Offered twice a year, Asbury University will host its second scholarship competition Feb. 1-3.

The event is invitation only and offers prospective students a chance to compete for tuition scholarships at the university.

“The value of an Asbury education is incredible,” Mallary Wiley, associate director for undergraduate admissions, said in a prepared statement.

“We offer an integration of academic excellence and spiritual vitality that you can’t find anywhere else. So many times, I’ve heard how prospective students got their financial aid offers and suddenly realized that an Asbury education really is possible. There’s only one way to find out — apply.”

More than 60 students and their families will visit the campus for the competition. Open to students around the world, most who are not living in the United States choose to use Skype.

However, Wiley said at the competition held earlier this month, a prospective student from Haiti was in attendance.

“The way the competition works is a student qualifies by standard test scores, class rank in high school and GPA,” Wiley said. “All are top scholars to start and have 30 percent coverage with an academic scholarship.”

Wiley said students compete by preparing a resume and writing an essay on a quote from an Asburian. They give a five to 10 minute presentation which is then followed by questions from interviewers.

“We look at all factors and how they presented when it comes to selecting scholarship amounts,” Wiley said. “Out of the top winners, eight will receive 75 percent tuition coverage and four will receive 100 percent tuition coverage.”

Although, Wiley said everyone who comes to the competition is guaranteed 50 percent tuition assistance.

“It is a huge incentive to come,” Wiley said. “Although the tuition assistance does not affect room and board. (The event) is a lot of fun to meet with deans from whatever school they are interested in getting into. They get to set potential schedule and participate in a banquet on Friday evening after interviews are over. The Glee club sings and esteemed professors speak. It is a fantastic student event.”