All applications must be received by Sunday, December 20th, 2026 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The application process is very similar to the college application process, so it is great practice! We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to complete the application (at least two weeks).

Applicants are asked to share information about their academic record, household income, extracurriculars and other engagement outside the classroom. They write an essay similar to a college application essay and also complete some short answers.

We ask for a recommendation from your guidance counselor and a teacher of your choice. Your guidance counselor will provide us with your high school transcript and your most recent 11th grade report card.

You will need to ask your parents for their 2025 tax return so that we can verify your total household income (used to determine eligibility).

Final admission decisions are released in mid-March. All applicants will receive their decision letters via email and should regularly check their email accounts throughout the Thrive application process.

Thrive Scholars takes a holistic approach when evaluating a student’s application. Some of the criteria we consider are academic performance, level of rigor in coursework, writing ability, involvement outside of class, personal qualities/character and socio-economic background.

Yes! Our program is offered at no cost to our Scholars. Your time, energy, and effort are the only commitments required.

Thrive Scholars aims to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and income is a factor that we look at during the selection process. To be eligible to apply to our programs, your total household income should not exceed $125,000 annually, considering both of your parents’/guardians’ income (even if they live separately).

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply. However, your citizenship status may affect your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Your college access manager will help you to navigate the aid process during your senior year.

Additionally, your citizenship status may impact future employment opportunities. Some employers can limit hiring based on citizenship if required by law, regulation, executive order, or government contract. Your career coach can help you navigate these questions and others related to your future career opportunities.

No. However, our College Access Managers (CAMs) work with Scholars and their families to secure low-loan; and, in many cases, no loan financial aid packages. Our goal is to have you graduate with little to no debt!

No. Students must apply to our program when they are juniors in high school.

In addition to answering questions about yourself, your family’s income and your school, you will be asked to submit:

a 650 word essay

a 350 word shorter response (and a few other short answers)

your parent(s)/guardian(s) 2025 tax documents to verify your total household income

your high school transcript

Your most recent 11th grade report card will be uploaded by your guidance counselor.

Please give yourself ample time (at least two weeks) to complete the application!

No. Your counselor and teacher recommender will complete a short form assessing your academic performance and your personal qualities as a student. There is space on the form for them to submit any additional information they want to share, including a letter if they have already written one for you, but this is optional.

You will be asked to submit page one of your parents’/guardians’ 2025 IRS 1040 tax form. We also can accept their W-2 or 1099 form, or an employment verification letter including the annual income of each of their annual incomes.

These documents are necessary for us to verify your total household income and also help us to prepare for your financial aid planning.

The exact date can vary, but admissions decisions are generally released towards mid-March.

During the enrollment process, you will have the opportunity to share your IEP/504 Plan with us. Any request for accommodations will be reviewed and we will accommodate requests that are within our capacity to meet.

No. However, if you have taken any standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, we ask that you submit your scores on the application.

Primarily by email. We will always send communications to your personal email, not your school email, because many school systems have firewalls that prevent our application form from submitting properly. You should get in the habit of checking your personal emails regularly as we will send information, updates, reminders and invitations all by email.

In addition, you will occasionally receive text messages from us with important reminders or to invite you to a virtual info session.