Scholar-Chessplayer Awards Doubled

by Bob Ferguson, Member of USCF Scholastic Council

That’s right!  The U.S. Chess Trust announced that Scholar-Chessplayer Awards have increased to $5,000!  The Scholastic Council is actively seeking corporate sponsorship to further augment these awards. 

For students seeking the scholarships, the following briefly explains what criteria the Scholastic Committee is searching for and what applicants need to provide when applying for the 2002 Awards.  Schools must document academic achievements.

RATING – Include both peak USCF rating and current rating (Peak/Current).

SAT or ACT – A student may provide either an SAT or ACT score.  If both are submitted, the committee will use the higher score.

CLASS RANK – We believe that scholar-chessplayers will be in the top 5% among all students.  The school should report the student’s rank/total in class, i.e. 3/486.

GPA – We prefer that the school provide a percentage grade; however, the grade point average may be reported as 3.8/4.0.

CHESS ACHIEVEMENTS – Placement in national events is our primary consideration, state events are secondary with local and regional events having a lower priority.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS/LEADERSHIP – In what activities other than chess has this student demonstrated a leadership role?  Has s/he started a new club at school?  Has this student earned any leadership awards?  Has s/he served as a class officer or held an office in a club or student government.  Has the student earned any subject area awards, been on the honor roll frequently, been inducted into the National Honor Society, scholarships.  Any other significant activities should be included in the applicant’s accomplishments.

CHESS SERVICE – The student who demonstrates leadership by organizing a chess club or event, helping as a chess coach or tournament director, or writing a regular chess column will most likely have a greater impact on the world of chess than one who only plays chess.

ESSAY – We are looking for scholars.  Scholars must be able to communicate by organizing their thoughts logically on paper and make a convincing argument or a memorable point.

REFERENCES – We are searching for candidates whose references mention key qualities, such as integrity, dedication, strong work ethic, motivation, etc.

HOW TO APPLY – If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must be a junior or senior in high school.  Contact Scholastic Assistant Carol Addison at [email protected] or write to USCF Scholastic Chess Department, 3054 U.S. Route 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553.