Become a St. Catherine Scholar
Curious about where your talent could take you? Whether you're ready to compete at the highest levels or just beginning to explore your direction, the St. Catherine Scholars Program is where deep growth begins.
WHO IT’S FOR
Whether you dream of becoming a Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, Gates Cambridge, or Goldwater Scholar, or simply want to discover what you're capable of, the St. Catherine Scholars Program is your launchpad.
The program is here to find, grow, and support students of uncommon promise: those who might already stand out, or who are just beginning to see what they’re capable of. You don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters is that you’re curious, engaged, and ready to grow. We especially value students who bring leadership, discipline, and dedication through athletics, forensics, music, research, student government, or other time-intensive commitments. These are exactly the kinds of qualities national selectors look for.
Whether you’re already preparing for nationally competitive scholarships or just beginning to chart your direction, we welcome students from all majors and backgrounds who are curious, ambitious, and ready to grow. Past participants in similar pathways at Carroll have included student-athletes, debaters, researchers, first-generation students, and those who found their voice later in college.
WHY JOIN?
Built on Carroll’s growing record of fellowship advising and supported by faculty experienced in mentorship and national fellowship advising, this program supports your most ambitious goals.
Carroll students have long stood out for their academic distinction, leadership, and service and this program carries that tradition forward at the highest level.
Whether you're building toward national awards or still exploring your direction, Scholars receive the tools and relationships to grow intentionally with purpose and support.
- Dedicated mentorship from faculty engaged in national scholarship advising
- Hands-on feedback on application materials: essays, personal statements, and interviews
- Structured preparation from exploration through final submission
- Peer cohort for collaboration, accountability, and support
- Continued advising for graduate school, research, and public service opportunities
- Designed to work alongside demanding co-curricular commitments like athletics, performance, and competitive teams
WHAT’S THE OUTCOME?
Modeled on successful programs at leading liberal arts colleges, the St. Catherine Scholars Program is designed to help students prepare for and pursue the highest levels of academic and leadership achievement. Scholars are preparing to:
- Win Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater, and other top national awards
- Lead major initiatives on campus and beyond
- Gain admission to top graduate programs
- Form enduring networks of mentorship and purpose
- Access growing resources to support travel, applications, or summer research opportunities as available
WHAT’S THE COMMITMENT?
This program is selective and serious. You’ll engage in:
- Year 1 (Explore): Monthly workshops and foundational coaching
- Years 2–3 (Pursue): Intensive prep with your cohort and mentor
- Years 3–4 (Apply): Application strategy, writing intensives, and mock interviews
- Year 4 and Beyond (Support): Serve as a mentor and leader within the program
Time commitment averages 4–6 hours per month. Scholars must maintain a 3.7 cumulative GPA to remain in the program. This reflects the level of academic excellence national scholarships demand. Many students are surprised to learn they’re already close, or can reach it with focus and mentorship.
The St. Catherine Scholars program recognizes sustained effort and long-term growth, not perfection. The time commitment is designed to be sustainable, even for students managing athletics, competitions, or major roles on campus. Scholars receive flexible support and scheduling to match their load. Scholars may enter the program at different points depending on readiness and class standing. The program adapts to meet you where you are.
HOW TO JOIN
- Attend the info session (see below)
- Submit a short application including a brief statement of interest. This helps us understand your goals and how the program can support your path
- Begin your Scholar journey in October
If you’re ready to grow, whether you’re aiming for a national scholarship or just want to see what you’re truly capable of, this is where you begin. Even if you’re unsure you belong, we hope you’ll show up anyway. Many of our strongest students started out feeling exactly the same.
Can’t attend? Email sforrest@carroll.edu to arrange a follow-up.