Throughout the application process there are so many forms, goals, and deadlines to keep in consideration that it can often feel overwhelming. One thing that our team consistently sees come up are questions around finances and how scholarships, especially those at selective colleges, can be accessed in the admissions process. While this is not always a clear process, for the students who have achieved high grades and scores, as well as demonstrated strong involvement in high school, there are merit scholarships at selective universities that they should aim for.
Here is a select list of merit scholarships to consider:
Vanderbilt: Cornelius, Ingram, and Chancellor’s Scholarship
These substantial merit scholarships require a separate application process and students must apply by December 1st of their senior year after submitting their application to Vanderbilt through the Common App.
University of Virginia: Jefferson and Walenta Scholars
This scholarship program requires a nomination, as well as students submitting an early application to UVA.
Boston University: Trustee and Presidential Scholarship
These scholarship programs require an additional essay as part of the Common Application and students can receive full or half tuition scholarships for these programs.
Duke University: Robertson Scholars
Students can apply during the early or regular deadlines to be considered. There is a separate application process for selection. This program is also offered at the University of North Carolina Chapel-Hill.
Northeastern University: University Scholars
This full-tuition scholarship does not require a separate application.
University of Pittsburgh: Chancellor’s Scholarship
Students must apply to UPitt and the honors program before December 1st to be considered. An interview is required.
Washington University in St. Louis: Danforth Scholarship
This program does require a separate application, but students are highly encouraged to complete an optional essay on the application. Students will also complete an interview.
Washington University in St. Louis: Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
This program does require a separate application, and does have one required short essay with students strongly encouraged to complete the optional writing supplement. Students will also complete a virtual interview.
Washington University in St. Louis: John B. Irvin Scholars Program
This program does require a separate application, and does have one required short essay with students strongly encouraged to complete the optional writing supplement. Students will also complete a virtual interview.
Emory University: Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship
While students do not have to complete a separate application, they will need to opt into consideration for this scholarship when completing their application via the common app.
While this list is in no way comprehensive, it does reveal that many selective colleges and universities have merit scholarship programs to support their students financially. These programs are competitive and we want to make sure students know that good grades are not enough to stand out. Passionate involvement in their communities, a clear vision of their future goals, and incredible leadership potential are some of the things that they’ll need to obtain scholarships like these.
Should students want to apply for merit scholarships, they should start their research early as they also begin to build their college list. Doing this will assist in making sure that they are noting additional deadlines, essays, interviews, and applications attached to the merit scholarships. Even younger high school students can begin researching scholarships now to help inform how they’ll build their high school resumes in unique ways to increase their chances of being selected.
Galin’s team of college counselors are here to help guide, research, and prepare for the full range of merit scholarships that you and your student can apply to.
