Application and Selection Process

The Leading Scholar Program is Michigan Technological University’s most prestigious scholarship opportunity, honoring exceptional high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to impact. Finalists are invited to participate in a competitive selection experience and compete for significant scholarship awards.

Leading Scholar Process Overview

High-school seniors who submit both their Leading Scholar application and Michigan Tech admissions application by November 15 will be considered for this premier scholarship program.

Our selection committee will carefully review all completed applications and invite approximately 1,300 finalists to participate in the Leading Scholar competition. Applicants will be notified of their status by November 30, and selected finalists must register to attend by December 15.

All finalists who participate in the competition will receive one of the Leading Scholar scholarships in recognition for their academic excellence and leadership potential.

Leading Scholar Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be high school seniors who are US citizens or permanent residents and who will enter college as a degree-seeking student in Fall 2026.

How To Apply

Complete the Leading Scholar Award application by November 15. Create an account using your personal email address and set your own password. If you have already set up your Application Portal or applied for Michigan Tech scholarships, log in to your current account.
Leading Scholar applicants must apply for admission to Michigan Tech by November 1. All supporting materials, such as official transcripts, must also be submitted by November 15.

Selection Process

Each application is evaluated using a scoring model which considers both the Leading Scholar application and Undergraduate admissions application.

Applicants who are selected as finalists will be invited to participate in an on-campus competition. As part of this experience, finalists will take part in an activity that will also be evaluated. Scores from both the written application and the on-campus activities will be combined with additional factors, such as academic credentials, to help guide final award decisions.

All components of the evaluation process are weighted to reflect the multitude of qualities we value in our scholars. This approach allows us to holistically consider each student’s academic achievements, leadership potential, and unique strengths to ensure a well-rounded and equitable selection process.