2025 Hardin-Simmons University Leland Scholarship (US Based)

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED, RE-OPENS IN AUG/SEP

Scholarship Awarding University: 
Hardin-Simmons University

Type of degree: 
Bachelor’s

Scholarship Deadline: 
Applications for this scholarship will end on the 1st of December 2024.

Scholarship Summary: 
The Leland Award is offered to outstanding domestic and international freshmen with exceptional academic credentials. Up to five members of the fall Julius Olsen Honors Program class will be chosen as Leland Scholars. 

Scholarship Applicant Criteria: 
Students who meet these three criteria will be invited to apply for admission to the Honors Program:
a. Minimum test score of 25 on the ACT, 1200 on the RSAT or 85 on the CLT
b. Exceptional high school record, including  GPA, class ranking
c. Exceptional extra-curricular, volunteer or leadership activities

Value of Scholarship: 
Leland Scholars will receive a full-tuition scholarship award. Students who are not selected as Leland Scholars but are accepted into the Honors program will receive a $25,000 annual scholarship in place of their general HSU academic scholarship.

Scholarship Application Guide: 

To apply for this prestigious award, you must take the following steps;
i. You must submit your application for admission to HSU.

You will not be able to access the Julius Olsen Honors Program application until this step is complete. If you’ve already submitted your application for admission, proceed to Step 2.

ii. Prepare your Honors Resume
Include a 1-2 page summary of the significant accomplishments that identify you as a creative, goal-oriented, responsible, talented individual who will be able to contribute to the Honors Program. Evidence of your qualifications might include honors, awards, recognitions you have earned; books you have read that have had an impact on your thinking; honors and advanced classes or tests that demonstrate accomplishments; memberships, volunteer work, travel, participation in programs, leadership experiences, singular accomplishments in any arena.

iii. Prepare your Honors Essay
The Honors Council places great emphasis on this essay

The essay should be approximately 500 words in length, on one of the following topics: religious conflict, war and peace, poverty, or human rights. The audience for your essay is a representative of the Honors Program; your aim is to convey your ability to think deeply and broadly about a subject, communicate clearly and effectively in writing, and to convince the Honors Council that you will be an invaluable asset to the program and to the university.

iv. Obtain 3 letters of recommendation or names and email addresses for your recommenders. Letters that are not available to you when you submit your application may be emailed to Dr. Tom Copeland at copeland@hsutx.edu or mailed to:

Dr. Tom Copeland
Honors HSU Box 16122
Abilene, TX, 79698

v. Submit your Honors Program application.

vi. 
Complete your Honors Interview
Applications will be reviewed by the Honors Council and selected applicants will then be invited to have a personal interview with the Honors Program team. You may register for an interview slot on the application.  In the event that slots weren’t available when you applied, you can visit here to see current available options.

Determination of eligibility for the Leland Scholarships will be made by the director of the Honors Program after the Honors class is chosen for that year.

Scholarship Website: 
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the Hardin-Simmons University Freshman Scholarship Page.