First-Year Student Scholarships

As part of the scholarship application, you'll be asked to highlight your leadership and involvement throughout high school. This could include sports, clubs, part-time jobs, awards, volunteer work and more.

Tip: Before you start your application, take a few minutes to list out your extracurriculars—it'll make the process smoother and help you tell your story.

You'll answer two short essay prompts (500 words or less) that help us learn more about your goals, experiences and what drives you.

Important: You must write your own response. AI-generated content is not allowed. 

Essay 1 - Required 
Please describe your career aspirations. What led you to choose the major you chose? What do you intend to do with your major? What impact do you hope to have on your community/society once in your chosen career? 

Essay 2 - Required
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 

Tip: Draft your response ahead of time so you can submit your best work when you are ready to apply.

Scholarships from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are awarded for one academic year and split in two equal payments—one for the fall semester and one for the spring semester.

To be considered for scholarships each year, current students must submit a new application every spring.

Heads up: Some other UK scholarships may renew automatically each year, so be sure to check the details for each one!