Seattle University offers generous merit scholarships to recognize and reward incoming students for their hard work and academic achievements. As an incoming freshman, you’ll be automatically considered for these merit scholarships when you apply for admission – no separate application needed.
Merit scholarships at Seattle U cover a portion of tuition and are renewable for up to four years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress. The three levels of merit scholarships include:
- Trustee Scholarship: Covers 100% of tuition. Requires a minimum 3.9 GPA and 1350 SAT or 29 ACT.
- Presidential Scholarship: Covers 65% of tuition. Requires a minimum 3.7 GPA and 1200 SAT or 27 ACT.
- Dean’s Scholarship: Covers 50% of tuition. Requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and 1100 SAT or 25 ACT.
To be considered for merit scholarships, submit your application for admission and all supporting materials like transcripts, test scores, recommendations, and essays by the priority deadlines in November or January. While GPAs and test scores are important, other attributes like extracurricular involvement, work experience, overcoming adversity, and leadership qualities are also evaluated for the top awards.
Merit scholarships are awarded based on the information you provide in your initial application, so be sure to submit strong and compelling materials that allow the scholarship committee to get a full sense of your accomplishments, talents, and potential for success at Seattle University. If selected as a finalist for the Trustee Scholarship, you may be invited to participate in a virtual interview as part of the evaluation process.
With generous merit scholarships combined with other aid, most students at Seattle University receive significant financial assistance. An SU education is within your reach! Take advantage of all opportunities and apply today.
Eligibility Requirements and Criteria for Merit Scholarships
To qualify for Seattle U merit scholarships, you need to meet some basic requirements. The key criteria the scholarship committee considers are:
1. Academic Achievement
Your high school GPA and standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are important factors. Students with GPAs of 3.5 and above and scores in the top percentiles typically qualify for the maximum merit scholarship amounts. If your scores are slightly lower, you may still receive a partial scholarship. Don’t be discouraged from applying!
2. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
The committee wants to see that you participate in activities outside the classroom. Things like student government, sports teams, school clubs, volunteering, internships, and work experience are all valuable. Describe your key accomplishments and the impact you made.
3. Personal Qualities and Character
Your personal essay and letters of recommendation should highlight your qualities like motivation, work ethic, creativity, and perseverance. Discuss challenges you have faced and what you learned from them. Explain your future goals and how a degree from Seattle U will help you achieve them.
4. Financial Need
While merit scholarships are primarily based on your achievements and potential, financial need is also considered. Be sure to submit the FAFSA in addition to the Seattle U scholarship application. Financial need will not preclude you from receiving a merit scholarship, but may be a factor in determining award amounts.
How to Apply for Seattle University Merit Scholarships 2024/2025
To be considered for merit scholarships at Seattle University, you need to complete a few key steps. The application process begins in your senior year of high school.
1. Submit your application for undergraduate admission
The first step is to submit your application for undergraduate admission to Seattle University, which opens on October 1, 2023. You can apply using the Common Application or Seattle University’s own application. Either way, make sure to submit all required materials like your high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The early action deadline is November 15, 2023. Applying early and having a strong application can increase your chances for a merit scholarship.
2. Complete the CSS Profile application
In addition to the general admission application, you must complete the CSS Profile application to be eligible for need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. This application opens on October 1, 2023. There is an application fee of $25 for the first school report and $16 for each additional report. Check with your high school counselor about application fee waivers if needed.
3. Check your MySU student portal
Once Seattle University receives your applications and supporting documents, they will review your information to determine merit scholarship eligibility. If awarded a merit scholarship, you will receive notification through your MySU student portal in late March or early April 2024. The amount and type of merit scholarship offered depends on factors like your grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and/or community service.
4. Accept your offer by May 1
If offered a merit scholarship, you must accept it by logging into your MySU student portal and following the instructions to accept the award by May 1, 2024. Not accepting the award by the deadline could result in losing your merit scholarship.
Conclusion
The key to maximizing your opportunities for merit aid at Seattle University is to apply early, submit a strong and compelling application, and meet all deadlines. Best of luck! Let me know if you have any other questions about merit scholarships or the application process.
