COAS Top Scholars

Each spring, COAS will select a small number of students for the honor of “COAS Top Scholars.” COAS Top Scholars represent College of Arts & Sciences students who demonstrate academic breadth of coursework, research, creative works and publications, presentations at professional meetings or conferences, and community and campus service.

These students will also represent COAS as nominees for Boise State’s Top Ten Scholars Award. Presented by the Boise State Alumni Association and Boise State Honors College, the Top Ten Scholar Award is one of the highest academic honors granted to a Boise State University undergraduate student.

Applications will open each spring for students who meet the requisites.

1. Cover Letter
Submit a one-page cover letter requesting nomination that addresses your accomplishments in relation to the Top Ten criteria, organized by the three main sections for selection:

• • • Experiential Learning: Describe the scope and impact of your research, internship experiences, and any creative activities.
    • Service, Leadership, and Community Impact: Discuss your contributions to service, leadership roles, and any community impact or adversity you’ve overcome in reaching your achievements. 

This cover letter should be typed on one page using Times New Roman, 10-12 point font.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Include an academic CV that emphasizes your achievements related to the Top Ten criteria in the same categories outlined above:

• • Academic Performance
  • Research, Internships, and Creative Activity
  • Service, Leadership, and Community Impact

3. Academic Transcript
Attach a current copy of your entire academic transcript through your final semester. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.

 To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requisites:

• • You must have at least a cumulative 3.800 GPA.
  • You must complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree by the previous August (2024), the previous December, or by May (2025) of the current spring semester. Students must have also filed for graduation.
  • You must be seeking your first baccalaureate degree.
  • You must have completed more than 50% of your course work at Boise State University.
  • You are expected to attend the  awards ceremony for Top Ten Scholars (dates are announced each spring when applications open)

Students who meet the requirements above may apply.  The selection criteria is as follows:

Experiential Learning, Research, Internships, and Creative Activity

• Experiential Learning: Activities that extend learning beyond the classroom, such as study abroad, service-learning, and other hands-on experiences.
• Research: Scope, objectives, and impact of any research projects the student has been involved in.
• Internships: Relevant internship experiences, contributions, and learning outcomes.
• Creative Activity: Any innovative projects or artistic endeavors that showcase the student’s creativity and skills.

Service, Leadership, and Community Impact

• Service: Contributions to community service or volunteer efforts.
• Leadership: Leadership roles within academic, co-curricular, or extracurricular activities.
• Community Impact and Adversity: Noteworthy challenges the student has faced and how these have shaped their accomplishments, contributions, and character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many nominations can a student receive?
  • Students with multiple majors from different colleges may receive nominations from each respective college.
• Does every college receive nominations for the Top Ten Scholars program?
  • No, each degree-granting college receives one automatic nomination. Subsequent nominations are determined by a formula based on the number of graduates from each respective college.
• Is there a standardized rubric for evaluating applications?
  • No, individual committee members are encouraged to develop their own evaluation rubrics based on the Top Ten Criteria provided.
• When is the awards ceremony held, and is attendance mandatory?
  • The awards ceremony is typically held in April or May of the academic year. While attendance is encouraged, exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances or university-sanctioned events.
• Can students choose to honor a staff member instead of a faculty member?
  • Yes, there are no restrictions on whom students choose to honor as their Top Ten mentor/faculty.

Have questions about COAS Top Scholars or Top Ten?

Email COAS-studentsuccess@boisestate.edu