Vilas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by St. Lawrence University

Overview
The Vilas Scholarship supports domestic students who plan to use a St. Lawrence liberal arts education as a foundation for a career in business. It provides financial assistance and helps students connect with the St. Lawrence alumni network in business-related fields. You do not have to declare a Business in the Liberal Arts major to apply or to receive the award.

A bit of history
The scholarship was established in 1976 by the Bodman Foundation of New York City to honor Homer A. Vilas, Class of 1913 — a successful Wall Street financier, corporate director, and longtime supporter of non-profit causes, including St. Lawrence University.

Who is eligible
- Domestic (U.S.) first-year applicants only.
- International students should consult the International Admissions site for other merit scholarship opportunities.

How to apply — deadlines and basic requirements
- Regular Decision applicants: submit the Vilas Scholarship essay with your completed Common Application or St. Lawrence application no later than February 1.
- Early Decision / Early Action applicants: submit the Vilas Scholarship essay at the same time you submit your application.
- The essay is submitted via the link at the bottom of the scholarship page.
- Minimum length: 250 words (about a half-page single-spaced or a full page double-spaced). Essays under 250 words will not be considered.

Essay prompt (choose one)
You have $1,000,000 to put toward a business. Choose one:

Option 1 — Invest in an existing (for-profit) business.
If you pick this option, address:
- What business you would invest in;
- Why you chose that business;
- How your investment would benefit the community and/or the industry.

Option 2 — Start your own business as an entrepreneur.
If you pick this option, address:
- Your business plan;
- Why you want to start this business;
- How you would differentiate it from similar businesses;
- How it would benefit the community and/or the industry.

A short teacher tip: be concrete and specific — give details that show you understand the market, the need you’re addressing, and realistic ways your money would be used.

Selection process and timeline
- Six applicants are selected as semi-finalists. These six are invited to New York City as guests of the University in late February or early March for an interview with an alumni and trustee selection committee.
- Semi-finalists are notified in mid-February. Applicants who are not chosen as semi-finalists will not be contacted.
- All semi-finalists who attend the NYC interviews will receive the scholarship decision in their admission letter, sent in March.
- Typically two or three finalists are awarded the Vilas Scholarship and named Vilas Scholars.

If you have questions
Refer to the submission link at the bottom of the scholarship page for the essay upload and consult the admissions office if you need clarification on deadlines or eligibility.