<p>My son is planning to apply to Wash U, and I would be interested in knowing others' experiences with applying to this university. Also, what are the more important criteria for getting the merit scholarships (either full tuition, or half tuition)?</p>
<p>Go through the scholarship part of WUSTL's web site very carefully - most of the academic scholarships are tied to the individual colleges. The most prestigious scholarships (Rodriguez) are based on grades, sat scores, plus essays and recommendations submitted with the univ. application.</p>
<p>D has one of the full tuition scholarships. We were totally stunned when she received it. She had done research in one area of the general subject field and written her extended essay for IB in another subject in that area. I think that, plus being full IB (with a 7 on junior year exam), living overseas for 3 years and coming from the west coast all helped. She had 1510sat / 34act and 3.94uw. Her ec's were perhaps less than average compared to other cc students and her recommendations were probably pretty good. Her essays were about her experiences living and going to school overseas. I've seen other posts saying that showing interest is important, but to be honest, the only interest she showed was in applying for the scholarships. She hadn't been to visit until the interview weekend........ and then she was blown away! She is so happy there. Great profs, great friends, all very friendly and comfortable. Also, you don't have to major in the field that gives the scholarship.</p>
<p>Wow, I just went to the link that Carolyn posted and Wustl has greatly increased their scholarship offerings. And she's right, many are tied to a specific school. D's is in the Arts and Sciences so any major there is ok.</p>