Elevate your education.
WashU is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Our Signature Scholar Programs provide exceptional undergraduate students with enriched academic experiences, significant financial support, and a close-knit community of peers and mentors.
These highly selective programs go beyond traditional scholarships, offering unique opportunities for intellectual exploration, personal growth, and professional development.
Signature Scholar Programs
Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
The Rodriguez Scholars Program recognizes exceptional students who have a passion for community service and celebrating cultural differences. Multiple full-tuition and partial-tuition scholarships are available.
John B. Ervin Scholars Program
The Ervin Scholars Program was founded on four pillars—academic excellence, leadership, community service, and diversity. Multiple full-tuition and partial-tuition scholarships are available.
Danforth Scholars Program
The Danforth Scholars Program honors students with a passion for helping others. Multiple full-tuition and half-tuition scholarships available.
To apply
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 WashU-specific questions.
- In addition to the required short answer question for each program, we highly recommend you complete our optional writing or video supplement.
The scholarship committees will review the required counselor and teacher letters of recommendation submitted with your admission application. You may submit an optional third letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your contributions and commitment to community.
Additional interview for finalists
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 early March. Finalists must attend these virtual events and the interview to remain eligible.
To learn more about the Signature Scholar Programs, visit the Office of Scholar Programs website.