Non-Traditional and/or Transfer Applicants

At AASPIRES, we understand that cultural, religious, or familial responsibilities can sometimes impact the direction of a young person’s academic trajectory and/or their decisions regarding the type of institution they attend. These life circumstances or life decisions are not seen as deficiencies for our team, but rather, are integral components of a person’s lived realities and future aspirations. As such, every year, our national search includes a search to find promising non-traditional/transfer students to join the AASPIRES community. These students, like their traditional rising junior and senior peers, will receive one-on-one college guidance, unique learning opportunities, and mentorship throughout their college/transfer application experience(s). Our non-traditional/transfer scholars are typically students who have excelled in their high school academic programs and/or associate degree programs, possess a diverse array of life experiences, and are deeply connected to their home community(ies).

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

Application Timeline

A flowchart with three purple cartoon characters demonstrating the college application cycle. The first character is running with a piece of paper labeled "Spring before College Application Cycle ASPRES Scholar Application." The second character is standing with glasses, waving, labeled "College Application Cycle ASPRES Scholar." The third character is standing with a laptop held above its head, labeled "College Application Cycle College Application."
Illustration showing three characters demonstrating steps in the transfer application cycle: first, a character holding a paper labeled 'Spring before Transfer Application Cycle,' second, a character with glasses representing the 'Transfer Application Cycle,' and third, a character holding a tablet representing the 'Transfer Application Cycle Transfer 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, applicants must:

  • Have already already received their high school diploma from a high school in the United States or United States Territory OR have received a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma/certificate after passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test.

  • If applying to college as a non-traditional, non-transfer student, have not enrolled in any type of formal post-secondary institution of education after graduating from high school OR receiving their High School Equivalent diploma/certificate.

  • If applying as a transfer student, have completed the required number of college credits necessary for their transfer programs of choice.

  • Be 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.

*Regarding transfer applicants, we prioritize students who are attending community colleges.

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