Sophomore Applicants

At AASPIRES, we believe that providing our young people with college readiness, academic exploration, and personal growth support should not be limited to their senior year of high school. Every year, alongside our search for rising seniors and non-traditional students, we conduct a national search to find promising rising juniors to join the AASPIRES community as Junior Scholars. These students will receive one-on-one college guidance, unique learning opportunities, and mentorship throughout their junior year of high school. Unless disqualifying circumstances arise, Junior Scholars are automatically included in their corresponding senior year’s AASPIRES Scholars cohort and will continue receiving support throughout their senior year of high school. Our Junior Scholars are typically students who have excelled in their 9th - 10th grade high school academic programs and are deeply connected to their home community/communities.

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

Application Timeline

A flowchart shows academic progress from 10th grade Junior Scholar application, 11th grade Junior Scholar, 12th grade AAspire Scholar, to 12th grade college application, with cartoon characters representing each stage.

How to Apply

The 2025/2026 Junior 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 sophomore student attending high school in the United States or United States Territory

  • A sophomore student expected to graduate with your high school diploma in 2028.

  • 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