Pathfinder's Promise Award: Your Perfect Fit

The Pathfinder's Promise scholarship believes that every student deserves to find a college where they can thrive, regardless of their academic transcript. This program is specifically designed for students who have navigated academic challenges, yet maintain a strong desire to pursue higher education.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in 11th grade in a U.S. high school

  • Unweighted GPA below 3.5

  • Demonstrated motivation to attend college

  • Commitment to finding and applying to best-fit institutions

  • Open to exploring a range of college options beyond highly selective institutions

Program Philosophy:

This scholarship was inspired by a former student who nearly abandoned their college dreams because they believed only prestigious, highly competitive universities offered worthwhile educations. After discovering numerous excellent institutions where their specific strengths were valued, they found their perfect match school where they ultimately thrived.

We believe that academic success in college often depends more on finding the right educational environment than on high school GPA. Our goal is to help students discover institutions where they will be supported, challenged appropriately, and positioned for success.

Award Package:

Recipients will receive tailored college application support, including:

  • Personalized college matching based on academic profile, interests, and strengths

  • Guidance on identifying schools where students will thrive academically and personally

  • Strategic application planning focused on highlighting unique strengths

  • Common Application support and essay development

  • Editing and feedback for supplemental essays for three colleges of choice

Selection Process:

Applications will be evaluated based on personal statement, demonstrated motivation, and openness to exploring various college options. Priority will be given to students who show determination to continue their education despite academic challenges.

Important Dates

  • Application opens: November 1, 2025

  • Application deadline: December 31, 2025

  • Awardees are notified via email: February 1, 2026

Application Process:

  1. Complete the online application form available below.

  2. Current high school transcript (official or unofficial)

    • The transcript must include first semester grades from 11th grade. If unavailable, the student must submit both a high school transcript and an up-to-date report card that can displays first semester grades from 11th grade.

  3. Personal statement (500-750 words) describing your academic journey, challenges faced, and college aspirations

  4. Short essay (250 words) explaining what you hope to gain from your college experience

  5. One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your motivation and potential

  6. You will be required to submit the following materials at the time of completing the application form. Ensure that you have prepared the following materials prior to starting the form.

    • Current high school transcript (official or unofficial)

    • Personal statement (500-750 words) describing your high school journey, include any challenges faced and how you overcame them

    • Short essay (250 words) explaining your college aspirations and what you hope to gain from your college experience

    • One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your motivation and potential. Note that your recommender CANNOT be a family member or friend.

  7. *Your recommender should submit their letter to scholarships@noeticcollegeconsulting.com by December 31st.