Home / Scholarships / High school seniors

The Gates Scholarship · Direct application

The Gates Scholarship

Last updated by Wonaride on September 1, 2026

Eligibility

Location

United States

Education level

High school senior

GPA

3.3 unweighted minimum

Need

Pell-eligible incoming freshman

About this scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar award for outstanding, Pell-eligible incoming freshmen. It covers the cost of attendance that grants and other aid do not — tuition, housing, books, and a laptop. Selection weighs academics, leadership, and financial need. You will need a counselor recommendation, an official transcript, and a personal essay about the future you are trying to buy. U.S. citizenship, nationality, or permanent residency is required. The unweighted GPA floor is 3.3. This is not a $1,000 drawing; it is a full-ride gap closer, which is why the packet is heavier.

What else to submit

• Official transcript
• Counselor recommendation
• Personal essay (500–800 words)
• FAFSA / need documentation

Common questions

Related scholarships

• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

  $30,000 · Jan 14, 2027 at 5 p.m. ET

• UNCF Scholarships

  $5,000 · Varies by partner fund; many close in spring

• Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

  $165,000 · Dec 9, 2026

• Hagan Scholarship

  $60,000 · Dec 1, 2026

Keep exploring

• Scholarships for High School SeniorsScholarships to check in senior year. Compare award amounts, application dates, GPA rules, and required materials before starting an essay.
• Need-Based ScholarshipsCompare need-based scholarship opportunities. Review income and financial-aid requirements, award terms, deadlines, and supporting documents.
• First-Generation College ScholarshipsExplore first-generation scholarship opportunities. Check each sponsor’s definition, award amount, financial requirements, and application deadline.
• Scholarships for Black StudentsScholarship opportunities for Black students. Compare sponsor eligibility rules, award amounts, application dates, and required references or essays.
• Jack Kent Cooke College ScholarshipJack Kent Cooke College Scholarship — Up to $55,000 per year. Nov 11, 2026. See eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
• Burger King Scholars ProgramBurger King Scholars Program — $1,000–$60,000. Dec 15, 2026, or when 30,000 applications are received. See eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.