National
USA Today All-USA
College Academic Team
Each year, USA Today, the national-circulation newspaper, selects top undergraduate scholars throughout the country. These form its All-USA College Academic Team. The panel of judges for USA Today identifies three teams, each with twenty students, plus another twenty honorable mentions.
Selections focus on intellectual talents and endeavors, especially extending intellectual work beyond the classroom. Judges also consider applicant grades, activities, leadership, and community service.
Members of the first team receive cash awards and individual coverage in the newspaper. The newspaper also presents members of the second and third teams as well as honorable mentions.
Applications are due early in the late fall - October or November, with selections announced later in the spring. Interested students at Iowa should contact the Honors Scholarship Director by in September at the latest - preferably in the summer. Successful applications for these recognitions can take substantial work and time.