Rising Sophomore/Transfer Student Entry to the Monroe Scholars Program

First-year or transfer students applying for a Charles Center Summer Research Grant or Honors Fellowship may choose to be considered for admission into the Monroe Scholars Program, and between 10-20 students will be selected. They will receive a $4,000 Monroe Scholar Summer Research Grant (instead of a Charles Center Summer Research Grant) to carry out their research project during the summer and present at the Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium. Starting in the fall, new Monroe Scholars will also have access to all the benefits of the Monroe Scholars Program such as the Monroe Enrichment Series.

Eligibility:

• Rising sophomores (enrolled as first-year students during the Charles Center Summer Research Grant application period)

or

• transfer students graduating no earlier than May 2027

Transfer students still enrolled at William & Mary for the 2027-2028 school year may choose to wait to apply until Spring 2027.

Students will be selected on the basis of:

• Strong research project proposal with faculty mentor support (see full criteria)
• Potential for growth and development in their chosen research area
• Potential to contribute to the engaged community of Monroe Scholars 

On the Charles Center Summer Research Grant & Honors Fellowship application, they will be asked the question, "Monroe Scholars demonstrate intellectual depth, curiosity, concern for community, and devotion to learning for learning’s sake. Why are you interested in becoming a Monroe Scholar? How would your unique attributes and experiences allow you to contribute to this engaged community? (350 words)"

Students not selected for the Monroe Scholars Program will still be considered for Charles Center Summer Research Grants and Honors Fellowships.

Page updated November 2025