How are Flinn Scholars chosen?
Competition is more rigorous for the Flinn Scholarship than for even the most-selective colleges and universities; each autumn we receive approximately 500 applications and each spring we award 20 scholarships. Flinn Scholars come from every corner of Arizona, and upon arrival at the university, they choose concentrations in virtually every discipline. There is no blueprint for a Flinn Scholar. Merit, demonstrated by academic and personal achievement, is the only factor in selection; financial need is not a consideration. Our reviewers, panels of experienced educators and Flinn Scholar alumni, examine applicants’ academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. Each of these factors is an important part of the holistic picture that an applicant presents to us. A list of baseline criteria is posted on our What it Takes page. From all applicants, reviewers select a group of semifinalists for a preliminary intervie
