Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS) - Get Involved vs Dell Scholars Program

Comparing two elite interdisciplinary opportunities. Both are scholarships for high school students.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS) - Get Involved Dell Scholars Program
Prestige Tier Tier 1 — Elite Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Scholarship Scholarship
Organization Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation / Gates Millennium Scholars Program Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Acceptance Rate Approximately 3-5% (extremely competitive) Approximately 10-15% estimated (500 scholars selected annually from a likely 3,000-5,000+ applicants, though exact applicant numbers not publicly released)
Applicants Estimated 50,000-80,000+ applications annually Not officially published, but highly competitive given 500 winners and national scope; likely 3,000-5,000+ applications annually
Deadline Rolling
Award $20,000
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only Yes Yes
Grades High school seniors and current college freshmen/sophomores (varies by year) High school seniors only
College Impact Gates Millennium Scholars is viewed as ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS scholarships by college admissions officers and employers. Being named a GMS Scholar significantly enhances college applications (tho... The Dell Scholars Program is highly regarded in college admissions and demonstrates significant commitment to college completion. Colleges and universities view Dell Scholars selection as meaningful v...