What is the Second Assessment Round?
The Second Assessment Round is an additional stage of the Coolidge Scholarship application process. Following the initial review of applications, several hundred applicants will be invited to complete a virtual, proctored Second Assessment. Only applicants who advance to and complete the Second Assessment will remain under consideration for the Coolidge Scholarship and the Coolidge Senators Program.
How will I know if I advance to the Second Assessment Round?
All applicants will be notified in late January whether they have advanced. Notification will be provided by email, and applicants may also check their status through their application portal.
When will the Second Assessment take place?
The Second Assessment will take place in late January/early February 2027. Advancing applicants will be notified in late January and given a designated period in which to complete the Second Assessment at a time of their choosing. Exact dates and instructions will be provided to applicants who advance.
What does the Second Assessment consist of?
The Second Assessment will include two parts: (1) an additional extended-response essay related to the essay topics in the 2026-27 Scholarship application; and (2) a multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank assessment covering President Coolidge and the application’s required readings, including The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge.
May I use outside resources while completing the Second Assessment?
No. The Second Assessment is designed to assess your own knowledge and understanding of the material. While completing it, you may not consult outside resources, including books, notes, internet sources, artificial intelligence, or other people. For this reason, applicants are encouraged to revisit the required readings in advance of the Second Assessment. The Second Assessment will be proctored and applicants will need to complete it in one sitting. Applicants found to be using outside resources while completing the Second Assessment will no longer be considered for the Coolidge Scholarship or the Coolidge Senators Program.
What technology will I need to complete the Second Assessment?
The Second Assessment will be completed online, therefore applicants will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. Applicants will access the Assessment through a secure browser software that restricts access to other programs and websites. Additional technical instructions will be provided to applicants who advance to the Second Assessment Round.
What happens if I do not advance to the Second Assessment Round?
Applicants who do not advance will be notified that they have reached the conclusion of this year’s selection process and, regrettably, have not been selected for the Coolidge Scholarship or the Coolidge Senators Program.
What happens if I advance but do not complete the Second Assessment?
Applicants who advance to the Second Assessment Round must complete the Second Assessment within the designated submission period. Applicants who do not complete the Assessment within that period will no longer be considered for the Coolidge Scholarship or the Coolidge Senators Program.