Anyone know if it’s better to go test optional or submit scores if you got a 1450?
Paging @DramaMama2021 , whose daughter is a Johnson Scholar.
Apologies for the slow response….
I can’t claim to be an expert but based on anecdotes from my D21 participating in Johnson interviews the past two years, I would submit a 1450. That’s a strong score and would benefit an application vs the unknown of going test optional. It’s my understanding that by far the Johnsons submitted scores.
Keep in mind that Johnson Scholars are not only strong academically but have demonstrated leadership and commitment to their communities. So applicants should highlight the ways they expect to contribute to the W&L community.
If you have other questions, I’m happy to ask my D. Best of luck with application season!
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Thanks. She submitted her scores. Now crossing our fingers.
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Best of luck! Our Johnson scholar’s fully funded undergrad made it possible for us to supplement a very meager doctoral stipend in a high COL area a couple years later.
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“The deadline to apply for Washington and Lee’s merit-based Johnson Scholarship is fast approaching! Be sure to submit your application by 11:59 p.m. 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 to become a Johnson Scholar!”
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It looks like Johnson Scholarship finalists will be announced at 8:00 pm Friday January 31, 2025. Good luck to all!
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Expectations from google is that around 200 finalists are invited to the event (transportation and lodging for the student paid for by the school) with around 44 winners selected by the end of March.
So if you get the email tomorrow, that’s a 22% chance of making it. But you get a fun day at the school, to evaluate your true fit before committing.
Best of luck everyone.
Chances are actually a bit better than that. 
Historically they have awarded about 80 Johnson Scholars, with the expectation approximately 40-44 would accept the offer.
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And of the ~200 finalists, not all elect to come to campus for that weekend.
Ecstatic… daughter got an invitation to interview for the Johnson scholarship. But the excitement is a little tempered, because she applied RD, so isn’t actually accepted. I suppose this is a good indicator, but does anyone have any insight into how likely acceptance is at this point?
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Unless something has changed since 2021, your student can expect an acceptance to W&L regardless of the Johnson decision.
Congratulations! There were a record number of Johnson applicants this year so more competitive than ever. Best wishes to all the finalists
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Does anyone know (from prior years’ experience) what the itinerary for the weekend will look like?
Good luck to those involved in the Johnson interviews and campus visit. Enjoy your time in Lex!
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My daughter said the experience was great. She said her host was so nice and sitting in on classes was a cool way to get a feel for the school. I think Johnson decisions come out in a week and a half or so.
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Good luck tonight everyone!
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My daughter was named an alternate. Does anyone know the chance of getting the scholarship as an alternate? Just wondering if their is any realistic possibility as she loves this school but the cost isn’t doable without the Johnson.
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When my student was a candidate, there was a Johnson who spoke to the group who had originally been an alternative. It can definitely happen - many finalists are choosing between some other amazing opportunities. It might be May 1 before you know for sure, but don’t give up hope if it’s the first choice.
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My son received a moderate “Washington and Lee Scholar” aid package but was not named an alternate for the Johnson Scholarship. An acquaintance of my son that was also a Johnson finalist received nothing and will be attending UVa.
my kid got the Johnson 2 years ago and went down to May 1 deciding. I would say about 1/2 of the kids that are offered it take it. Mine did not but it was a tough choice. I would say that the scholarship is not just based on achievement but also leadership so it is a real accomplishment to be an alternate.
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