Due January 15

Starting December 1, register online with your contact details and your recommending teacher’s information. Once you register, you’ll get an email with your applicant ID and a link to the application (which opens January 1). Your teacher will also get an email with the recommendation form – give them a heads up so they know to look for it.

Due February 2

LOC Scholars are students who excel academically and embody personal qualities that matter in college and beyond. Through your application, we want to understand who you are. We are genuinely interested in your story, your choices, and what drives you. No single essay, activity, or recommendation can capture that on its own. Instead, we look at the whole picture: your resilience, your passions, your growth, and the values you live by. The best approach is to be yourself and let your authentic voice shine.

Click here to view the application questions, required documents, and essay prompts ahead of time so you can prepare. Starting January 1, log in with your applicant ID and link from your registration email to complete the application (you can save your progress as you go). Be sure to submit by February 2, and double-check that your teacher has submitted their recommendation. Semi-finalists will be notified on March 21.

Due April 21

If you’re selected as a semi-finalist, you’ll create a short video (under 3 minutes) to introduce yourself and respond to a prompt, which will be shared by email in March. This isn’t about polish or production value. It’s another chance for us to see how you think, what excites you, and what makes you unique. Be specific, be yourself, and don’t worry about being perfect. Videos can be uploaded directly or shared through a URL link.

You’ll also submit your standardized test scores (if you have them) through the online form. Test scores are just one part of the bigger picture, along with your essay, transcript, teacher recommendation, and video. Not having scores will never count against you. We’ll simply lean more heavily on your other materials.

When you submit your video and test scores, you’ll also sign up for a virtual interview with one or more members of our selection committee. Interviews will be held between April 27 – May 8.

By June 1

All semi-finalists will receive an email letting them know their selection status by June 1.