THE 2024 APPLICATION is NOW CLOSED
NEXT DEADLINE: SPRING 2025
Why Should You Apply?
You’re a high school sophomore. Note: Students whose parents did not graduate from college, or have limited English ability or limited financial resources, are especially encouraged to apply.
You dream of attending a top four-year university.
You would like to attend summer programs during high school and need guidance applying for financial aid to attend these programs.
You’re looking for mentorship opportunities, academic guidance, and support to keep track of important deadlines.
You’re interested in getting a full-ride college scholarship or other generous scholarships, and need guidance.
You would benefit from up to $5,000 in funding to cover costs associated with:
Preparing and taking AP tests and the SAT
Visiting your top colleges
Attending summer programs
Applying to college
Buying a new computer for college
and more.
ELIGIBILITY
You must:
Live or attend school in Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, or Yolo County.
Be a high school sophomore.
Submit a completed application, along with your transcript and two letters of recommendation by the application deadline.
You can demonstrate:
A record of academic success and a desire for academic and intellectual challenges.
Evidence of leadership, enterprise, and personal initiative.
A commitment to succeed and improve your community.
Personal resiliency, including the capacity to overcome adversity.
Note: Students whose parents did not graduate from college, or have limited English ability or limited financial resources, are especially encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
THE APPLICATION PROCESS INVOLVES:
A completed online application form
A copy of your high school transcript
Two completed online recommendation forms
Finalists Only: A virtual personal interview after your application has been reviewed.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Determine If You Meet The Eligibility Requirements
Please read carefully the eligibility requirements above.
STEP 2
Have TWO Recommenders Submit Their Recommendation Forms
If you meet the criteria, you will need TWO recommendations:
ONE recommendation MUST BE FROM A TEACHER,
The other can be from a teacher, counselor, school official, volunteer coordinator, employer, or community leader.
Notes:
We recommend you complete this step as soon as possible to ensure your recommenders have ample time to complete the online form by the deadline.
Recommenders may be contacted during the review and interview process.
STEP 3
Complete the Buck Fellows Online Application Form
All applications and recommendation forms must be submitted by THE DEADLINE
Helpful Tips:
The application does not save your progress, so we suggest you compose your five essays before beginning your application and view the first three slides of the application for more details. You can find the essay questions and more instructions HERE.
Mark Your Calendar
Personal interviews for all finalists will take place in the summer. New Fellows will be announced in mid to late summer 2024.
STEP 4
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it free to apply?
Yes, our program is completely free for students to apply.
Can sophomores only apply to the program?
Yes, only sophomores can apply to the Fellows Program.
Is this only available for certain areas (counties)?
Yes, we only serve students who attend schools or live in the following counties: Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, or Yolo County.
Can I still apply if I live in one county but attend school in another county?
Yes, as long as you attend or live in one of the counties we serve.
Is the program merit-based?
We implement a holistic approach when selecting future fellows. Students from various backgrounds, regardless of their family’s income and student GPA, have been accepted to the Fellows Program.
Is there a GPA or income cut-off?
We do not have a GPA or income cut-off for students applying to our program.
Did you receive all my materials?
If you’d like to check that all your materials have been received, please email us directly at info@buckscholars.org.
What is the time commitment like?
Students are required to schedule quarterly check-in meetings that last 1-1.5 hours each. Students who benefit the most from the program make the time throughout the year to:
Communicate closely with the BSA and connect with mentors via email/phone/in-person
Research and apply to summer programs and scholarship opportunities
Stay organized during the college admissions process
Do I have to do a summer program?
Students are highly encouraged to do a summer program between their junior and senior years that is aligned with their academic or career interests. We believe this not only helps students gain more insight into college-level work but also helps students boost their resume for the college application process.
Are interviews in person?
No, interviews currently take place virtually.
Email info@buckscholars.org with any other questions or comments.