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Hargis Leadership Institute

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What you'll receive:

  • A McKnight Scholars study abroad program
  • Connections to current and past McKnight Scholars
Eligible students will be selected, based on demonstrated leadership ability, community service and/or work experience, academic success and extracurricular activities. To be eligible, students must be from out of state, with preference given to students from rural communities. Transfer students are eligible.
McKnight Scholars at the Eiffel Tower

About the application process

The McKnight Scholar Leadership Program begins with the selection of a dynamic community of out-of-state students with a passion for service and extraordinary potential for influence. Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are currently open!
  • Applicant timeline
    • Nov. 1 (midnight): First-round application and nomination deadline
    • Dec. 31: First-round selection notifications are made (selection, denial or movement to the next round)
    • Feb. 1 (midnight): Second-round application and nomination deadline
    • March 31: Second-round selection notifications are made (selection or denial)
  • Selection criteria

    Typically, approximately 50 students are chosen each year based on the following requirements:

    • Out-of-state, incoming student 
    • Acceptance to OSU
    • Proven leadership ability 
    • Commitment to service

    Additional criteria that is considered but not required includes:

    • 27 ACT or 1220 SAT or above
    • 3.75 GPA
    • Preference for rural communities
 
mcknight retreat 2023
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