McMaster FIRST Alumni Entrance Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Activate your MacID (McMaster User ID) and log in to AwardSpring
• ✓ Complete the common application for Faculty of Engineering
• ✓ Submit the engineering scholarship application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET
• ✓ Provide contact information for two referees
• ✓ Ensure two reference letters verifying your participation in the named organization are submitted by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET
• ✓ Answer three short-answer questions

About this award

You get $15,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a high school student with a strong academic record and a history of leadership and volunteering within FIRST, the organization this award is named for. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Your reference letters must arrive by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how and when you will be notified of the result. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering during your application how the money will reach you – some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed – if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an applicant from high school entering one of these programs: Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences. You need an admissions average of 90% or higher. You must also show leadership experience and attributes, along with involvement in extra-curricular or volunteer activities in FIRST, the organization this award is named for.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid just listing your titles. Instead, describe the specific impact you had while volunteering or leading in your organization. Give a concrete example of a project you managed.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you casually. Instead, select people who can verify your specific participation and leadership roles in the named organization. Ensure they have your correct contact details.
• StrategyAvoid treating the optional sections as unimportant. Instead, use the space to share special circumstances or highlight entrepreneurship experiences that set you apart. Fill out every part of the AwardSpring portal carefully.
• RealismAvoid assuming a 90% average is enough to win the award. Instead, remember that this is a competitive entrance scholarship based on both grades and community involvement. Apply for all eligible Faculty of Engineering awards using the common application to increase your chances.

Questions students ask

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