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If you are a graduate of one of the McDonnell Academy’s University Partners and have or intend to apply to a Washington University graduate or professional degree program (eligible programs), you may submit an application for consideration to the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.
The McDonnell Academy accepts applications beginning October 1st through January 31st every academic year via an online form. You will be required to complete the following:
- Complete your profile
- Academic history
- Personal essay
- Video introduction
- Recommendation letter
Complete details can be found on the Admissions page.
Your next step should be to complete the online application before February 1.
Applying to a Washington University graduate or professional degree program and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy are separate application processes. It is required that you complete and submit applications to both your chosen degree program and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy to be considered for admission to the Academy. Please visit the website of your potential Washington University school for a graduate or professional degree program application. The McDonnell Academy application is available during application acceptance dates.
No. Only your completed application is necessary.
Details such as your address and phone contact can be updated in your profile at any time. Your academic history, personal essay, video introduction and recommender contact information can be changed at any time before your application is submitted. After submission, the application data cannot be changed.
After you have begun the online application process, you can check the status of your application on your applicant dashboard. The dashboard provides the status of the different sections in your application (as you complete them prior to submission), and the status of your application after you have completed all sections and submitted the application. Until your application has been submitted, your application status will be “Incomplete”. This will change to “Pending” after you have submitted the application. As applications are reviewed, other status updates will appear to indicate where your application is in the process.
The McDonnell Academy Steering Committee reviews each application thoroughly; decisions are typically made by the end of March, and usually no later than mid-April. Please keep in mind that this can be a lengthy process and the time line is subject to change.
After you have begun the online application process, you can check the status of your application on your applicant dashboard. Your applicant dashboard within the online application will be updated to reflect the decision that is reached regarding your acceptance. Accepted individuals will also receive an email notification with further information.
On average, there are between 15-20 Scholars admitted each year across University Partners and degree programs at Washington University.