Requirements for Leland Scholars

In addition to meeting the basic criteria for acceptance into the University Honors Program, to apply for a Leland Scholarship the following requirements must be met.

1. At least one of the following:
   • ACT of 30 or above
   • SAT of 1970 or above
   • National Merit Semi-finalist or Finalist
2. Submit an essay of 1,000 words on one of the following topics:
   • any current event with national or international significance
   • any major cultural issue, either current or historical, with national or international significance (politics, religion, education, the arts, etc.)

The essay should display good critical thinking skills, thorough analysis and synthesis of ideas, and excellent written communication skills.

3. Sit for an interview with the president of the University, or in his absence, the vice president for academic affairs. Interviews will be offered to only a limited number of applicants. The president or vice president will then provide a recommendation to the director of the Honors Program. 
4. Submit three letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to quality of academic work and academic potential, quality of character and broad personal interests and activities.  One recommender should be from the applicant’s high school, and the other two from outside the academic community. 

Leland Scholars will receive up to $5,000 per year, in addition to the $8,000 per year awarded to honors students. All students accepted as Leland Scholars will receive $3,000 of the possible $5,000. Students who meet one of the following criteria will be eligible for the additional $2,000, or some portion of that amount.

1. ACT of 32 or above, or SAT of 2050 or above.
2. Valedictorian of their high school graduating class.
3. National Merit Finalist.
4. Exemplary extracurricular record.

Determination of eligibility for the Leland Scholarships and offers of interviews will be made by the Director of the Honors Program. Recommendations for awards at all levels will be made to the associate vice president for enrollment services by the honors director in consultation with the Honors Council.