The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is pretty awesome—it’s one of the most generous scholarships available for high-achieving high school students with financial need.
If selected as a recipient, you’d receive up to $55,000 each year to help pay your college tuition and related expenses. You’d also gain access to a supportive community of scholars, networking opportunities, and academic advising.
Of course, the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is highly competitive. So, how do you increase your chances of becoming a Cooke Scholar?
This guide will walk you through each scholarship program, the eligibility criteria, and tips for crafting a compelling application. It will also answer common questions about the scholarship so you can approach your application with confidence.
Let’s dive in!
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers several different scholarship programs. Let’s look at each program and how they can help you achieve your academic goals.
JKC Young Scholars Program
The JKC Young Scholars Program is a five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-achieving students entering 8th grade with financial need. It is not the $55,000 scholarship program for high school students. But it’s still an amazing opportunity!
The program offers each Scholar:
Personalized academic and college advising
Financial support for learning opportunities
Access to exclusive enrichment programs, summer programs, and internships
JKC College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program is for high school seniors with strong academic records but who need financial support to make college a reality. The scholarship covers up to $55,000 annually for tuition, living expenses, books, and fees at any accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
Participants of the JKC Scholarship program also receive:
Advising on choosing a college, applying for financial aid, and succeeding in college
Networking opportunities with other high-achieving students
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is for high-achieving community college students who want to continue their education at a four-year institution. The program provides up to $55,000 annually for two to three years to help cover the costs of completing a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
Winners of the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship also receive:
Advising on choosing a college, applying for financial aid, and succeeding in a four-year college
Opportunities to apply for additional stipends and a graduate school scholarship
How much is the JKC Scholarship worth?
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is worth up to $55,000 per year. You can use that money to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and other fees related to your education.
The program also provides value by offering personalized academic advising, mentorship, and access to a supportive community of scholars who can help you navigate your college experience.
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship requirements and eligibility
To apply for the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements:
You must be in your final year of high school in the United States, a U.S. territory, or on a U.S. military base, and plan to graduate in the spring.
You must intend to start your studies at an accredited four-year college or university in the fall following your high school graduation.
You should have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of at least 3.75.
You must demonstrate significant financial need: The foundation considers applicants with an annual family-adjusted gross income of up to $95,000. A thorough financial review will be conducted to account for all income and assets of both the student and their parents.
How to apply
Applying for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship involves a few key steps. Here's what you need to know to get started:
1. Create a Common App account
Start by visiting the Common App website and creating an account. Then, add the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as one of your “schools.” This will give you access to the scholarship application. The Common App is also where you can apply for most colleges.
Helpful resource:
2. Complete the application
A complete application for the JKC Scholarship includes:
Basic contact and academic information
Information about your extracurricular activities and honors
Short essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and leadership experiences
An unofficial high school transcript showing your academic performance
Financial documentation including the last three years of your family’s adjusted gross income to demonstrate financial need
Two letters of recommendation (one from an 11th grade teacher in a core academic subject and another from any teacher you’ve worked with in the past four years)
One letter of recommendation from your school counselor
A School Report or School Profile for your high school (typically from your high school counselor or registrar’s office)
3. Track your application
After submitting your application, monitor your account for updates on your application status. You may be asked to provide additional information during the review process. For example, the foundation may request official high school transcripts from semifinalists.
Application timeline
While specific dates can change from year to year, here’s a general timeline for applying for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship:
Application opens: August
Application deadline: November
Semifinalist notifications: January
Scholarship decisions: March
Tips for building a strong application
Applying for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity. But with thousands of applicants, you’ll want to make sure your application stands out. Here are seven tips to help you craft a compelling and competitive application.
1. Start early and stay organized
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship application is detailed, and gathering all the required materials takes time. You'll need essays, transcripts, financial documents, and recommendation letters. So, give yourself plenty of time to work through each section of the application.
Consider making a checklist of what’s required and set personal deadlines to keep yourself on track. That way, if something unexpected comes up (like a delayed transcript request or a recommender needing more time) you’ll have time to adjust.
Starting early will also allow you to refine your essays and ensure everything is polished before submission.
2. Craft essays that tell your story
The selection committee isn’t just looking for students with high GPAs. They want to understand who you are, what drives you, and how this scholarship will impact your future. That means your essays are one of the most important parts of your application.
But please avoid simply writing what you think the committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on telling your story in a way that feels genuine and meaningful. For example, instead of just saying you’re determined, share a story that helps your reader see how you’ve developed the values you hold, and the insights you’ve gained from those experiences.
And don’t forget to revise! A strong scholarship essay is clear, well-structured, and free of errors.
Helpful resources:
3. Show leadership in your activities
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation looks for students who make an impact in their schools and communities. Whether leading a student club, mentoring younger students, volunteering, or organizing events, highlight how you've taken initiative and created positive change.
If you don’t have traditional leadership roles (like club president or team captain), don’t worry! Leadership isn’t just about titles. Maybe you started a tutoring group for classmates struggling in math, helped raise funds for a local charity, or took responsibility for an important project.
What matters is showing that you take action and inspire others. Use specific examples in your essays and activity descriptions to make your contributions stand out.
4. Get strong recommendations from teachers who know you well
Your recommendation letters should come from teachers who can provide meaningful insight into your character, work ethic, and potential.
You should also give your recommenders plenty of time to write thoughtful letters. We recommend at least a month before the deadline.
It also helps to provide them with key details about your achievements and goals. You might even remind them of a specific project or moment where you demonstrated growth. The stronger and more personal their letter, the better your application will be.
Also remember that the JKC foundation has specific requirements for the recommendation letters. Here are the official guidelines:
“One recommendation must be from an 11th grade teacher in a core academic subject (English/language arts, mathematics, social studies/history, science, or foreign language), and one from another teacher or professor who has worked with you in the last four years. Both of the recommenders should be well-acquainted with your performance and character, and should be able to discuss your academic progress through the class curriculum, challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and your overall academic engagement.”
Your teachers and counselor will also need to submit their letters of recommendation through the Common App. Within the application portal, you’ll send them an official recommendation request.
Helpful resources:
Brag sheet: – Student questionnaire for teacher letter of recommendation
Brag sheet: - Student questionnaire for counselor letter of recommendation
5. Demonstrate financial need clearly
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship prioritizes students with significant financial need, so your financial documents must be accurate and thorough.
Also, the foundation considers not just your family’s income but also assets and expenses. That means if your family has a lower income but significant savings or other assets, it could impact your eligibility.
Let your parents or guardians know about this requirement in advance so they have time to gather all the documents you need.
6. Highlight future goals
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation isn’t just investing in who you are now. They’re also investing in who you want to become. So, make sure your application clearly shows your long-term academic and career goals.
Also, be specific. For example, instead of saying, “I want to make a difference in my community,” explain how you plan to do it. Are you pursuing medicine to address healthcare disparities? Studying engineering to create more sustainable technology?
The clearer your vision, the more compelling your application will be.
7. Don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back
It’s easy to think about the competition and say to yourself, “There’s no way I’ll win.” But remember, every recipient once felt the same way!
Also, remember, the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship isn’t just for students with perfect grades. It’s for students who show determination, leadership, and financial need.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you deserve to apply. Don’t self-reject. Believe in your story, put in the effort, and give yourself the chance to be selected.
FAQ for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
1. How competitive is the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship?
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of students applying each year. However, don’t let that discourage you! If you have a strong academic record, actively contribute to your community, and can show how this scholarship would change your life, you have a shot.
2. Is the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship a full-ride scholarship?
Not exactly, but it comes close! The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year, which can cover a significant portion of your college expenses, depending on your school’s tuition and cost of living. If your total costs exceed the scholarship amount, you may need additional financial aid. But for many recipients, this award drastically reduces or even eliminates their financial burden.
Helpful resource: A Guide to Full-Ride Scholarships + a list of 124 scholarships
3. How does the financial need requirement work?
The foundation considers applicants with a family-adjusted gross income of up to $95,000. But financial need isn’t just about income. They also take into account assets, household size, and other factors like medical expenses or family responsibilities.
4. Can I apply if I’m not sure which college I’m attending yet?
Yes! You don’t need to have committed to a specific college or major when you apply. The scholarship supports students as they transition into college. So, you can apply for the scholarship while still choosing colleges.
Just be sure that you’re planning to enroll in an accredited four-year college in the fall after high school graduation. If selected, the foundation will guide you through the next steps to ensure the scholarship applies to your chosen school.
Helpful resource: 3 Step Guide to Choosing a College That's Right for You
Final thoughts
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. It’s also highly competitive.
But don’t let that stop you from applying! If you plan ahead, craft compelling essays, showcase your achievements, and demonstrate resilience, you’ll give yourself the best chance of winning.
You can also increase your financial aid opportunities by applying for more scholarships. For example, have you heard of these scholarships for low-income students?
For more tips on how to find, apply for, and win college scholarships, check out this guide next: How to Apply for Scholarships: Your Ultimate Guide.
Ameer Drane is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
