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Day of Pride Scholarship Applicants

Day of Pride Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Connecticut secondary school seniors from underserved backgrounds who have proven ability for success as demonstrated through UConn’s holistic application review. In addition to a commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, demonstrated leadership, and contributions to their communities, applicants should have demonstrated financial need.

The selection process is competitive and the number of applications received greatly exceeds the number of available scholarships. Applicants may be considered for either a Nutmeg Scholarship, Stamps Scholarship, or Day of Pride Scholarship, not all three. 

Early Decision applicants who apply for the Day of Pride Scholarship will not be notified of their award at the time of admission. Day of Pride Scholarship selection will be made in early February.

Application Instructions and Eligibility:

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident Alien (copy of alien registration card is required and/or proof of immigration status in the USA) or an undocumented student who has resided in Connecticut for two or more years
  • Be a Connecticut resident enrolled in and expected to graduate from a secondary school system in the state of Connecticut and enroll at the University of Connecticut beginning fall semester 2026
  • Be involved in leadership activities through high school and/or community
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives through leadership, special talents, and achievement in school and/or community
  • Submission of standardized test scores is optional and is not required for Day of Pride Scholarship eligibility. Applicants choosing to provide a standardized test score should achieve a minimum combined SAT Score of 1170 or an ACT composite score of 24
  • Applicants should have a minimum grade point average of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale and rank (if available) in the top 15% of their graduating class

Selection process takes into consideration the following:

  • Academic achievement (including rank in class, if available; GPA; and optional standardized test scores)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Short answer responses
  • Financial need*
  • Leadership in school and community
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and multiculturalism
  • Interview (determined by the Scholarship Selection Committee)

*The Estimated Financial Form will be emailed to applicants selected for an interview.

Applicants must provide their full name and date of birth on each required document, which include:

  • Day of Pride Supplemental Application: The Day of Pride Application Form will become available in the applicant portal once a student has completed the Common Application or Coalition Application. The Day of Pride Supplemental Application requires the following short answer responses:
    1. What personal accomplishment or achievement are you the most proud of and why? (100 words)
    2. UConn is committed to building a safe and inclusive community for all of its members through diversity, equity, and inclusion. How would you contribute to this mission while attending UConn and after graduation? (200 words)
    3. Why are you interested in UConn? (100 words)
  • Résumé: A detailed résumé should feature activities, accomplishments, talents, and work experience, and should be uploaded in the Day of Pride Supplemental Application.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Although optional for the admission process, two letters of recommendation from a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator are required for Day of Pride Scholarship consideration. Recommendation letters may be sent through electronic services, such as Naviance, or by email to onestop@uconn.edu. They may also be sent via fax to (860) 486-1476 or by postal mail.

Deadlines:

November 1, 2025Deadline to complete either the Common Application or Coalition Application
November 8, 2025Day of Pride Supplemental Application Deadline

After submitting the Common Application or Coalition Application, applicants will receive an email within two days that provides instruction on how to access the applicant portal where the Day of Pride Supplemental Application is provided. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions must receive the Day of Pride Supplemental Application, and all required documents by November 8, 2025

Prior to accessing the applicant portal, students will need to activate their NetID and set their password, if they have not already done so. All NetID-related questions may be sent to UConn’s Information Technology Services department by emailing techsupport@uconn.edu or by calling (860) 486-4357.