# John and Abigail Adams Scholarship The **John and Abigail Adams Scholarship**, offered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, is a merit-based scholarship program designed to recognize academic excellence among high school students in Massachusetts. This scholarship provides eligible students with a tuition credit to attend a Massachusetts state college or university, making higher education more accessible and affordable. Named after two of Massachusetts' most celebrated historical figures, this program rewards students for their hard work and academic achievements while encouraging them to pursue higher education within the state. ## Program Structure The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a virtual program, meaning there are no in-person requirements for application or participation. The scholarship is awarded on a yearly basis to graduating high school seniors who meet specific academic benchmarks. Once awarded, the scholarship provides tuition credit for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts public institution, provided that students maintain the program's academic requirements. The scholarship does not cover other fees, such as room and board or books, and it applies only to tuition costs. Eligible students are notified of their qualification during the fall of their senior year in high school. ## What Students Experience While the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is not a traditional extracurricular activity, it offers students the opportunity to focus on their academic success and future educational goals. Recipients of the scholarship will gain recognition for their hard work and academic dedication, as well as the financial support to continue their education at one of the public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. Students will experience the reward of their academic achievements being valued at the state level, helping them develop confidence as they transition into higher education. This scholarship also emphasizes the importance of staying engaged in their academics throughout high school and college, as maintaining academic eligibility is a key component of the program. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Being awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship reflects a student’s strong academic performance and their commitment to excellence. The scholarship is based on merit, which demonstrates to colleges and universities that the student has achieved high levels of academic success throughout their high school career. Additionally, receiving this scholarship can reduce the financial burden of college tuition, allowing students to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities during college. For students applying to colleges outside of Massachusetts, this scholarship still serves as an impressive accolade to highlight on applications. It shows that the student was recognized at the state level for their academic accomplishments. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements: - Be a high school senior in Massachusetts (Grade 12). - Achieve high scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams, including ranking in the top 25% of their district's test-takers. - Meet any additional requirements as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Students must also plan to enroll in a Massachusetts public college or university to take advantage of the tuition credit. There is no cost to apply or participate in the scholarship program. ## How to Participate Students do not need to submit a separate application for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. Eligibility is determined automatically based on MCAS scores and other criteria. Students who qualify are notified by their school or the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education during the fall of their senior year. To accept the scholarship, eligible students must follow the instructions provided in their notification letter, which may include confirming their intent to enroll at a Massachusetts public college or university. For more information about the program, students can visit the [Massachusetts Department of Higher Education website](https://www.mass.edu/). The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Massachusetts students to celebrate their academic achievements and reduce the financial burden of higher education.