COAS Nominations for Top Ten Scholars

What is COAS Top Scholars?

Each spring, the College of Arts and Sciences selects a small number of students for the honor of COAS Top Scholars. COAS Top Scholars represent College of Arts and 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 Scholar 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.

If you have any questions, please reach out to COAS-studentsuccess@boisestate.edu or call 208-426-2663.

Qualifications

To be considered for nomination, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.800 or higher.
• Degree completion: Complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree by August 2025, December 2025 or May 2026 and ensure you have filed for graduation.
• First baccalaureate degree: This must be your first baccalaureate degree.
• Coursework: Complete more than 50% of your coursework at Boise State University, including current enrollment.
• Attendance: Attend the awards ceremony on May 7, 2026 (exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances).

Students who meet the requirements above may apply.

Selection

Applications will be evaluated based on the following Top Ten Criteria:

• Academic performance
  • GPA: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8.
• Excellence in experiential learning
  • 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 undertaken.
  • Internships: Relevant internship experiences, contributions and learning outcomes.
  • Creative activity: 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.

Apply for a COAS Top Ten Scholars Nomination

The college is no longer accepting nominations for this year’s COAS Top Scholars. Generally, applications need:

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:

• Academic performance: Excellence demonstrated by your GPA and coursework.
• 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)

A detailed CV emphasizing your achievements in:

• Academic performance
• Excellence in experiential learning
• 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.

4. Academic Advisement Report (AAR)

A copy of your AAR dated between now and February 9, 2026, if you are graduating in May 2026.