<p>I was just wondering if anyone here is going to apply for the scholarship. I'm Native American.</p>
<p>I MIGHT. The only reason I’m not sure is because I’m not sure of what I am going to major in yet. I’m African American and Native American.</p>
<p>you don’t have to be a certain major to apply for the scholarship</p>
<p>I am. I’m an African-American female, but yeah, its true that the major doesn’t matter. That’s only an issue if your doing graduate work and want the GMS scholarship.</p>
<p>Im applying. I’m African American.(undergrad)</p>
<p>Yeah, I realize that now. Before I thought it had to be like Math, Science, Education, or something else but that’s for graduate students.</p>
<p>I got an email saying the deadline was tonight by 8:00 PM EST, but I got a letter and the website says January 11. What’s up with this :/</p>
<p>^^^^^^</p>
<p>If I remember correctly from 2 years ago, one deadline was for paper submission, and the other for electronic submission.</p>
<p>I’m applying. I’m Hispanic</p>
<p>I applied! it took for ever but hopefully it will be well worth it! good luck to you guys! :)</p>
<p>Thanks! Same to you. I’m totally blanking on what to write for some of the questions though… so good luck to everyone facing writer’s block! :)</p>
<p>Out of curiosity… how is everyone else writing their essays? Are you sticking only to the facts, or are you becoming more creative with your essays? Is it bad to take a creative approach with your essay?</p>
<p>Does anyone know how many applicants there are? I think they only choose 100 finalists, so I am just curious how competitive it is.</p>
<p>Also, do they take into consideration what school you are going to? I know most decisions aren’t made yet, but for instance, I got accepted REA to Stanford, so would that help me?</p>
<p>^^^^^</p>
<p>Affe, there are 1000 finalists, not 100.</p>
<p>I am kind of confused about this scholarship. I couldn’t find what the “award” is. A full ride to undergraduate and graduate school? does it cover personal spending or just tuition & room and board?</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>It covers all unmet need. If your COA is $50,000 and you only have grants that cover $40,000, Gates will cover the other $10,000.</p>
<p>I’m applying. I’m African-American. :-)</p>
<p>@GA2012MOM</p>
<p>Thanks! You are always so helpful and kind 
I know your daughter was matched to Amherst through QuestBridge (Congratulations!) and, if I remember correctly, she is also Gates Scholar. If QB scholarship is full ride, what’s the benefit to being Gates Scholar as well?</p>
<p>^^^^^^^</p>
<p>Gates covers her work study. She gets a check from them each semester for the amount she would have made from working. It allows her more time for studying, at least that if what I wish to believe. She also got a computer and printer, but they don’t do that anymore.</p>
<p>I’ve been doing some research on the stats of finalists, but I can’t seem to find much info on how “Honors and Awards” are weighed. Most things I’ve seen are essays and leadership. My leadership section is good, not amazing but not bad. However, I have won several academic awards: 4 state medals in computer science (3 gold, 1 silver), CX-Debate state octafinalist, and Mathematics regional qualifier. How much of an advantage are these, if any?</p>
<p>Also, our XC team got 2nd in state. Do they consider athletic achievement?</p>