Gates Millennuim Scholarship Timeline

When the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the $1 billion Gates Millennium Scholars Program, it had students like yours in mind—young people who perform well not only academically, but also exhibit leadership skills and do their part to serve the community. Academic achievement, community service and leadership remain the three key selection criteria.

If your child is eligible for consideration as a Gates Millennium Scholar, here are ways you can help him or her be the strongest possible candidate throughout high school and year by year.
Every Year of High School, Your Student Should...


Strive for academic excellence. Starting sophomore year, your student must commit to the highest grades in the most rigorous, challenging courses available, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Honors courses. (See sidebar) Your student can earn college credits by performing well on AP exams, typically given at the end of a semester/school year. Find exam schedules and more information at theCollege Board's AP web site.

If your student's school does not offer AP courses, encourage him or her to take the most rigorous course of study available and strive for A's.

Be involved in the community. Improving the lives of others through activities, projects and volunteer work is not only richly rewarding. It shows character, leadership and a concern for others—traits valued by colleges and essential for a healthy society. Encourage your child to give some of his/her time back to the community. Numerous opportunities exist—tutoring younger students, working with the elderly--and each is rewarding in its own way. Perhaps there's a way you can volunteer together.

Be involved at school. Belonging to clubs or organizations is an excellent way to show leadership, as is belong to volunteer and community organizations. Extracurricular activities develop teamwork and leadership skills and reflect positively on a college application—as long as the involvement is selective. Your child should focus on one or two clubs--the ones that provide the best opportunities for leadership. Colleges would rather see consistent, dedicated participation and a leadership role in one or two organizations than less-committed membership in a long list.

Develop important relationships. Teachers, counselors, principals and other educators are dedicated to their students' success and usually eager to offer support any way they can. Your student should be proactive in fostering relationships with these professionals. They can help your child develop leadership skills, plan for college, explore scholarship options and potentially nominate him or her for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

Relationships with community leaders can expand your student's personal and professional perspectives and resumes, as well as introduce him or her to a possibleGMS Recommender.

Research colleges and scholarships in the guidance office and online. In addition to exploring the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, visit free, reputable scholarship websites such as FastWeb.com and Scholarships.com.

In Grade 12, Your Student Should...

Above all, avoid "senioritis!" Colleges want to see strong second final grades. In fact, colleges can—and do—withdraw acceptances if final grades are unsatisfactory.

Meet with the guidance counselor to review college and scholarship applications and stay on track.

Keep investigating possible majors and careers.

Apply for colleges. He/she should start early in the fall and leave plenty of time to write essays, collect information, contact references, obtain transcripts and take all other required steps.

Apply for scholarships and financial aid. Your student will need your assistance to fill out your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.

If you are a member of an eligible group, apply for a Gates Millennium Scholars scholarship.