Please click on the program below to view essay questions and additional application requirements:
Honorary Scholars Program in Arts & Sciences
- On your application for admission, rank the College of Arts & Sciences as your first choice.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the particular scholarship you seek: Compton, Mylonas, Moog, or Lien. You can choose only ONE scholarship.
- Submit an official high school transcript. If you have submitted the transcript required to apply for undergraduate admission, you will not need to submit an additional transcript.
- Complete four short answers:
Write an answer of 150 words or less to each of the following questions:
- In which of your accomplishments during high school do you take the greatest pride? (Choose no more than three, and be specific.)
- Name one book that you read during the past year that you recommend. Why?
- If you had the opportunity to have a conversation with an important figure, either contemporary or historical, whom would you choose? Why?
- Why have you chosen to study the academic discipline (biological sciences and chemistry, physical sciences and mathematics, humanities, social and behavioral sciences) associated with the scholarship program you are seeking? You may include comments about both your academic interests and your professional/career goals.
- Compton only: Complete an additional short answer: In 150 words or less, report any scores, test results, or competition results of interest. For example, tell us your scores on the AHSME and AIME exams, the results of competitions such as the physics or chemistry Olympiad, your national chess or bridge ratings, etc.
- Complete one original essay:
Write an original essay of approximately 750 words (about 3 double-spaced pages) on the topic for the scholarship program to which you are applying.
- Compton (Mathematics, Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Studies) Within one of the disciplines listed above, describe a scientific reading or research project in which you have recently been engaged or that you would like to undertake. (If you choose to discuss a large research project in which you participated, do so in a manner that will permit the Compton Committee to assess your own contributions.) If applying for the Fossett Pathfinder Fellowship, you should focus your essay on environmental sustainability.
- Mylonas (Humanities)
Describe and critically evaluate a historical event; or philosophical issue of particular interest; or a literary text, musical composition, film, or work of art that has captured your attention.
- Moog (Biology, Chemistry)
Describe a biology or chemistry reading or research project in which you have recently been engaged or that you would like to undertake. (If you choose to discuss a large research project in which you participated, do so in a manner that will permit the Moog Committee to assess your own contributions.) For the Fossett Pathfinder Fellowship, you should focus your essay on environmental sustainability.
- Lien (Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Describe and evaluate critically an issue or problem that falls within one or more of the social or behavioral sciences (African and African-American studies; American culture studies; anthropology; archaeology; economics; education; international and area studies; philosophy-neuroscience-psychology; political economy; political science; psychology; urban studies; or women, gender, and sexuality studies).
- Submit two teacher recommendations, including a letter and the teacher recommendation form. If they are the same letters as for your undergraduate admission application, you must send separate copies with each scholarship application. Indicate the program you are applying for on the outside of the sealed envelope.
- For More Information
For specific questions, please contact the Director of the Honorary Scholars Program, College of Arts & Sciences, (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-8700.
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Howard Nemerov Writing Scholarships, Arts & Sciences
- On your application for admission, rank the College of Arts & Sciences as your first choice.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholarships.
- Submit a portfolio that includes the following:
- Two existing samples of your writing, preferably in different genres (for example, one critical analysis and one short fiction piece, or one creative non-fiction piece and a group of poems), without instructor notes, comments, or grades.
- An original analysis of 250-500 words (about 1-2 double-spaced pages) of your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. In your analysis, be as specific as possible, using examples from the papers you are submitting.
- Complete four short answers:
Write an answer of 150 words or less to all of the following questions:
- In which of your accomplishments during high school do you take the greatest pride? (Choose no more than three, and be specific.)
- Name one book that you read during the past year that you recommend. Why?
- If you had the opportunity to have a conversation with an important figure, either contemporary or historical, whom would you choose? Why?
- Why have you chosen to study writing? You may include comments about both your academic interests and your professional/career goals.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from your English teacher or your writing instructor.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Director of the Howard Nemerov Writing Scholarships, College of Arts & Sciences, (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-8700.
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Fitzgibbon Scholarships, Architecture
- On your application for admission, rank Architecture as your first choice. If you plan dual majors or degrees, mark Architecture as your primary choice.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Fitzgibbon Scholarships.
- Write an original essay (no more than 300 words) that addresses your interest in architecture with emphasis on why you feel it is a course of study suited to you and your experiences. The evaluation of the essay will focus on thoughtfulness of response, creativity, and the quality of your writing.
- Submit a slide or digital portfolio, consisting of 12-15 pieces of recent work. The portfolio may include freehand drawings, paintings, sculptures, architectural design models and drawings, ceramics, etc. While you may include examples of drafting and CAD, we will place emphasis on projects that show a range of creative and spatial thinking.
Slide Portfolio
Submit good quality 35mm slides in a plastic slide sleeve. Each slide must be labeled with your name and Social Security or Applicant ID Number. The portfolio will be returned by May 1 only if you provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Digital Portfolio
Submit images in a simple, nontimed 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 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 or Applicant ID Number. If preferred, you may include additional information such as title of work, medium, dimensions, and date completed.
- No additional letters of recommendation are required. If you wish to submit a letter or letters of recommendation specific to the Fitzgibbon Scholarship, however, the Scholarship Committee will accept your letter or letters.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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Conway/Proetz Scholarships, Art
- On your application for admission, indicate Art as your first choice. If you plan dual majors or degrees, mark Art as your primary choice.
- Submit a slide or 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 or Applicant ID Number. The portfolio will be returned by May 1 only if you provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
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 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 or Applicant ID Number. If preferred, you may include additional information such as title of work, medium, dimensions, and date completed.
- Send your portfolio to Washington University, addressed to the Conway/Proetz Scholarship Committee.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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Dean’s Scholarship in Business
- On your application for admission, rank the Olin Business School as your first choice. If you plan dual majors or degrees, mark Business as your primary choice.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Dean’s Scholarship Program.
- Complete two original essays answering both of the following questions.
- Imagine that you have been nominated by your high school to participate in a national conference of future business leaders. To be selected, you must submit an essay to a panel of business executives. In this essay, present your point of view in 750-1,000 words (about 3-4 double-spaced pages) on an important issue relating to an aspect of business activity that has affected you or your community. You may anticipate that this panel will be inclined to resist any proposals viewed as an intrusion into the way they manage their businesses.
Applicants in the past have written on such topics as affirmative action, environmental safety, workplace safety, and government regulation of materials on the Internet. You may choose one of these topics or one of your own—just be sure your topic focuses on some element of business activity that has had an impact on you or your community. Your task is to persuade your audience to adopt your point of view. Your essay should present your reasons for the position you hold based on your experiences, discussions, and readings.
- In no more than 500 words (about 2 double-spaced pages), tell us why you are interested in studying business in college. What makes you think that a primary academic focus on the study of business will appeal to you during the next four years? What experiences have you had that draw you to this course of study?
- Submit an official high school transcript. If you have submitted the transcript required to apply for undergraduate admission, you will not need to submit an additional transcript.
- Provide three letters of recommendation, at least one from a high school teacher.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising and Student Services, Olin Business School, (314) 935-7774.
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Engineering Scholarship Programs
- On your application for admission, rank the School of Engineering & Applied Science as your first choice. If you plan dual majors or degrees, mark Engineering as your primary choice.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Engineering Academic Fellowship and/or the James M. McKelvey Undergraduate Research Scholarship. You may apply for either or both.
- Submit an official high school transcript. If you have submitted the transcript required to apply for undergraduate admission, you will not need to submit an additional transcript.
- Write one required essay of approximately 500 words for each application. Faculty readers will look to these essays to get a glimpse of your character, intellectual passions, analytical abilities, and writing skills.
- Required Essay for the Engineering Academic Fellowship: Tell us why you are interested in studying engineering. What has inspired you to pursue an engineering degree? What experiences have you had that draw you to engineering?
- Required Essay for the McKelvey Undergraduate Research Award: Engineering is all about finding creative solutions to challenging problems, such as reversing global climate change, understanding how the brain works, reinventing the Internet, and developing alternative sources of energy. What is the most challenging question, project, or research problem you have tackled in recent years? What did you learn from this experience?
- Submit two letters of recommendation—one from a teacher and one from someone who has known you outside the classroom. A letter of recommendation from an individual who supervised a research or other project is particularly encouraged. These recommendations may be the same as those provided for your admission application, but you will need to send an additional, separate copy of each duplicate recommendation with your scholarship forms.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the School of Engineering at (800) 487-0744 or (314) 935-6100.
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Summer Scholars Program in Biology and Biomedical Research, Arts & Sciences and Engineering
- On your application for admission, indicate an interest in one of the sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences or in biomedical engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Summer Scholars Program in Biology and Biomedical Research.
- Submit an official high school transcript. If you have submitted the transcript required to apply for undergraduate admission, you will not need to submit an additional transcript.
- Complete one original essay of approximately 500 words (about 2 double-spaced pages) describing your desire to do scientific research and how it has sparked your interest in this program. What specific incident or influence has made you wish to pursue a research experience, and what do you hope to get out of it? If you have ever done a research project (science fair, junior academy, summer experience, etc.), briefly describe the goals of the project and your conclusions as part of this essay.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a science teacher. (Please include the completed Teacher Recommendation form.)
- For More Information
Please call either the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (800) 638-0700 or the Program Coordinator at (314) 935-7170.
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Entrepreneurial Scholars Program, All Undergraduate Schools
- Submit an application for admission.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Entrepreneurial Scholars Program.
- Submit a detailed description of one project completed during high school that reflects creativity, energy, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or activity sponsors who can comment on your suitability for the Entrepreneurship Scholars Program.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please call (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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John B. Ervin Scholars Program (Early Decision and Regular Decision), All Undergraduate Schools
- Submit an application for admission.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for either the Ervin Scholars Program—Early Decision or for the Ervin Scholars Program—Regular Decision.
- Write a brief response (150 words or less) to one of the following questions.
- Describe your most difficult challenge and how you approached it.
- In which of your high school or community activities do you take the greatest pride? Why?
- Write an essay of approximately 500 words (about 2 double-spaced pages) on the following topic.
Review the biography of John B. Ervin and the eligibility requirements, and reflect upon your academic and community experiences. Please describe your experiece with diversity and your commitment to bringing diverse groups together. Then describe your commitment to leadership in your school and how you would continue that commitment at Washington University if you are selected as an Ervin Scholar. Include specific examples of your dedication to the ideals embraced by the Ervin Scholars Program.
- Submit an official high school transcript. If you have submitted the transcript required to apply for undergraduate admission, you will not need to submit an additional transcript.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a leader in your community, church, or school who has known you outside the classroom.
- Deadline: No later than November 15, 2009, for the Early Decision Ervin Scholarship and no later than January 15, 2010, for Regular Decision.
- For More Information please call (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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Friends of Music Scholars Program, All Undergraduate Schools
- Submit an application for admission.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for the Friends of Music Scholars Program.
- Submit one of three things:
- A CD of your musical performance of up to 20 minutes duration. (There are no required pieces. Please list repertoire on CD case with track numbers indicated. If recording includes other performers, please specify.) or
- An original musical composition, or
- An original 2,500-word (about 10 double-spaced pages) documented research paper discussing one or more works of music.
- Please clearly label all submissions with “Friends of Music Scholarships,” your name, your Social Security or Applicant ID Number, and the instrument/voice.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from your music instructor or from your voice or instrument teacher.
- For More Information
For information or answers to specific questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program (Early Decision and Regular Decision), All Undergraduate Schools
- Submit an application for admission.
- Submit an Application for Academic Scholarships and Fellowships, checking the box for either the Rodriguez Scholars Program—Early Decision or the Rodriguez Scholars Program—Regular Decision.
- Write a brief answer (150 words or less) to both of the following questions.
- List three adjectives to describe yourself, and briefly tell why you chose each adjective.
- If you are selected as a Rodriguez Scholar, how do you see yourself contributing to the Washington University community?
- Write a short essay on the following topic.
Consider the biography of Annika Rodriguez and the eligibility requirements, and reflect upon your commitment to bringing diverse groups together and/or celebrating the cultures of diverse peoples. How do your community service activities demonstrate your dedication to the ideals embraced by the Rodriguez Scholars Program?
- No additional letter of recommendation is required because the Rodriguez Scholars Program Committee relies on the recommendations submitted with your admission application. An additional letter of recommendation with your scholarship application is optional.
- Deadline: No later than November 15, 2009, for the Early Decision RodriguezScholarship and no later than January 15, 2010, for Regular Decision.
- For More Information please call (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000.
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