In 2023, I was named a Coca-Cola Scholar. When I applied, I had already developed software tools to detect pancreatic cancer to improve disease modeling, analysis, and treatment. 

I also demonstrated leadership as the President of the Samyak Science Society, an organization that I built with my brother. It’s dedicated to making science accessible to youth worldwide, especially for under-resourced communities.

Who Can Apply?

There is a tough selection procedure, with 150 Coca-Cola Scholars being chosen each year from over 105,000 applications.

Here’s a quick eligibility overview:

• A minimum GPA of 3.00

• To be a senior in a U.S. high school or homeschooling program

• You must also be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Just a quick note: for obvious reasons, applicants having family links to Coca-Cola companies are not eligible for the program.

For more information on eligibility, deadlines, and a complete application breakdown, see our full Guide to the Coca-Cola Scholarship.

How I Won the Coke (Coca-Cola Scholars) Scholarship Award

Here are the principles and mindset that mattered most in my Coca-Cola Scholarship journey.

1. I wrote a great essay

Writing a strong essay was essential in my application. What mattered most for me was authenticity, not trying to sound impressive.

Rather than offering clichéd remarks, I focused on telling specific stories that showed my motivation and impact. I wanted to sound like a real person, not an ideal applicant, and that authenticity made my application feel credible.

I could give you pointers on crafting hooks or structure, but the most important part has to come from you. Write a genuine story about your passions and goals, then ask a teacher, parent, or peer to review it and challenge your clarity.

2. I was full of energy at my interview

In my interview, I think my energy and clarity made a difference. I focused on explaining my work confidently and being honest about my motivations, rather than trying to impress.

This stage is your opportunity to clearly articulate what you did, why it mattered, and what drives you. Don’t minimize your accomplishments; practice explaining them clearly and confidently.

Read our article with more Coke Scholarship tips and tricks here. 

3. I got in touch with the providers

In my case, reaching out to the scholarship providers helped me understand the process better and confirm legitimacy. It also made me more confident going into later stages of the application.

Scholarship scams do exist, so this is a practical step. It also shows diligence and initiative, which are qualities the Coca-Cola Scholarship values.

My Last Advice for the Coke Scholarship Award

Overall, my lasting piece of advice is always this: be real to yourself, try to got involved in as much as you can that relates to your passion and that is actually impactful to society, and be confident!

If you stay relaxed, take a deep breath, and show the people reviewing your scholarship application how bright you shine in the world, then who knows?

They might just rejoice in a toast to you, over a bottle of coke.

Prepare for the Coca-Cola Scholarship with ScienceFair

I created ScienceFair to give students access to the kind of mentorship that helped me become a Coca-Cola Scholar. Our mentors support high and middle school students through research projects and guide them through the Coca-Cola Scholarship process.

Book a consultation call to see how ScienceFair can support your goals.