In our review of the materials submitted, we get to know each applicant as an individual and understand each student in the context of the resources and opportunities available to them.

The most important criteria for selection to the Lu Memorial Scholarship are distinguished academic achievement, innovative thinking, and significant potential and commitment to positive change in community and broader society. Another criterion is involvement outside the classroom, where we seek evidence of sustained commitment and leadership in school and community activities.

We look for students who will make a strong contribution to the Lu Scholar community and the broader world by demonstrating intellectual vitality and leadership, qualities not entirely captured by grade point averages and test scores. Because of the number of exceptional students who apply, there are unfortunately many top-performing students for whom we simply do not have room.

Sometimes a candidate is denied while someone they know, whose GPA or other quantitative measures are lower, is selected. This occurs because we value both measurable achievement and personal qualities that are harder to quantify. Only the Selection Committee sees the entire application, including writing and evaluations. It is the full combination of achievement, potential, intellectual vitality, personal qualities, perspective, and experience that influences final decisions.

Scholarship decisions are made by a committee, not by any one Lu Memorial staff member. As a result, we cannot provide applicants with specific or detailed reasons for why they were not offered the scholarship. It is our long-standing policy not to re-evaluate a file with a candidate.

All Goal Get It! and Lu Memorial Foundation decisions are final, and we do not conduct an appeals process.

Yes. For this scholarship, we consider financial need as part of our holistic review because the goal is to prioritize students for whom this support would make the greatest difference. Financial need is only one factor among many, and no single factor determines the final decision. Other Goal Get It! programs are generally need-blind.

Yes. You are welcome to apply again in a future cycle if you still meet eligibility requirements at that time. If you reapply, update your materials with your most recent transcript, activities, and new achievements or responsibilities, and revise your essays and short responses to reflect your growth.

You will complete and submit everything in the Goal Get It! applicant portal. Requirements vary by program, but most applications ask for background information, short responses or essays, and a transcript (official or unofficial). Your portal checklist will show exactly what is required for your program.

Some Goal Get It! programs may have an application fee to help cover operations, and fee waivers are available for applicants who need them. If you need a waiver, use the fee waiver request form and do not submit sensitive information such as SSNs, passport numbers, or bank details.

Yes. You may apply to multiple Goal Get It! programs as long as you meet each program's eligibility requirements. Each program has its own application and review process, so tailor your responses for each one.

Decisions and updates are posted in your applicant portal. You will receive an email notification when an update is available, and you can log in anytime to check your status. Decision timelines may vary by program and application volume.

In general, once an application is submitted, most responses cannot be edited. If you need to correct an error or provide an important update (for example, a revised transcript or new award), contact us as soon as possible and include your application ID.

The Lu Memorial Foundation is the philanthropic initiative behind the Lu Memorial Scholarship and provides the mission, funding, and long-term stewardship of the award. The scholarship is administered through Goal Get It!'s application portal, and Goal Get It! manages day-to-day operations on the Foundation's behalf, including applicant support, material collection, review coordination, and status updates.