Dell Scholarship: 8 Tips to Help You Land It

The Dell Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship designed to support students who demonstrate grit, ambition, and a strong desire to succeed in college. Sponsored by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the scholarship provides $20,000 in financial assistance, a laptop, a personalized support network, and a Chegg textbook credit to help students navigate their college journey.

Winning this scholarship is competitive, but with the right approach, you can stand out. Here are eight essential tips to help you maximize your chances of becoming a Dell Scholar.

1. Understand the Dell Scholarship’s Mission

The Dell Scholars Program isn’t just about academic excellence—it prioritizes students who have overcome challenges and exhibit determination, work ethic, and a strong support system. Unlike merit-based scholarships that focus solely on GPA and test scores, Dell Scholars seeks students who have:

✔️ A minimum GPA of 2.4
✔️ Financial need (eligibility for a Pell Grant)
✔️ Participated in an approved college readiness program
✔️ A desire to pursue higher education despite obstacles

Before applying, ensure you align with the program’s values and can demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and a commitment to success.

2. Share Your Personal Story with Authenticity

The Dell Scholarship application includes essay questions where you must highlight your personal journey, challenges, and achievements. This is your chance to stand out!

🔹 Be real and vulnerable: Share specific hardships you’ve faced—whether they are financial struggles, family responsibilities, or personal setbacks.

🔹 Show resilience: Focus on how you overcame these obstacles and what you learned from them.

🔹 Demonstrate commitment: Explain why higher education is important to you and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

💡 Pro Tip: Use compelling storytelling rather than just listing facts. Let the selection committee connect with your journey on a personal level.

3. Highlight Your Involvement in a College Readiness Program

To qualify, you must have participated in an approved college preparation program, such as:

✔️ AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
✔️ Upward Bound
✔️ Gear Up
✔️ College Possible
✔️ KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program)

In your application, explain how this program shaped your academic journey and helped you prepare for college. Showcase specific skills or knowledge you gained, such as time management, leadership, or study habits.

4. Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly

Since the Dell Scholarship prioritizes students with financial need, your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information will play a crucial role.

✔️ Make sure you submit your FAFSA on time to prove Pell Grant eligibility.
✔️ Clearly explain your financial situation and how this scholarship would impact your ability to attend college.
✔️ If applicable, describe any family responsibilities (e.g., contributing to household income, caring for siblings, etc.).

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid generic statements like "I need help paying for college." Instead, provide specific details about your financial situation and how the scholarship will help you overcome barriers.

5. Maintain a Strong GPA and Academic Consistency

Although the minimum GPA requirement is 2.4, having a higher GPA can make you a more competitive candidate. However, the Dell Scholars Program values effort and perseverance over perfect grades.

✔️ If your GPA has improved over time, mention that in your application—it shows growth and determination.
✔️ If you had challenges affecting your grades, explain them in a way that demonstrates resilience and problem-solving.
✔️ Highlight difficult coursework or extracurricular commitments that demonstrate your academic dedication.

6. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

A compelling letter of recommendation can validate your application and make a lasting impression on the selection committee.

✔️ Choose the right recommender: Ideally, this should be a teacher, counselor, or mentor who knows you well and can speak to your character, work ethic, and potential.
✔️ Give them time: Ask at least 3-4 weeks in advance and provide them with details about the scholarship.
✔️ Highlight key points: Share specific achievements or experiences you’d like them to mention.

💡 Pro Tip: A letter from a mentor in your college readiness program can be particularly powerful since they understand the scholarship’s mission.

7. Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement

While Dell Scholars doesn’t require a long list of extracurriculars, leadership and community involvement can help you stand out.

✔️ Highlight any leadership roles you’ve held in school, clubs, or community organizations.
✔️ If you work a part-time job or have family responsibilities, emphasize the skills you’ve developed (e.g., time management, problem-solving).
✔️ Show your commitment to making a difference, whether through volunteering, tutoring, or mentoring.

💡 Pro Tip: If you haven’t had traditional extracurriculars, explain how your personal responsibilities have shaped your leadership skills.

8. Submit a Polished, Error-Free Application

Your application should reflect your attention to detail and professionalism.

✔️ Proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
✔️ Use clear, concise language—don’t overcomplicate your responses.
✔️ Ensure all required documents (transcripts, FAFSA information, recommendations) are submitted on time.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask a teacher, mentor, or family member to review your application before submitting. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors or suggest improvements.

Final Thoughts: Be Confident and Apply!

The Dell Scholars Program is more than just a financial award—it provides a lifeline of support to help students persist through college and graduate successfully. Even if you don’t have a perfect GPA or a long list of achievements, your resilience, passion, and commitment can set you apart.

✅ Start early, be authentic, and tell your story with confidence.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to apply—you might just be the next Dell Scholar!

📌 Important Links:

🔹 Learn more & apply: Dell Scholars Program
🔹 Check eligibility: Dell Scholarship Requirements

Good luck! 🚀