The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program at Boston College offers one of the most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarships in the United States. Each year, Boston College awards 18 full-tuition scholarships to exceptional incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
This highly competitive programme provides not only financial support but also fully-funded summer programmes focused on service learning, international experiences, and professional internships throughout the four years of study.
Key Benefits of the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
- Full-tuition coverage for four years (renewable annually based on continued academic performance).
- Additional scholarship funding to meet demonstrated financial need beyond tuition, as determined by Boston College’s institutional analysis.
- Participation in exclusive, fully-funded GPSP-sponsored summer programmes (service learning, global experiences, and internships).
- Enrolment in one of Boston College’s departmental honours programmes, including the opportunity to write an honours thesis.
- Access to a vibrant community of scholars and leadership development opportunities aligned with Boston College’s Jesuit tradition of excellence and service.
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students and is awarded purely on academic merit.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be applying as a first-year (freshman) student for the fall semester.
- Submit their Boston College undergraduate admission application by the priority scholarship deadline of 1 November.
- Meet Boston College’s general admission requirements and English language proficiency standards (if applicable).
Important: There is no separate scholarship application. All students who apply for undergraduate admission by the deadline are automatically considered. Only candidates applying for fall admission are eligible.
How to Apply for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying is straightforward since no extra forms are required beyond the standard admission application. Follow these steps:
- Prepare your application materials — Gather your high school transcripts, school report, counsellor recommendation, teacher evaluations, and any required English proficiency test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL for international students).
- Complete the online admission application — Submit your application to Boston College through the Common Application. You may apply via Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision, as long as you meet the scholarship priority deadline.
- Submit by the deadline — Ensure your complete application reaches Boston College by 1 November to be considered for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship.
- No additional scholarship documents needed — There is no separate essay or form for the Presidential Scholarship.
- Monitor your application status — Finalists are typically notified in mid-January and invited to Boston College (at the university’s expense) for interviews in mid-March. Final scholarship decisions are communicated shortly after the interviews.
Official Application Link: Visit the Boston College admissions page to start your application: Here.
For more details about the programme, visit the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program homepage.
Important Deadlines for 2026 Entry
- Priority Scholarship Deadline: 1 November (for both Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants).
- Only fall admission candidates are considered.