FAQ

*Note: Applications are now closed for 2025.

Am I eligible for the Golden Door Scholarship?

To receive the Golden Door Scholarship, all applicants must:
- Be graduating/have graduated high school and reside in one of our regional states:
- Have one of the following documentation or immigration statuses:
- Demonstrate high financial need.
- Have graduated or will graduate from a United States high school (or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma).
- Live in the United States for at least four (4) years prior to applying for the Golden Door Scholarship.
- Have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.2.
- Be willing to relocate to and enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program.
- Be willing to pursue a major aligned with Golden Door Scholars’ preferred majors list.
Note: If you are a current US citizen, permanent resident, or born in the U.S., you are NOT eligible to receive the scholarship. If you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible, email info@goldendoorscholars.org.

WHAT IS THE PREFERRED MAJORS LIST?

Preference is given to applicants interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree that is career-ready and has high earning potential, meaning applicants will not require an advanced degree to begin their careers. Software engineering, nursing, data analytics, business analytics, and digital marketing are popular career paths that meet these criteria.

Do I have to be a current High School student to apply?

No. Recent high school graduates are also welcome to apply.

Can this scholarship be applied toward graduate school?

No. Golden Door Scholarships may only be applied to undergraduate - bachelor degree programs.

Are scholars expected to maintain a minimum GPA in college?

All scholars must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA each semester.

Do I have to go to a Partner School?

The Golden Door Scholarship funds a four-year bachelor's degree at a regional partner school only. Golden Door Scholars will support students at non-partner schools on a case-by-case basis. If a student is uninterested in attending a GDS regional partner school or does not accept their match, the scholarship may be revoked.

Golden Door Scholars will match scholarship recipients to a regional partner school based on the student's location, preference and school admission availability. Receiving the Golden Door Scholarship does not guarantee admittance to any one college or university.

What happens after I submit my application?

GDS reviews all applications that meet the required criteria. Candidates will receive an email notification of the results. Those selected to proceed to the next step will begin the interview process.

I have not heard back about my application, but the date for feedback has passed.

Please check your spam or junk folders to see if you have received an email from Golden Door Scholars. If you have not received a confirmation email after submitting your application, please contact info@goldendoorscholars.org.

HOW ARE FINALISTS ASSESSED?

GDS awards scholarships to high-achieving students who are ready for college, proven to be involved in their communities and who have demonstrated leadership qualities and determination despite the barriers their immigration status presents.

Are recommendation letters required?

No, recommendation letters are not required.

Are SAT and ACT scores required?

SAT and ACT scores are not required. However, if you have standardized test scores, you can include them in your application at your discretion.

DO MY HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS HAVE TO BE OFFICIAL COPIES?

No, high school transcripts DO NOT need to be official versions; you may scan and upload the transcript or use screenshots of your unofficial transcripts.

I REQUESTED A TRANSCRIPT FROM MY HIGH SCHOOL, BUT I’M NOT SURE I WILL GET IT BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Request them immediately and apply early to ensure you get your transcripts in time. If you still do not have them in time, please attach a Word or PDF document in place of the transcripts letting us know that you will send your transcripts ASAP once they arrive. You can NOT leave a required field in the application blank. You may use this template.

When you receive your transcripts, scan or email them to info@goldendoorscholars.org with your first and last name and the date you submitted your application.