Palmetto Fellows Scholarship | Requirements, How to Apply and Contact
The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based program offered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to graduating high school seniors in South Carolina.
This scholarship provides significant financial assistance for students pursuing a degree in a science or mathematics field at an eligible South Carolina institution.
If you’re a high-achieving student from South Carolina with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship could be a great way to fund your college education.
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Requirements
For you be eligible for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you must meet the following general and academic criteria:
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- Be a resident of South Carolina for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the application deadline.
- Have no felony convictions.
- Not have any second or subsequent alcohol or drug-related misdemeanors.
- Not be in default of any federal or state financial aid loans.
- Enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program at an eligible South Carolina institution.
Academic Eligibility Requirements:
There are two ways to qualify for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship based on academic achievement:
Option 1: Rank in the top 5% of your graduating class (according to your high school).
Option 2: Meet the following test score and GPA requirements:
- Earn a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT (old scoring system) or a minimum score of 25 on the ACT.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 (based on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy).
Some of the other valuable considerations include:
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship. The program is competitive, and the number of awards offered each year is limited.
- If you graduated mid-year (December/January), you must apply during the early awards period.
- Awarded students must begin using the scholarship no later than the fall term following high school graduation. A one-semester gap year deferment might be considered.
How to Apply for Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
The application process for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is handled by your high school guidance counselor.
Applications are normally submitted during your senior year of high school.
This is how to go about the application process:
- Contact your high school guidance counselor to inquire about the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and application deadlines.
- Gather all required application materials, which may include transcripts, test scores, a recommendation letter from your counselor, and an essay. Specific requirements might vary by school district.
- Complete the application form provided by your guidance counselor and ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
- Meet with your guidance counselor to review your application and ensure everything is in order before submission.
- Submit your application to your guidance counselor by the established deadline. They will then submit it electronically to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) on your behalf.
It’s very important that you adhere to all deadlines set by your school and the CHE because late applications will not be considered.
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Contact
For further information or questions about the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you can contact the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) through the following methods:
- Website: https://www.che.sc.gov/
- Phone: (803) 737-2260
- Email: [email protected] / [email protected].
You can also reach out to your high school guidance counselor for any school-specific inquiries or application assistance.