Description: A four-year merit-based undergraduate tuition scholarship program that was established over 30 years ago to attract and develop the potential of academically talented and outstanding individuals from historically underrepresented and socioeconomically disadvantaged* populations in higher education. Scholars are selected from a national applicant pool of high school seniors for their potential to excel in an academically rigorous environment.
* The term “socioeconomically disadvantaged” refers to educational or social disadvantage, such as coming from a low-income family, an underserved rural or farming community, attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum, or other family circumstances that have impacted your educational opportunities.
The program offers:
- Four-year merit-based undergraduate tuition scholarship
- One-on-one high touch advising
- Mentorship opportunities
- Social and Volunteer events
- Monthly Program Meetings with distinguished faculty, staff and alumni
- A supportive community of scholars promoting community-building and intercultural understanding
Selection Process: The Office of Admissions & Recruitment reviews all applications to UW-Madison to determine eligibility and make selections for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program. There is no separate scholarship application to be considered for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program. High school seniors can apply as a First-Year Student to UW-Madison either through the Common Application or the UW System Application. There is no preference between applications.
Students interested in being considered for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program should highlight these qualifications in their application to UW-Madison:
- Demonstrated academic success in high school and potential to excel in the university’s rigorous educational environment
- Leadership experience or capacity to grow as a leader
- Commitment to service and civic engagement
- Interest in being a part of a community of highly motivated and academically outstanding peers
- Interest in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
The Office of Admissions & Recruitment will review all aspects of a student’s application to UW-Madison (e.g., high school transcript, essay, letters of recommendation, etc.) to determine their eligibility and qualifications for the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program.
Questions: Email The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
Additional Information: Link