Overview
Students compete for a monetary prize by writing an essay (in French) and having an oral interview (in French). The essay must be submitted by Monday, February 23, 2026. (see Procedure below)
Number of Entries
1 entry per school (either Intermediate or Advanced)
Judging
Based upon a written essay and oral interview. (Click here to view the Scholarship Competition Judging Sheet.)
Time Limit
30-minute timed essay and 15-minute individual oral interview.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a high school senior (or junior who has exhausted all available high school French courses).
Applicant must have had at least two (2) years of French.
Intermediate Scholarship: Applicant is currently enrolled in French 4 or below AND started studying French in the 9th grade or later. Student had NO prior French instruction in elementary, middle, or junior high school.
Advanced Scholarship: Applicant is currently enrolled in French 4 or above AND had prior French instruction in elementary, middle, or junior high school.
Procedure
Applicant will have 30 minutes to write a composition by hand, in French, on a pre-selected topic. No dictionaries or aids will be permitted. The applicant’s sponsor will proctor this portion prior to Convention, scan the composition, and submit it for judging using the link below by Monday, February 23, 2026. Sponsors of participating schools will receive the topic question on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Applicant will also be interviewed in person, in French, by a university professor, at Convention.
Questions
Still have a question? Click here.
Ready to submit your candidate’s essay?