Eligibility

Currently, only incoming first-year (non-transfer) students from the U.S. are eligible to apply. In addition, you must have:

  • At least a 3.5 GPA
  • Evidence of leadership and service during high school
  • Demonstrated commitment to serving under-resourced communities

Students from all majors, including undeclared majors, are eligible to apply.

Application Process

Eligible students will be invited to apply to the Black Scholars Program. A complete admission file is needed in order to determine eligibility no later than January 26, 2024. This includes:

  • Unofficial or official high school transcripts
  • Official SAT or ACT scores, if you chose to include test scores in your application. Your BSP application will not be penalized if you applied test optional.
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you are invited to apply to the Black Scholars Program, you will be asked to complete a separate online application by February 16, 2024 where you will:

  • Write two short (300-word) essays
  • Provide a letter of recommendation

Your letter of recommendation should come from someone (other than a relative or a peer) who is knowledgeable about your experience, character, and qualifications, and who can speak to why you would be a good fit for the Black Scholars Program. 

If you are selected as a finalist, you will participate in a virtual interview with the BSP selection committee in mid-April. Final decisions will be emailed within a week after your interview. 

Dates & Deadlines

  • Late January: Deadline to submit missing materials (e.g. transcripts and/or test scores, if you chose to include them in your application) to be considered for the BSP program
  • Early February: If invited to apply to the Black Scholars Program, you will be notified via email
  • Mid-February: Deadline to submit BSP application
  • Mid-March: If selected as a finalist, you will be notified via email
  • Late March: Finalists will participate in a virtual interview with the BSP selection committee
  • Early April: Final decisions will be sent via email
  • May 1: Deadline to commit to USF and submit enrollment deposit