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Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information, including transcripts, verification of eligibility and letters of recommendation, is submitted via the online portal by 5pm on Tuesday, December 3. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the Selection Committee for consideration.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recognizes 100 outstanding public high-school seniors through their selection, by an independent committee, as Academic All-State scholars. Honorees will receive a $1,500 award and will be recognized at the Academic Awards Celebration at the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

By submitting an application, students commit themselves (if selected) to be included in any publicity related to the award and to attend the event where the award will be conferred. If a conflict arises, winners must notify the Foundation for Excellence immediately.

Basic Criteria: An Academic All-State scholar is a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and who has excelled within his or her own particular learning environment.

Currently enrolled Oklahoma public high-school seniors who meet any one of these criteria are eligible to apply for this award.

1. composite ACT score of at least 30*
2. combined SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math score of at least 1370*
3. National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalist

*Standardized test scores must be from a single test date on a national or district-contracted testing day. An ACT superscore cannot be used to meet the eligibility requirement.

In addition to the Basic Criteria, applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their leadership abilities, motivation, academic achievement and character as maximized within each student’s learning environment.

The following information is necessary to complete the application process:

• Applicant's name, mailing address and qualifications, including GPA, class rank and standardized test scores (Test scores must be documented by an official score report from ACT/SAT in .pdf format)
• Current high-school transcript of all completed courses, in .pdf format
• Verification by school principal or district superintendent that the applicant meets the Basic Criteria as stated above
• Essay of no more than 500 words, written by the applicant, on the following topic:

“A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” - Oscar Wilde

Looking back on your education in public schools, what specific teacher, assignment, or circumstance prompted you to think for yourself? In what ways did this opportunity for growth impact you and your future?

• List of courses in progress
• List of high-school academic honors
• List of no more than five of the most significant extracurricular and community activities, clubs and sports, including any leadership positions and highlighting any national recognitions
• Two recommendation letters

One letter must be written by a teacher who has instructed the applicant as part of his or her high-school requirements. The other may be written by any other person who is not a family member. This person must know the applicant well enough to complete the recommendation with specificity. This includes, but is not limited to, a past or present teacher.

The directed recommendation format has been designed to elicit specific information regarding the applicant and will be used in evaluating the application. Recommendation letters are limited to 500 words and must include the following:

1. Writer's name, position and relationship to the applicant
2. An example of an accomplishment that demonstrates leadership and/or character by the applicant
3. An example of how the applicant has taken advantage of the academic opportunities within his or her specific environment
4. An example of the applicant's motivation toward excellence in life

Questions? Contact Rachel Webber at rachel@ofe.org or (405) 236-0006 x10.