Scholars Programs
Saint Louis University's scholars programs encompass not only what you learn but how you go about learning it. They embrace academic rigor, cultivate passion for experiential learning and encourage intellectual curiosity.
You shouldn't have to wait until you finish your bachelor's degree to start working on your career goals. Scholars programs at SLU are designed to give motivated undergraduate students the chance to expedite their education and provide a clearer path to postgraduate success.
Applying to SLU Scholars Programs
Students may apply to as many programs for which they are eligible. Each of these programs requires a separate application which opens Sept. 1. Applications cannot be altered once submitted.
- Did you apply to SLU through the Common Application? Register with our application portal using the address at which you've been receiving our emails. You'll be prompted to create a password. Not sure which email to use? Contact your admission counselor.
- Did you apply to SLU through the SLU Application? Log back in to your Billiken Gateway portal and click on Competitive Scholarships and Programs.
- Have you not yet applied? No problem! Create your applicant portal login using the same email that will be on your application for admission.
Scholars Program Options
The Engineering Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity that provides incoming freshmen and transfer students (less than 24 credit hours) guaranteed admission to SLU's accelerated engineering program, allowing them to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
Minimum Requirements: 3.75 GPA, weighted or unweighted; transcripts will be accepted through the student's seventh semester.
Majors: Engineering - Aerospace, Engineering - Biomedical, Engineering - Civil, Engineering - Computer, Engineering - Electrical or Engineering - Mechanical. All other applied majors (including Engineering - Still Deciding) may apply to the program, but admission will be dependent on the student switching to one of the six majors listed above.
Application Deadline: Feb. 17
Application essay prompts:
- The National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges Scholars Program emphasizes using engineering skills to address some of the world's most pressing issues. Describe a Grand Challenge you are passionate about and how you envision using your engineering education and experiences in the program to contribute to solving this challenge. (150-250 words)
- Guaranteed admission to the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program provides a unique opportunity to earn both degrees in just five years. Explain how this pathway aligns with your academic and career goals, and how you believe it will prepare you to make an impact in the engineering field. (150-250 words)
The Law Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity for freshman applicants who are considering law school in the future. Students who are accepted into this highly selective program are guaranteed admission to the Saint Louis University School of Law.
Minimum Requirements: 3.70 GPA, weighted or unweighted, after junior year; or placement in the top 40% of the high school class.
Majors: all undergraduate majors
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Choose one of the following essay prompts for your application:
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Describe how your experiences or background will help to enrich the broader university community. This includes, but is not limited to, stories about your culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ideology, age, socioeconomic status, academic background, employment, or stories of adversity. What have you learned from your experiences and how have they shaped your future desire to go to law school and/or join the legal profession? OR How has your interaction with individuals from backgrounds other than your own contributed to your personal growth and development; and how will this growth and development help you on your path to becoming a lawyer? (Limit 250 words)
- Integrated among the law books, the briefs and the oral and written arguments is SLU LAW’s commitment to social justice. It is the cornerstone principle of a SLU LAW education that reflects our students’ and faculty’s focus on community, academic excellence and public service embodying the Jesuit mission. What current social justice issue drives you to want to affect change as a lawyer? Why are you passionate about this issue and what change would you like to see in the future? (Limit 250 words)
- Jesuit education entails caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — and encouraging students to become well-rounded people who contribute to the greater good. Address how your background, experiences, personal character, and/or career aspirations align with the mission and education that SLU provides and how SLU can assist you with both your professional and personal formation. (Limit 250 words)
SLU's Medical Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity for freshman applicants who plan to attend medical school. Students who are accepted into this highly selective program gain experience and connections with the SLU School of Medicine.
Minimum Requirements: Outstanding academic record with only As and Bs in math and science courses
Majors: The following majors are compatible with the Medical Scholars Program:
- College of Arts and Sciences: All
- Doisy College of Health Sciences: Health Sciences, Athletic Training and Medical Sciences
- School of Science and Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
- College for Public Health and Social Justice: Biostatistics, Public Health, Health Management
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts:
- Describe how your experiences or background will help to enrich the broader university community. This includes, but is not limited to, stories about your culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, employment, or stories of adversity. (Limit 250 words)
AND
- Jesuit education entails caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — and encouraging students to become well-rounded people who contribute to the greater good. Address how your background, experiences, personal character, and/or career aspirations align with the mission and education that SLU provides and how SLU can assist you with both your professional and personal formation. (Limit 250 words)
SLU's Nutrition and Dietetics Scholars program is an exclusive opportunity for freshmen to be guaranteed a position in SLU's Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program after completing their undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics degree at SLU.
Minimum Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, four years of high school English and three years of high school math and science
Major: Nutrition and Dietetics
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompt: Why do you want to be a registered dietitian? (Limit 200 words)
Learn More About the Nutrition and Dietetics Scholars Program
SLU's Pharmacy Scholars Program is an exclusive opportunity for freshman applicants to gain a guaranteed interview to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP), and access an accelerated pathway to completing both their bachelor's degree and their Pharm.D.
Minimum Requirements: 3.5 GPA, weighted or unweighted, after junior year; completion of at least three years of high school math and science — four years of each is highly recommended
Majors: Health Sciences or Biology
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompt: Why you are interested in studying pharmacy? (Limit 200 words)
The PA Scholars Program guarantees freshman applicants an interview in their senior year at SLU for a position in the University’s graduate-level Physician Assistant Program. To qualify for the interview, scholars must be on track to graduate with an undergraduate degree, be compliant with ongoing PA Scholars criteria, and meet PA Program admission requirements.
Minimum Requirements: 3.5 GPA, weighted or unweighted, after junior year
Majors: Any SLU major is acceptable; however, many PA scholars will earn a degree in biology, chemistry or a program offered by the Doisy College of Health Sciences.
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Application essay prompts: Describe a path that led you to your interest in the PA profession; What do you know about yourself, and what have you learned, seen and done that confirms this choice?
Contact Us
Your admission counselor is your best resource throughout the admission process. Find your admission counselor, or contact the Office of Admission at admission@slu.edu, 314-977-2500 or 800-758-3678.