w&l johnson scholarship essay

Washington & Lee - Johnson Scholarship HS Class of 2024

REMINDER: For those intending to apply for Washington and Lee’s merit-based Johnson Scholarship, your supplemental essay must be submitted by 11:59 PM in your local time zone on December 1.

The Johnson Scholarship for Leadership and Integrity provides full tuition, housing, and meals, plus $10,000 in enhancement funds to support travel, research, and internships.

Don’t miss your chance!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0PNcXMOAlo/

Do you think that the Dec. 1 deadline also applies to other optional elements? We don’t see them on the Common App, and I read somewhere that they are in the applicant portal, so my student would have to submit via the Common App before moving on to the optional essays. Not sure we can do all that before Dec. 1, honestly.

The complete CA application plus the Johnson supplemental essay are all due by Dec 1. If you have additional questions, I suggest contacting the admissions office; they are very helpful.

https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/the-johnson-scholarship/

Curious if anyone has experience with recruited athletes receiving the Johnson? Typically, those students are applying ED, so are committed to attending regardless of merit aid.

Great question. Any insight from the members?

Virtually no athletes get it. As I recall, when we looked into it when my son went through the recruiting/ED process, only one ED applicant had ever received the Johnson. (No idea if they were an athlete).

This is disappointing to hear with all the encouragement given to ED applicants to apply for the Johnson Scholarship (JS). While I am an optimist, I can’t help but feel gut wrenched for the ED1 students who applied feeling like they had a good shot at it.

Looking at the Class of 2027 statistics the math is hard for me to make sense of:

• 502 enrolled
• 54% of the class was accepted from ED1, ED2, and QB
• 25% were recruited athletes
• Approximately 10%/up to 44 students received the JS

Based on applications and acceptances, it seems reasonable (to me) that close to 1/2 of the recipients would come from ED1, ED2, and QB.

Is any JS data tracked and reported (application info: ED1, ED2, RD, or recipient related data)?

I just googled to see if I could find any breakdown of ED vs RD and the Johnson Scholarships and I confess I found virtually nothing, so I don’t know what I based my numbers on. But definitely do recall looking into it to decide if it made sense for my son to apply.

I did find this blog, which touches on the ED issue:

Finally, paging @DramaMama2021 , whose daughter is a Johnson Scholar. She undoubtedly knows more about the Johnson than me!

I don’t know how much help I can be since my D is not an athlete. However, in 2020-21 one of our HS GCs contacted W&L on behalf of a classmate to ask if ED applicants were considered for the Johnson and was told they absolutely are. They also shared information similar to that in @cinnamon1212 ’s post above… that the majority of Johnson applicants apply RD to compare financial offers across schools, etc.

We were one of those… a “donut hole full pay” family with a budget set lower than private full pay to preserve funds for med school costs. So ED was not an option for our D. Anecdotally, a good many Johnsons are pre-med or pre-law.

The Johnson finalists we know that did not enroll at W&L had other offers they considered a better fit… merit award at a different school (e.g. Robertson, Morehead-Cain, Cornelius Vanderbilt, etc), accepted to a dream school/Ivy, etc. So our personal experience and that of kids our D knows further support the comments in the blog.

I hope that helps a bit. I’m happy to answer other questions (or ask the kiddo while she’s home).

ETA: My D just confirmed one of last year’s Johnsons applied ED (however, not an athletic recruit) but said that’s not common.

I think for some (middle income) D3 recruits at top academic/athletic schools, this is a tough position. They’re asked to apply ED, and only “committed,” once accepted by admissions. They’ve invested 100% into their academics and training to get to this point. As a parent, you do your homework and determine fit and feasibility. But recruiting is a roller coaster, so if the coach from their 1st choice school extends an offer, asking them to apply ED1, you commit to making it work.

Financially, we knew W&L was a stretch. Not easy, but possible. However, knowing his stats, and after hearing the admissions talk on the JS, attending a webinar on the topic, and talking to his W&L admission’s counselor, S went into the Johnson’s essay super excited and thinking he has a solid shot. By his own choice, he spent a LOT of time on the essay thinking “10% of the incoming freshman class receive the Johnson scholarship- I can do this.” However, I know now, the information we gathered and received from admissions, doesn’t quite match up with the real outcomes.

Oddly enough, the parental gut punch feels worse than the financial punch (although my husband might disagree). Feeling like I didn’t get all the facts and subsequently, didn’t prepare him for the actual odds of being selected.

With as much as the school promotes and encourages students to apply for the JS; 54% of students being enrolled from ED, and 25% recruited athletes, it seems like an area where transparency would be helpful.

Johnson Scholarship 2027 Stats: ____ students applied ____ students awarded 1 student awarded from ED ____ awarded from RD

Should Johnson applicants send mid year grades when they are available? If so, should they send official copies or screen grabs? Also should they send them through the portal? My daughter is an ED admitted student so when know Johnson is a reach but wanted to make sure her mid year grades were there in time if they are helpful to the johnson decision process.

We were told they should send them when they were made available. If for some reason the committee had questions, they would reach out directly to the HS counselor.

Just a quick question, is the Johnson Scholarship a one-year thing only? I cant find anything on whether or not Johnson Scholars still receive the benefits & more past their Freshman year.

The JS is four years/8 semesters, plus a $10k stipend for summer experiences and other educational opportunities. It is a full ride (plus) for the complete typical undergrad timeframe.

Epic, thank you!

Does anyone know when/how johnson scholarship acceptance will be released? I know the website says early February but does someone know when it might be?

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How to Write the Washington and Lee University Essays 2024-2025

Washington and Lee University was established in 1749 in Lexington, Virginia. The institution is split into two undergraduate divisions: the College and the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics. Staying true to the fathers who founded the institution, Washington and Lee University has produced a myriad of prominent politicians including three Supreme Court justices, 27 Senators, 67 U.S. representatives, and 31 State Governors.  

All students applying to Washington and Lee have the option to write two supplemental essays, which we strongly encourage you to do–you never know what could be the thing that sets you apart in the college process, so you always want to take advantage of any opportunity to share a new side of yourself with admissions officers, even optional ones! Applicants to the Johnson Scholarship will have one other, required essay to write.

Read this Washington and Lee essay example by an accepted student to inspire your own writing!

Washington and Lee Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, optional.

Prompt 1: Washington and Lee University invites you to submit an optional 250-word short response answering the question, “Why W&L?” The writing prompt and instructions for submitting your optional response will be available in your W&L Applicant Portal. (250 words)

Prompt 2: We encourage you to show us another side of yourself by answering ONE of the below optional short-answer prompts. Your chosen prompt may be answered in your Applicant Portal, which you will gain access to after submitting your application. You also have the option to make a 2 minute or shorter video to answer any of these prompts instead of an essay.

Option A: Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you? (250 words)

Option B: W&L’s mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L? (250 words)

Option C: Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about. (250 words)

Option D: On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other’s names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you. (250 words)

All Applicants, Prompt 1

Washington and lee university invites you to submit an optional 250-word short response answering the question, “why w&l” the writing prompt and instructions for submitting your optional response will be available in your w&l applicant portal. (250 words, optional).

This is a standard “ Why This College ” prompt, where you have the opportunity to expand on the reasons that you are applying to Washington and Lee. 

The key to this type of essay is to avoid generic statements like “the campus is beautiful,” or “the students have a tight-knit community,” that apply to hundreds of schools across the country. Your answer should not be able to be copied, pasted, and used for any other school. Here is an example of a generic response and a specific response that a student might write when emphasizing Washington and Lee’s commitment to history:

“As someone with a strong interest in history, Washington and Lee’s commitment to studying the past stands out to me. Even with its name, which honors the patriots who came before us, Washington and Lee highlights the value of seeing history as an avenue for improvement.”

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve enjoyed history museums. Being surrounded by strangers who also see the immense value of studying the past—what could be better? When I get to Washington and Lee, I will be surrounded by like-minded strangers every day. But it doesn’t stop there. At Washington and Lee, I will take my interest in history to the next level by participating in the Internship in History program. Working at an institution will give me a new perspective on the past, as I curate others’ experiences instead of experiencing myself.”

You may be wondering how you can build such a specific response:

Take a minute and think about why you are applying to Washington and Lee. What is appealing about the school? Will their programs help you achieve your goals? Do you think you will feel at home in the community? Do the school’s programs align with your interests? Just think!

It’s research time! Your reasons for attending Washington and Lee should be genuine, but you probably are not completely aware of all of the resources the school has to offer. That’s perfectly normal—just look on the school’s website to find programs, courses, professors, community events, traditions, campus organizations, and more that are appealing to you.

Get writing. The key is to connect the specific and unique features of Washington and Lee to your specific and unique interests, goals, and values. Here are some examples of how this could play out:

• A student who grew up in poverty, but has worked hard to overcome the system writing about their interest in the Shepherd Program. Washington and Lee is clearly committed to helping others, which has always been this student’s top priority.
• A student who was obsessed with insects as a child writing about the importance of passion when learning. They are interested in the Spring Term Immersion program because faculty are encouraged to teach their “dream class”—whatever they are obsessed with! Though it probably won’t be bugs, this student is ready to learn about their professor’s passion for rocks, primates, botany, or whatever else.
• A student who will be studying Political Science writing about the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics. They have always been the friend who brings up the train dilemma at parties but have never found a place where these conversations are accepted. To further their career goals, they need an open space for casual theoretical conversation and the Mudd Center will be just that.

As you research, keep your goals, interests, and values in mind and ideas will start popping out at you. Then, write your essay in a clear and engaging way that focuses both on Washington and Lee as a university and you as an individual applicant.

All Applicants, Prompt 2 (optional)

We encourage you to show us another side of yourself by answering one of the below optional short-answer prompts. your chosen prompt may be answered in your applicant portal, which you will gain access to after submitting your application. you also have the option to make a 2 minute or shorter video to answer any of these prompts instead of an essay..

Here, Washington and Lee gives you four options, each of which lends itself to showcasing a different aspect of your personality and experiences. There are two things you want to think about as you decide: which one you feel drawn to naturally, and what you’ve written about elsewhere in your application.

Listen to your gut feeling, as having a natural affinity to a prompt suggests you’ll have an easier time brainstorming for it, but make sure that your first idea isn’t redundant with something you’ve already discussed. For example, if you read Option A and immediately want to write about the band you’re in with your friends, but that’s already the topic of your Common App essay, you’ll likely want to pick a different prompt. 

College applications don’t give you many chances to share yourself with admissions officers, so make sure that with each one, you present a dimension of yourself that they can’t already see elsewhere.

All Applicants, Prompt 2, Option A

Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. how has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you (250 words, optional).

This essay is sort of a combination of the Extracurricular or Impact on Community/Community Service archetypes. Your task is to describe something you do outside of school that has had a significant impact on your development, with the added layer of making sure this activity has also impacted those around you.

To fully answer this prompt, you’ll want to address the following three questions:

• What is the extracurricular, job, or family responsibility you dedicate the most time to, or that has had the most significant impact on your growth?
• How exactly has this experience influenced your character, work ethic, or values?
• In what ways have you impacted the people around you (your family, friends, neighbors, peers, community, etc.) through this involvement?

If you’re having a hard time brainstorming a topic, here are some additional questions you can ponder:

• How did you get involved in your primary activities? What motivated you to continue them?
• What challenges have you faced in your extracurriculars, and how have you overcome them?
• Which experiences outside of school have shaped your personality, skills, or values, and how?
• Can you recall a specific moment or achievement within that had a significant impact on you, or others?
• How have you interacted with and influenced your community or environment through your various involvements?

As you evaluate your options, remember that a compelling essay will be authentic, specific, and comprehensive. First and foremost, you’ll want to establish your personal connection to your topic. Your essay should demonstrate genuine passion for and commitment to this activity–having heart is much more important than just choosing the thing you think will impress admissions officers most.

To show that this activity is truly meaningful to you, you’ll want to cite examples of particularly impactful moments or experiences. Just saying “I’ve grown so much through my involvement” isn’t that informative for admissions officers. Instead, paint them a picture of how you’ve grown, and why that growth matters for understanding what kind of college student you’ll be.

For example, a student who has been the primary caregiver for a younger brother could discuss how this responsibility has taught them patience, time management, and mentorship. A specific example could be learning to get some of their homework done at lunch, so that they could play catch with him in the afternoons, or prioritizing attending his games over social events with friends.

To get a clearer sense of what you want your actual essay to look like, here are some example excerpts to evaluate. First:

“I’ve been involved in many activities outside of school, including working at my family’s bakery and volunteering with various organizations. These experiences have taught me valuable skills like leadership, like when I volunteer at the nursing home by teaching craft classes. I’ve also had a positive impact on my community by helping others, such as the many different types of people I encounter at our bakery.”

This excerpt checks the boxes of personal growth and community engagement requested by the prompt, but doesn’t go any further. We are just told that these activities are meaningful to the student, and don’t get any specific details about how they grew. The essay is also too broad–trying to explore two distinct activities in 250 words will make your response feel rushed and/or cramped.

Let’s look at a revised version that zeroes in on the student’s work at the bakery:

“Every Saturday morning, I tie on my apron and head to the kitchen of our family’s bakery. My father’s hands move deftly through dough, shaping it with a precision born of decades in the trade, while I focus on the simpler tasks—measuring ingredients, folding pastries, and greeting customers with a smile. 

What started as a way for my parents to save money on babysitting has taught me the value of community and shared labor. The relationships I’ve built with our regulars, the stories shared over cups of coffee, and the satisfaction of contributing to my family’s livelihood have shaped me into someone who values hard work and cherishes the connections we create through it.”

This revised version feels like a true story, with vivid details and a clear narrative arc. The writer also incorporates more thoughtful reflections that give us a much more concrete sense of how they grew through this involvement. These are the two prongs of a strong response: the impact you made through your activity, and the impact it made on you.

All Applicants, Prompt 2, Option B

W&l’s mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to w&l (250 words, optional).

This is a Diversity prompt, which focuses on how your unique identity, background, or perspective will contribute to the community at Washington and Lee. This kind of prompt is an opportunity to reflect on what part of your identity makes you different, and what that aspect would add to campus.

First, remember that diversity can mean much more than just race and ethnicity. You can definitely write a strong essay about one of those topics, but you can also focus on your hometown, family traditions, religion, socioeconomic status, interests, or hobbies. There are many different dimensions along which you can stand out–the only rule is that you choose one which is truly meaningful to your worldview and personality.

We do need to make one quick disclaimer, however. In 2023, the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action , so colleges are now forbidden from directly factoring a student’s race or ethnicity into their admissions decisions. Admissions officers can still evaluate race as part of your broader story, though, namely through the essay. So, if your racial or ethnic identity is important to who you are, you may want to highlight that here, as elsewhere admissions officers will be unable to consider it.

Regardless of which topic(s) you’re considering, the following questions will likely help you with your brainstorming:

• What unique experiences or challenges have shaped your perspective?
• How does your background influence your interactions with others, your perspective, or your goals?
• How will your unique identity contribute to a diverse and inclusive community at W&L?
• How do you engage with diversity in your current environment (school, community, etc.)?

A strong response will be both authentic and reflective. Go beyond simply stating the community or background you identify with–the “what” matters much less than the “why” and the “how,” of its impact on you as a person, your development, values, and so on.

With just 250 words, you’ll also want to make sure you’re focusing on a single aspect of your background or experience. We’re all multifaceted, of course, but trying to cover too much ground will cause your essay to feel scattered, as you won’t have enough room to expand on your ideas properly.

Finally, one way that you can take your essay to the next level is by describing in concrete terms how this aspect of your identity would enrich the Washington and Lee campus community. Ultimately, admissions officers are trying to imagine who you’ll become in the next four years, not just who you are now, and painting them a clear picture of something you hope to do at their institution is a great way to help them with that task.

To get a sense of how you should put all these different pieces together, let’s look at the example below, which might be someone’s first draft, and then analyze areas for improvement.

“I grew up in a bilingual household where both English and American Sign Language were used. My mom is Deaf, so I learned ASL when I was little. This has made me aware of the importance of communication and accessibility and how important it is to include everyone. At W&L, I want to help create a more inclusive environment. I think it would be great to start an ASL club where students can learn and practice sign language and converse with their Deaf and hard-of-hearing peers.”

This example introduces a meaningful aspect of the student’s background, and explains how it will allow them to engage with the W&L community. However, the student only mentions growing up in a bilingual household. They don’t provide any specific anecdotes to show what this experience was like, nor deeper reflection on how it shaped their perspectives and values–“including everyone” is a cliché that lacks any personal touch.

Now let’s look at revised version, which has been made clearer and more detailed:

“Growing up in a household that used both English and American Sign Language, I learned early on that communication is not just about words, but also about expression, connection, and accessibility. My mother, who is Deaf, taught me ASL before I even learned to speak. 

This experience has given me a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity. We all have the capability to communicate with those who might not ‘speak’ the same language as us, but harnessing that ability and truly committing to inclusivity takes effort.

At W&L, I hope to contribute to the campus community by advocating for greater awareness and inclusion of people with hearing disabilities. I plan to start an ASL club where students can not just learn the language, but also reflect on the experience of going out of your own comfort zone to meet someone else where they are. My hope is to create a space where all voices—spoken or signed—are heard and valued.”

This much stronger version gives us in-depth reflection on how being raised by a Deaf mother shaped this student’s broader worldview, outside of just when interacting with her specifically. As a result, we can see more clearly what the student is hoping to accomplish in college and beyond, and how their goals were influenced by this aspect of their upbringing.

All Applicants, Prompt 2, Option C

Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about. (250 words, optional).

Unlike the Academic Interest essay archetype, this prompt is more about what captivates you outside of the classroom. Washington and Lee wants to accept students who love learning for learning’s sake, not those who just see a particular major as a stepping stone to their future career. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box here, and dive into something you find fascinating that would never show up on a transcript.

To kick off your brainstorming, ask yourself if there’s something you spend considerable time thinking about or exploring, not because anyone asks you to, but simply because you’re curious about it. Perhaps you seek out articles, podcasts, movies, and books about this topic, and often bring it up when talking to family or friends.

For example, maybe you love American football, and have strong opinions about the right way to develop a quarterback. Or maybe your family has two macaws, and growing up with them has made you fascinated by the ways animal intelligence differs from, or can even be superior to, human intelligence.

Once you have some ideas swirling in your brain, the following questions can guide your drafting:

• How did this interest begin, and how has it evolved over time?
• How do you engage with this topic? Do you consume certain media, engage with it through online or in-person forums, or participate in related activities?
• What have you learned from this interest, and how has it influenced your way of thinking or your future goals?
• How does this interest reflect your personality, values, or aspirations?

The strongest responses will convey a genuine enthusiasm for the subject, not just a bland overview of something that you think will impress admissions officers. Your topic should also be narrow, so that readers get a sense of your distinct way of thinking. “The environment” is much too broad–“manatee protection initiatives in my home state of Florida” is more what you should be shooting for.

Additionally, you want to describe not just what you’re interested in, but also why , by citing examples of meaningful past experiences you’ve had related to it. And finally, you should answer how this interest has shaped your thinking or global perspective, so that admissions officers can see how it inspires you to grow personally or intellectually.

All that is to say, it’s not enough to just describe what you’re curious about—you need to reflect on its impact on you. Let’s examine some responses below: 

“Growing up in Florida, I got used to seeing manatees around all the time. When I got to middle school, I learned that the population had been dwindling for years because of boating accidents, which made me super sad. Since then, I’ve done a lot of work to connect with local politicians and encourage them to support protection initiatives, so that kids in the future can enjoy these gentle creatures just like I have.”

This example isn’t particularly compelling, as the description of the student’s journey is vague and bullet-pointy, without much depth. We’re missing details about why they like manatees so much in the first place, as well as which specific skills they harnessed to advocate for these animals, and what they learned from their efforts. The writing as a whole feels quite surface-level, so although the topic itself is intriguing, the essay is unlikely to be particularly impactful or memorable for admissions officers.

Let’s look at a revised version:

“Growing up in Florida, my favorite weekend activity was going kayaking at Blue Spring State Park, where I could watch dozens of manatees drift peacefully through the crystalline waters. I’ve never been the most extroverted person, and I felt a kinship with these calm animals that I didn’t with my peers who preferred fast-paced activities like water skiing.

My bubble of manatee tranquility popped, however, when I was in 7th grade. A local wildlife expert came to talk to my class about the danger these animals face from irresponsible boaters, who go too fast in the shallow waters where manatees graze. She showed us images of terrible scars across manatees’ backs, and graphs of rising mortality rates as human population density increases.

The sadness I felt during her presentation was powerful enough to overcome my shyness, and when she finished, I asked if she knew of any ways I could advocate for manatee protections. She connected me with Save the Manatee Club, an organization which does exactly what you’d think, which I’ve been involved with ever since.

Over the last five years, fighting for manatee safety has brought me out of my shell. I’ve connected with a wide range of local politicians to discuss reasonable protection measures, and have even given presentations myself to middle and elementary school students. Now, when I go kayaking, I still feel the same tranquility I always have, but also something new: courage, to protect that peace.”

This example is much stronger. At each key point in the story, the student reflects on what they were thinking and feeling, and across the whole essay they present us with a clear arc of growth. We come away knowing not only that they’re passionate about protecting manatees, but also what that passion says about who they are more generally, and what kind of college student they’ll be.

All Applicants, Prompt 2, Option D

On a residential college campus with a speaking tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other’s names matters. please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you. (250 words, optional).

This unique prompt focuses on Washington and Lee’s Speaking Tradition , which simply encourages members of their community to greet each other around campus. The tradition is designed to build interpersonal connections, to draw the overall community closer together. 

In this prompt, W&L connects the Speaking Tradition to your candidacy for the school by asking about the significance of a name you go by. That could be your first, middle, or last name, a nickname, or even a title that’s meaningful to you, like “tutor.” Your choice should allow you to reflect on your identity, culture, and personal history, so that admissions officers can see how this name has shaped who you are.

After you choose the name you’re writing about, think about its origin. Is there a story behind why you have this name, a cultural tradition it reflects, or a connection to your family history? Next, consider how this name has influenced your identity, your relationships, or the way others perceive you. Are there specific memories or experiences tied to this name that are meaningful to you? 

Finally, how do you feel about your name? Has your perception of it changed over time? The Speaking Tradition is based on the idea that greeting each other has power, so you want to show that you also have an appreciation for that power.

When you sit down to start drafting, you’ll want to use vivid storytelling to bring the significance of your name to life. Share specific anecdotes or memories that illustrate the importance of your name. Be honest about your feelings towards your name, whether they are positive, negative, complex, or have evolved over time. Prompts like this, which don’t align with any of the common tropes in college essays, are an opportunity to show off your most creative self, so don’t be shy!

What you don’t want to do is just explain the literal meaning of your name. Avoid focusing too much on the etymology or dictionary definition of your name. Instead, explore what the name means to you personally. The literal definition could be significant to you, of course, but you should cite examples from your personal life to explain why, not rely on information that anyone could find on google.

Finally, make sure to connect the story of your name to your broader identity and how you interact with the world. This essay should be about more than just the name itself, so reflect on how your name has shaped your sense of self or how you relate to others, and discuss any challenges or growth associated with your name. Admissions officers should come away from your essay understanding what your relationship to your name says about your potential as a college student.

Check out the examples below for some more concrete insight:

Example 1 : “My name is James, which is a common name that has been in my family for generations. It’s a simple name, and I like it because it’s easy to say and spell. I’ve always been called James, and it’s a name that has served me well. I’m proud of it because it connects me to my family history. I think this is a good thing because I get to carry on a legacy with my name. 

I’ve tried to live up to this name by working hard in school and being a good friend. I’ve also played on my school’s soccer team for several years, where I’ve had to show determination and teamwork, which I think are qualities that uphold this legacy. My name has always been a part of me, and it has shaped me into someone who is reliable and strong. At W&L, I plan to continue being someone who works hard and is always there for others, just like all the other James’ in my family.”

This is a weaker example, which is stuck at the surface level, without much depth or specificity. The student says they’re proud of their name, but in a general way, without personal anecdotes showing that pride or reflections on what having pride in their name has taught them.

Additionally, the essay doesn’t reveal anything unique about the student’s broader identity, and instead relies on broad statements about legacy and hard work that could apply to almost anyone. The connection to how these qualities would play out at W&L is also vague and doesn’t offer any specific insights into what the student has learned that would allow them to contribute to the campus community.

Overall, the essay fails to engage the reader with meaningful storytelling, and also lacks the personal connection that admissions officers need to bridge your past experiences to your future at W&L.

Example 2 : “For as long as I can remember, my father has called me ‘Bear,’ a nickname that started when I was a toddler, fiercely independent and surprisingly strong for my age. The name stuck, and now even my friends and teachers use it. 

Today, ‘Bear’ represents more than just physical strength; it also symbolizes the resilience and determination that I’ve developed over the years. When I face challenges, like a particularly tough rock-climbing route or stalling for the millionth time as I try to learn how to drive manual, I draw on the image of a bear facing obstacles with tenacity. 

At W&L, I hope to live up to this name by tackling academic challenges head-on, like my goal of becoming trilingual, and even going a step further to encourage my peers to do the same, just as a bear would protect its cubs.”

This essay works well because the student explains where this nickname comes from, provides examples of times where this name had a big impact on them, and illustrates what they’ve learned from having this name and how they see themself applying those lessons at W&L. The essay is simultaneously personal, reflective, and forward-looking.

Example 3 : “My name, Amina, carries the strength and resilience of my great-grandmother, who had the same name and was the matriarch of our family. In Arabic, Amina means ‘trustworthy’ or ‘faithful,’ and my great-grandmother was completely dedicated to our family, even during the extreme strife of the war in Sudan.

Thanks to her sacrifices, I do not face the same hardship she did, but I never take that for granted, and do my best to live up to her legacy. I volunteer at an organization that offers free legal advice, as well as one that connects non-native English speakers with translators who specialize in crucial industries like healthcare and finance. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a great-grandma Amina, but I can be their legal secretary or translator coordinator Amina.

Every time I introduce myself, I am reminded of the legacy I carry. I have a responsibility to be a person others can rely on, and at W&L, I hope to honor my great-grandmother by participating in the Washington Term. By living and learning in the nation’s capital, I can develop a better understanding of how legislation is passed, and harness that understanding in my pursuit of my long-term goal of becoming an immigration lawyer.”

This is a strong example which explains the deep connection the student feels between their name and their personal history. The student follows our advice above and doesn’t rely on just the definition of their name, but also describes how that definition has guided them on their personal journey. On a structural level, the essay also feels like a story, which is exactly what you want in your own response.

One last note on this particular example: although the student talks about their great-grandmother, the focus stays on them. If you’re going to tell admissions officers about your namesake, remember that ultimately, you’re the one they’re deciding whether or not to accept, so you should emphasize what you learned from this person, not the person themself.

Where to Get Your Washington and Lee Essays Edited For Free

Do you want feedback on your Washington and Lee essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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The Admissions Strategist

How to write the washington and lee essays 2020-2021: the total guide.

Washington and Lee University is a highly competitive liberal arts college with a rich history located in Lexington, VA. The namesakes of the university are none other than President George Washington and General Robert E. Lee, who served as the college’s president in 1865.

Its acceptance rate is currently around 21%.

W&L accepts the Common App , so you’ll most likely apply after writing one of its seven essays. Once you’re done with your personal statement, you’ll move on to the supplement.

We have a lot to cover, so let’s get right on with the Washington and Lee supplement.

What are the Washington and Lee Essay Requirements?

While completing the application for Washington and Lee, you’ll notice that the personal essay through the Common App is required. Check out the specific guide to the seven Common App essay prompts here.

In addition, there are two optional writing supplements.

We suggest writing these optional questions because it’s your chance to tell the college more about who you are.

Writing an essay is one of the only opportunities you have to set yourself apart from all the other candidates. It’s a chance to tell the college a little more about yourself in a way that your SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts cannot.

Show the admissions team why you’re a candidate worthy of Washington and Lee.

Review the mission statements of the university and program you are applying to, if they have one. This will help you align your personal values with those of the university to express your desire to attend.

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 1

The first essay prompt is similar to other college essay prompts you might have seen before. As a result, the prompt, at first glance, might seem simple:

Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with Washington and Lee University and what aspects of W&L’s community are most exciting to you.

This is the quintessential “Why This College” essay . You will need to answer the prompt concisely because you will be limited to only 250 words.

It might not seem super apparent, but this prompt does contain two questions. This is what makes the prompt challenging: You must answer two questions with a limited number of words.

• The first part of the prompt is asking you to describe how you became familiar with Washington and Lee University.
• The second part of the prompt is asking you to describe what part of the Washington and Lee University community excites you.

One strategy should be to use less than 125 words to answer the first part of the prompt and less than 125 words to answer the second part of the prompt. This will ensure that you do not go over the 250-word count maximum.

From there, you can give or take words from each portion. For example, if you’re able to more succinctly express how you familiarized yourself with the university, then you can allocate the extra words toward why you decided to apply.

If one question in the prompt seems easier for you, start with that part, and then move on to the next. We’ll address strategies for both moving forward.

Let’s look at the first part of the prompt again.

Here is when you mention the ways in which you’ve learned about the university.

• The most common ways would be campus tours, informational interviews with alumni, word-of-mouth from relatives or friends who have attended, or any prizes/awards the university might have won that made it stand out in the news.

You also can draw on strong reasons as to why you want to attend Washington and Lee University. This will help you complete the second part of the prompt and have a full answer that flows together.

Now, let’s start by organizing our thoughts around the second part of the question. Do some brainstorming to explain what attracted you to Washington and Lee.

Here are some questions to guide you to discover what it is about Washington and Lee that really speaks to you as a prospective student.

• Was it the reputation of Washington and Lee University? How does it align with your morals and values?
• Has Washington and Lee been your dream school since you were little? What’s your first memory of the school?
• Did a family friend recommend it? What made the recommendation from this family friend so meaningful to you?
• The university is considered small, yet has so much to offer all its students. Do you feel you’ll be more successful in a smaller environment?
• What student life offerings will you take advantage of if you’re admitted and why?

In short, write down your top reasons for wanting to attend Washington and Lee. Sort your reasons from strongest to weakest, and then write your essay based on the two strongest.

Picking two reasons will help keep you inside the word limit. Remember that these reasons should help you stand out from other applicants, so don’t write what you think the admissions team wants to read if it’s not authentic to you.

• You want to make sure the reason you’re applying is compelling and personal . This is your opportunity to tell a story about your first visit to campus, an alumnus that you look up to, and specific reasons why Washington and Lee will help you achieve your dream.
• Don’t just write, “A family member recommended the school.” Lots of things are recommended to us, and some hold more value than others. Explain this person’s role in your life that led you to follow through on their recommendation.
• Mention why you’re excited about the program to which you’re applying. There’s a good chance you can study the same thing at several other universities across the country, but there’s a reason you want to study at Washington and Lee over those other institutions.
• Detail your connection to Washington and Lee. Perhaps you’re a legacy student for the university and you want to carry on the family name as a graduate. If you attended campus events that were open to the community, tell the story of how that strengthened your love for the university. Maybe you met an alumna at a college fair or they visited your class one day, so describe what they said that stuck with you.

Overall, this prompt wants to know specifically why you’re choosing Washington and Lee among all the other higher education institutions.

Tips for mastering this prompt:

• Keep your response succinct. Begin writing without elaborating much. Once you have the basic ideas down, then add other details that are appropriate and enhance your essay.
• Answer the prompt directly. If you stray from what is being asked, you’ll be wasting the few words you already have.
• Stories are good, but you shouldn’t be writing a short story full of detail. If the story is meaningful, find a way to keep it to two sentences maximum. Focus on the basic who, what, where, when, and why.

This prompt is not a trick question, so don’t overthink it. It’s just a basic prompt that will tell Washington and Lee University what it has to offer that excites you as a candidate.

Again, you’re restricted to 250 words, so the school is not expecting flowery prose or an ode to Washington and Lee. This is not the time to write a five-paragraph essay. Keep your response succinct and answer the question directly without a long introduction or lengthy conclusion.

Get personalized advice!

Washington & lee supplemental essay 2.

The second essay prompt asks for more information about your life outside of school. 

Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job or family responsibility. How does your involvement impact you and those around you?

This essay is prompting you to share personal information about you outside of academics. Again, this question is twofold and is capped at a maximum of 250 words:

• Describe an activity, job, or family responsibility that is significant to you.
• In what way does that activity impact those around you?

Although any involvement in a club or job shows responsibility and motivation, remember that this question is asking specifically how this activity is significant to you. 

Waiting tables to earn money for college is not particularly unusual or special. Many high school students do it. If, though, there is a more personal aspect to that job and how it impacts others around you, it could be the focus of your essay. Maybe you’re working at the family business? Think about what makes the activity unique.

For the first part of this question, think about an activity, job, or responsibility for which you are passionate. For example:

• You built on a lifelong hobby by joining and becoming a leader of your school’s art club.
• Your summer job is to direct a library program for children so that you can share and inspire a love of reading with them.
• You are passionate about cooking and your family responsibility is to share in meal preparation to bring your family together each night.

Once you have determined what activity or job you want to highlight, jot down the reasons it is important to you. As with the previous essay, choose your two strongest reasons and explain them as succinctly as possible to stay within your word limit.

The second part of this essay asks how your involvement in this activity or job impacts the people around you. This could be very apparent, or it could be less clear. Does your involvement:

• Share or teach a new skill with others?
• Bring people from your community together?
• Provide a unique service or resource to others?
• Improve someone’s situation?
• Better your neighborhood or community?
• Share your talents with others in a special way?
• Take a burden off of someone else?

Take this opportunity to show how you work to make an impact on your family, neighborhood or community. This is a perfect chance to explain how you use your time and talents for others. 

This still needs to be a short answer, but use your words wisely. Find ways to express your passion for this activity and what it means for you to know its effect on others. Be sure that you answer both parts of the essay in your response.

Tackling the Johnson Scholarship Essay Prompts

In addition to the admissions application, you will also see the opportunity to apply for the Johnson Scholarship, which pays for college-related expenses, such as room and board and tuition.

As part of the Johnson Scholarship application process, you can choose to answer one of six prompts with a maximum 800-word count.

By applying for the Johnson Scholarship, you can also be considered for other scholarships at Washington and Lee.

Six different prompt choices can be intimidating. It’s imperative that you choose the right one that will allow you to showcase all the ways you’re a deserving, amazing student.

So, how do you choose the prompt that’s best for you?

• Choose the prompt that excites you. If you’re not excited about your response, you won’t write the best essay you can. If you’re passionate about a topic, that passion will show in your essay. Passion will stand out for all the right reasons.
• Choose the prompt that directly correlates with your life experiences. You know your life best, so expressing an experience that aligns with a prompt naturally will provide a better result than struggling to find one to write about.
• Choose the prompt that will let you show the committee who you are. Admissions committees want to really get to know an applicant. Show off your personality through your essay rather than writing a cliché response that doesn’t tell them much about you.

And how should you NOT choose a prompt?

• Don’t choose a prompt just because you think it’s the hardest one or the easiest one. This can set you up for failure in terms of not writing the best essay possible. You want to be confident about your ability to answer a prompt, not looking for the easy way out or most difficult way to get in. You’re not doing yourself a favor by choosing a topic that will be challenging for you to answer; instead, you’re throwing away your chance to truly write about something you’re passionate about.
• Don’t choose a prompt that doesn’t resonate with you at all. How can you properly express why you belong at Washington and Lee if you can’t identify with what you’re writing about? The short answer is that you can’t. You will not win any extra points from the review committee by choosing a topic just because you think no one else will choose it.

Now that you’ve read about why you should and shouldn’t pick a particular prompt for your application, let’s discuss the best way to tackle each prompt. Below are the prompts that you will choose from.

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 2.1

“To promote literature in this rising empire and to encourage the arts, have ever been amongst the warmest wishes of my heart.” (George Washington, 1798, first president of the United States and first major benefactor of Washington and Lee University) Describe a work of art that has influenced you and discuss the impact it has had on you.

After reading this essay prompt, you might be tempted to write about something you saw at MOMA or that time you visited the Sistine Chapel.

There is nothing wrong with these experiences, but if you’re writing about them to seem worldly or to impress the reader, then reconsider your approach. This prompt is looking for authenticity. It is not asking you to have the knowledge of an art history major.

The work of art could be something as simple as a finger painting you saw in a children’s hospital made by the patients there. And then again, it doesn’t have to be a fine art piece at all.

Art can fall under the category of music, dance, theatre, cinematography, and so many more. It is up to you to define what the work of art is and then relate it to how it has impacted your life.

• Did the quidditch scenes of the Harry Potter saga influence you to start learning about CGI animation? These movies didn’t win an Academy Awards, but they are considered art.
• Maybe your young sibling drew a family portrait that included members of your family they never met and this prompted you to learn more about your family history.
• If your running path includes going past the same building every time just so you can look at its beauty, that’s worth writing about. Describe the thoughts and feelings you have when you see this building. What draws you to it?

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 2.2

In mathematics, the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface is a straight line. While geometry is predictable, sometimes day-to-day life is not. Reflect on a time when your path was not as simple or direct as anticipated. How did you manage, and what did you learn?

Let’s consider how to respond to this prompt. This prompt could relay an unexpected challenge you overcame or an opportunity you were able to pursue as a result of things not going as planned. Showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity in your answer. 

This question is about how you manage the unexpected. Show the reader that you can think on your feet and be adaptable. Consider moments that might be perceived as negative that you were able to turn into a positive. Focus on the path that got you to that result.

• Consider a time that you worked hard for something, but the end result did not work out as planned. Maybe you tried to earn an award or ace a competition, but you did not achieve the win. What happened? What did you do because of this? What did you learn?
• Perhaps you dedicated a lot of time to planning an event or activity, but unpredictable weather caused you to cancel or change course. You did not get to see or do what you had planned, but you were able to pivot and adapt to the situation. What did you do instead? What did you learn from this experience?
• Probably the most obvious direction to go with this answer is the impact of a worldwide pandemic on your life. The pandemic changed our plans drastically in an instance, and we could not control it. Did you miss a sports season or anticipated school event because of it? Did it impact your travel plans? Did it affect your ability to gather with friends or family for a highly anticipated celebration? Think about how the pandemic impacted you, how this is different than the way it affected others, and what you did as a result.

Keep in mind that this prompt wants you to explain two big things:

• How well you managed this unexpected change of plans.
• The lessons you learned as a result.

Be sure to include how this made you grow as a person. Did you exceed your own expectations? Write about that!

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 2.3

We live in a world in which much of our self-representation is curated online via short-lived social media ‘stories’ and disappearing photos. What photo or other representation of yourself is authentically you? What does it say about your growth into the person you are today, and the person you want to become? Please use only the words in your essay to address this question. Do not include photographs or other materials in your answer.

This is a great opportunity to share more about what makes you, you. Through social media, we share our perceived best version of ourselves with family, friends, and strangers. W&L wants to know the true you, not how others want to see you. 

The neat part about this prompt is that it allows you to describe a photo “or other representation” of yourself. First, think of a moment when you were able to shine—when you felt most comfortable, maybe even vulnerable—because you were open and authentic. 

• Is there a photo that captures that moment? Or is it something else? 
• Is this represented in something like a pair of shoes or an instrument?
• Is it a self-portrait or another piece of artwork?
• Do you have an item passed down from a family member that you’ve embraced as your own? 
• Is it something old or broken that you’ve held onto because it’s become a part of who you are?

Next, you are tasked with describing that photo or object without being able to show it to the reader. What characteristics does this image or thing portray that makes it authentic to you? Be creative in both your description of the object and how that shows your true colors. 

There are then two more questions to answer as part of this prompt. How does this image or object show your growth as a person? Make sure you can identify the turning point or any changes you’ve personally made. Consider how you would describe your evolution as a person.

Finally, discuss how this image or object illustrates who you want to become. Continue that personal evolution. How does it represent what you want to achieve? This does not need to be complicated but should describe how you see your true self in the future. 

• For example, your photo or item could be from a moment you spent outdoors or with nature. Perhaps that shows you feel most authentic and open in the great outdoors. This could even be a love rooted in your family that you have come to embrace as your own. You might hope to continue learning and growing into an environmentally conscious adult who advocates for clean and green standards.
• Maybe your item is a pair of worn-in sneakers that represent all the places you’ve traveled. Talk about how your travels have shaped you as a person and helped you to grow. What it might mean for you to continue seeking new places to visit? What can you learn from new experiences and people in these travels? 

Think outside the box!

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 2.4

W&L’s Spring Term is a four-week, intensive experience during which students take only one course, allowing for undivided attention to the subject matter. Spring Term courses are known for innovative pedagogy, interdisciplinary scholarship, travel, and field work in diverse settings. If you could design a Spring Term course, what would you propose, and why would you choose to pursue that topic?

This is another two-part prompt. Break the prompt into two separate parts.

• What [kind of course] would you propose?
• Why would you choose to pursue that topic?

This question is ideal for the student with imagination and creativity. It’s also the perfect opportunity to give the reader some insight into who you are, how your thought process works, what type of learning you enjoy, and what topics you wish to pursue.

It’s okay to propose something completely “off the wall” based on your own interests as long as you can show how this course can be life-changing. Think about your hobbies that make you stand out.

• Do you enjoy making YouTube videos? Then maybe suggest a course on Adobe Creative Cloud or cinematography to learn how to amp up your YouTube channel to get more viewers, or at least make more aesthetically interesting videos.
• Are you into worm composting? Maybe a course on vermiculture could be your suggestion. The project you propose might be to make a portion of the campus garden available for other students to contribute compost for worms.
• Are you religious and volunteered with various religious sects? Then consider proposing a course that allows students to work with an interfaith organization in the local community.
• If you’re a fan of a particular cuisine, propose a course that dives into the culture of that food as well as preparing it. You’ll be able to learn what makes these dishes so special and create the delicious dishes on your own if they aren’t available nearby. This could be a cultural cuisine or focus on a diet like Keto or Vegan.

Among the essay prompts, this one is a great choice if you want to write something that will help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t let your imagination hold you back.

You can assume that there are no holdbacks you’ll need to deal with when proposing this course. Also, you do want to include why you’re passionate about the topic and why it would change your life if you had a chance to take a course about it.

However, do some research first to make sure a class isn’t already offered. You’ll want to make your proposition something that isn’t already available. If a similar course is offered, make sure your idea is different it practically could be a different class or has an entirely different focus for the topic.

Washington & Lee Supplemental Essay 2.5

In his October, 1963, A Talk to Teachers, James Baldwin said “…the whole process of education occurs within a social framework and is designed to perpetuate the aims of society.” Yet, as he aptly notes, “the paradox of education is precisely this—that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” Baldwin suggests that the purpose of education is to teach us to think for ourselves, to question—and change—the “framework” that we have come to understand and accept. What norms of your home or community have you become conscious of during your time in high school, and how would you like to use that knowledge to make it a better place?

This essay is about challenging norms for the betterment of the community. Consider the Amendments to the Constitution. The US Constitution was created as a foundation for the country, but with room to change and adapt as the country evolved. Rules are created for a reason, but sometimes need to change and adapt with time.

Think about existing rules or the framework at home and in your community. Jot down any rules that you have questioned or that you feel are no longer relevant. Think about rules that might not exist, but should be in place. Create your list, rank your items, then choose the strongest one to write about.

This essay has two parts:

• First, discuss what norm you have become conscious of from home or in your community. 
• Then, write about how you will use what you have discovered or come to better understand to improve your home or community.

Is there something that is unfair or unjust to some of the people in this community? How do you raise awareness of this and change it for the better? Maybe there is a personal story you can share or an event that you witnessed that helps to illustrate your point.

Are norms, rules, or expectations applied unequally at home or in your community? Do certain people receive better treatment than others? Why is that, and how can you change it?

Be sure that you have clear explanations, examples, and steps to show the problem and solution. 

Key Strategies for the Washington & Lee Honors Essays

Since you have more room than normal to write your scholarship essay, it’s important to apply after you’ve fully developed your thought process.

As long as you meet the deadline, you shouldn’t feel rushed to complete your application the first time that you open it. Take time to plan out and practice writing some essays before you decide which you’ll complete.

• One of the great parts of this selection of essay prompts is that the premise of each essay is something broad – issues, leadership and responsibility, art, designing a course, and your future.
• This means you can choose from a number of your experiences, and the chance they’ll fit into one of the prompts is very high. You may even find one experience can fit into a few prompts, so you’ll need to decide which prompt will best suit your intention when telling it.

All this is to say that you want to be an active character in your story. Remember that the focus of the essay should be you . If you have a hard time writing about a conflict (for example, essay 5 doesn’t feature a conflict-driven topic), then you want to explain why the topic is significant to you.

Washington and Lee knows why political issues, student council positions, and pressing issues of the future are critical. What they want to know is why you find them to be important.

Conclusion: Writing the Washington and Lee Essays

Remember, for the scholarship program, the essay is meant to supplement your application. The committee will already have your academic record, SAT/ACT scores, and recommendations on file.

The purpose of the essay is to give the committee a view of who you are as a person that they won’t already know from other parts of your application.

In the essay, you shouldn’t write about your stellar grades or excellent college entrance test scores.

Much like a resume , the essay is a great chance to show off your soft skills, emotional intelligence, and intellect that will allow the reader to connect with you on a personal level to see how you will one day be a positive addition to Washington and Lee’s student body.

Ultimately, by choosing a prompt that allows you to bring the reader into your world, you will stand out. This will give the reader a better understanding of what makes you a stellar applicant.

Don’t be intimidated by the essays. Use them instead to showcase what an awesome candidate you are.

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