The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) Dean’s Undergraduate Scholars Program recognizes outstanding students within the School of Professional Studies community by awarding a $10,000 scholarship. Identifying the need among NYUSPS students, the School established this annual merit-based scholarship to reward exemplary academic achievement, outstanding service, and committed involvement in the SPS community. The Dean’s Scholars are required to serve as SPS Ambassadors, attend regular meetings with the Dean, and participate as mentors to high school students in the NYUSPS High School Academy Aspire Program, a college preparatory program for students in the New York/Tri-State area who will be first-generation college students. All Dean’s Scholars are required to be physically present and available to participate in Dean’s Scholars’ events on the NYUSPS campus in New York City over the course of the full academic year (including 8 Saturdays), in addition to evenings during one week in August preceding the academic year.
NYUSPS Undergraduate Students
Dean's Undergraduate Scholars Program
If selected as a Dean’s Scholar, you will:
- Receive a $10,000 scholarship ($5,000 for Fall 2022; $5,000 for Spring 2023)
- Join a distinguished group of students representing SPS
- Make a difference by mentoring a high school student who will be a first generation college student in the NYUSPS High School Academy Aspire Program
- Be honored with a custom graduation stole and will sit on stage at the SPS graduation ceremony (if you are a Dean’s Scholar the year you graduate)
- Benefit from the unique relationships you will forge with the Office of the Dean and with the School's leadership
Eligibility Requirements:
- Full- or part-time NYUSPS undergraduate student (domestic and international)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- 48 credits completed at time of application (at least 16 credits completed and 2 semesters enrolled at NYUSPS)
- Enrolled in both Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters (students graduating in December 2022 are not eligible)
- Must be able to participate in the regular Dean’s Scholars meetings and Aspire Program Weekend Workshops (dates to be released in Spring 2022)
*Some eligibility requirements are subject to change. Please see the application--to be released in Spring 2022--for final eligibility requirements.
A quote from a current Dean's Undergraduate Scholar - “Being a part of the most prestigious and rigorous programs at SPS allow you to differentiate yourself by making a lasting difference in the world. As a Dean’s Scholar and an ASPIRE mentor, you become a source of support and friendship to hard-working high school students, and you get the amazing opportunity to walk alongside them throughout their path to college. Seeing your guidance turn into successful results is extremely rewarding and once again reminds me of who I am as a Dean’s Scholar; a person who is able to impact others.”
Scholarship Amount
$10,000
Application Requirements
2 Essays
Required
Department Signature
To verify good academic standing
Letters of Recommendation
2 letters required
Service Component
Become a mentor to students in the Aspire Program
Official Transcript
Required
Current Resume
Required
Interview
Finalists will be required to attend an in-person interview
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Dean’s Scholars application open?
The Dean’s Scholars application opens the first day of the Spring semester every year and remains open until the first Friday of March at 5:00pm EST. All SPS students will receive an email to their NYU email letting them know when the application becomes available. This application is for the following academic year. For example, the application that becomes available in January 2022 is for the 2022-23 academic year.
Why are Dean’s Scholars required to be enrolled for a full academic year?
Dean’s Scholars must be enrolled for the full academic year (Fall and Spring) because as part of the scholarship program they serve as mentors in the NYU SPS Aspire Program. Aspire students are first-generation high school students from underrepresented communities. Our mentorship model requires rigorous training, a background check, and a full academic year commitment in order to provide mentees with consistent and impactful mentors throughout the academic year. SPS students graduating in December are unfortunately ineligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program.
Are application eligibility requirements flexible?
All students must meet the same Dean’s Scholars eligibility requirements. For equity purposes, we cannot make exceptions on eligibility requirements.
I will meet the credit requirement after the application deadline. Am I still eligible to apply?
All application eligibility requirements, including minimum number of credits completed and minimum GPA, must be met at the time of application (before the deadline has passed).
Why are Spring students who are full-time ineligible for the Dean’s Scholars program?
Spring students that are enrolled full-time and will be graduating in December are not eligible (please see question 2). Since students often change the number of courses they are enrolled in and when, the Dean’s Scholars program information is available to all students on the website so they are aware of the opportunity. Please note: we strongly caution students against delaying their graduation to be eligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program due to how competitive it is.
Are only NYU SPS students eligible to apply to this program?
Yes, only current SPS students are eligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program.
How many SPS students are accepted into the Dean’s Scholars Program?
There is not a set number of scholars we have to meet. Typically, we award approximately 25 students (8-10 undergraduates; 15-17 graduates). The percentage of awardees is based on the applicant pool each year.
Why are new SPS students not eligible for this program (first semester or sooner)?
The Dean’s Scholars Program is a partially merit-based scholarship. In order for the committee to evaluate merit, students must have a certain number of SPS credits and corresponding grades at the time of application. Therefore, students just starting at SPS are not eligible to apply during their first semester.