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Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information, including that requested from third parties (e.g. official transcripts, verification of eligibility and directed recommendations), is submitted via the online portal by 5pm on Tuesday, November 28. Incomplete applications, including those missing any information requested from a third party, will not be forwarded to the Selection Committee and will not be considered.

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 each receive a $1,500 scholarship and will be recognized at the Academic Awards Banquet at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

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 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 minimum criteria, students 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 will be necessary to complete the application process:

    • Student's name, mailing address and qualifications, including GPA, class rank and standardized test scores (test scores must be documented on transcript or by an official score report from ACT/SAT in .pdf format)
    • Current official high-school transcript of all completed courses, in .pdf format
    • Verification by school principal or district superintendent that student meets the Basic Criteria for application as stated above
    • List of courses in progress
    • List of high-school academic honors
    • List of extracurricular and community activities, clubs, honors and sports, including any leadership positions and highlighting any national recognitions
    • Essay of no more than 500 words, written by the student, on the following topic:

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

    Many teachers, prompted by the recent prevalence and accessibility of Artificial Intelligence, have tried to prevent their students from using this technology to help them produce written essays and other assignments. They do so in the belief that students who rely on AI deprive themselves not only of the practice of writing but also of the development of critical and individual thought.

    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?

    • A total of two directed recommendations

    One recommendation must be written by a teacher who has instructed the student 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 student 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 student and will be used in evaluating the application. Recommendations are limited to 500 words and must include the following:

    1. Your name, position and the role in which you know the applicant.
    2. An example of an accomplishment that demonstrates leadership and/or character by the applicant.
    3. How this applicant has taken advantage of the academic opportunities within his or her 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.