Signature Scholar Programs

To apply for one (or all) of these programs, start your application via the Common Application or Coalition Application. You’ll be asked to respond to a short answer question (100 words) for each Signature Scholar Program you apply to. This is in addition to the Common or Coalition Personal Essay.

• If you’re submitting the Common Application, you can find the required short answer question in the Writing Supplement section.
• If you’re submitting the Coalition Application, you will complete the short answer question in the WashU Pathway, after you’ve submitted your profile and the Washington University-specific questions.
• In addition to the required short-answer question for each program, we highly recommend you complete our optional Writing Supplement.

The scholarship committees will review the required counselor and teacher letters of recommendation submitted with your Common or Coalition Application. You may submit an optional third letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your contributions and commitment to community.

All complete scholarship applications will be reviewed by committees, which select a group of finalists. Finalists are notified by the end of February. There will be a series of virtual events including an interview in March 2025. Finalists must attend these virtual events and the interview to remain eligible.