Preparing Early

While the official process begins during the first weeks of senior year, the Flinn Scholars Program recommends Arizona high-achieving students start preparing well before the application opens.

In addition, students throughout high school should pursue challenging and interesting studies and commit to extracurricular activities. Then be ready to apply.

August, Senior Year

Your journey to becoming a Flinn Scholar officially begins in August with the opening of the application. You will have several weeks to complete the application, including two essays, one short-answer question, and identify two recommenders. A counselor’s report is also a required application component. 

September

ACT or SAT scores are a required part of the application with a minimum test score of 26 on the ACT or 1230 on the SAT. Test scores are self-reported on the application. Note: Official score reports are requested only from students who advance in the process. 

Don’t meet these minimums? It’s not too late to improve your test score. Now is when you should register for the October ACT or SAT, the last eligible test dates before the application deadline. 

October

After the application deadline, and before you dive back into one of your many projects, take a deep breath, smile, and acknowledge all that you have accomplished. Then, be sure that your counselor report and two recommendations are submitted by their deadline.  

December and January

By late December, you will learn whether you have been named a Flinn Scholarship Semifinalist and participate in a virtual interview in January. Being named a Semifinalist is a great honor—your name and high school are announced, and you will qualify for an annual scholarship from one of Arizona’s three public universities. 
 
In late January, approximately 35 Flinn Scholarship Finalists will be announced. Arizona’s universities plan personalized campus visits for Finalists, including opportunities to meet professors, administrators, and current students in the Honors colleges. 

March

Flinn Scholarship Finalists have an interview at the Flinn Foundation office in March with a five-person selection committee. Later in March, about 20 Finalists are offered the Flinn Scholarship. Its value, including funding for tuition, housing, meals, and study abroad, exceeds $135,000. 

April and May

The Flinn Foundation will make a public announcement in April after the new class is finalized and celebrate these Flinn Scholars at the program’s annual Recognition Event in May.