Freshman President's Scholarship Competition
An invitation-only competition at which incoming freshmen compete for the University's most prestigious scholarships.
2025 Competition Dates
Capacity for this exclusive, in-person event is limited. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Invited students may register for the available date of their choice. Competition dates:
- Feb. 14
- Feb. 21
- Feb. 28
Details
- 10:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Central Time
- UWF Conference Center, Building 22
- Parking: Lots K and H
- Parking pass information to come.
Competition
A complimentary luncheon will be hosted for student participants and their guests. Students will be asked to write a short essay on a provided topic during the competition and will meet with a faculty or staff member for a 20-minute interview. Information sessions will be offered for guests during the interview and essay portions of the event.
Additional Information
Attire is business professional. Résumés are suggested but not required and will not be included in scoring. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Nagim, assistant director of orientation and visit experience, at jnagim@uwf.edu.
Scoring and Selection
At the conclusion of the competition, students will be scored cumulatively based on the results of the interview and essay. The highest-scoring students will be awarded the Pace Presidential Scholarship. No more than six students will be selected as recipients of the Pace Presidential full-ride scholarship. Recipients will receive a scholarship award letter, while other students will be notified via email by mid-April 2025.
Scholarship Details
Pace Presidential Scholarship* | Value: $50,000+
The Pace Presidential Scholarship, in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures, covers tuition, mandatory fees, a meal plan, on-campus housing, an $800 per-semester textbook stipend, and a one-time paid research or study abroad experience valued at up to $1,500. The award will not exceed direct costs.
Students who do not receive the Pace Presidential Scholarship will maintain their original Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship.
Pace Presidential Scholar: Olivia Cutshaw
"The Pace Presidential Scholarship has given me the ability to fully concentrate on my coursework and extracurricular activities without worrying about how I’m going to pay for the many costs associated with college life. I love living in my residence hall, eating at the dining hall, and shopping at the bookstore; however, the gratitude I feel runs deeper than those privileges. I am so honored to represent this university, and conversely, I feel as if UWF advocates for me right back. It is beyond comforting to know that I am supported in my academic pursuits, and I would not trade that for anything in the world." — Olivia Cutshaw
Learn more about previous winners on UWF Top Scholars.
ADA Statement
To request specific accommodations for this event, please contact Jennifer Nagim at jnagim@uwf.edu or 850.474.3379.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is committed to providing an exceptional visit experience for every guest. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations is requested to advise UWF by contacting the ADA Program Office at 850.857.6250 or 711 (TTY) at least two (2) business days prior to the event. For information or to submit a request, visit the or email ada@uwf.edu.