Vanderbilt University

Merit scholarships are awarded by Vanderbilt University on a very competitive basis to only 1% of all freshman. These are awarded to the top students who demonstrate "exceptional accomplishment and intellectual excellence." These merit-based scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study as long as the student remains in good academic standing. Freshman students entering four of the undergraduate schools have the potential to receive these merit-based scholarships.

There are also three Vanderbilt signature scholarships based on merit that are awarded to about 250 students each year. They all guarantee full tuition in addition to summer stipends for either studying abroad or pursuing service or research projects. The three signature scholarships, where you can submit applications electronically by December 1 are:

• Ingram Scholars Program scholarship can be awarded to first years students and incoming freshman. This program "challenges students to create and implement substantial service projects in the community." For additional information check out the Ingram Scholarship Program Website. Although it is not required to apply for this particular scholarship, it is strongly encouraged that you do as preference will be given to those who apply. You can apply for this particular merit scholarship once you apply for admissions online at MyAppVU.
• The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship is open to incoming freshman. You can apply for this particular merit scholarship once you apply for admissions online at MyAppVU.
• The Chancellor's Scholarship is open to incoming freshman. It seeks to "recognize students with outstanding leadership, strength of character, academic achievement, and a deep-seated commitment to diversity and social justice." Although it is not required to apply for this particular scholarship, it is strongly encouraged that you do as preference will be given to those who apply. You can apply for this particular merit scholarship once you apply for admissions online at MyAppVU.

Additional information on other Vanderbilt University scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship award can be found here. For these merit-scholarships, you must apply for admission first and then will be notified generally within two business days that you will now be able to submit the merit-based scholarship application online.

You can access about merit scholarships frequently asked questions here.