uva scholarship essay

UVA Admission Essays Are Posted. Learn How to Write Your Best One

• By Rob Seal , [email protected]

Want to join these students on the Lawn at UVA? The key may be crafting an authentic, original admissions essay. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)

High school students looking to get a jump on joining the University of Virginia’s Class of 2023 got some big news recently: This year’s essay questions have been unveiled.

Associate Dean of Admission Jeannine Lalonde shared this year’s essay prompts, then took some time to explain why the essay remains an important part of the application process and shared some writing tips for prospective applicants.

“I think that it helps us get insight into the personality, voice and style of the student,” she said. “The rest of the application consists of forms and other people telling us about the student. This is their chance to talk directly to us.”

As for the writing, Lalonde said she typically shares three tips with high school students when it comes to putting together an application essay.

1.  Don’t overthink the topic

“The questions are broad because we want the students to go in whatever direction makes sense for them,” Lalonde said. “The topic is just a vehicle that the student uses. They should pick a topic that lets them be interesting and authentic in their writing.”

2. You don’t have to write like it’s a school essay.

“Don’t feel limited to the formulaic way that most students are taught to write for class,” she said. “This is a different sort of writing. The more standard format used in academic writing is fine for school and it’s great when writing under pressure. But prospective students should feel free to use whatever format makes sense for the message or story that they want to get across.”

3. It’s smart to get advice, but be authentic.

“It’d be foolish to submit an essay without having someone you trust take a look first and give feedback, but essays shouldn’t read like they were done by committee. And if you don’t like the advice someone gives, feel free to ignore it. When you submit it, it should feel good to you, and it should sound like you.”

Here’s a look at the essay prompts for the coming application season. Stay up with news about admission by following Lalonde’s blog, Notes From Peabody , or following her Twitter, where she’s @UVADeanJ.

2018-2019 First-Year Application Essay Questions 

1. We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school/program to which you are applying in a half page or roughly 250 words.

• College of Arts and Sciences  - What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences  - If you were given funding for a small engineering project that would make everyday life better for one friend or family member, what would you design?
• School of Architecture  - Describe an instance or place where you have been inspired by architecture or design.  
• School of Nursing  - School of Nursing applicants may have experience shadowing, volunteering, or working in a health care environment. Tell us about a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
• Kinesiology Program  - Discuss experiences that led you to choose the kinesiology major. 

2. Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words. 

• What’s your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
• Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

UVA students are charged with pushing the boundaries of knowledge to serve others and contribute to the common good. Give us an example of how you’ve used what you’ve learned to make a positive impact in another person’s life.

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July 12, 2018

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uva essay examples and tips.

Hi, guys! I'm applying to UVA and I need some help with the application essays. Could you share any examples of successful essays or some tips on how to write a killer UVA essay? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Hey there! Congrats on applying to UVA! Writing a great essay for UVA means showcasing your unique personality, interests, and values. CollegeVine has a blog post with some great UVA essay examples that you should definitely check out:

https://blog.collegevine.com/uva-essay-examples

Just keep in mind, these examples are helpful for inspiration, but your essays should be authentic and genuine to you, so don't copy them!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

How to Win UVA Scholarships—The Jefferson Scholarship & Walentas Scholarship

Uva scholarships- introduction.

In this article, we will discuss two specific scholarships for college: the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship. We will provide information on eligibility for these two UVA scholarships and academic scholarship requirements. Furthermore, we’ll discuss the funding they provide to cover the cost of college, how to apply for merit scholarships, and tips on how to become a Jefferson Scholar!

In the following sections, you will learn:

• What merit-based scholarships are and how to win them
• Details about two merit-based UVA scholarships: the Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship
• The value of the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship
• Who is eligible for the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship
• The application requirements, timeline, and FAQs for the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship

But first, before you begin your quest to win a Jefferson Scholarship, let’s take a closer look at the basics. We’ll explore what merit scholarships are and how they differ from other types of scholarships for college.

Understanding Merit-Based Scholarships

It’s important to realize that merit-based scholarships are different from loans and other types of scholarships for college in several ways. 

Merit scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic achievements or other notable accomplishments. They can be awarded by a university or college , or by community organizations or companies. Students don’t need to demonstrate financial need or pay back merit-based scholarships. Like most scholarships for college, merit scholarships are awarded based on factors like your grades, test scores, or other significant activities you have been involved in. 

As with other types of scholarships for college, merit scholarships vary in size and competitiveness. They can provide significant support in offsetting the cost of college for students of all types. Scholarships for college that offer the most financial support are the most competitive. On the whole, these scholarships will prioritize academic scholarship requirements like GPA s, test sc o res , and rigorous coursework. Other factors that some merit scholarships consider include athletics and community-based activities. 

To find more detailed information on merit-based scholarships, explore our resources here . Additionally, find examples of scholarships for college and merit scholarships offered by a variety of schools, organizations, and companies here . 

Confronting the Cost of College: 3 Tips to Win Merit-Based Scholarships

To identify scholarships for college and merit-based scholarships that you are eligible for, you will need to do some research . For example, when you are putting your initial college list together, you can explore the schools’ websites to determine what scholarships for college and merit-based scholarships they offer. You’ll also find information about academic scholarship requirements and deadlines. 

In addition, you can search online databases like Fastweb or Scholarship America . Fastweb matches students with scholarships for college and merit-based scholarships based on their demographics, location, and interests. Scholarship America allows students to browse through a database of available merit scholarships. 

CollegeAdvisor.com has lots of information on winning merit-based scholarships for college. For example, check out our guides to winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship and Vanderbilt Merit Scholarship . 

While you do your research and learn more about academic scholarship requirements, keep in mind these three tips. They’ll help improve your chances of winning a merit-based scholarship.

Three tips to help you win merit-based scholarships

1. research and meet all academic scholarship requirements.

You should research and ensure you meet all of the merit scholarship’s academic requirements. Compare your GPA and your test scores to the thresholds available in the application. Also, take careful note of the deadlines for each application.

2. Plan well in advance

Give yourself time to write and edit any required Jefferson Scholarship essays. Also, give plenty of notice to the teachers, guidance counselors, or coaches from whom you will be requesting letters of recommendation . 

3. Maximize grades and test scores

Many scholarships for college and merit-based scholarships you apply for will require GPA or test score information. Therefore, work to maximize each of these before applying. This may include planning for some extra study time prior to re-taking the SAT or ACT or investing extra effort into your coursework.

Does UVA have merit scholarships?

Yes! UVA scholarships include two prestigious and highly competitive merit-based scholarships. These include the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship as well as the newer Walentas Scholarship offered to first-generation college students . In 2023, the University of Virginia offered 57 students full merit-based scholarships, receiving a record number of nominations. 

It’s important to realize that for aspiring Jefferson scholars to apply for either of these UVA scholarships, their school must nominate them first. From there, nominees for the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship will follow similar processes. According to the university, these UVA scholarship rounds provide potential Jefferson scholars with an opportunity to showcase their exceptional achievements in the areas of “ leadership, citizenship, and scholarship .” Several of these rounds include interviews in which students are asked a series of Jefferson Scholarship interview questions.

Let’s dig deeper into the details of each of these UVA scholarships now and what it takes to become a Jefferson Scholarship winner.

What is the Jefferson Scholarship?

The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship is a merit-based UVA scholarship awarded to exceptional undergraduate UVA students by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. It is named after the founder of UVA, Thomas Jefferson, and was first awarded in 1981 . 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation seeks the most talented students in the world. It awards the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship to approximately 30 selected Jefferson Scholars every year. 

Students who are selected to become Jefferson Scholars have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievements, exceptional leadership ability, and significant and impactful connections with their communities. 

What is the University of Virginia Walentas Scholarship?

The Walentas Scholarship is a UVA scholarship that provides a full four-year scholarship to students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation established the Walentas Scholarship through a gift from philanthropists David and Jane Walentas . 

Generally, approximately 12-15 undergraduate Walentas Scholarships will be awarded to first-generation college students in each entering class. However, this past year, there were 17 due to a record number of nominations. Nominees must be first-generation college students from Virginia or from the five boroughs of New York City, Rochester, New York, Baltimore, Maryland, or St. Louis, Missouri.

Similar to the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards the Walentas Scholarship to first-generation college students who have achieved academic excellence and possess strong leadership potential .

What do these UVA Scholarships cover?

Both the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship cover the full cost of attendance at UVA for four years. For Jefferson Scholarship winners, this includes all costs related to tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and personal expenses. 

The value of these UVA scholarships amounts to about $72,000 per year for each out-of-state Jefferson Scholarship winner. Meanwhile, it’s roughly $36,000 per year to each in-state Jefferson Scholarship winner.

In addition to covering the full cost of attendance, Jefferson Scholars and Walentas Scholars are given funds for supplemental enrichment experiences .

These include:

• Attendance at the two-week Institute for Leadership and Citizenship during the summer after your first year at UVA
• A foreign travel/study experience between the second and third year of school, provided by the University’s International Studies Office . This includes the chance to pursue an independent study project
• Mentoring connections with Jefferson Scholars Foundation alumni
• Career development services, including funding for unpaid internships
• Seed funding for commercial or philanthropic enterprises founded by any Jefferson Scholarship winners

How hard is it to get the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship?

The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive UVA scholarship. Thousands of students from all around the world are nominated every year to become Jefferson Scholars. They pass through multiple selection rounds that include writing several Jefferson Scholarship essays. Additionally, they must attend live interviews and respond to a series of Jefferson Scholarship interview questions. 

For the entering class of 2023, approximately 2,600 students were nominated by their high schools. Of these, 40 were ultimately selected as Jefferson Scholars and 17 were selected as Walentas Scholars.

The Walentas Scholarship was founded in 2022 . Because this is much more recent than the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship, it’s difficult to tell how hard it is to become a Walentas Scholar. However, with only 17 Walenta Scholars selected in 2023, we can assume it’s quite competitive.

However, the process is similar to the Jefferson Scholarship. Therefore, we can assume it will include essays like the Jefferson Scholarship essays and interviews that include questions similar to the Jefferson Scholarship interview questions. It’s also likely to be as competitive as the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship. 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation has an alumni community of about 700 Scholars. Jefferson Scholars live and work all over the world in different professions. These include teachers, doctors, lawyers, researchers, entrepreneurs, veterinarians, parents, poets, musicians, and playwrights. 

Once they’ve graduated from UVA, Jefferson Scholars continue to perform as outstanding and impactful leaders in their fields. Many Jefferson Scholarship winners also choose to continue their academic studies and win other prestigious scholarships and fellowships. 

Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Who is eligible for the jefferson scholarship.

Participating schools can only nominate one student per year for the Jefferson Scholarship. Therefore, to be eligible, your school must select you. You cannot directly apply to become a Jefferson Scholar without first being nominated. For this reason, by your senior year of high school, you must stand out as the person “who best exemplifies excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.”

Aspiring Jefferson Scholars must be nominated by a participating school located in one of the over 65 nominating regions . You can confirm your school’s participation by contacting your school counselor. If you apply, be prepared to write several Jefferson Scholarship essays, and respond to a series of Jefferson Scholarship interview questions in later rounds.

Who is eligible for the Walentas Scholarship?

Similar to the Jefferson Scholarship, you cannot apply directly to the Walentas Scholarship. Aspiring Walentas Scholars must be the sole senior selected for this program by their school each year. 

In addition, you must also be a first-generation college student. A first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, this does not apply to your siblings. Therefore, if you have an older sibling already pursuing a college degree, you are both considered first-generation college students. 

The Walentas Scholarship also has geographic eligibility requirements. To qualify, you must be a high school senior from one of the 15 designated nominating regions.

The UVA scholarships committee won’t consider financial need and prior interest in attending the University of Virginia as part of their eligibility requirements .

How do I apply for the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship?

Presently, let’s look at the specific steps and application materials that the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship programs require. 

These UVA scholarships follow a similar application process, so we will cover the application steps for both the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship together. 

Please note that you can only apply to one of these UVA scholarship programs. Also, remember that you must be a first-generation college student to apply for the Walentas Scholarship.

Step 1:  Notify your school counselor

As has been noted, the first step in applying to the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship is for your school to nominate you. Each school gets one nominee, therefore you must be the only student from your school selected to receive the Walentas Scholarship or Jefferson Scholarship nomination. 

In order to do this, notify your school counselor and express your interest in the Jefferson Scholarship or the Walentas Scholarship. Do this as soon as you know you are interested in applying to either of the UVA scholarships.

Step 2: Complete the application

Once you have received the Jefferson Scholarship nomination from your school, you will work together with your school counselor to gather and submit your application materials. These include your scholastic report, a list of extracurricular activities, teacher recommendations, and written responses to two Jefferson Scholarship essays. 

Note that the Jefferson Scholarship nomination is a separate process from applying to UVA through the Common Application. You will still need to apply to UVA separately. Once you’ve submitted your Jefferson Scholarship nomination application, we suggest you start preparing for Jefferson Scholarship interview questions in case you make it to the next round.

Step 3: Regional selection

Regional selection committees are comprised of UVA alumni, prior Jefferson Scholarship winners, and other university-selected individuals. These committees will review all aspects of your Jefferson Scholarship nomination application—transcripts, extracurricular activities, Jefferson Scholarship essay responses, and recommendations. 

Based on this review, the committee will select nominees for one or more rounds of interviews. After selected nominees have answered a series of Jefferson Scholarship interview questions, the committee will then nominate candidates for the final selection round.

Step 4:  Final selection

Finally, the Foundation asks finalists from the regional selection round to participate in another round of Jefferson Scholarship interview questions in March. Those selected in this round are invited to visit the UVA campus in Charlottesville. By mid-April, the Foundation has asked all Jefferson Scholarship winners to make a final decision about whether they will accept the scholarship.

Jefferson Scholarship & Walentas Scholarship-Application Timeline

The deadline for submitting your Jefferson Scholarship nomination materials for either of these UVA scholarships varies by location. Counselors and nominees for the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship must submit a completed Jefferson Scholarship nomination form by December 1. This includes responses to the Jefferson Scholarship essays. Schools in the At-Large region have a separate deadline of  November 15 . Check with your school counselor which of these deadlines applies to you.

To present the strongest possible application for these UVA scholarships, you should begin preparing your Jefferson Scholarship nomination application early. The application window opens in August. Therefore, notify your school counselor that you’d like to be nominated for either the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship or the Walentas Scholarship as soon as possible. 

Ask your counselor to work with you to develop a plan for gathering the materials you will need to become a Jefferson Scholar. These will include your academic transcript, a list of extracurricular activities , Jefferson Scholarship essays, and letters of recommendation . You should also begin interview prep in case you are invited to respond to Jefferson Scholarship interview questions in the next round.

UVA Scholarships – Frequently Asked Questions:

Do i need to apply to uva in order to compete for a walentas scholarship.

Yes. All nominees should apply to UVA through the Common App by the Regular Decision deadline. Since the UVA scholarship competition is separate from Admissions, nominees may apply to UVA as a Regular Decision, Early Action, or Early Decision applicant.

I am not a U.S. citizen. Is citizenship a requirement?

Jefferson Scholars and Walentas Scholars do not have to be U.S. citizens. Citizenship means helping your community, in whatever community you find yourself in during and after college.

Will recipients of the Walentas Scholarship be identified through the current Jefferson Scholarship selection process?

No. The Walentas Scholars Program is separate and distinct from the Foundation’s Jefferson Scholars Program.

Will there be an enrichment program associated with the Walentas Scholarship?

Yes. The Foundation is developing a comprehensive enrichment program designed to ensure Scholars make the most of the opportunity. It will include mentoring, internship and research opportunities, and a dedicated director and program staff. 

How to win the Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship- Final Thoughts

There is a lot to consider when applying to college, including working out how to cover the cost of college. Fortunately, there are many merit scholarships available that can cover part, or even all, of the costs of college. Follow these five top tips in order to improve your chances of becoming a Jefferson Scholarship winner, or another highly competitive merit-based scholarship like the Jefferson Scholarship or the Walentas Scholarship.

5 Tips on How to Win UVA Scholarships

1. start early.

Do your research to determine which scholarships for college are most interesting to you and which ones you qualify for. If you can, find information about prior scholarship winners.

2. Develop a detailed plan

Once you have gathered information about the requirements for your chosen UVA scholarships, create a plan that will help you to shine during the application process. What classes will you take to demonstrate your outstanding academic ability? Which projects or activities will you pursue that align with your genuine interests, and that will allow you leadership opportunities? How will you make a significant positive impact on the world? 

3. Create a team

Your school counselor, teachers, college advisors, and other mentors can provide important support and guidance for you. Therefore, let them know early what your interests and goals are and ask if they have the time and resources to help you. They will almost always say “Yes!”

4. Allow plenty of time

Demonstrating academic and leadership abilities takes time . Impactful results take time. Organizing materials and writing powerful Jefferson Scholarship essays takes time. Therefore, your goal of becoming a successful scholarship applicant, especially for highly selective merit scholarships like the Jefferson Scholarship or Walentas Scholarship, will take time . This is a marathon, not a sprint.

5. Be flexible

Your first plan does not need to be set in stone. You will learn things along the way that you don’t know at the beginning, so allow for some flexibility. For example, you may find out that you’re not as interested in a project or academic area as you thought you were. This is good information, and quite normal. If this happens, you can adjust your plans and focus on something else.

More CollegeAdvisor Merit-Based Scholarship Resources to explore!

When you are ready to begin researching options for scholarships for college, an easy place to start is with the “Financial Aid and Scholarships 101” webinar provided by CollegeAdvisor.

Afterward, you can find more detailed information about financial aid and scholarships for college in our “Financial Aid and Scholarships” webinar as well as the “Finding and Applying to Scholarships” webinar. CollegeAdvisor also has a variety of articles available on CollegeAdvisor.com to help you develop your plan for covering the cost of college.

Remember that the CollegeAdvisor team includes Admissions Experts and scholarship experts available to help you through the research, planning, and application process. Our Success Stories will show you students who’ve successfully applied to and been offered top scholarships for college. 

Whether you need help creating your Jefferson Scholarship essay responses, preparing to respond to Jefferson Scholarship interview questions, or applying to any other scholarship opportunities, our experts can help!

This article was written by Lori Dunlap . If you want to get help with your college applications from Lori or other  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts ,  register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.  Also, check out our other guides to  Merit-Based Scholarships  as you embark on your college application journey!

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University of Virginia (UVA) Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts & Advice

August 16, 2023

The University of Virginia is one of the handful of flagship public institutions in the United States that attract massive numbers of high-achieving applicants from around the country/globe each and every year. In the most recent admissions cycle, over 56,000 students applied (up 10% from the previous year) and only 16% were accepted. While becoming a Cavalier is challenging for a Virginia resident, out-of-staters and international applicants face an even tougher admissions gauntlet. You’ll likely need a straight A average (or very close) to get serious consideration at the 2023 version of UVA and an SAT in the 96th percentile (or better) doesn’t hurt either. And that brings us to today’s main topic- the UVA supplemental essays.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Virginia? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Virginia: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

With only one supplemental essay for the majority of applicants (you’ll only need to write more than one if applying to the School of Nursing or the Dance program), UVA’s supplemental section affords applicants the chance to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are the University of Virginia’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing winning essays.

2023-2024 UVA Supplemental Essay (All Applicants)

What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you. (300 words)

This prompt asks you to not only share a particular life experience, element of your background, or perspective but also describe why that experience, element, or perspective will help you serve as a source of strength to either yourself or those around you. Essentially, it’s asking you to take your essay’s reflection one step further—you’ll need to communicate why the experience or element you’ve chosen is important to you as well as why/how you believe it will allow you to thrive at UVA or positively impact the UVA community.

UVA Supplemental Essays (Continued)

First, choose a key aspect of your experiences, background, or identity that reveals something deep and meaningful. (Although you could choose more than one, we’d advise against it, given that you only have 300 words in which to respond.) As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• Your role in your family.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.
• Racial background.
• Sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Second, you’ll need to explain how you’ll use what you’ve learned to persist through future personal challenges or strengthen others at UVA. Will your life experiences allow you to uplift those around you? Will your unique perspective enable you to connect more deeply with others? Lastly, will your background make it possible for you to advocate more effectively for specific populations? Alternatively, has your experience or background provided you with a perspective that will benefit and support you as you move on to college? If you connect with at least one of these questions, you’re headed in the right direction for this essay.

UVA Program-Specific Essays

School of nursing.

Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing. (300 words)

“A nurse is not what you do, it is who you are.”

This quote from an anonymous source captures the idea that becoming a nurse is more of a calling than a profession you just stumble into. Nurses are willing to work long shifts in the service of others, be on the frontlines of a pandemic, and deal with life’s toughest challenges (e.g., suffering and death) on a regular basis. Many applicants share stories of caring for sick relatives or going through a tough medical episode themselves as inspiration for wanting to study nursing. This essay is a chance to show the admissions committee that you are a passionate and mature nursing candidate and that nursing is genuinely “who you are.”

Dance Program

Submit a short essay discussing your interest in dance as a practice and/or a form of scholarship. What roles have dance and movement played in your life thus far? What insights and connections have you made in your day-to-day and academic life through the practice and study of movement? What do you hope to explore further by participating in dance program courses upon entry to UVA? (275 words)

Essentially, UVA wants to understand how your participation in dance has impacted your life. How has it benefited, strengthened, and/or challenged you as a person? Moreover, they’d like to understand the connections you’ve made between dance and other academic subjects, if any—what interdisciplinary connections have you observed? How has your academic life been made richer by dance? Finally, in addition to how dance has already impacted you, UVA is looking for a brief discussion of what the future holds in regard to dance, and how you plan to pursue that future at UVA.

How important are the UVA supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental response(s)) are “important” to the UVA admissions committee. This places them in the same tier of importance as extracurricular activities and talent/ability. Standardized test scores are rated a notch below as “considered.” Read more about the importance of the UVA supplemental essays in the fabulous  Notes from Peabody blog .

At UVA, the rigor of your coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, character/personal qualities, and state residency status are the most important factors in the admissions process. However, application components like the supplemental essay can serve as a critical tie-breaker between similarly-credentialed applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with the UVA Supplemental Essays?

Are you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UVA supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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A Listing of AccessUVA Scholarships

AccessUVA is the umbrella name for the University of Virginia's need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students. Much of the time, a student can recognize AccessUVA grants on their financial aid offer by the simple name "AccessUVA Scholarship". However, there are many other named awards that are effectively AccessUVA grants, and students may not understand, at first glance, that other grants listed on their offer are, in fact, part of the AccessUVA program. 

We've compiled a list of these other named offers here for your reference, and there are a lot of them! Use the Ctrl + F find function to see if the scholarship that is listed on your offer letter is included on this list. If it is, then you know the unfamiliar name on your financial aid offer is in fact an AccessUVA offer.

This first table lists AccessUVA replacement awards that are equivalents to the "AccessUVA Scholarship" name. They do not need to be repaid.

The scholarships listed below are other endowed University scholarships that SFS manages and awards according to the requirements of the donor. These scholarships, while not technically considered AccessUVA scholarships, will replace AccessUVA fund sources when they are awarded to a student. In the end, the amount of grant money awarded to a student (that is, free money from the University) will be no different, but we provide this second table to help students and their families know for sure that promised funds have been applied to their financial aid offer.

Dates and Deadlines

Fall financial aid disburses, first day of fall classes (for most students).

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The University of Virginia accepts applications from first-year and transfer students through the Common Application . Students are required to submit their portion of the application online. Counselors and teachers may choose to submit their documents online or by mail.

Please add  [email protected] to your address book so that important emails from us do not go to spam.

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We do not accept resumes, research papers, or supplemental application items that do not fit the criteria for arts supplements.

We maintain a consistent review throughout the application process so there is no advantage to choosing one application plan over another. We hope to offer students multiple options and the ability to choose the option that is best suited for them. All students applying for financial aid who have submitted the required documents by the priority deadlines will receive a preliminary aid award shortly after admission decisions are released. Below is additional information about our application choices.

Early Decision is a binding admission plan for students who have determined that UVA is their first choice and who feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. Students admitted through the Early Decision admission plan are required to cancel their applications elsewhere and enroll in UVA. Decisions of admit, deny, or defer will be released by December 15th. Admitted students are expected to submit deposits by January 15. 

Early Action is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that may be an attractive option for those feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. We aim to release decisions of admit, deny, or defer by February 15th. Students admitted through the Early Action admission plan will have until May 1 to reserve a spot by in the incoming class. 

Regular Decision is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that allows students more time to complete the application and to have grades from the first term of their senior year considered in the review. Students will be notified of their admission decisions of admit, deny, or waiting list by April 1 Students admitted through the Regular Decision admission plan will have until May 1 to reserve a spot in the incoming class.

If you would like to change your chosen plan after submitting an application, you must  email us within 24 hours of submission.

There are eight undergraduate schools at UVA. First-year applicants can apply to: College of Arts & Sciences School of Architecture School of Engineering School of Nursing Kinesiology Those interested in the McIntire School of Commerce , Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy , School of Data Science , or programs in the School of Education and Human Development  other than Kinesiology should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences.

You may list two academic interests in addition to your undergraduate school choice. Unless you are applying to the School of Nursing or Kinesiology program, you will not declare a major at UVA until the end of your first or second year.

If you would like to change your chosen school after submitting an application, please email us within ten days of the application deadline. Admitted students should plan to enroll in the school to which they have applied.

Test Optional

If you're applying for admission for Fall 2025, you'll have the choice of sharing or not sharing standardized test scores. Whichever path you choose, we'll consider your application with care and respect, and you won't be disadvantaged because of the choice you've made.

Reporting Scores

Applicants who wish to have SAT, ACT, AP, or IB testing considered during the application process should opt to submit scores and self-report them on the application. After the deadline, applicants may submit updated scores through their portal. Admitted students who applied with testing and decide to enroll at UVA must request official score reports for verification. Our ETS code is 5820. Our ACT code is 4412.

Super-scoring

For applicants submitting test scores, we consider the best combination of section scores without recalculation. Report your scores (section scores for the SAT or composite and sub-scores for the ACT) as they appear on your official score report. Our system will do the rest for you.

The ACT Writing sections are not used in our review. 

TOEFL/IELTS

Students whose first language is not English or who have attended an English-speaking school for fewer than two years are encouraged to provide evidence of their English proficiency by submitting the results of the TOEFL or the IELTS.

We require the secondary school report and one teacher evaluation from an academic subject teacher for each first-year application.

Your school counselor can submit the secondary school report online. A counselor recommendation can be submitted with the secondary school report. Your academic teacher recommendation should also be submitted online. In addition to the secondary school report, your counselor should submit the school profile and your transcript(s) online.

If your counselor is unable to write a recommendation letter, please request that the secondary school report still be completed and submitted online. If your counselor is unable to provide a written recommendation, you may submit a recommendation from another school administrator or academic teacher if possible. Please know that in this situation, a counselor recommendation is not required for your application to be reviewed.

If your school is unable to submit these documents electronically, they can be mailed.

Arts Supplements

The Admission Office actively seeks artists, musicians, dancers and students in all areas of theatre to invigorate our community through their dedication to the arts. Students who exhibit exceptional talent in the arts may submit an arts portfolio  through the Common Application via Slideroom . This portfolio is an  optional  part of the application process and is intended for those who plan to engage seriously in the University’s arts departments as students. Completed portfolio evaluations are shared with the admission committee and are considered as part of the overall application review. These portfolios are not required to enroll in arts-related classes at the University of Virginia and will only be used for the admission process. If a student who has already submitted their Common App wants to submit an art supplement, they may create a Slideroom account using their Common App ID.

Supplemental portfolios must be received by the application deadline and adhere to departmental guidelines to guarantee review.

Architecture Supplements

All transfer applicants interested in majoring in Architecture are required to submit a portfolio following the guidelines and submission requirements on the School of Architecture website . Transfer applicants interested in Urban Planning and Architectural History are not required to submit portfolios.

If you wish to claim entitlement to Virginia in-state educational privileges pursuant to the Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.4, you must complete the residency section of the application. If supporting documents are requested after an application is submitted, fax them to 434-982-2663 . See the Office of Virginia Status website for more information .

We do not track attendance at tours, information sessions, high school visits, or other programs (commonly referred to as demonstrated interest) to use during the application review.

All application updates should be uploaded via the student portal. Applicants received an email with login credentials for the portal a few days after their Common App was received. Please do not email updates to individual admission officers.

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UVA Scholarships & Financial Aid 2022-2023

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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The University of Virginia was founded by U.S. President and Declaration of Independence author Thomas Jefferson. UVA is known as being an elite academic institution and has 121 different majors across eight undergraduate colleges and three professional schools.

UVA is also known as one of the most scenic universities in the world. The entire campus is actually a UNSECO World Heritage site! Like many other elite institutions, UVA has a robust financial aid and merit scholarship program for students! These UVA scholarships can include awards of up to full tuition! 

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UVA Tuition & Cost

Uva merit scholarships, jefferson scholarship, uva financial aid.

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Is UVA a good value?

Keep on reading to learn more about how to win scholarships and secure financial aid at the University of Virginia! 

Since the University of Virginia is a public institution, the tuition will vary depending on whether you are an in-state Virginia resident or an out-of-state student.

Additionally, tuition rates will vary depending on what college you are attending in the university.

You can check for the most updated tuition rates on the UVA Financial Aid webpage.

Apply to these scholarships due soon

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship Program

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship

Herb Block Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Ridley Foundation Scholarship

Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship

UVA offers a number of merit scholarships for students to apply to, including the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship. These scholarships are highly competitive and may require an additional application to be eligible. You can learn more about the other scholarships UVA offers here.

The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship is one of the most renowned undergraduate scholarship programs in the world. The Scholarship covers not only tuition, room, and board, but also funding for research, summer experiences, study abroad, etc. There are also extensive enrichment and programming opportunities for Jefferson Scholars.

The Jefferson Scholarship is awarded through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation and requires a separate application from students. The Jefferson Scholarship application process includes multiples stages including an invitation to interview in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia.

UVA Questbridge Scholarship

UVA is also a member of Questbridge , which means that high achieving students with demonstrated financial need can potentially win a full ride to attend UVA.

UVA is one of the few public universities in the US to meet 100% of demonstrated financial aid for all undergraduate students. In order to qualify for need-based financial aid students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) and the CSS Profile . Some of the need-based scholarships students may be eligible for are specifically aimed to support students in the state of Virginia!

According to the data from the Department of Education, the net cost of UVA for the average student (taking into account grants and scholarships) was $20,281 per year.

UVA Financial Aid Codes

To apply for UVA financial aid, students must use the following school codes:

• CSS Profile: 5820
• FAFSA: 003745

UVA Financial Aid Deadlines

UVA’s financial aid deadlines depend on a student’s application plan. As with all financial aid, students will need to submit their financial aid applications before they receive any official decision from the university.

Here are the 2020-2021 UVA financial aid deadlines:

• Early Decision students: November 1st
• Early Action students: December 1st
• Regular Decision: March 1st

Remember, both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA are available on October 1st, so you don’t need to wait to get them submitted!

If you want to estimate your financial aid from UVA you can use the Net Price Calculator. While this is not an official financial aid offer, it will provide you with a good sense of the cost of UVA for you and your family.

UVA Student Loan Debt

In addition to scholarships and need-based grants, student loans are another way that you may pay for college. However, unlike other types of financial aid, student loans need to be repaid. That’s why it is important to consider how much student loan debt you may be taking out.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education , 28% of UVA students will graduate with federal student loans. The average monthly payment for these students is between $124 and $216 per month. Note that this does not include Parent PLUS loans or private student loans.

College is an investment, which is why it is important to assess the return on your education. By completing the net price calculator, you will have a good sense of how much UVA will cost you.

The big factors that will determine a good value are outcomes including graduation rate, retention rate, and average earnings upon graduation.

Here’s how UVA stacks up:

• Graduation Rate : 93% within 8 years
• Retention Rate: 97%

The Average Earnings of students two years after graduation will vary from major to major. Luckily the College Scorecard has a breakdown of average earnings for every major at UVA. This is a great tool to assess the value of UVA for your major.

Questions about UVA Financial Aid

If you are a current UVA student, an admitted student, or are considering UVA as an applicant and have questions, you can reach out to the UVA Student Financial Aid Services via phone or email:

• Phone:   434-982-6000
• Email:   [email protected]

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Tips and strategies for crafting an outstanding scholarship essay.

Scholarship essays are an essential part of many scholarship applications. They provide an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, goals, and achievements to scholarship committees. Crafting a winning scholarship essay requires time, effort, and attention to detail. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with tips and strategies to help you write a compelling and successful scholarship essay that sets you apart from the competition.

From understanding the prompt to drafting your essay and polishing the final draft, we will walk you through each step of the process. You will learn how to identify key themes, structure your essay effectively, and highlight your strengths and experiences in a way that resonates with the scholarship committee. Whether you are a high school student applying for a local scholarship or a college student seeking a national award, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to create a standout scholarship essay.

The Importance of Scholarships

Scholarships play a crucial role in helping students achieve their educational goals. They provide financial assistance to deserving individuals who may not have the means to fund their education on their own. This support can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

Furthermore, scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden on students and their families but also promote academic excellence. By incentivizing students to strive for academic success, scholarships encourage individuals to work hard, stay motivated, and excel in their studies. This can lead to a more educated and skilled workforce, benefiting society as a whole.

In addition, scholarships can open doors to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many students. They can provide access to top-tier universities, prestigious programs, and valuable experiences that can shape a student’s future and career prospects. Scholarships empower individuals to reach their full potential and pursue their passions without the constraints of financial limitations.

Overall, scholarships are not only important for individuals seeking to further their education but also for society as a whole. By investing in scholarships, we invest in the future of education, innovation, and progress. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and the world, thanks to the support and opportunities provided by scholarships.

Why You Should Apply

Applying for scholarships is a smart and strategic move for students looking to further their education. Here are a few reasons why you should take the time to apply:

• Financial Support: Scholarships offer a valuable source of funding that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
• Merit Recognition: Winning a scholarship is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and academic achievements. It can boost your confidence and open up new opportunities.
• Reduced Debt: By securing scholarships, you can reduce the need for student loans and graduate with less debt, giving you a stronger financial foundation after graduation.
• Networking Opportunities: Many scholarship programs provide networking opportunities with other scholars, mentors, and industry professionals, helping you build valuable connections for the future.
• Personal Growth: The process of applying for scholarships forces you to reflect on your goals, achievements, and aspirations, fostering personal growth and self-improvement.

Overall, applying for scholarships is a worthwhile investment in your education and future success. Don’t miss out on the chance to secure the financial support and recognition you deserve!

Benefits of Winning

Winning a scholarship can offer numerous benefits to students, both academically and personally. Some of the key benefits include:

• Financial Assistance: Scholarships provide financial support for tuition, books, and other educational expenses, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
• Recognition and Prestige: Winning a scholarship can enhance a student’s academic resume and demonstrate their merit to future employers and academic institutions.
• Opportunities for Growth: Scholarships often come with additional opportunities such as internships, networking events, and mentorship programs, which can help students develop their skills and build connections in their field.
• Increased Confidence: Achieving a scholarship can boost a student’s confidence and motivation, encouraging them to aim higher in their academic and personal goals.
• Debt Reduction: By receiving a scholarship, students can decrease their reliance on student loans and minimize the amount of debt they accumulate during their education.

Overall, winning a scholarship can have a transformative impact on a student’s educational journey, opening doors to new opportunities and providing valuable support along the way.

Key Elements in Scholarship Essays

Scholarship essays are crucial for securing financial aid for your education. To craft a winning scholarship essay, you must include key elements that showcase your unique qualities and experiences. These elements include:

1. Personal Story: Share a personal story that highlights your values, goals, and aspirations. This will help the scholarship committee get to know you better.

2. Relevance: Make sure your essay is relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. Tailor your essay to fit the requirements and objectives of the scholarship program.

3. Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use transitions to connect your ideas smoothly.

4. Strong Thesis: Present a strong thesis statement that outlines the main point of your essay. This will guide your writing and keep your essay focused.

5. Unique Voice: Use your unique voice and perspective to stand out from other applicants. Avoid clichés and generic statements.

6. Proofreading: Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A polished essay shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

By incorporating these key elements into your scholarship essay, you can increase your chances of winning financial aid for your education.

Understanding the Prompt

One of the most crucial aspects of writing a winning scholarship essay is understanding the prompt. Take your time to carefully read and analyze the prompt provided by the scholarship committee. Pay attention to the key points and requirements outlined in the prompt, such as the essay topic, word limit, formatting guidelines, and any specific questions that need to be addressed.

Create a table or list to break down the prompt into manageable sections. Highlight the main themes or keywords that you should focus on in your essay. By understanding the prompt thoroughly, you can ensure that your essay directly addresses the criteria set by the scholarship committee and increases your chances of success.

Highlighting Your Achievements

When crafting a scholarship essay, it is crucial to highlight your achievements in a way that showcases your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Be sure to emphasize your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, leadership roles, and any awards or recognition you have received. Use specific examples and anecdotes to demonstrate the impact of your achievements and how they have shaped you as a person. By highlighting your achievements, you can effectively communicate your potential to the scholarship committee and increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Tips for Writing a Standout Essay

When it comes to crafting a winning scholarship essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind to ensure your essay stands out from the crowd:

Showing Your Unique Voice

When crafting a scholarship essay, it’s important to remember that you are the only person who can truly tell your story. Don’t be afraid to let your personality and voice shine through in your writing. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd and show the scholarship committee why you deserve to win.

Whether it’s through a unique storytelling style, a powerful personal anecdote, or a quirky sense of humor, find a way to make your essay memorable and engaging. Your essay should reflect who you are as a person, not just your accomplishments and achievements.

Use your own words and express your ideas in a way that is authentic and genuine. Your unique voice is what will make your essay memorable and resonate with the scholarship committee. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through in every word you write.

Structuring Your Essay Effectively

When it comes to crafting a winning scholarship essay, the structure is just as important as the content. Here are some tips on how to structure your essay effectively:

1. Introduction: Start your essay with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and provide some background information about your achievements and goals.

2. Body paragraphs: Divide your essay into several paragraphs that each focus on a specific point or idea. Make sure to provide clear examples and evidence to support your arguments.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

4. Editing: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and coherence in your writing.

By following these tips, you can structure your scholarship essay effectively and increase your chances of winning that coveted award!

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Selection Process

The Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships feature two similar, yet distinct, selection processes that are designed to give students an opportunity to showcase their excellence in leadership, citizenship, and scholarship.

Currently, there are over 65 nominating regions for the Jefferson Scholarship and 18 nominating regions for the Walentas Scholarship.

If you are a student or a parent of a student, please contact your school counselor to express interest in being nominated.

School Counselors

Use your provided credentials to log in to the nomination portal. If you have forgotten your password, please use the “lost password” link. If you or your school have never nominated before, please contact the Foundation.

The selection processes for the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships are separate from the University of Virginia’s admissions process, and therefore have a unique timeline. Deadlines will be communicated to both nominators and nominees by email .

• August - Nomination portal opens for eligible schools.
• November 15 - Counselor and nominee materials are due for the At-Large and International At-Large regions. If you are unsure if this deadline applies to you, please contact us.
• December 2 - Counselor and nominee materials are due for all other regions.
• Mid-December thru January - Regional review and interviews are conducted. 
• Late February - Final virtual interviews are conducted.

No one may apply for a Jefferson or Walentas Scholarship. Eligible schools are asked to nominate a student in the senior class who best exemplifies excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.

• Successful nominees demonstrate exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities. Walentas Scholarship nominees must also be the first or among the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. 
• Prior interest in the University of Virginia and financial need should not be factors in selecting a nominee.

Nominations are completed by both school officials and students and include a scholastic report, extracurricular activities, and two essays. 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is separate from the Office of Undergraduate Admission and does not have access to the Common Application.

• All nomination materials for Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships must be submitted by counselors and nominees according to the regional deadline. Most regions have a deadline of December 2 . Schools in the International and Domestic At-Large regions have a separate deadline of  November 15 . Deadlines are communicated throughout the process. Should you have any questions, please contact us.

Regional Selection

Regional Selection Committees—comprised of alumni and friends of the University—review transcripts, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations of all nominees before conducting one or more rounds of interviews. The interview round(s) determines finalists for the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships, who are identified and invited to compete in either the Jefferson or Walentas Scholars Final Selection in late February.

Admissions Review

The Office of Undergraduate Admission conducts an additional review of Early applicants to the University of Virginia and recommends nominees for the Jefferson Scholarship. Nominees who are selected will be notified in February.

Final Selection

In late February, finalists in each competition participate in a final interview. Recipients selected from this stage then have an opportunity to visit Charlottesville and explore the University of Virginia. All recipients must decide whether to accept the scholarship offer by mid-April.

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10 Virginia Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College

What’s covered:, tips on applying to scholarships.

Virginia is closely tied to the nation’s capital—the state borders Washington, D.C., and the federal government is the state’s largest employer. Four of the first five U.S. Presidents came from the “Old Dominion State” and eight in total, more than any other state in the union. Helping Virginia develop world-shaping leaders are its great schools , including William and Mary in Williamsburg, the second-oldest college in the nation. Helping send Virginians to those schools are numerous Virginia scholarships. 

1. Esperanza Education Fund

Amount: Up to $20,000

Deadline: April 1

Eligibility: College-bound high school senior from Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia who was born outside of the U.S. or whose parents were both born outside of the U.S. with financial need 

Application Requirements: Transcript, SAT/ACT scores (optional), two essays, and two letters of recommendation 

The Esperanza Education Fund is a need-based award that helps immigrant high school students fulfill their dreams of higher education, and 73% of scholarship winners are first-generation college students. In addition to financial support, recipients receive mentorship, professional development, and access to the community of fellow scholars. Recipients are selected based on three factors: academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and distance traveled—that is, how much an applicant has achieved in light of the obstacles facing them. 

2. Dixie Youth Baseball Bernie Varnadore Scholarship

Amount: $1,250 

Eligibility: High school senior who played Dixie Boys Baseball and is planning to pursue an undergraduate education at a college or university 

Application Requirements: Transcript, statement of participation in Dixie Boys Baseball, SAT/ACT scores, essay, two letters of recommendation, and photo 

Dixie Boys Baseball is a well-known youth baseball league found in eleven southeastern states that boasts more than 20,000 players. Dixie Baseball has an unpleasant history— it was formed to escape integration and no minorities were allowed —however, it’s long been integrated and is helping to do some good today through its scholarship program. The Dixie Youth Baseball Bernie Varnadore Scholarship aims to help former players with substantial financial need and proven leadership to pursue their college dreams. 

3. Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) Undergraduate Accounting Scholarships

Amount: $1,500 to $3,000

Eligibility: Have earned at least three credits in accounting, enrolled or enrolling in a Virginia college/university with the intent to pursue a CPA license, and a student member of the VSPCA 

Application Requirements: Minimum 2.7 GPA, short answer questions, letter of recommendation, and resume 

This great Virginia scholarship is provided by the state’s society of CPAs and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for this award, applicants must have completed three credits in accounting and plan to pursue a CPA license. Applicants are required to attend an accredited Virginia college or university and have a student VSCPA membership, which is free. The association recently increased the number of awards available to minority applicants and encourages them to apply. 

4. Leo Bourassa Scholarship

Amount: $500 to $3,000

Eligibility: Virginia resident who has completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study and is attending full-time any accredited Virginia college or university while taking a curriculum related to water resources 

Application Requirements: Transcript, personal statement, and essay 

Virginia students interested in water management and the protection of water resources will want to explore this scholarship. Provided by the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association, the Leo Bourassa Scholarship supports students pursuing an educational pathway related to water resources, such as:

• Conservation
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Stormwater management
• Water quality
• Wildlife studies.

Applicants are required to submit a statement detailing their experience with water resources and watershed management along with an explanation of why they believe they deserve the award. 

5. Virginia Commonwealth Award 

Amount: $2,400 to $5,200

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: Virginia resident with financial need admitted into a Virginia public two- or four-year college or university

Application Requirements: FAFSA

The Virginia Commonwealth Award is a need-based program aimed at assisting undergraduate students in Virginia. Awards are proportional to need—that is, the students with the most financial need are given the largest awards. Awards are renewable, provided that the applicant maintains satisfactory academic progress and continues to meet eligibility requirements. Applications and awarding processes are administered by the schools themselves and procedures and deadlines may vary from institution to institution.  

6. The Roothbert Fund Scholarships

Amount: $5,000 to $7,000

Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students (with preference given to applicants with one year of college completed) from Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia

Application Requirements: Transcript, three essays, and three letters of recommendation 

Not a Virginia scholarship per se, but the Roothbert Fund Scholarships are a great opportunity for Virginia students to earn a significant award for college. In addition to requiring applicants to come from specific states, Roothbert scholars must also demonstrate financial need and have their actions guided by spiritual motives. Approximately 10 to 15 of these scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarship is renewable, so long as recipients continue to pursue a degree. 

7. Western Virginia Better Business Bureau (BBB) Student of Integrity Scholarships 

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from the Western Virginia BBB service area

Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, transcript, letter of recommendation, and an essay or video

The Western Virginia Better Business Bureau (BBB) Student of Integrity Scholarships are awarded to students who personify the organization’s ethics—trust, honesty, integrity, and commitment—through their leadership, community service, and actions. The Western Virginia BBB offers two different scholarships: an essay-based one and a video-based one. Essay-based applicants are chosen on the strength of their essay, extracurricular activities, and leadership. Video-based applicants are judged on their journey, their representation of the BBB’s values, and the clarity of their message.  

8. Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Association (STA) Foundation Scholarships

Amount: $2,000 to $5,000

Deadline: June 15 

Eligibility: High school seniors from Virginia and Maryland who have participated in the Stock Market Game or undergraduates majoring in business, finance, or economics enrolled at a four-year state-sponsored or private college or university in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.  

Application Requirements: Transcript and essay 

This scholarship available to Virginia and Maryland students is provided by the Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Association (STA). The association awards two $2,000 awards, one to a student from Virginia and one to a student from Maryland. It also awards two $5,000 scholarships to candidates selected from the association’s member jurisdictions of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay about how the securities markets affect everyone’s daily lives as part of their application. 

9. Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Educational Scholarship Foundation   

Eligibility: Graduating senior from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives

Application Requirements: Transcript, electric bill, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement 

Although not specifically a scholarship in Virginia—it’s open to certain students in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware—this is certainly an award Virginia students should consider. The scholarship is provided by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives with the intent of helping deserving students with financial need fund their post-secondary education. Scholarship recipients are determined based on financial need, academic achievement, and personal statement. 

10. Kids’ Chance of Virginia

Amount: Varies

Deadline: May 1 

Eligibility: Student between 16 and 25 who has a parent that has suffered a work-related injury or fatality which caused a significant decline in family income and circumstances

Application Requirements: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, a brief description of the accident, and supporting documentation 

Kids’ Chance of Virginia provides this scholarship to students who have had their circumstances suffer a decline due to a work-related injury or death of one of their parents. Applicants need to provide a brief description of the accident and supporting documentation such as an injury report and death certificate or medical reports with their application.

Virginia is for lovers…of superb scholarships. That said, competition for awards has grown in recent years, as the cost of college continues to climb. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your odds of winning an award. 

Apply for Institutional Aid 

Colleges and universities simply have more funding for scholarships than other organizations and are the best place for scholarship-hungry students to focus their efforts. Colleges grant $175 billion in scholarships annually compared to just $11 billion in scholarships offered by other organizations . Before applying for outside awards, make sure you’ve maximized the amount of institutional aid available. 

College Currency 

Merit aid scholarships are awarded to students based on their performance in academics, athletics, or other extracurricular activities. Many of the nation’s most selective schools don’t offer merit aid—after all, they have no trouble attracting top applicants. However, many colleges and universities use merit aid to lure highly qualified applicants to their campuses. When building your college list, consider adding one or two “safety” schools where your profile is particularly strong and you have good odds of earning a substantial award. 

Apply to Private Schools 

Private colleges offer more merit aid than their private counterparts. For example, every school on our list of the top 50 schools that award the most merit aid is private. Also consider that according to CNBC , the average reported tuition at private non-profit four-year schools during the 2018-2019 academic year was $35,830, but the average net price of tuition and fees at those schools was just $14,610. The lesson is to not rule out attending a private college or university, because their generosity in handing out scholarships means students commonly pay far less than the sticker price.

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What Motivates Teachers to Enter the Profession?

In a piece for EdSurge, researchers share their work that suggests the reason someone chooses to become a teacher could determine how successful they will be in the role.

Andrew Kwok and Brendan Bartanen

August 12, 2024

This commentary was originally published by EdSurge. (Photo iStock)

What if why you choose to become a teacher determines how successful you will be in the role?

Society has always been fascinated to learn about the motivations of famous athletes, entertainers, and politicians and how they came to their profession. We think about their career trajectory and consider its relevance to ourselves or people we know. What if, similarly, we learned about the motivations of aspiring K-12 teachers, and used that to predict how effective they will be and how long they will stay in the classroom?

Persistent concerns reiterate teacher shortages throughout the nation . Recent evidence has also pointed to declining interest in becoming a teacher, aligned with the decreased professionalization, prestige and pay of the sector . Yet noble individuals press forward and choose to educate our children anyway. Why, in spite of the headwinds, do they become teachers?

As professors and researchers in university teaching and learning programs, we’re fascinated by this question. We figured that learning more about teacher motivation could help us better understand teacher pipelines and find ways to diversify and improve the quality of our nation’s teachers, so we designed a study to gather more information.

From 2012-2018, nearly 2,800 preservice teachers within one of the largest teacher preparation programs in Texas responded to an essay prompt, “Explain why you decided to become a teacher.” We used a natural language processing algorithm to review their responses.

Historically , people went into teaching for relatively straightforward reasons: They desired a stable career, enjoyed having summers off, or had family members who were teachers. However, across the essay responses, we found that those motivations were not the most prevalent, nor were they related to teacher outcomes — but others were.

Read the full story, including the study results, at EdSurge.

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Audrey Breen

[email protected]

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Justice League of Greater Lansing awards $50K in scholarships as first reparations disbursement

LANSING — The Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan made its first distributions from its Reparations Fund in the form of 10 $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in the region. The fund was created to address the racial wealth gap in Greater Lansing.

The students submitted essays about the racial wealth gap, how it has affected them and their communities and what can be done to address it.

“A common thread in their essays is that discrimination today has resulted from years of social injustices," Willye Bryan, founder and vice president of the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan, said in a news release. "It continues to limit African American families’ access to basic wealth builders — education, higher paying jobs and home ownership. This doesn't allow for generational wealth building, nor does it allow for closing the Racial Wealth Gap."

The winners were honored at a reception on Aug. 3. They are listed here with their hometown, high school and where they will study this fall:

• Zachary Barker, East Lansing, Okemos High School, Michigan State University
• Olivia Burns, East Lansing, East Lansing High School, MSU Honors College
• Ahja Crawford, Lansing, Holt High School, Lansing Community College
• Marvin Deh, Lansing, Eaton Rapids High School, MSU
• Lydia-Anne Ding-Mejok, Lansing, East Lansing High School, Central Michigan University
• J'Kyla Hobbs, Lansing, Haslett High School, University of Michigan
• Braelyn Jackson-Pointer, Lansing, Grand Ledge High School, Howard University
• Nala Noel, East Lansing, East Lansing High School, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Hailey Perkins, Okemos, Okemos High School, Howard University
• Joseph Pizzo, Lansing, J.W. Sexton High School, Siena Heights University

Here are essays from two of the winners:

Politics and policies block generational wealth

Generational wealth is something Black families struggle to have. It seems like there are obstacles put in our way to keep us from attaining it, and people ready to knock us back if we look like we are going to achieve it. Generational wealth means having resources, property, assets, valuables, money, businesses you can pass on in your family from generation to generation.

Having generational wealth gives the next generation opportunity and a head start for success. It gives families a sense of financial security. When I think of generational wealth I think of families like the Rockefellers, Gateses, and Buffets. Recently, some famous Black people have achieved billionaire status like Michael Jordan, Jay Z, Lebron James and Oprah. But the rest of us are still struggling to get by. 

My family is working to achieve generational wealth. My maternal great-grandmother was an entrepreneur. She was “The Help.” My grandmother was The Help's help, and my mother was three times The Help. My great-grandmother desperately wanted more for her family. She and her husband had 10 children and started out in the projects. They eventually purchased their own home and my grandmother had to go to work. She began as a maid, but in time started her own business called, “Days Work,” a maid service.

She and her husband saved money and she later became a certified nursing assistant. The money from that job was used send their children to college and to buy a small rental apartment complex. She became a widow at a young age and the money she generated sustained her for her entire life. She left an inheritance for each of their 10 children, which helped jump-start their future.

The lessons learned from her example laid the foundation for the pursuit of generational wealth for our family. We have not achieved billionaire status, but we are working to make sure the next generation does better than the one before.

African Americans have less generational wealth because politics and policies have blocked our potential.  Homeownership is really important for generational wealth. A home is something that can be passed from generation to generation. It can build equity that a family can use to borrow against to start a business.  Many Black families are not able to afford a home, cannot obtain a loan to make the purchase, or their home is marked as lower value.

Creating programs that will help African Americans afford homes is key in addressing the wealth gap. Lack of financial literacy also contributes to the problem. You have to understand what to do with money, how to stay out of debt, invest and save. 

Generational wealth is worth pursuing. African Americans have to stand up against systems that were created to keep us down. When I think of the solution to the generational wealth problem, I think of the Kwanzaa principles, particularly Ujamaa, cooperative economics. We must understand that all of us, not just one or two, needs generational wealth.

— Zachary Barker, an Okemos High graduate, plans to attend Michigan State University  

Adoptive, biological families provide first-hand case study in generational wealth

According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, “between 2019 and 2022, median wealth increased by $51,800, but the racial wealth gap increased by $49,950 adding up to a total difference of $240,120 in wealth between the median white household and median Black household.”

Historically speaking, there have always been disparities between white and  Black Americans. For example: access to education, job opportunities, and housing. All of which prohibited access to greater resources. Past discrimination directly affects the lives of Black Americans today. 

I have had the unique opportunity to learn this from both sides. As a Black transracial adoptee,I was exposed to the generational differences that changed the amount of income in my white parents' household and my biological family's household.

Racial disparities passed down, including the environment where a family begins, play a big role in the amount of income a family can make in the future. According to my grandmother, my adoptive parents' families started in Virginia and other southern states and moved to Detroit for factory jobs, more specifically working for Henry Ford car factories.

My biological family mainly lived in Detroit their entire lives; my great-grandfather wasn’t able to get a job in factories at the time because employers didn’t want jobs to be taken from white people. Because of this, he mostly worked as a cook when he could. Since it was difficult for my biological family to get jobs to have enough food on the table, many children in my family had to start working as young as 10 years old instead of going to school, and this cycle continued throughout the years.

My adoptive family had the privilege of going to high school, and few had the opportunity to attend college. Today, both my adoptive parents went to college paid for by their parents and received bachelor's degrees. Neither of my biological parents nor siblings have had the opportunity to attend college, and most were barely able to finish high school because they had other responsibilities like working or providing childcare for my younger siblings.

Today my adoptive family owns their homes and no one in my biological family owns their homes. Even when applying for jobs, a study done by Bowdoin University found that employers just looking at resumes are 30% more likely to hire applicants they believe are white based off their name than Black.

Narrowing the wealth gap could potentially be very simple if the government can change its institutional racist ways. We can eliminate redlining and housing discrimination causing Black Americans to not have access to certain houses and to pay more property taxes despite receiving fewer benefits than white-dominated areas. This originated all the way back to the civil war period to try to force Black Americans to move back to plantations.

We also need to increase access and expand equity for higher education for low-income families and minimum wage should be raised to match the cost of living.

— Olivia Burns, an East Lansing High graduate, plans to attend Michigan State University Honors College

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Announcing the Winners of our Inaugural Undergraduate Essay Prize!

We are delighted to announce that this past year, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies established the Spanish and Portuguese Studies Undergraduate Essay Prize , the first undergraduate essay prize on campus for essays written in languages other than English!  Entry into the competition is by faculty nomination of outstanding essays written during the past year, and prize recipients are chosen by the department's Undergraduate Awards Committee.  Prize amounts this year ranged from $300 to $600.

Here are this year's winners, with the titles of their most excellent essays:

• Nicholas Bradley, nominated by Professor Rodríguez Argente, for the essay "Textos aljamiados"
• Mariana Li Chen, nominated by Professor Mercer, for the essay "Yerma"
• Isabella Garrido, nominated by Professor Jaffee, for the essay "Composicíon Comparativa 1"
• Alysa Meng, nominated by Professor Hochberg, for the essay "El corrido de Camila"

This new prize is a wonderful addition to our department, and we are delighted to be able to congratulate our inaugural prize winners!    

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