Merit Scholarship Deadlines Approaching
Vanderbilt’s merit scholarship deadlines are approaching! Applications for the Ingram Scholarship, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, and the Chancellor’s Scholarship should be completed by January, 1 2017. Students who would like to be considered for several additional merit scholarships are encouraged to submit the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application.
Vanderbilt’s three signature merit scholarships – the Ingram, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Chancellor’s Scholarships – include full-tuition awards, plus a one-time summer stipend for study abroad, research, or a service project. These scholarships are typically awarded to applicants who have exceptional academic records and who are leaders in their intellectual and social communities. Below you can learn more about these scholarships and the selection criteria for each below.
To apply for merit scholarships, students should first submit their admission application through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal College Application. Within a few days of submitting your admission application you will receive an email with instructions on creating a MyAppVU account. Scholarship applications will be available via the MyAppVU portal after you apply for admission. Check out the merit scholarships website for full information about applying for merit scholarships and to view the application questions for each of the merit scholarships.
The Ingram Scholarship Program
Mission and History: E. Bronson Ingram, chairman of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1991 until his death in 1995, conceived of the Ingram Scholarship Program in 1993 as a way to encourage Vanderbilt students to combine a professional career with a commitment to community service. The Ingram Scholarship Program challenges students to create and implement substantial service projects in the community. The program supports students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical problems facing modern society.
Application: Recommendation letters required. Apply online through MyAppVU
Selection: Ingram Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to community service, strength of personal character, and leadership potential. In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews scholarship application essays and two letters of recommendation. Ingram Scholar Finalists are also required to interview on campus with the selection committee.
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 this 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 the Cornelius Vanderbilt 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: Recommendation letter required. 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.
Additional Merit-Based Scholarships
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 (full tuition and fees for 4 years ) for students who have held part-time employment during their high school years and demonstrate financial need,
- The Maggie Craig Memorial Scholarship (up to cost of attendance) for students who are residents of Giles County, Tennessee, and have attended school there for at least five years,
- The Curb Leadership Scholarship ($8,000 per year) for students who place creativity and innovation at the center of their lives and use their talents and leadership to transform their communities,
- The John Seigenthaler Scholarship (full tuition for 4 years) for outstanding minority students interested in a career in journalism and/or public policy, and
- The Fred Russell-Grantland Rice Scholarship ($20,000 per year) for students interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism.
To ensure consideration for these awards, submit the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship application by January 1, 2017. Vanderbilt also awards scholarships designated for students residing in Houston, Texas, and selected counties in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, 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.