Top Scholars at WSU Pullman
Thought leaders, creative innovators and accomplished academics, Top Scholars are students whose academic achievements place them in the top ten percent of the incoming class. Each Top Scholar is hand-selected by their department based on their achievements and will receive a $1,500 one-time award for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Program requirements & selection
To be considered for selection as a Top Scholar, you must submit a completed application (application, application fee or fee waiver, and all application materials such as transcripts) as well as a scholarship application by January 31.
Both first-year and transfer students are eligible for selection!
Selection is based on a variety of factors including:
- Completion of admissions application on or before January 31
- Completion of scholarship application on or before January 31
- Minimum 3.6 cumulative, unweighted GPA (first year students) or minimum 3.4 GPA (transfer students)
Other factors that may be considered:
- Academic interest
- Courses taken during high school or college
- Financial need
- Participation in state and federal education programs (i.e. Trio, CollegeBound)
- National Merit Semifinalist status
Program benefits
As a Top Scholar at WSU you may:
- Receive a one-time $1500 award for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Early access to academic advising and course registration
- Attend Top Scholar events during our admitted student events
- Participate in meet and greets with other Top Scholars, faculty and staff during Week of Welcome at WSU
- Receive exclusive invitations to participate in unique academic opportunities, research and programs
- Be eligible for additional scholarships through your academic department
- Participate in mentoring programs
- And more – programming varies by academic department
Timeline
August
January 31
Early February
Mid-February
FAQs
Is there a separate application to be considered as a Top Scholar?
No– students are automatically considered when they meet the minimum requirements.
I’ve already applied and now want to change my major. Will that affect my Top Scholar status?
It may. Once you’ve selected a new major, our Top Scholar team will work with your new academic department to see if there is space available for you to remain a Top Scholar in your new department.
Does being named a Top Scholar come with additional requirements once I’m at WSU?
While being a Top Scholar comes with additional perks, it does not come with any additional requirements.
How does being named a Top Scholar affect my choice in housing?
Your Housing application is entirely unaffected by your Top Scholar status.
How will I be notified if I am selected as a Top Scholar?
Students will first be notified via their preferred email address as well as with mailed correspondence.