I’m applying to Wash U RD and am planning to apply to these two scholarships! Can anyone give me some insight?
- How many people get to the finalist stage compared to the people that get in? What percentage of people that apply get into the program?
- When they say “excel academically” is that usually 4.0 GPA and 36 ACTs? Or is having their average acceptance rate scores okay?
- How much do they consider the essays you write? Is a lot of the decision weighted on ECs?
Sorry I have so many questions 
Goodluck to everyone applying!
Hi! I hope you are having a wonderful day! I am currently a freshmen Rodriguez Scholar, and I have to say being a Rodriguez is the best thing that has happened in my life. I will only talk about the Rodriguez program. The people here are amazing! To answer the first question, statistically about 3,000 students around the nation apply to the scholarship, about 100 come to final weekend, and about 20-25 scholars are picked per year, so being accepted into the program is a huge honor and accomplishment! When we say excel academically, we definitely do not mean having a 4.0 GPA and 36 ACT. On the contrary, it means whatever you do, you do the best of your ability with a passion and that we can see your potential to strive as a scholar. Although we are all extremely smart in one way or another, being book smart is the farthest thing from being a Rodriguez and I advise you to rethink what it means to be an Ervin or a Rodriguez Scholar. Instead, we were picked because we were passionate about the pillars of Rodriguez,and we have accomplished something in life that meant a lot to us and we are determined to pursue our goals. Every one of us has a story to tell, and every one of us supports each other. Essays are a big part of being considered a finalist because it shows us what kind of person you are, what your goals are, and what you value. Show us everything you got in the essays, but ECs definitely do matter. We look at the application as a whole and we don’t weigh one part of the application more than the other. Good luck and I hope to see you in face during finalist weekend. 
Thankyou so much! Sorry the reason I asked about grades was because if it was heavily taken into account, I don’t think I’d even have the slightest chance of getting in :’( (not that I wouldn’t apply!) Hopefully I’ll see you there fingers crossed