Spartan Distinguished Scholars Competition

The Spartan Distinguished Scholars (SDS) Competition is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. For 72 years, the SDS tradition has helped thousands of high-achieving students find a home at Michigan State University.

Scholarship awards

Approximately 150 scholarships will be awarded following the competition, and SDS participants will also be considered for additional scholarships that will be awarded to hundreds of students later in the spring. The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship is awarded to the top 15 candidates based on all parts of the competition as well as a holistic review of the application. Renewable over eight semesters, the scholarships include tuition, fees, room and board, and $1,000 annually.

The Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship will be awarded to 30 candidates in the competition. This scholarship is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of undergraduate enrollment and includes tuition, fees, food and housing, and a single $7,500 experiential education stipend.

Competition dates and deadlines

Invitations to compete in the examination were sent to the most high-achieving admitted students who applied for admission by Nov. 1, 2026. The competition includes short online essays, an in-person exam and Zoom interviews for the finalists to be considered for the scholarships.

Registration and payment deadline: Jan. 5, 2027

Online essay completion: Jan. 7, 2027, from 6-9 p.m. ET

You must submit your online essays between 6 and 9 p.m. ET through the submission link that will be emailed to registrants on January 7, 2027. The two required essays will have a word count of no more than 250 words. The essay prompts will not be given in advance and will be available upon login. Online essay submission is required to advance in the competition. If you do not submit your online essays during the submission window, your registration will be canceled. Participants should plan for one hour to complete this task.

• Jan. 29, 2027
• Feb. 5, 2027

During this event, you will take the exam, attend academic presentations, take a residence hall tour, and have the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and future classmates. During the day, there are also several scholarship drawings that will take place. We also host a variety of sessions for your parent or support system to attend during the exam.

Check-in will begin in the lobby of the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on MSU's beautiful campus. Visitors to campus can also choose to stay at a variety of local hotels.

Participation cost and registration

SDS participants must submit a $30 nonrefundable competition fee. This fee includes the cost of the examination, as well as lunch for the registrant and guest(s) for the in-person part of the competition. Please note that there is limited space for this invitation-only event, and registrations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration is coming soon. In the meantime we encourage you to check out our other events for admitted students.

In-person schedule of activities

Two dates to choose from:

• Jan. 29, 2027
• Feb. 5, 2027

Exam instructions

The SDS exam is a 50 minute, multiple-choice test covering a wide range of knowledge. It is unlikely that anyone will be completely familiar with all of the questions asked, and it will draw on knowledge accumulated over all years of schooling. There is no study guide for the test and no particular way to prepare for it (although students who are invited to participate are already prepared for it, as demonstrated through their educational excellence thus far).

What to expect

• 7:45 a.m. — Seating for the SDS exam begins (you must be in line no later than 8:15 a.m. to take the exam).
• Please use the restroom before you get in line. Once you have been admitted to the room, you may not leave without permission.
• In addition to your photo ID, your SDS name tag is your admittance pass to the testing room. You must wear it prominently throughout the test.
• If testing accommodations (i.e., extra time, separate testing room, reader, etc.) are required, please email es.oaevents@msu.edu no later than Jan. 7, 2027. The approval process can take up to 14 days, so please plan accordingly.

What to bring

• To be admitted to the test, you are required to present a photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID are an original, current (valid) ID issued by a city/state/federal government (like a driver's license or state ID) or your school ID.
• Items not permitted in the testing room include food, drinks, calculators, smartwatches, scratch paper, pens and pencils, digital watches and printed material.
• Pencils will be provided and tissues will be available if needed.
• Coats, bags and purses will be stored under your chair/table.
• Please note that MSU is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.

Accommodations and scheduling issues

• All testing accommodations must be coordinated through the Office of Admissions at es.oaevents@msu.edu no later than Jan. 7, 2027. The process can take up to 14 days to complete, so please plan accordingly.
• Scheduling issues must be coordinated through the Office of Admissions at es.oaevents@msu.edu or (517) 355-8332.

Competition timeline

Jan. 5, 2027
Deadline to register and pay the $30 nonrefundable competition fee 

Space for this invitation-only event is limited, and registrations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jan. 7, 2027
SDS short essays — participants will write and submit their online essays through the submission link that will be provided to registrants 

Jan. 29 or Feb. 5, 2027
SDS examination and event

Late February
All SDS participants are notified of their status; virtual interviews are scheduled and conducted with finalists 

Early March
Scholarship recipients are selected and notified about their awards

Contact

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us at es.oaevents@msu.edu or (517) 355-8332.