Berea College No-Tuition Promise Scholarship Recipient, Bernice Ramirez from Belize, Shares Her Journey of Studying Economics and Business Administration at Berea College, USA

My name is Bernice Ramirez, and I was born in Belize City, Belize. I come from a small family, with one younger brother, and have always enjoyed travelling and learning. I graduated in May 2025 from Berea College, a small private liberal arts college in Berea, Kentucky, with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Berea College No-Tuition Promise Scholarship Details

I was one of 35 international students selected from more than 700 applications to be the recipient of the prestigious Berea College No-Tuition Promise Scholarship. Together with other institutional scholarships, labor program requirements to cover housing, meals, and other fees, I was able to pursue a high-quality education worth over $200,000. Berea College is a college work; therefore, I worked 10-15 hours every week across multiple departments, from maintenance to music, to farming, contributing to the upkeep of Berea College. I am happy to also share that Berea College was recently ranked #1 Best College in Washington Monthly’s College Guide, underscoring its unwavering commitment to educational access, academic excellence, and service to the public good.

Educational Background

Before coming to Berea College, I attended Claremont Senior School in East Sussex, England, under a highly competitive scholarship program called the Pestalozzi International Foundation. While in England, I successfully completed 3 A-Levels in Mathematics, English, and Spanish with an ultimate desire to pursue a career in Linguistics. However, the doors closed to attend a British university, so I returned to Belize to do a gap year. During this gap year, I became interested in Economics as a way of understanding politics within my country a bit better. During this time, I worked with major government officials and started a library within the Human Rights department in Belize. Ultimately, I wanted a field that would allow me to secure employment rather quickly.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Berea College?

To prepare for admission to institutions within the U.S., my counsellors from the Pestalozzi International Foundation assisted me with narrowing down to small private liberal arts colleges that would provide fully paid scholarships. I was drawn to smaller colleges because I believe they would be a better fit for me. My counsellors also had a very good relationship with many Admission Counsellors, which helped to clarify questions such as funding, requirements, etc. I highly recommend keeping an Excel sheet with the universities you intend to apply to, including as many links as possible to help you keep track of your applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Berea College No-Tuition Promise Scholarship?

Berea College’s No-Tuition Promise Scholarship is awarded to every admitted student, so I did not need to complete separate scholarship applications. However, I was required to take the SAT, a standardized test that assesses proficiency in English and Mathematics. Because English is Belize’s official language, I was not required to take additional language proficiency exams that many international students must complete. Applicants should still ensure they carefully review and meet the specific requirements of each university to which they apply.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I must attribute my success to my mother’s early influence of discipline and encouragement on my life. I truly knew from an early age that hard work, honesty, and discipline were key to becoming a “competitive” applicant. I have also placed my trust in Jesus Christ, and I know that as a Christian, He would guide me to the exact place He wanted me to be. All this to say that my application stood out due to excellent grades, candid letters of recommendation, a life of service to the public good, and a desire to make a rippling change in the future. I believe that Berea College viewed my application holistically and thoroughly. Always let your true self shine in an application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would not have done anything different other than not worrying too much about the outcome. Don’t place unnecessary pressure on yourself because once you have put in the necessary research and work, the results will speak for themselves.

What Advice Would You Give to Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice is to always start early with the application process and be aware of factors that may hinder or distract you from achieving your goals. Always keep the end in mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions and look for resources (like this one) that can help you make the best decision. Always remember a closed door is a recalculation of your personal journey – wherever it leads, don’t lose hope!