Maria, a class of 2025 recipient of the prestigious Gabelli Presidential scholarship at Boston shares her experiences on how she won the scholarship with scholarsinfodesk. Maria Fernanda De Nadai is studying Finance and Marketing in Boston.
Coming from an underserved community in São Paulo, Brazil, this opportunity was life-changing for her. If you are an international student dreaming of studying in the U.S.A and looking for scholarships like this one, I hope her story and insight will guide you.
How She Found Out About the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
Growing up in São Paulo, Maria always dreamed of studying abroad. During high school, she spent countless hours researching universities and scholarships in the U.S., especially those that provided full funding. One day, while browsing Boston College’s website, she stumbled upon the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. This prestigious merit-based award covers tuition, room, board, and fees, and also offers enriching summer programs. Why narrating how she won the Gabelli presidential scholarship to study at Boston College, “I immediately knew that this was the opportunity I had been looking for.”
Maria’s Motivation to Apply
Driven by a desire to break barriers, not just for herself, but for others in her community. The education she would receive at Boston College could open doors for her to help those back home. She stated that “The Gabelli Scholarship wasn’t just a ticket to a degree—it was a gateway to experiences, mentorship, and leadership development that could prepare me to make a real impact”
Meeting the Gabelli Scholarship Requirements
The Gabelli Presidential Scholarship is extremely competitive, and only 18 students are selected each year. Here are the key requirements she focused on that made her won the Gabelli presidential scholarship:
Outstanding Academic Achievement
She maintained top grades throughout her high school. Though the program does not have a specific GPA requirement, academic excellence is a must.
Demonstrated Leadership
She took on leadership roles in her community, organizing volunteer projects in São Paulo. This aspect is crucial, as the scholarship seeks students who demonstrate leadership potential.
Commitment to Service
Boston College and the Gabelli Scholars Program value students who are dedicated to service. Her involvement in community service projects helped her application stand out.
Standardized Test Scores
She took the SAT and scored highly (most successful applicants score above 1400). For international students, this is an important part of demonstrating academic readiness for U.S. universities.
Challenges in the Application Process
As an international student, the application process wasn’t easy. There were a few challenges she had to overcome:
Language Barriers
“Though I studied English in school, I had to work hard on my language skills, especially to do well on standardized tests like the SAT”
Access to Resources
Coming from an underserved community, Maria didn’t have easy access to SAT prep materials or tutors. She relied heavily on free online resources, like Khan Academy and college preparation websites.
Financial Strain
The cost of applying to universities abroad can add up quickly. From application fees to standardized test costs, Maria had to be creative in finding ways to cover these expenses. Boston College offers application fee waivers, which was a big help for her.
How She Aced Her Application
She stated “Looking back, there were several things I did correctly that helped me win the scholarship” Some of which are:
- Strong Application Essays: My essays were authentic and showed my passion for making a difference. She told her personal story—her struggles, her dreams, and her commitment to her community. She also clearly articulated why Boston College and the Gabelli Scholarship were the perfect fit for her goals.
- Focused on Leadership: “I didn’t just list my extracurricular activities—I highlighted specific projects where I took initiative” For example, she stated that she organized a financial literacy program for youth in her neighborhood, which aligned with her passion for finance and the desire to give back.
- Prepared for the Interviews: According to Maria, after being shortlisted, she was invited to an interview. “I practiced answering questions about my leadership, goals, and values. The interview is crucial in making a strong impression, so I focused on being confident and sincere.”
- Stayed Persistent: There were moments of doubt, “especially when I didn’t know if my application would stand out among hundreds of others. But I remained focused, knowing that my story and passion made me unique”.
Requirements for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements and steps involved:
- Application to Boston College: You must apply to Boston College by the early action deadline (usually November 1st).
- No Separate Application for the Scholarship: Though there is no separate application for the Gabelli Scholarship. If you apply to Boston College by the early action deadline, you’re automatically considered.
- Academic Excellence: Strong high school performance and competitive SAT/ACT scores are necessary. International students should also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.
- Demonstrated Leadership and Service: Involvement in leadership roles and community service is a must. They want to see that you’ve made a real impact in your school or community.
- Finalists Interview: If you are selected as a finalist, you’ll be invited to Boston College for an interview and a campus visit.
Advice for Prospective International Students
If you’re dreaming of applying for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, Maria has the following advice for you:
- Start Early: The application process for U.S. universities can be long and complex, especially when applying for scholarships. Start researching and preparing at least a year in advance.
- Focus on Leadership: This scholarship isn’t just about academic excellence. It’s equally important to demonstrate that you’ve been a leader and that you care about making a difference.
- Use Free Resources: Don’t let financial barriers stop you from succeeding. There are plenty of free resources online to help you prepare for standardized tests and craft your essays.
- Be Authentic: The scholarship committee isn’t just looking for perfect students; they want real people with real stories. Be yourself in your essays and interviews.
- Reach Out for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, mentors, or even past scholarship recipients. Their guidance can be invaluable.
Her Concluding Thoughts
Winning the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship was a dream come true, but it required hard work, persistence, and a lot of preparation. If I won the Gabelli presidential scholarship, you win the scholarship also.
Therefore, if you’re an international student thinking about applying, know that it’s possible. Stay focused, be authentic, and don’t give up on your dreams. The journey might be challenging, but the reward is worth every effort. Good luck!