Rover Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rover.com

Scholarship opportunity — clear instructions, no surprises

College is expensive, deadlines are real, and every bit of help matters. Rover is offering a $2,500 scholarship to one student who can clearly and thoughtfully answer a single question about the role pets have played in their life. Below you’ll find the prompt, the exact entry steps, eligibility requirements, how essays are judged, and what you need to know about rights and the deadline. Read carefully and follow the checklist.

About Rover (short version)
Rover connects pet parents with vetted pet sitters and dog walkers across the country. They offer pet sitting, dog walking, in‑home boarding, and day care, with the goal of making it easier for people and their pets to enjoy life together.

The prompt (400–500 words)
How did growing up with a pet in your life (this could be your own pet or a pet in your family or friend’s home) shape the person you are today?

We are looking for essays that combine personal memory, reflection, and unique insight. Tell a story, explain what you learned, and show how that experience influences your choices, values, or goals now.

How to enter (follow these steps exactly)
1. Write your response in English, between 400 and 500 words.
2. Put your essay in a Google Doc and include your full name and your current year in school (high school senior or college year) at the top. High school seniors are eligible.
3. Complete the submission form (found on Rover’s scholarship page).
4. Submit everything by May 1, 2026.

Eligibility (must meet all)
- U.S. resident.
- Current student status: graduating high school senior, or a college student who is a freshman, sophomore, or junior pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Rover may verify your graduation date or university enrollment.
- GPA requirement: 3.0 or above if you are a graduating high school senior or a college student. Graduate students on a Pass/Fail system must have a “Pass.”
- You may not be related to a Rover staff member. You may be related to someone who is a Rover pet sitter or dog walker.

Judging criteria (how essays are scored)
- Thoughtfulness of response: 50%
- Relevance to the prompt: 30%
- Quality of composition: 15%
- Grammar and accuracy: 5%

Prize
One winner will receive a $2,500 check.

Permissions and official rules
Entry is subject to the official rules and conditions posted on Rover’s scholarship page. By entering, you grant Rover permission to republish and otherwise use your entry materials and your name and likeness for promotional purposes, in accordance with those rules.

Quick tips from a teacher
- Be specific: one strong scene or memory is better than a list of generalities.
- Connect experience to growth: show how the pet experience influenced your character, habits, or plans.
- Proofread: a clean, well‑organized 400–500 words makes a better impression.

Good luck — and plan ahead so your essay is submitted by May 1, 2026.