The funded Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University St Louis honors students with a passion for helping others. We are looking for students who have demonstrated leadership in service and a strong commitment to the community. Danforth Scholars are also popular for their academic excellence, personal integrity, and high ideals.

Named in honor of William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth, the former Chancellor and First Lady of Washington University from 1971 to 1995, the program is a tribute to their exemplary leadership and service. Moreover, the program is funded by friends of the Danforths.

Danforth Scholars may receive full- or half-tuition scholarships. However, the scholarship is renewable each year for the duration of the degree program, provided the scholar progresses academically and upholds the high standards of character required of scholars.

Eligibility

Students who apply to any undergraduate division may apply for the Danforth Scholars Program. However, it requires a separate application and an additional letter of recommendation.

Please note – To provide all prospective students equal access to apply for the Danforth Scholars Program, we’ve eliminated the nomination requirement from the application process. This ensures students from under-resourced schools and communities will be able to apply for and be considered for this prestigious Scholars Program.

On-Campus Interviews for Finalists

WashU will invite finalists to campus for a weekend program, March 28–31, 2020. Moreover, for these scholarships, the university will pay for finalists’ round-trip expenses within the United States and their expenses in St. Louis during this visit. So, to remain eligible, finalists must attend this program.

How To apply for the Danforth Scholars Program?

• Submit an application for admission to the Class of 2023.
• Log in to your WashU Pathway account to submit the separate application for the Danforth Scholars Program.
• Further, write a brief answer (250 words) to the following question:
  The Danforth Scholars program is looking for students with a strong commitment to the community and demonstrated initiative in leadership and service. Please share an example of your personal experience as a leader that would clarify why you would be a good fit for this community of scholars.
• Similarly, write a short essay (250-500 words) on the following topic:
  What matters to you?
• Likewise, submit an additional (third) letter of recommendation from a member of your community who knows you well. Also, if you submit an “other” letter of recommendation through the Common Application or Coalition Application, that letter may be used.
• Also, the application and letter of recommendation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on January 2, 2020.