Park Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by North Carolina State University
Overview
The Park Scholarships program seeks students who demonstrate scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The Park Scholarships application is separate from NC State’s undergraduate admissions process. Prospective applicants who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; the application for 2026–2027 will open in mid‑August. Follow both the NC State admission instructions and the Park Scholarships application steps to ensure full consideration.
Description: A merit scholarship program at NC State that evaluates academic achievement and personal qualities through a separate application process.
- Application is separate from NC State admissions.
- Selection based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
- 2026–2027 Park application opens in mid‑August.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Park Scholarships includes academic, residency, and enrollment conditions. Applicants must be first‑year students applying for fall admission into an NC State baccalaureate program; transfer students are not eligible. Candidates should meet the minimum unweighted GPA requirement and satisfy the residency or high‑school graduation criteria. Meeting these baseline requirements is necessary to proceed with the Park application.
Eligibility: Basic qualifications that candidates must satisfy to be considered for the award.
- Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.80 (non‑rounded).
- U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or graduating from a U.S. high school.
- Must apply as a fall, first‑year student to an NC State baccalaureate program.
- Not open to transfer applicants.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must complete two distinct steps: submit an NC State undergraduate admission application and complete the Park Scholarships application. Both must be completed by 11:59 p.m. ET on the November due date specified each year. The Park application includes specific components such as recommendations and essays that complement the NC State admission materials. Carefully review deadlines and submission instructions so both applications are received on time.
Application Timeline: Submit NC State admission and Park Scholarships applications by the November deadline; the Park application opens mid‑August for the 2026–2027 cycle.
- Submit NC State undergraduate admission application by the November deadline.
- Complete and submit the Park Scholarships application by 11:59 p.m. ET on the November due date.
- Park application opens mid‑August for the 2026–2027 cycle.
Application Components
The Park Scholarships application requires several specific items that support holistic review. Applicants must submit two recommendations, provide details about advanced coursework, and write two essays as part of the Park application. These materials are evaluated alongside information from the NC State admission application to form a complete picture of each candidate. Ensure all Park application components are complete and submitted by the stated deadline.
Requirements: Elements you must provide directly to the Park Scholarships application.
- Two recommendations submitted for the Park application.
- Information about advanced coursework completed.
- Two essays required by the Park application.
Materials Reviewed from NC State Application and Test Scores
In addition to Park application materials, the selection committee reviews several items from the NC State admission application to inform decisions. These include activities and honors, the NC State personal essay and short answers (including optional short answers), and the applicant transcript. ACT and/or SAT scores are considered only if the applicant submits them to NC State and requests they be used in admission; Park Scholarships does not have access to general recommendations submitted to NC State.
Review: NC State admission materials the Park Scholarships committee will examine as part of the evaluation.
- Activities and honors, personal essay, and NC State short‑answer responses.
- Official transcript is reviewed.
- ACT/SAT scores are optional; considered only if provided to NC State for admission.
- General recommendations submitted to NC State are not visible to the Park committee.