Selection Criteria & Process

Park Scholars are selected on the basis of demonstrated achievement and evidence of future potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Park Scholarships program, candidates must:

  • Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.8.
  • Be a United States citizen, permanent resident of the U.S. or graduating from a high school located in the U.S. (regardless of citizenship status).
  • Apply for fall, first-year admission into a baccalaureate program at NC State.
    • Not open to transfer students.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship

Park Scholars are intellectually curious students who excel academically and seek learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Service

Park Scholars dedicate themselves to making a positive difference for others.

Leadership

Park Scholars listen well, lead by example, take risks and champion original ideas.

Character

Park Scholars demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, honesty and conscientiousness.

Selection Interviews

The selection process involves Semifinal Interviews and on-campus Final Selection Activities.

Semifinal Interviews

Semifinalist interviews are held via video. Semifinalists speak for 20-30 minutes with members of the Park Scholarships community. All Semifinalists are notified of Finalist decisions by the end of January.

Final Selection Activities

During Finalist Weekend, Park Scholarships Finalists learn about the opportunities that await them at NC State. They meet faculty and students in their college, discover possibilities inside and outside of the classroom, connect with Park Scholars and Park Scholarships alumni, and explore NC State’s cutting-edge facilities.

Each finalist will participate in an interview and an additional evaluated group task but the majority of our Final Selection Activities are designed to allow Finalists to get a full understanding of what it’s like to be part of NC State and the Park Scholarships community. They will talk with Park Scholars about their experiences, connect with fellow Finalists, and develop a strong sense of what it means to be a member of the Wolfpack.

Need-based travel stipends are available to assist Finalists who could not otherwise attend Final Selection Activities.