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The Robertson Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and unique undergraduate awards in the United States, offering a full-ride scholarship to students at both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But it’s far more than just financial aid. With access to two top-tier institutions, summer experiences, mentorship, and a vibrant scholar community, the Robertson Scholarship is designed for students who don’t just aim high—they aim to lead.
What Is the Robertson Scholarship and Its Benefits?
The Robertson Scholarship pays for full tuition, housing, meals, fees, and up to three funded summer programs. But the true value is more than just money. Scholars also get:
- Cross-campus access to Duke and UNC
- Personalized leadership development programming
- Funding for internships, research, and service projects
- Inclusion in a close-knit, high-achieving community
- Opportunities to work on real-world problems with institutional backing
It’s designed for students who want to lead change—not just talk about it.
How to Become a Semi-Finalist for the Robertson Scholarship?
Reaching the semi-finalist stage means you’ve already stood out from thousands of applicants. While there’s no magic formula, most semi-finalists demonstrate:
- Exceptional academic performance (often in the top 1-2% of their class)
- Clear leadership potential backed by real action
- Passion for service or impact beyond personal achievement
- Strong recommendations from mentors who know them deeply
Only a small portion of applicants make it this far. In recent years, ~1.5-2% of applicants were selected as semi-finalists.
Eligibility Criteria for Semi-Finalists
You must:
- Be a current high school senior applying for first-year admission to Duke, UNC, or both
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an international student studying in the U.S.
- Not be a transfer or gap-year applicant
- Submit your application by the Robertson deadline (typically in November)
You don’t need to apply to both schools to be considered—but dual applicants are eligible for more flexibility.
Application Process for the Robertson Scholarship
The application is separate from the Common App for Duke or UNC. Here’s how it works:
- Start online at robertsonscholars.org
- Fill out the Robertson application, which includes:
- Two personal essays
- Leadership résumé or activities list
- Two recommendation letters
- Submit before the deadline (usually mid-November)
- Await semi-finalist decisions in January
- If selected, prepare for interviews in February/March
Tips for a Successful Application
“Rather, I’d tell the stories that highlight your best traits and experiences, whether that’s empathy (volunteerism), creativity (literary magazine), or doggedness (debate)”
Here are some smart tips to help your Robertson application stand out:
- Show Real Leadership
- Be Confident but Humble
- Explain Your Fit with Both Campuses
- Be Specific in Your Essays: Vague statements like “I want to help people” don’t cut it. Use detailed stories and examples that reflect your values and initiative.
What Does the Scholarship Interview Entail?
Semi-finalists invited to interviews go through two key stages:
- Campus visit or virtual experience with multiple interviews
- Panel interviews with program staff, alumni, and possibly peers
- Group sessions or activities to assess collaboration, reflection, and vision
You’ll be evaluated not just on what you say, but how you interact, how you listen, and how you challenge ideas constructively.
Common Questions Asked During the Interview
Expect a mix of:
- Behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you changed your mind.”)
- Vision-based prompts (e.g., “If you had $10,000 to solve a problem, how would you spend it?”)
- Ethical dilemmas or values-based questions
- Campus-specific curiosity (e.g., “What excites you about UNC/Duke?”)
The interviews are meant to be conversations, not interrogations. Your ability to pause, reflect, and respond honestly matters more than perfection.
Post-Interview Tips for Finalists
“It should always be common courtesy to thank your interviewer especially if they’re volunteers”
Start by taking a moment to reflect on your interview. What questions surprised you? Which answers felt the strongest? This isn’t about rewriting your responses—it’s about learning and growing. If you’re chosen, you’ll be part of a program that values self-awareness, so showing that you already reflect on your actions is a good sign.
It’s also a good idea to send a short thank-you email if you have your interviewer’s contact info. Keep it simple: thank them for their time, mention one part of the conversation that stood out to you, and share your excitement about the opportunity. This shows respect, not flattery.
Try not to overthink or compare yourself to other finalists. Everyone has a different story, and final decisions often come down to fit—not just how you performed in the interview.
If the program allows you to submit updates, only send something new if it adds real value—like a major achievement or a meaningful insight you’ve had since the interview. Avoid sending extra material just to stay visible.
Most importantly, trust what you’ve already done. Reaching the finalist stage means you’ve already made a strong impression. No matter the result, that’s an accomplishment worth being proud of.
What Is the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program?
The RSLP is the foundation that helps turn talented students into thoughtful, capable changemakers. It begins with a Launch retreat and a First-Year Dinner Series that build community and set the tone for growth. During the sophomore summer, scholars take part in a service experience that pushes them to engage with real-world challenges. Throughout the program, they have access to mentors, internships, and a strong alumni network. Weekly meetings bring students together to explore leadership models, practice problem-solving, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
How Does the Robertson Express Bus Facilitate Campus Life?
The Robertson Express Bus (REB) connects scholars—and regular students—between Duke and UNC in about 30-40 minutes. The service runs:
- Every hour, Monday through Friday during the semester
- On a loop schedule with key stops on both campuses
- Free of charge for Robertson Scholars and open to other students on a limited basis
Overview of the Robertson Express Bus Service
Here’s what the REB offers:
| Feature | Details |
| Route | Duke ↔ UNC (West Campus ↔ South Rd) |
| Frequency | Every 60 minutes (7 AM-9 PM) |
| Fare | Free for scholars; limited public use |
| Capacity | 40-seat shuttle, accessible design |
| Added Benefit | Onboard Wi-Fi and academic space use |
Benefits for Students Traveling Between Duke and UNC
One of the most unique aspects of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is the opportunity it provides for cross-campus engagement between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Robertson Express Bus is the primary mode of transportation between Duke and UNC. It operates frequently during the academic week and is reserved exclusively for Robertson Scholars. This dedicated service ensures reliable, efficient travel, eliminating one of the biggest barriers to cross-campus collaboration: time and logistics. Students can attend classes, participate in clubs, conduct research, or simply connect with peers on either campus without worrying about long commutes or inconsistent public transport.
| Feature | Details |
| Frequency | Runs every 30-60 minutes on weekdays |
| Eligibility | Only for active Robertson Scholars |
| Cost | Fully subsidized by the program (no cost to students) |
| Travel Time | Approximately 30-40 minutes between campuses |
| Amenities | Wi-Fi and comfortable seating available onboard |
This daily access has academic benefits too. Students can take advantage of courses that may only be offered at one of the two institutions, allowing them to craft a curriculum that reflects both breadth and depth. It also opens doors for research collaboration and faculty mentorship across both schools, greatly expanding their academic networks.
Impact on Student Engagement and Community
The Robertson program builds bridges—literally and figuratively. Students:
- Form friendships across campuses
- Bring different institutional cultures into dialogue
- Learn to navigate systems, logistics, and leadership across contexts
- Feel empowered to create projects with broader reach
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: Duke University, The University of North Carolina, Reddit
