Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2024

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2024: Are you a high school student in South Carolina who dreams of going to college? Do you have excellent academic credentials and a passion for learning? If so, you may be eligible for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, the state’s premier scholarship for South Carolina students who are full-time, first-year undergraduates at an accredited university.

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program that provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. The scholarship is valued at $6,700 for the first year and $7,500 for subsequent years. In addition, students who major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields may qualify for an additional $2,500 per year through the Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement.

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In this article, we will explain the eligibility requirements, application process, award amount, and renewal criteria for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. We will also provide some tips and resources to help you prepare and apply for this competitive scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

To be eligible for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you must meet the following general requirements:

You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
You must be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation.
You must have no felony convictions or second or subsequent alcohol/drug misdemeanors.
You must not be in default of any state or federal loans.
You must enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible South Carolina institution.
You must be meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of your institution.

In addition to the general requirements, you must also meet one of the following academic criteria:

Rank in the top 6% of your class at the end of the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and earn a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and critical reading only) or a minimum ACT score of 27 (through the June test administration of your graduating year). Note: Starting from Fall 2023, the minimum ACT score will be 25.
Earn a minimum SAT score of 1400 (math and critical reading only) or a minimum ACT score of 32 (through the June test administration of your graduating year) and a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 (based on the S.C. Uniform Grading Policy). Note: Starting from Fall 2023, the minimum ACT score will be 31.

Application Process for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

To apply for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you must follow these steps:

Contact your high school guidance counselor and request an application form. You can also download the application form from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (SC CHE) website.
Complete the application form and submit it to your high school guidance counselor along with your official transcript, test scores, and any other required documents.
Your high school guidance counselor will verify your eligibility and rank and submit your application to the SC CHE by the deadline.
The SC CHE will review your application and notify you of your award status by mail.

There are two application periods for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: early and late. The early application period is open from January 10 to April 14, 2023, and is intended for students who meet the academic criteria by the end of their 11th grade. The late application period is open from May 15 to June 30, 2023, and is intended for students who meet the academic criteria by the end of their 12th grade. You can only apply once, so choose the application period that best suits your situation.

Award Amount and Disbursement for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship award amount is determined annually by the South Carolina General Assembly. Currently, the maximum value is $6,700 for freshmen and $7,500 for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The scholarship is divided into two equal payments per academic year and is credited to your student account to cover any tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses. If you have any excess aid after paying your charges, you will receive a refund that you can use for any college-related expenses, such as off-campus housing.

If you are majoring in a STEM field, you may be eligible for the Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement, which provides an additional $2,500 per year starting from your sophomore year. To qualify for the enhancement, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be enrolled in an eligible STEM major or an eligible STEM-related track within an approved major. You can find a list of eligible majors and tracks on the SC CHE website.
You must have earned at least 14 credit hours of math or life and physical science courses by the end of your freshman year.
You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn at least 30 credit hours per academic year.

To apply for the enhancement, you must complete the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement Form and submit it to the financial aid office of your institution by the deadline.

Renewal Criteria and Conditions for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship can be renewed for up to four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study, as long as you meet the following renewal criteria:

You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each academic year.
You must earn at least 30 credit hours per academic year, or 15 credit hours per semester if you are enrolled for only one semester.
You must continue to meet the general eligibility requirements.

If you fail to meet the renewal criteria, you will lose your scholarship and you will not be able to regain it. However, you may be eligible for a one-time probationary semester if you have extenuating circumstances that prevented you from meeting the renewal criteria. To request a probationary semester, you must submit a written appeal to the SC CHE and provide supporting documentation of your circumstances.

There are some conditions that may affect your scholarship eligibility or award amount, such as:

Changing your major or institution. If you change your major or institution, you must notify the SC CHE and your financial aid office and make sure that you still meet the eligibility requirements. If you change your major from a STEM field to a non-STEM field, you will lose your enhancement and your award amount will be reduced accordingly.
Taking a gap year or a leave of absence. If you decide to take a gap year between high school and college, you must reapply for the scholarship and meet the eligibility requirements. If you take a leave of absence during college, you must notify the SC CHE and your financial aid office and request a deferment of your scholarship. You can defer your scholarship for up to two semesters for reasons such as military service, medical leave, or study abroad.
Participating in a co-op or internship program. If you participate in a co-op or internship program that is part of your curriculum, you may be eligible to receive your scholarship during that semester, as long as you are enrolled in at least six credit hours and pay tuition and fees. You must also notify the SC CHE and your financial aid office and provide proof of your participation.
Enrolling in summer courses. If you enroll in summer courses, you may be eligible to receive your scholarship during that term, as long as you are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and pay tuition and fees. You must also notify the SC CHE and your financial aid office and request a summer disbursement of your scholarship.

Tips and Resources for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship that can help you achieve your academic and career goals. To increase your chances of winning this scholarship, here are some tips and resources that you can use:

Start preparing early. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is based on your academic performance and test scores, so you should strive to excel in your coursework and prepare well for the SAT or ACT. You can use online tools, books, or tutors to help you study and practice for the tests. You should also take challenging courses, such as honors, AP, or IB, that can boost your GPA and demonstrate your academic rigor.
Get involved in your community. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship also considers your leadership potential and community involvement, so you should participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships that showcase your skills and interests. You should also seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as being a club officer, a team captain, or a peer mentor. You can use your resume, essay, or letters of recommendation to highlight your achievements and contributions.
Apply early and follow the instructions. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship has a limited number of awards, so you should apply as early as possible to increase your chances of getting the scholarship. You should also follow the instructions carefully and submit all the required documents by the deadline. You should also check your email and mail regularly for any updates or notifications from the SC CHE or your institution.
Seek guidance and support. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship application process can be complex and challenging, so you should seek guidance and support from your high school guidance counselor, your financial aid office, or the SC CHE. They can help you with any questions or issues that you may have regarding the scholarship. You can also reach out to other students or alumni who have received the scholarship and ask for their advice or feedback.

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2024: Frequently Asked Questions (F&Qs)

How much is the SC Palmetto Fellows scholarship?

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship award amount is determined annually by the South Carolina General Assembly. For the first year, freshmen receive $6,700. For the subsequent years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors receive $7,500.

Who is eligible for the SC Life scholarship?

The eligibility criteria for the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship are as follows:

General Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen under state residency statutes.
- You must be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and during the period of award.
- You must have graduated from a South Carolina high school or graduated from a high school outside of South Carolina while a dependent of a parent or legal guardian who is a legal resident.
- You must be a full-time undergraduate student seeking your first baccalaureate degree.
- You must not be receiving the South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.
- You must not have been convicted of any second or subsequent alcohol or drug-related misdemeanor in any state within the past academic year.
- You must not have been judged delinquent, nor have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any felony in any state.
- You must not be in default or owe a refund or repayment on any federal or state financial aid.
- You must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Eligibility Requirements for Entering Freshman:
- You must meet all general eligibility requirements.
- You must meet two of the three requirements listed below:
  - Have a 3.00 final high school grade point average based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy.
  - Have a minimum SAT test score of 1100 on critical reading and math sections combined or ACT test score of 24. Effective for Fall 2023 and afterwards, the ACT test score will be 22.
  - Have graduated in the top 30 percent of your high school graduating class.
Eligibility Requirements for Transfer Students:
- Your eligibility for the LIFE Scholarship during your first year at the USC is based on your initial college enrollment and all non-remedial hours earned and cumulative grade point average at your previous institution(s).