okay. I’ve finally stopped crying. I didn’t get it. its really disappointing bc I felt like this program was meant for me and not only was it the only way I could afford wash u but it was one of my main reasons for applying
hopefully this is a sign that I will get into my #1…
I didnt get it either but i have received great options at other colleges. Looks like wash u can be crossed off list
Danforth finalist!!! So excited as WUSTL is one of my top choice schools, and attendance would not be possible financially without a scholarship!
@The Shark Do you or anyone out there have any idea how decisions are made for these scholarships? I’m sure most people who applied have great grades, scores, essays, etc…Are they looking for “change the world” type of students?
Congratulations @mocktrialrules!! That’s great news!! Why do you think you were selected? Just trying to gain some understanding about the selection process. As I just mentioned in another post, I would think it has to be something more than great grades and scores because I’m sure most have them. What do you think distinguished you?
Honestly @hardworking99 it’s hard to say. My stats were good/competitive @WUSTL, but I think a big part was showing demonstrated interest (i’m almost on a first name basis with my rep at this point), I also tried to focus a lot of my written materials less on material accomplishments/resume stuff, and tried to talk about the more intangible stuff that’s important to me: authenticity, duty, a sense of responsibility for the world around me, etc. I’m a pretty good writer, so I think the essays helped a lot. I really tried to stress that academics are important to me, but not to the extent where they’d hinder my ability to make contributions to the communities I’m involved in… Does that help at all?
I think a lot of it is based on potential to impact the school, since so many of the applicants are ridiculously qualified.
To add to @mocktrialrules, I think the criteria are probably different depending on the scholarship. For example, the Langsdorf is probably more academically based, whereas the Ervin or Rodriguez are more focused on promoting diversity and rewarding leadership.
One thing the Dean of Engineering said to me during the phone call that struck me as a little odd was him mentioning my character, politeness, etc. Part of me wonders if this is a result of me sending thank you notes after my visit, or if they talked to my guidance counselor, or if they just tried to get a sense of my personality from the app itself. Anyway, I think the big takeaway from this paragraph is that even in the most academic of scholarships, character and fit are still heavily considered, enough for the Dean to mention it in our three minute phone call, at least.
I totally agree with @JemmaSimmons . I think Danforth is focused on leadership potential, character, and slightly community service (though less than Ervin or Rodriguez). I also haven’t gotten a call (in Alabama)… Is that bad?!
@mocktrialrules Thank you so much. That actually helps a lot and just based on your reply, I can see why you’re a well-deserving Danforth finalist. My son took a more narrow view in his longest essay and gave a specific example of his integrity whereas you took it a step further and explained how you would use your values to affect the school community and world around you. You really connected all the dots. I hope I’m not misstating what I think you meant in your response. I actually don’t think the scholarships are as much about interest (admissions yes, but not scholarships) because my son also showed plenty of interest. I also don’t think it’s about sending thank you notes @JemmaSimmons because he did that as well. I think there are some special qualities that you all have that really must have come thru in your applications and @mocktrialrules gave me a good sense of what that was in describing how he/she answered the essays. I hope this all makes sense!! Thanks again!!
@hardworking99 I agree. *Also, for the record, I didn’t send thank you notes, although I sent thank you emails! I certainly think that, to some extent, the picks are a bit arbitrary (not discounting any finalist at all, but when you have some of the country’s best applicants, and have to be narrowed down to 40, even well-qualified people just won’t get an offer). That’s exactly what i meant as well! Danforth, at least to me, read like a scholarship that’s very big-picture focused. Please let me know if I can offer any more help or info, although I’m pretty limited until I get my letter in the mail!
Also, does being chosen as a finalist for the Ervin Scholars Program basically mean that I got into the school as well?
Congratulations @mocktrialrules!
My D also a Danforth finalist and bet you’re both looking forward to the Scholars weekend at Wash U 
I am currently trying to decide whether she will fly or if we drive her. Have you decided?
@HSCounselor2 I’m having the same discussion with my parents. I am leaning toward flying by myself, as I would feel bad making my mom go when it sounds like there isn’t much for her to do. Honestly, the only thing I’m nervous about doing by myself is getting from the airport to campus. I am not experienced with taxis at all.
@JemmaSimmons @HSCounselor2 I’m definitely flying, especially if the school is paying! I haven’t yet decided if I’m going alone, but my mom has friends in St. Louis who she may stay with/hang out with. But since the school is arranging travel (which was super easy!) why not fly? You just register for the weekend, fill out your info, and they buy and send the finalist a plane ticket within a business day.
@JemmaSimmons We are in the same boat. Problem one is my D has never flown alone and can’t figure out how she would drag a suitcase, sleeping bag & pillow on the flight and to campus if she does. Let me know what you decide!
We are a seven hour drive away, so that is another option.
@HSCounselor2 My D recently flew to Houston by herself for the first time. She has a compact sleeping bag so it fit into her carry-on without a problem. Like @JemmaSimmons said the probably the biggest worry as a parent is your child getting from the airport to the school. Does WashU also arrange a shuttle service from the airport? I seem to remember them providing a voucher for a taxi when my D visited last December. I think UBER/LYFT is also a good option. My D has it on her phone and has gotten a UBER by herself a couple of times.
Anyhoo - I think I’m going to go to St Louis with my D because I’ve never been there and I’d like to see the campus and the city. I’ll take any excuse to travel to somewhere new.
Thank you @Dolemite for the info. I plan to call the school and travel agent today to discuss options. Part of me would also like to return to St. Louis because we enjoyed our visit there so much last summer. I highly recommend the visit. My D & I were pretty “jazzed” about St. Louis after our visit. (no pun intended!) I would like to return to confirm if it was the city or the school we liked so much. My recollection is we loved both!
@HSCounselor2 Where are you from, if I may ask? I am also a 7 hour drive away. You bring up an excellent point about flying with a pillow and sleeping bag; I hadn’t thought of that, honestly. If my mom comes with me, we will be driving just because it’s cheaper for her and it’s easier to carry all of my stuff. Even though logistically it makes sense to drive, I’m leaning toward flying by myself to get the whole college-independence feel.
We live in WV. I am sure there is a way it can be manageable to to travel with everything. I think the independence feel appeals to my daughter too. Just not to me so much