![Ms. Sara Diaz]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730294829/mothermcauley/op1ha21cattd3lnuucwx/SaraDiaz.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730294829/mothermcauley/op1ha21cattd3lnuucwx/SaraDiaz.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1730294829/mothermcauley/op1ha21cattd3lnuucwx/SaraDiaz.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730294829/mothermcauley/op1ha21cattd3lnuucwx/SaraDiaz.png","width":1000}])
College Counseling
Meet your college counselors!
![Mrs. Eileen Lynch '94]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1631293241/mothermcauley/optn13scpkkc3n9cfcon/EileenLynchSept21.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1631293241/mothermcauley/optn13scpkkc3n9cfcon/EileenLynchSept21.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1631293241/mothermcauley/optn13scpkkc3n9cfcon/EileenLynchSept21.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1631293241/mothermcauley/optn13scpkkc3n9cfcon/EileenLynchSept21.png","width":1000}])
Mrs. Eileen Lynch '94
College Counselor, Seniors A-L and Juniors A-J
Browse through these resources as you begin your college selection journey!
News & Events
College Counseling - January 9, 2026
Seniors
We are asking that parents please sit down with your student to submit acceptances and merit scholarships to Mother McAuley. We ask that you please share information from every school via this online form. We made the form accessible to both parents and students so that you can work together to upload the information. You will be able to add or edit information at any time, so please upload the documents as you get them, rather than waiting until all the information has been received. We know that you are incredibly busy, and appreciate your attention to this request.
Looking for college scholarships? Make sure to visit the McAuley website to see links for scholarship opportunities (scroll down to see the tab “financial aid and scholarships”).
College Counseling - December 19, 2025
Seniors
Over break, we are asking that parents please sit down with your student to submit acceptances and merit scholarships to Mother McAuley. We ask that you please share information from every school via this online form. We made the form accessible to both parents and students so that you can work together to upload the information. You will be able to add or edit information at any time, so please upload the documents as you get them, rather than waiting until all the information has been received. We know that you are incredibly busy, and appreciate your attention to this request.
College Counseling - December 5, 2025
Seniors
As your daughter begins to receive acceptances and merit scholarships, we ask that you please share information from every school via this online form. We made the form accessible to both parents and students so that you can work together to upload the information. You will be able to add or edit information at any time, so please upload the documents as you get them, rather than waiting until all the information has been received. We know that you are incredibly busy, and appreciate your attention to this request.
Juniors
The college counselors have begun meeting individually with each junior student to begin discussions on post-graduation plans. These meetings will focus on test preparation, potential majors, the college search process, and developing a roadmap for the year ahead.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Detailed scholarship information is located in the College Center and can also be found in Naviance under the Colleges tab.
2025 R.F. Wittmeyer Community Service Scholarship
The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a two to five-year post-secondary institution for the 2024 fall semester (“Qualifying Institution”).
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30th
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Learn More & Apply for the R.F. Wiimeyer Community Service Scholarship
A. Franklin Pilchard Foundation Scholarship
For students who demonstrate financial need and who attend college in Illinois only
Amount: $8,000, renewable
Deadline: November 15th
Learn More & Apply for the A. Franklin Pilchard Foundation Scholarship
Arthur A. Burgess Jr. College Trunk Scholarship
Must be attending college at least 2 hours away form Chicago to be considered; Application includes a questionnaire/essay and requires a letter of recommendation
Amount: Trunk filled with college-related items
Deadline: June 1st
Learn More & Apply for the Arthur A. Burgess Jr. College Trunk Scholarship
Bald Eagle Scholarship
Any high school or undergraduate student whose family has endured hardship may apply for this scholarship.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 14th
Baxter and Woodman Scholarship
For students who plan to study Civil Engineering
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 5th
Bruce Fishkin Scholarship
Merit scholarship - not need based. Applicants must have achieved a minimum ACT score of 22 OR a minimum SAT score of 1100 and plan on attending an accredited college or university for a Bachelor’s degree or four-year program in the United States.
Amount: Up to full tuition, renewable
Deadline: October 31st
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
High school, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing a career in pharmacy or science may apply.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: November 30th
Learn More & Apply for the Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
Cameron Impact Scholarship
Any high school JUNIOR who identifies as a "young leaders with demonstrated passion and commitment to any variety of positive impact"; Must be a US citizen to apply.
Amount: Full tuition, renewable
Deadline: September 5th
Minimum GPA: 3.7 unweighted
Catholic College Association First Year Scholarship
The National CCAA will award 16 one-time $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors graduating in Spring 2025 who will be attending one of the National CCAA member institutions as a first-year student in Fall 2025.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 1st
Learn More & Apply for the Catholic College Association First Year Scholarship
CCAA Scholarship
The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 award that is given to 16 randomly selected seniors from various geographic regions who will attend one of our National CCAA member colleges or universities in Fall 2025.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 1st
Chi-Leap Scholarship
More info here; Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a four-year university in Illinois that costs no more than UIUC. Applicants must plan to hold a job that requires a four-year degree, and must prove acceptance to college by April 2024.
Amount: $5,000, renewable
Deadline: March 31st
Minimum GPA: 3.0 junior year
Chicago Black College Expo Essay Writing Scholarship
Applicants must submit a 500 word essay about "Why College is Important to Me" and attend the Black College Expo on April 6th, 2024, to be considered.
Amount: $500 - $2,500
Deadline: March 25th
Learn More & Apply for the Chicago Black College Expo Essay Writing Scholarship
Chicagoland Roofing Contractors Association Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship will be offered to graduating high school students with an ACT composite score of 28 or greater (or an SAT composite score of 1300 or greater).
Amount: $5,000, renewable
Deadline: March 19th
Learn More & Apply for the Chicagoland Roofing Contractors Association Foundation Scholarship
Chicagoland Roofing Contractors Association Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship will be offered to graduating high school students who are dependents of employees of CRCA member companies.
Amount: $5,000, renewable
Deadline: March 19th
Learn More & Apply for the Chicagoland Roofing Contractors Association Foundation Scholarship
The Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship
The Cirkledin.com $2,500 Scholarship contest is open only to those legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently enrolled in an accredited school or are approved for home schooling.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Quarterly: September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30
Learn More & Apply for the Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship
Coca-Cola Scholars
Applicants must be graduating high school in the 2025-2026 academic year; enrolled at a school in the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., or select DoD schools; eligible for federal financial aid; and plan on going to college in the U.S
Amount: $20,000, renewable
Deadline: September 30 at 4:00pm
Minimum GPA: 3.0
CRC Scholarship
This scholarship will be offered to graduating high school students who are dependents of a Local 11 Contractor, dependents of a Local 11 Contractor's staff (either in the office or field), or a dependent of a member of Local 11.
Amount: $1,000 - $5,000, renewable
Deadline: March 13th
D123 Helen Whalen Scholarship
The Oak Lawn-Hometown PTA is offering a scholarship to a student who has attended a Dist 123 school for at least 4 years.
Deadline: February 27th
Diversify the Future STEM Scholarship
Applicants must be a member of an under-represented group (including but not limited to underrepresented racial or ethnic populations, women, low income, individuals with disabilities, etc.), enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in Fall 2024, reside in the Greater Chicagoland area, and attend a college within the United States.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 1st and May 1st
Learn More & Apply for the Diversify the Future STEM Scholarship
Dream.Us Opportunity Scholarship
Apply here; Applications are open to immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2018.
Amount: Up to $80,000, renewable
Deadline: January 31st
Fran Center
Scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors with Learning Disabilities in the state of Illinois to continue their education at a four year college or university. The award may be used for tuition and fees at a college or trade schools.
Amount : $1000
Fueling the Minds of the Future Scholarship
Open to graduating high school seniors planning to enroll as a full-time student in an accredited two year or four-year college or university, trade school or vocational school. Must demonstrate financial need. Application includes one essay.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 15th
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Learn More & Apply for the Fueling the Minds of the Future Scholarship
Golden Apple Scholars
Aspiring teachers: Secure up to $23,000 in total financial support and launch your teaching career in Illinois! Golden Apple Scholars receive extensive classroom teaching experience; undergraduate support; job placement assistance and networking opportunities with our school district partners; and mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty. They recruit Illinois high school seniors, college freshmen/sophomores, and community college students, then support them throughout their undergraduate studies, into their teaching careers and beyond. Applicants must be Illinois residents, U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, or Illinois Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students.
Amount: up to $23,000
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GN Bank Dr. Buckner Scholarship
To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen, identify as African-American or Hispanic, be a current high school senior at the time of application, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have an ACT Composite score of 25 or higher, or an SAT score of 1200 or higher. To apply, write a brief essay of 400 to 800 words, detailing why you chose your college major and the importance of diversity in your chosen field of study.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31st
Minimum GPA: 3.5
To apply, send relevant documents/proof as stated in the requirements (transcript and SAT or ACT scores) to cra@gnbank.net
Hagan Scholarship
The Hagan Scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college, up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage to learn how to invest, and up to $8,000 to study and travel abroad.
Amount: Up to $7,500, renewable
Deadline: December 1st
Minimum GPA: 3.5
HEAR Scholarship
Applicants must demonstrate financial need; Must be a US citizen who resides and attends HS in the Chicagoland area; Must demonstrate a commitment to service; Test scores aren't required, but applicants are encouraged to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores - must be higher than an 1110 for SAT and a 22 for ACT.
Amount: $5,000, rewnewable
Deadline: February 15th
Minimum GPA: 3.0 unweighted
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Must be of Hispanic heritage, a
U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA; Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the United States.
Amount: $500 - $5,000
Deadline: February 15th
Minimum GPA: 3.0 unweighted
Horatio Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Association is seeking students who display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students must have financial need and a determination to turn adversity into opportunity and pursue their American Dream.
Amount: up to $25,000
Deadline: February 15th
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
Any low-income students in their junior and senior years of high school or in undergraduate school are eligible to apply if they are planning to attend or are currently attending art school.
Amount: $25,650
Deadline: April 9th
Learn More & Apply for the Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
More information on the Jack Kent Cooke website. Apply through CommonApp.
Amount: Varies, up to $55,000 annually, renewable
Deadline: November 16th
Minimum GPA: 3.5 unweighted
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Applicants must be a graduating high school senior; be a United States citizen; submit evidence of financial need; demonstrate a record of academic excellence; demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service; plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a U.S. based
college or university; and haave not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college. Application includes one recommendation; demographic information; high school information, including a high school transcript; college and early career goals; four essays; activities, honors, and distinctions; completion of CSS profile; and test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT), if applicable.
Amount: Varies, up to $35,000 over four years
Deadline: January 7
Learn More & Apply for the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Kathryn G. Hansen Scholarship
Applicants must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior and progressing normally toward graduation, must plan to re-enroll in college/university no later than the fall following high school graduation, must demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing higher education in a business-related field in the state of Illinois (priority given to UIUC students), demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and community activities, and be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; Application requires an essay, two letters of recommendation, a transcript and test scores
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 10th
Leadership Mentoring Opportunities
Each year, the LMO Foundation awards scholarships to young women pursuing higher education who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership potential, and engagement in their communities
Deadline: April 5th
Learning Disabilities Assoc of IL
The Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois is making scholarship funds available to students with learning disabilities who currently are enrolled or are enrolling in undergraduate colleges or technical/vocational programs.
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 18th
Marquette Bank Scholarship Program
Schools each select their own scholarship recipients based on three criteria: Community Service, Financial Need and Academics. Application posted in January.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 1st
Learn More & Apply for the Marquette Bank Scholarship Program
National Honor Society Scholarship
For "members in good standing" of the National Honor Society; FAQ answered here
Amount: Varies
Deadline: November 30th
Learn More & Apply for the National Honor Society Scholarship
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Scholarship
Applicants must be first generation college students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and first-gen to be eligible. Applicants DO NOT need to be a U.S. citizen. DACA students or undocumented students must have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:April 21st
Learn More & Apply for the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Scholarship
Pathway to Purpose Scholarship
The Pathway to Purpose Scholarship supports students who have shown resilience, academic promise, and dedication to service. This scholarship is designed to assist future healthcare and social work professionals who face financial barriers in accessing higher education--particularly those whose lives have been touched by hospice or palliative care, either through a loved one or personal experience.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 1st
Pay It Forward Scholarship
Minority/underrepresented students with at least an 1160 on the SAT or a 26 on the ACT; Application requires several short-answer essay responses and proof of acceptance into at least one college.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 29th
Minimum GPA: 3.5
Pullman Scholarship
Open to any graduating senior who is a resident of Cook County and a US citizen or permanent resident
Amount: $10,000, renewable
Deadline: February 1st
Minimum GPA: 3.0 unweighted
Renaissance Scholarship
Open to first generation college students who demonstrate financial need; Application requires two letters of recommendation and two essay responses
Amount: $5,000, renewable
Deadline: March 1st and May 1st
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Ron Brown Scholars
Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be Black/African American, US citizens or permanent residents, and current high school seniors at the time of their application.
Amount: $10,000, renewable
Deadline: December 1st
Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship
Any high school junior or senior who is interested in going into a mental health field
Amount: $18,450, renewable
Deadline: May 10th
Learn More & Apply for the Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship
STEMinist Scholarship
Applicants must identify as female, live in the Chicagoland area, plan to major in Computer Science or Engineering, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and prove the have been admitted to/plan to attend college in the fall. Open to US citizens, legal permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 26th
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The Science Ambassador Scholarship
Applicants must record a three-minute (or less) video; Open to students who identify as women or non-binary who plan to go into the STEM field.
Amount: Full tuition, renewable
Deadline: December 13th
The Synchrony Scholarship
Illinois LBGTQ+ undergraduate, graduate, and continuing students between the ages 17 and 28 years old - DREAMers are welcome to apply.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 30th
TOI (Township Officials of Illinois)
Must be an Illinois resident and attend an Illinois college. Essay is required. Paper application available after January 1, pick up from counseling office.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1st
To apply: Paper application available after January 1, pick up from counseling office.
Tzu Chi Scholarship
For students with financial needs, outstanding academic achievement, and community involvement. Must be enrolling in an accredited, 4-year college or university.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: March 31st
Minimum GPA: 3.0
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?” All entries must be submitted to a VFW Post 4241 in Oak Forest by midnight on October 31.
Amount: $35,000
Deadline: October 31st
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Must identify as female or non-binary, plan to major in a STEM field at a 2 or 4 year college. Essay and Letter of Rec required.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 13th
Minimum GPA: 3.0
WTS Foundation Scholarship
Applicant must be a high school senior attending school in the Chicagoland area.
Currently studying math, science, and technology.
Considering a career in a transportation-related field.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: November 30th
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Yolanda and Sam Shuster Scholarship
Any first-generation American (the child of immigrant parents) who is an undergraduate student majoring in business may apply for this scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: December 31st
Learn More & Apply for the Yolanda and Sam Shuster Scholarship
