Skip Navigation LinksUndergraduate Admissions > Frequently Asked Questions > Scholarships
Scholarships 
Classroom 
Professor Rachel Roberts

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Does Washington University offer any honorary, merit, or athletic scholarships?
Washington University offers numerous merit-based academic scholarships that do not consider a family’s financial circumstances. Athletic scholarships are not offered since all of Washington University’s athletic programs are in Division III of the NCAA (which does not allow athletic-specific scholarships). Still, many of our athletes apply for and receive our academic scholarships and they are, of course, eligible to apply for need-based financial assistance. Follow this link for information about academic scholarships at Washington University.

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What academic (merit) scholarships are available and which ones can I apply for?
Follow this link for information about Academic Scholarship & Fellowship Programs at Washington University.

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Can I apply for more than one academic scholarship?
Yes. There are two main types of scholarships—school-specific and University-wide. You may apply to both types of scholarships. First, you should apply for one full-tuition scholarship within your first-choice school. For example, there are four full-tuition scholarships in the College of Arts & Sciences; you may apply for only one.

You may also apply for several University-wide scholarships. The College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering & Applied Science also offer partial-tuition scholarships for which you may apply. You may not apply to school-specific scholarships in more than one school.

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If I plan to double major across schools, can I apply for academic scholarships in both those areas?
No. You must choose one school to be your first choice.

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Is the application deadline for scholarships a “received by” or “postmarked by” deadline?
The deadline for scholarships is a “received by” deadline.

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What scholarships are best for me?
It is important to review carefully all scholarships and their application requirements. Consider how you can best showcase your talents and strengths.

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What is the typical profile of academic scholarship winners? How competitive are scholarships?
These scholarships are both selective and competitive. Students who have outstanding academic records, score in the upper ranges on the SAT and/or ACT, and have demonstrated interest in the area of the scholarship are encouraged to apply.

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If I’m undecided about what I will study, how do I decide which scholarship to apply for?
You should choose the area that you feel best suits your interests. In addition, you may apply to the University-wide scholarships.

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If I receive a scholarship in one academic area and want to change my major later, will I lose the scholarship?
No. If you change your area of studies (and/or your academic school) after you enroll at Washington University, you will keep your scholarship as you move to your new area of study.

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Will I be considered for an academic scholarship automatically based on my grades or standardized test scores?
No. To be considered for any Washington University academic scholarship you must complete a scholarship application in addition to your admission application.

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Can international students apply for academic scholarships?
Yes. International students are welcome to apply for all the academic scholarships except the John B. Ervin Scholarship.

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I already sent an official transcript for my admissions application. Do I have to send other copies for the academic scholarship application?
No. You will not need to submit an additional transcript, but please check your application status online (or by phone) to make sure your transcript for admissions application has been received.

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Can I use the same essay for the academic scholarship application as for my admissions application?
Yes. If the topic is relevant, you may choose to submit an additional copy of the same essay you used for your admissions application.

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Can I use the same teacher recommendation for the scholarship as for admissions?
Yes. Your teacher may make copies of the recommendation and send one in for the admission application. You should ask your teacher to additionally complete the scholarship recommendation form. Then have your teacher give you a sealed envelope with a scholarship recommendation form and a copy of the admission recommendation to include with each scholarship application. Recommenders may also mail recommendation forms and letters directly to the scholarship committee.

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If I am eligible for financial aid based on need and also receive a scholarship, will the scholarship affect my aid package?
It depends. Our goal is to make a Washington University education affordable. Student Financial Services will work with each family’s individual circumstances. If your scholarship covers your financial needs, you will no longer require need-based financial assistance. If you receive a partial scholarship and still require financial assistance, we will work to supplement your scholarship with need-based grants, student loans, and/or a part-time work-study job.

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For the Friends of Music scholarship, do I have to play one piece that lasts 20 minutes or can it be several pieces that add up to 20 minutes? Is there a preferred genre?
The CD you submit for the music scholarship can be up to 20 minutes in length (or shorter) and consist of one piece or a number of pieces. There is no preferred genre.

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For the academic scholarships in the College of Architecture and the College of Art, may I submit my portfolio on CD/DVD instead of slides? If I send a slide portfolio, will I get it back?
You may submit either a slide or a digital portfolio, consisting of 12-15 pieces of recent work, which may include drawings, two- and three-dimensional pieces, or photographs.

  • Slide Portfolio
    • Submit good quality 35mm slides in a plastic slide sleeve. Each slide must be labeled with your name and Social Security Number or Applicant ID number. If you provide a self-addressed stamped mailer with the proper postage for your slide portfolio, we will send it back to you after May 1.
  • Digital Portfolio
    • Submit images in a simple, non-timed PowerPoint presentation. Also include all of the work in the presentation, in a separate folder, as jpegs saved at 72 dpi resolution and at a size of 600 pixels in the longest direction. Write your name and Social Security Number or Applicant ID number on the CD/DVD–do not use a stick-on label. Remember to include an accompanying inventory/contact sheet showing thumbnails of all work on the CD/DVD. The inventory sheet must include your name and Social Security Number or Applicant ID number. If you prefer, you may include additional information such as title of work, medium, dimensions, and date completed.
  • If you provide a self-addressed stamped mailer with the proper postage, we will send it back to you after May 1

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Can I apply for an academic scholarship after I am admitted to or enroll at Washington University?
No. The only time you can apply for an academic scholarship is while you are applying to Washington University as a freshman.

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If I am awarded an academic scholarship, what grade point average will I need to maintain?
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as scholarship recipients are making satisfactory progress toward a bachelor’s degree.

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Can my scholarship be applied to a study abroad program?
Yes, if you choose to study abroad through a Washington University-sponsored program.

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Office of Undergraduate Admissions    •    (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000    •    admissions@wustl.edu