FAQ
Who should I reach out to if I have any questions?
Inquiries should be directed to Alan Rubenstein, Director of the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program, at the following e-mail: ARubenstein@RosenthalLevyScholars.org
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is open to:
- Current High School Seniors who have already applied or already been accepted to the University of Florida for Fall 2025. (This includes students who intend to take a gap year and defer matriculation until Fall 2026).
- Current Gap-Year Students (in Israel-based programs or elsewhere) who have already applied or already been accepted to the University of Florida for Fall 2025.
- Current freshmen or sophomores already enrolled at the University of Florida.
- Potential transfer students, who seek to matriculate to the University of Florida in Fall 2025.
Do I need to be Jewish to Apply?
No. The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is open to all students, regardless of background, who are interested in Jewish, Western, and American civilization. We are looking for intellectually curious and academically capable students with the character, drive, and spirit to become civic leaders.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. International student status will not affect consideration for the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program.
What role does demonstrated financial need play in selection?
None. Acceptance into the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program is based entirely on the merit-focused and mission-focused criteria articulated above.
Can I defer the scholarship if I decide to take a gap year?
Yes. Students who are accepted to the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program are allowed to defer their scholarship if they are doing a gap year in Israel or elsewhere.
If I receive other merit scholarships from UF, can I still receive the Rosenthal-Levy scholarship?
Yes. The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program will pay the full remaining tuition after calculating all merit-based and need-based financial awards from the University of Florida or other third-party scholarships. All Rosenthal-Levy Scholars will also receive a $7,000 per year living stipend for all four years. (If a housing award is separately provided by the University of Florida or another third-party scholarship program, this stipend may be reduced.)
Application Process
Do I need to apply separately to the University of Florida and the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program?
Yes. Candidates for the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program need to apply separately and independently to the University of Florida through the early action, regular application, or transfer application process.
What is the deadline to apply to the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program?
The application deadline is March 28, 2025. We will consider applications on a rolling basis, and we strongly encourage interested students to submit their applications as soon as possible.”
Who should I list as a reference?
We ask for two references:
- A teacher or educator who knows you well and can attest to your academic abilities
- A mentor, manager, or coach who can attest to your leadership skills and character
What should I do if my contact information changes during the application process?
If your contact information changes after submission of the application, please email ARubenstein@RosenthalLevyScholars.org with new information.
Academic Requirements & Program Details
Do I Need To Be A Hamilton Major to Receive a Scholarship?
Yes. Rosenthal-Levy Scholars will be required to complete at least one major at the Hamilton Center. More information about the Hamilton Center academic program can be found here.
Can Rosenthal-Levy Scholars also major in other fields?
Yes. Rosenthal-Levy Scholars are permitted and encouraged to pursue additional academic Majors, Minors, and Certificates in any other college or department at the University of Florida—including business, natural science, engineering, architecture, and other fields of learning.
Do Rosenthal-Levy Scholars get special academic advising?
Yes. In addition to the high-level advising offered by the Hamilton Center and other professionals at the University of Florida, our staff offers personalized academic advising, mentorship, and career advice. A full overview of the University of Florida’s additional academic offerings can be found on the UF website.
Can I combine this scholarship with participation in the UF Honors Program?
Yes. We expect that many Rosenthal-Levy Scholars will also be admitted to the UF Honors Program.
How does the Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program help launch my future career?
Our programs places a major emphasis on providing mentorship, internships, advise, and training that help students define their career ambitions and take the next major steps in their careers. This includes:
- Journalism & Think Tanks
- Law
- Politics and Public Policy
- Jewish Classical Education
- Combatting Anti-Semitism
- Strategy, Diplomacy, and World Affairs
- Academia
- Religious and Communal Leadership
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Science and Technology (including opportunities in Israel)
If I already know advanced Hebrew, do I have to take additional Hebrew language classes as a Rosenthal-Levy Scholar?
No. While we encourage continued Hebrew language study, it is possible to place out of the Hebrew language requirement.
What is the time commitment for extracurricular obligations, such as the Society for Jewish Thought?
Extracurricular opportunities are an important part of the Rosenthal-Levy experience. The exact time commitment will vary greatly for each student, depending on his or her interests, role, and possible leadership responsibilities.
Housing, Jewish Life, & Campus Life
What are the housing options for Rosenthal-Levy Scholars?
University of Florida students have a wide range of living options, including both on-campus residential housing and off-campus apartments geared towards undergraduate students. The Rosenthal-Levy Scholars program will work with each student to help identify the best housing options and facilitate roommate matches. Each student is ultimately responsible for his or her own housing decisions.
What are the resources for Jewish life on campus?
The University of Florida has one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish student populations in America. This includes an active Hillel, Chabad, Jewish fraternities and sororities, pro-Israel groups, and myriad other forms of Jewish communal life and engagement.
Hillel and Chabad offer regular religious services across all denominations—including daily services, Shabbat services, and holiday services.
Chabad offers a Kosher meal plan, and local supermarkets offer Kosher meat and other essentials for students who live off-campus.