Merit Scholarship Deadlines Approach

Posted by Jay Watson on Monday, December 8, 2014 in Merit Scholarships.

The deadline to apply for the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and several additional merit scholarship opportunities, is December 15, 2014. There’s still time to apply!

Vanderbilt’s signature merit scholarship programs – The Ingram, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Chancellor’s Scholarships – reward outstanding students with full-tuition awards plus summer stipends for study abroad, research, or service projects. The students who receive these awards represent the top of an already talented application pool, so the selection process is very competitive. These scholarship recipients have assembled exceptional academic records and are leaders both in their intellectual and social communities.

To apply for any of the scholarship opportunities listed below, students should first complete their admission application through either the Common Application or Universal College Application, then set up a MyAppVU account. Scholarship applications will be available via the MyAppVU portal after you apply for admission. Check out the Merit Scholarships web site for full information about applying for merit scholarships and to view the questions for each of the Merit Scholarships.

The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship Program
Mission and History: Vanderbilt’s largest academic merit scholarship program recognizes students who combine outstanding academic achievement with strong leadership and contributions outside the classroom. Honoring the vision of the university’s founder and namesake, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, this scholarship seeks to further his original mission to “contribute to strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country.”
Application: Apply online through MyAppVU
Selection: Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars are selected on the basis of academic achievement, intellectual promise, and leadership and contribution outside the classroom.  In evaluating candidates, the selection committees review the entire application for freshman admission along with the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application. Audition scores are a factor in merit scholarship selection for Blair School of Music candidates.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program
Mission and History: Initiated in 1985 by Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt, the Chancellor’s Scholarship honors students with outstanding academic records who have worked to build strong high school communities by bridging the gaps among economically, socially, and racially diverse groups.  Chancellor’s Scholars also will have demonstrated significant interest in issues of diversity education, tolerance, and social justice.
Application: Apply online through MyAppVU
Selection: Chancellor’s Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to diversity, leadership, community engagement, and academic achievement.  In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews the Chancellor’s Scholarship application along with the entire application for freshman admission.

Vanderbilt also offers a limited number of additional merit-based scholarships in amounts varying from $8,000 per year up to full tuition.  These scholarships include:

• The Carell Family Scholarship for students who have held part-time employment during their high-school years and demonstrate financial need (full tuition and fees),
• The Maggie Craig Memorial Scholarship for students who are residents of Giles County, Tennessee, and have attended school there at least three to five years (up to cost of attendance),
• The Curb Leadership Scholarship for students who place creativity and innovation at the center of their lives and use their talents and leadership to transform their communities ($8,000),
• The John Seigenthaler Scholarship for outstanding minority students interested in a career in journalism and/or public policy (full tuition), and
• The Fred Russell-Grantland Rice Scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism ($20,000).

To be considered for these awards, submit the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application by December 15, 2014. Vanderbilt also awards scholarships designated for students residing in Houston, Texas, and selected counties in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Candidates for these scholarships will be identified by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships on the basis of academic achievement and fulfillment of any specific scholarship qualifications.

These awards represent a tremendous opportunity for many talented students. Want it to be you? The first step is apply by December 15!

Tags: application, carell scholarships, Chancellor's Scholarship, Common Application, Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, curb leadership scholarships, Financial Aid, Fred Russell-Grantland Rice Scholarship, Ingram Scholarship Program, John Seigenthaler Scholarship, Maggie Craig Memorial Scholarship, MyAppVU, Scholarships, Scholarships and Financial Aid, Universal College Application