Frederick Douglass scholars?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>I’m applying for the Frederick Douglass Scholars program at AU and I just have a couple of questions:</p>

<p>-200 words for each essay is not a lot. Do they expect straightforward answers or high-quality writing? What is the purpose of the essays–content or writing ability? And how important are the essays in the process?</p>

<p>-In addition to the separate application, do they consider the Common App essays in making a decision?</p>

<p>-How strict are the word limits? Is 250-300 words acceptable or frowned upon?</p>

<p>-Is there any way to answer the first question (Why would Frederick Douglass believe you are uniquely qualified for this scholarship?) without resorting to arrogance or vague platitudes about freedom and equality?</p>

<p>-Once you’ve met the minimum qualifications, does having a very high GPA and scores significantly help, or is it solely based on the essays and other factors after that point?</p>

<p>-It says on the website they prefer minorities and athletes. Will I still have a chance as a low-income white applicant (single parent household, family income approximately $25,000)?</p>

2

<p>Hello. If this is for the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Application, then the following I hope will be helpful. </p>

<p>What they are looking for in your writing is passion, honesty, and basically if you fit in with their mission and vision statements. Good and succinct writing is expected with such a word limit.</p>

<p>They read your college application as well. So your Common App essay will be read and most likely taken into account. </p>

<p>GPA and scores are certainly taken into account, but that is up to the discretion of the director. They want to see a person who fits with the direction of the program as well as a competent person who has the ability to maintain a 3.2 GPA and preferably go beyond and keep a 3.67 and above.</p>

<p>Although they prefer this, being white is not a hindrance. They will not discredit or think of your application as any les because of it.</p>

3

<p>What are the normal qualifications?</p>

4

<p>I wonder if they publish the ethnicity of FD scholars by percentage. I’d guess there are few if any whites.</p>