Merit-Based Scholarships

Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship

The Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarships, Lewis & Clark’s highest merit awards, recognize men and women of exceptional academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment. Up to 10 scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students and are renewable annually, based on continued academic excellence as evidenced by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. The scholarships provide full tuition and fees, valued at more than $140,000 over four years.

The Neely Scholarships are made possible by Barbara Hirschi Neely, who established numerous trust funds to benefit Lewis & Clark College. When she died in January 1990, these trust funds were designated as endowment funds for student aid.

Trustee Scholarship

Up to 15 of these merit-based scholarships - equivalent to half-tuition - are awarded to entering first-year students with outstanding academic credentials. This scholarship will be renewed if the student maintains at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and maintains satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship uis valued at more than $70,400 over four years.

Eligibility for Neely and Trustee Scholarships

Neely and Trustee Scholarships are available to first-year applicants for admission. Transfer students are not eligible. The faculty selection committee considers candidates on the basis of academic record, preferred areas, and character and personality.

Academic Record—Past recipients have followed an exceptionally challenging curriculum and attained superior records. Standardized test scores place them well above national norms. (Standardized tests are optional for students applying through the Portfolio Path to Admission.)

Preferred Areas—Special preference is given to:

• Math & Sciences: students whose interests, curiosities, and commitments lie in the sciences, with the intent of advancing the understanding of natural systems and promoting responsible use of resources, or

• International focus: students who possess an unusually keen interest in the history, arts, and political and social realities of other nations or cultures and who are prepared to become citizens of the world.

Character and Personality— Candidates should utilize both the personal essay and admission interview to enhance their credentials. In all they did, past finalists sought challenges and made the most of opportunities presented to them. They had superior recommendations, and were leaders both in and out of the classroom.

Selection Process

The Office of Admissions and a faculty selection committee review top candidates for Neely and Trustee Scholarships based on applications completed no later than February 1. No nomination is required. Emphasis is given to candidates’ intellectual interests and academic performance. Strong candidates demonstrate interest in one of the preferred areas described above through course selection, grades, and activities beyond the classroom (e.g., summer activities). Candidates are not required to achieve a minimum GPA or test score; however, standards are high. Winners are notified by March 15. The following is an academic profile of the 2008 Trustee and Neely Scholars:

GPA: 95% had a GPA of 3.9 or higher
Rank: 100% were in the top tenth of their class.
SAT: Middle 50% range 1500-1580(CR+M)
ACT: Middle 50% range 33-35

Dean's Scholarships

More than 100 of these merit-based scholarships are available to entering first-year and transfer students based on their academic program and performance. For students entering the College for the fall 2009 semester and beyond the amount of the Dean's Scholarship is set at 25% of tuition. Scholarships are renewable for three additional years based on continued academic excellence by achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. All students admitted to the College are considered for these scholarships; no separate form other than the application for admission is required. The following is an academic profile of the 2008 Dean’s Scholars:

GPA: Middle 50% range 3.84–4.0
Rank: Nearly 83% were in the top tenth of their class.
SAT: Middle 50% range 1310-1410 (CR+M)
ACT: Middle 50% range 29-31

Leadership and Service Awards

These awards recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academics combined with exemplary leadership and/or service in their school or community. For students entering the College during the fall 2009 and beyond, the Leadership & Service Award is valued at 25% of tuition. The award is renewable for three additional years based on continued leadership and/or service activities and achievement of a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 or higher. All admitted students are considered for these scholarships; no separate form other than the application for admission is required. The following is an academic profile of the 2008 recipients:

GPA: Middle 50% range 3.64-4.0
Rank: 96% were in the top quarter of their class.
SAT: Middle 50% range 1230-1340
ACT: Middle 50% range 26-29

Herbert Templeton National Merit Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to entering first-year students who have been selected as National Merit Scholars and who have designated Lewis & Clark as their first choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1. The scholarship is renewable provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress.

Music Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship awarded to students who have outstanding talent in music. Scholarship amounts range from $3,523 to $8,808. To renew the scholarship, students must participate in activities within the Music Department and maintain satisfactory academic progress. For details, contact:

Dave Becker
Department of Music
Lewis & Clark College
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road
Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
503-768-7460
music@lclark.edu

Forensics Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship awarded to students who have an outstanding record of achievement in debate and forensics. Scholarship amounts range from $3,523 to $8,808. Students must participate in forensic competition and maintain satisfactory academic progress, and submit a College Aid Application to remain eligible to receive the scholarship. For further information, contact:

Steve Hunt
Director of Forensics
Lewis & Clark College
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road
Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
503-768-7617
hunt@lclark.edu

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships, many of which are based on merit or special criteria, are an increasingly important source of funding for students. Last year, Lewis & Clark students garnered over $1 million in external scholarship money awarded by businesses, community groups, and religious and fraternal organizations. Your high school counselor should be able to refer you to local scholarship sources. If you are on campus, you are also welcome to use the reference information located in the Office of Student Financial Services and in Watzek Library to research sources of private scholarships.

Information about all other merit-based scholarships:

Office of Admissions
Lewis & Clark College
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road
Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
503-768-7040
800-444-4111 toll free
503-768-7055 fax
admissions@lclark.edu