Junior Applicants

At AASPIRES, we believe that providing our young people with college readiness, academic exploration, and personal growth support impacts greatly how they understand their stories and power. Every year, we conduct a national search to find promising rising seniors to join the AASPIRES community. These students will receive one-on-one college guidance, unique learning opportunities, and mentorship throughout the summer of their junior year of high school and into their senior year of high school. Successful junior applicants, who have no prior affiliation with AASPIRES, will join peers who have been with AASPIRES since their sophomore year. Our Scholars are typically students who have excelled in their high school academic programs, are deeply connected to their home community/communities.

Join our community of changemakers, storytellers, and leaders by applying to be an AASPIRES Scholar today!

*As we are limited with capacity for Junior Scholars, re-applicants are welcome to submit AASPIRES Scholar Application if they were not admitted during their Junior Scholars Application round. Previous applications will not negatively affect one’s re-application.

Application Timeline

Timeline illustrating educational milestones from 10th grade to college application, including Junior Scholar, AASPIRES Scholar, and college application stages.
Infographic illustrating a decision process for students: either apply to the 11th Grade AASPires Scholar Program, or proceed to 12th Grade AASPires Scholar and then to 12th Grade College Application.

How to Apply

The 2025/2026 AASPIRES Scholars application is closed. Please check in Spring 2026 for more information about the 2026/2027 application cycle.

Requirements and Deadlines

To be eligible, you must be:

  • A junior student attending high school in the United States or United States Territory

  • A junior student expected to graduate with your high school diploma in 2027.

  • A United States Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Eligible Noncitizen.

  • Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.

*Please email us directly if you are unsure of your eligibility.

AASPIRE Scholar Traits

  • Intellectual Curiosity 

    • A demonstrated eagerness to ask questions, explore ideas, and seek knowledge. 

    • Proactive interest in engaging deeply with scholarly growth and academic exploration. 

  • Cultural Groundedness 

    • Pride in and respect for one’s cultural identity and history. 

    • Willingness to explore how culture, community, and lived experiences shape educational and professional aspirations. 

  • Leadership & Community Oriented 

    • Commitment to giving back to one’s community(ies) through service, mentorship, or advocacy. 

    • Interest in shaping positive change within Asian American communities and beyond. 

  • Openness to Guidance & Feedback

    • Willingness to engage with individualized support and to grow from constructive feedback.

    • Recognition that mentorship and collaboration requires one to respect how they show up in spaces. 

  • Engagement & Empathy 

    • Sensitivity to diverse perspectives, with a commitment to respectful dialogue and exchange of ideas.

    • Recognition of the interconnectedness of personal goals with broader social justice and equity. 

  • Scholarly Ambition & Initiative

    • Motivation to pursue rigorous academic opportunities, including highly selective universities.

    • Proactive in seeking resources, opportunities, and challenges that foster intellectual exploration. 

  • Holistic Self-Realization 

    • Interest in developing not only academically but also personally, socially, and emotionally. 

    • Commitment to aligning college and career goals with values, passions, and community well-being.

Applications Closed