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Each year, Wake Forest University awards merit-based scholarships to current students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The Wake Forest Scholars Office manages two of these opportunities: the Stamps Scholarship and the Mullen Carswell Scholarship.

Applications will open in early May.

Deadline: October 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET

Your application automatically puts you in consideration for both the Stamps and Mullen Carswell Scholarships.

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Stamps Scholarship for Continuing Students

The Stamps Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional Wake Forest students who demonstrate outstanding intellectual potential, leadership, and community engagement.

Eligibility & Selection

  • Applicants must have completed at least one year of coursework at Wake Forest.
  • The Committee on Scholarships and Student Aid, in collaboration with the Stamps Scholars Program, will nominate a limited number of current students.
  • Selected candidates must participate in two interviews: one on-campus at WFU and another with the Stamps Foundation interview team.

Benefits for Stamps Scholars

  • Full standard cost of attendance funding starting in the spring semester
  • Eligibility for up to $5,000 in merit grant funding each summer to support valuable educational research
  • Renewable through the fourth year of undergraduate study
  • Membership in a global network of approximately 1,000 Stamps Scholars

Mullen Carswell Scholarship for Continuing Students

The Committee on Scholarships and Student Aid annually selects up to ten outstanding students as Thomas E. and Ruth Mullen Scholars through the Carswell Scholarship Program.

Eligibility & Selection

  • Applicants must have completed at least one year of coursework at Wake Forest.
  • Up to ten students are selected each year.

Benefits for Mullen/Carswell Scholars

  • Up to $1,500 scholarship per academic year (dependent on your existing financial aid package)
  • Eligibility for up to $5,000 in merit grant funding each summer to support valuable educational research
  • Renewable through the fourth year of undergraduate study

What the Committee Looks For

When evaluating applications, the Committee on Scholarships and Student Aid seeks students who have demonstrated excellence in at least one of the following areas:

  • Intellectual promise – Academic achievements, research involvement, creative projects
  • Leadership potential – Campus roles, initiative in organizations, innovative problem-solving
  • Contributions to their community – Service activities, volunteer work, positive campus impact

You do not need to excel in all three areas. The Committee values students with distinctive strengths and diverse interests, and recognizes that excellence takes many forms.

Required Application Materials

Applications will open in early May. All applicants will be considered for both the Stamps Scholarship and the Mullen Carswell Scholarship.

Required Documents:

  • Current Resume
  • Personal Statement Essay
    • Maximum 3,000 characters
  • Short Answer Questions
    • Select 2 of the 3 questions provided
    • Maximum 1,500 characters each
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
    • At least one must be from a Wake Forest faculty member
    • Recommenders will receive automatic email instructions
    • Deadline: October 3 at 5:00:00 pm ET
  • Current Unofficial Wake Forest Transcript

Steps in the Process

  1. Submit online application by October 1, 2025
  2. Notifications: Late October
    • All students will be informed whether or not they are invited to interview
  3. Interview stage: Early-mid November 2025
    • Selected finalists will interview with the Committee on Scholarships and Student Aid
    • Students studying abroad can complete interviews via Zoom
  4. Notification of results: Late November 2025
    • All finalists will be notified of decisions
  5. Stamps Scholarship additional interview: December 2025
    • Students nominated for the Stamps Scholarship will interview with the Stamps Foundation team
    • Your application materials will be shared with their interview committee if selected

Application Guidance

Strong applications demonstrate thoughtful reflection and attention to detail. For your best chance at success:

  • Start early – Begin gathering materials as soon as applications open in May
  • Be authentic – Highlight your unique strengths and genuine interests
  • Seek feedback – Have professors or advisors review your essays
  • Follow instructions carefully – Pay attention to character limits and requirements
  • Prepare recommenders – Give them ample time and context about these scholarships
  • View a sample application

Start your application today!