Please read the information below before you begin.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information—including transcripts, verification of eligibility, and recommendation letters—is submitted via the online portal by 5pm on Tuesday, December 2. 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 receive a $1,500 cash award and will be recognized at the Academic Awards Celebration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

By submitting an application, you commit (if selected) to be included in any publicity related to the award and to attend the Academic Awards Celebration on May 2. If a conflict arises, you 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:

Your name, mailing address and qualifications, including GPA, class rank and standardized test scores (Test scores must be documented in .pdf format by a score report from ACT/SAT)

Current high-school transcript of all completed courses in .pdf format

Verification by school official that you meet the Basic Criteria as stated above

List of courses in progress

List of high-school academic honors

List of no more than five of your most significant extracurricular and community activites, clubs and sports, including any leadership positions and highlighting any national recognitions

Essay limited to 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?

Two recommendation letters: One letter must be written by a teacher who has instructed you as part of your high-school requirements. The other may be written by any other person who is not a family member. This person must know you 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 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 info@ofe.org or (405) 236-0006 x10.