Applicants must complete 2 short essays. Both are mandatory.
Describe a high school or community activity in which you have taken initiative. What were the challenges and outcomes? What did you learn?
Annika Lynn Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico prior to attending Washington University. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business from the Olin Business School in 1996. While a student, she was active with the Association of Latin American Students, serving as its president during her senior year. Annika was actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega— a national community service organization on campus. She joined the Peace Corps after graduation and was sent to Honduras to aid people living in poverty, where she was tragically killed in a flash flood. In remembering her, a friend said, “Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.”Consider [this] biography of Annika Rodriguez and reflect upon your commitment to bringing diverse groups together and/or celebrating the cultures of diverse peoples. How do you demonstrate this commitment? How do your service activities demonstrate your dedication to the ideals embraced by the Rodriguez Scholars Program?
Both prompts (2 of 2) must be answered by the applicant.
Describe a high school or community activity in which you have taken initiative. What were the challenges and outcomes? What did you learn?
The story of Dr. John B. Ervin is one of achievement and determination in the face of discrimination. Dr. Ervin was a nationally renowned black educator, scholar, and author who committed his life to the education of all people. In 1968, he became the first African-American dean of the School of Continuing Education at Washington University. He was also very involved with the St. Louis community, holding leadership positions on boards of numerous organizations and foundations. As a beloved member of the WashU community, Dr. Ervin is best remembered for his commitment to excellence, his engagement with the community, and his efforts to bring diverse people together to heal divisions among them. The John B. Ervin Scholars Program was founded on four pillars—academic excellence, leadership, community service, and diversity. Review [this] biography of Dr. John B. Ervin and the four Program Pillars. How have you demonstrated your commitment to the ideals of the program? Please provide 1-2 specific examples.
In about 250 words, tell us about something that really sparks your intellectual interest and curiosity, and compels you to explore more in the program/area of study that you indicated. It could be an idea, book, project, cultural activity, work of art, start-up, music, movie, research, innovation, question, or other pursuit.
The Danforth Scholars program is looking for students with a strong commitment to 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.
In about 250 words, tell us what great challenge you might want to understand and tackle [by] leveraging two or more of WashU’s schools and how you would pursue an interdisciplinary path of study that explores that challenge or an aspect of that challenge in a unique and innovative way.
Submit a detailed description of one project completed during high school that reflects creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
What matters to you?
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
