?

We try our best to accommodate all food allergies. Please provide your dietary restrictions in the event registration form.

How are the awards disbursed?

The scholarship will be added to your financial aid package and applied directly to your student bill each fall and spring semester.

Can international students apply?

Michigan Tech’s Leading Scholar Award Program recognizes domestic resident and non-resident high school seniors.