FAQ

*Note: Applications are now closed for 2024.

Click here to watch our General Info Session about the Golden Door Scholarship in English.

Clic aquí para ver nuestra Sesión de Información General sobre la Beca Golden Door en Español.

Am I eligible for the Golden Door Scholarship?

Applicants must have DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U-1 visa, Pending Asylum, Pending Refugee Status, or be undocumented
Applicants must demonstrate high financial need
Applicants can be high school seniors, recent high school graduates, current college/community college students, or have obtained a GED (General Education Development) certificate from a United States Program
Applicants must live in the United States for at least four (4) years before applying for the Golden Door Scholarship
For high school seniors, applicants must have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.2
For college transfers, applicants must have a college GPA of 3.0 and a high school GPA of 3.2 or completed a GED
Willingness to attend a Golden Door Scholar partner school, regardless of location

Note: If you are a current US citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible to apply. If you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible, email info@goldendoorscholars.org.

What is Golden Door looking for?

Strong preference is given to applicants interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree that is career-ready with 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, currently enrolled undergraduates, and transfer students (community college or 4-year college) are also welcome to apply. However, we do not support funding for graduate degrees.

Can this scholarship be applied toward graduate school?

No. Golden Door Scholarships may only be applied to undergraduate 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 partner school. Golden Door will support students at non-partner schools on a case-by-case basis. If a student is uninterested in attending a Golden Door Partner school or does not accept their match, the scholarship may be revoked.

Golden Door Scholars will match scholarship recipients to partner and other colleges based on student preference and school admission availability. Receiving the Golden Door Scholarship is not a guaranteed 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 notification of the results via email. Those selected to move on 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, 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 and college 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.