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, including viewing an online information session.
In addition, students throughout high school should pursue challenging and interesting studies, commit to extracurricular activities, and take the PSAT sophomore and junior year and the ACT or SAT by early October of senior year. 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 the essays and short-answer questions, and identify two teachers to write recommendations. A counselor’s report is also a required application component.
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.
January
By early January, you will learn whether you have advanced to become one of about 80 Flinn Scholarship Semifinalists who are interviewed by three-person panels. Being named a Semifinalist is a great honor—your name and high school are announced, and you will qualify for a special scholarship from one of Arizona’s three public universities.
Following the Semifinalists interviews, about 40 Flinn Scholarship Finalists are announced. Typically, 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 interview in March with a five-person selection committee. A short time later, about 20 Finalists are offered the Flinn Scholarship. Its value, including funding for tuition, housing, meals, and study abroad, exceeds $120,000.
April and May
The Flinn Foundation makes a public announcement in April after the new class is finalized and celebrates the Flinn Scholars at the annual Recognition Event in May.
The 2021 application timeline
August 24, 2020: Application available
October 5, 2020: Application deadline
October 19, 2020: Teacher and counselor recommendations deadline
January 7, 2021: About 80 Semifinalists notified
January 21-22, 2021: Semifinalist interviews
Late January 2021: About 40 Finalists notified
March 11-12, 2021: Finalist interviews
Mid-March 2021: About 20 Finalists offered award
April 9, 2021: Deadline to accept offer
Late April 2021: Class of 2021 public announcement
May 8, 2021: Recognition Event
