Mensa US Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Mensa
Overview
This scholarship is decided by a single written piece: a plain-text essay (550 words or fewer) that explains your academic and professional goals and shows how your personal experiences have prepared you to reach them. Read the instructions carefully — small details (word count, anonymity, format) matter.
Key dates
- Opens: September 15, 2025
- Closes: January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST / 05:59 a.m. GMT on January 16, 2026)
- Judging period: February–April 2026
- Winners announced: June 2026
What the essay must include
- Length: 550 words or fewer.
- Content: A clear statement of your academic and/or professional goals and specific examples of how your experiences support those goals. Demonstrate growth, intent, and a plan.
- Format: Submit in English as plain text (no formatting, no markup).
- Originality: The essay must be your own work. You will be required to certify this.
- Anonymity: Do not include your name, address, or any other identifying information in the essay itself.
Additional documentation (if awarded)
- Proof of enrollment or intent to enroll for the 2025–26 academic year (for example, an acceptance letter or enrollment verification) will be required before funds are released.
How to submit
- Complete the online application through the Mensa Foundation’s Award Spring scholarship portal.
- Fill in all required fields accurately.
- As part of submission, you must certify that the essay and information you provide are your own work.
- Save a copy of your final plain-text essay before you submit.
Practical tips from a teacher
- Treat 550 words like a classroom presentation: open with a concise goal statement, use one or two short examples to show how your experiences connect to that goal, and end with next steps.
- Be specific: names of programs, courses, projects, job titles, or responsibilities make a stronger case than vague statements.
- Show, don’t tell: rather than saying “I’m motivated,” describe a concrete moment that demonstrates that motivation.
- Stick to plain text: remove headers, bold/italic formatting, and any identifying details.
- Proofread for grammar, clarity, and the word count. Ask a teacher or counselor to read it and give feedback, but the writing must remain yours.
Quick checklist before you hit submit
- Essay ≤ 550 words (plain text)
- No identifying information in the essay
- Clear goals and supporting experiences included
- All required application fields completed online (Mensa Foundation Award Spring portal)
- Prepared to certify originality and, if awarded, provide enrollment proof
If you want, paste a draft of your essay here and I can give feedback focused on clarity, structure, and impact.
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