Nationally Competitive Scholarships
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TCU prides itself in preparing and supporting you in the application process for Nationally Competitive Scholarships—which can have a dramatic, life-changing impact on those who receive them.
These awards often fund unique opportunities, like cohort learning programs, study abroad programs, graduate studies, and more. A handful provide funding to support students while at TCU.
Tracy Rundstrom, Ph.D., the director of nationally competitive scholarships, is available to assist students in the preparation of applications and the convening of mock interview panels.
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See what it’s all about!
NCSs are funded opportunities offered by external sources, such as government agencies
and foundations, which support a specific mission and invest in exceptional individuals.
NCSs are competitive at the national and international level and tend to be highly
prestigious, offering the recipients not just significant funding, but incredible
opportunities to study, research, and connect with prestigious institutions and cohorts.
While these scholarships do not necessarily support costs of attending TCU, they provide
enhancements to your TCU degree which enrich your learning, broaden your network,
and set you apart.
Each award is different, and not all require a perfect GPA or a long resume. Rather, an ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate some of the following:
- Intellectual curiosity
- For some awards: a high GPA, proven intellectual and academic achievement
- Desire to significantly contribute to a better world
- Promise of professional excellence
- Demonstrated interest in a specific career or discipline
- Prior leadership experience and future potential
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge pressing issues
- Passion, compassion, and commitment
While the odds are long on many of these awards, students find the process of apply to be incredibly rewarding. There are a number of positive outcomes, such as:
- Feeling more confident about your skills and abilities
- Gaining a clearer sense of your goals and direction
- Improving your writing, critical thinking, and interviewing skills
- Articulating your sense of self and purpose
- Developing materials (personal statements, research proposals, and resumes) for job and/or graduate school applications