All first-year admission applicants who apply to the University of Richmond by Dec. 1 are considered for the Richmond Scholars program. These students compete for 45 Richmond Scholar awards. The selection committee considers each student individually, evaluating their application in a highly personalized and holistic manner, looking at accomplishments, leadership, worldview, enthusiasm for learning and growing…. The writing sample is particularly critical because it communicates some of the special contributions a student might make to the University. While grades and test scores are important, the committee is aware that they don't represent the whole student and, as a result, they are not used to automatically include or exclude an applicant from consideration. To qualify for consideration by the Richmond Scholars Program, first-year applicants must: 1.Submit a complete admission application by Dec. 1 (postmark) and 2.Complete all standardized testing by Nov. 30.