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Robert W. Woodruff Scholars and Fellows Program

In 1980, Emory University established the Robert W. Woodruff Scholars and Fellows Program to recruit and reward students with exceptional character, scholastic abilities, and leadership qualities.

Each year, every college and division names incoming Woodruff Fellows. It is the highest accolade an incoming student can receive.

At Emory Law, Woodruff Fellows receive a scholarship covering all tuition and mandatory fees for their three years of study toward a Juris Doctor. Those students with external scholarship funding or military benefits will receive the difference between their other benefits and full cost of tuition plus mandatory fees. In addition, fellows receive a $5,000 stipend each academic year to assist in defraying the cost of books and living expenses.

Specifically, the fellowships are awarded to students who have demonstrated

  • qualities of forceful and unselfish character,
  • intellectual and personal vigor,
  • outstanding academic achievement,
  • impressive skills in communication,
  • significant leadership and creativity in school or community,
  • clear potential for enriching the lives of their contemporaries at Emory University, and
  • strong propensity to make a positive impact on the community as an Emory Law alumnus/alumna.

The Woodruff Fellowship is more than a scholarship. Becoming a Woodruff Fellow means joining a rich community of scholars who are leaders among the Emory Law community, the alumni association, and the greater society. It also means inclusion in special Woodruff-only events with law school and university leaders and prominent alumni. Our fellows are leaders both while they are students and after they graduate and join the profession in courtrooms, businesses, government, public service, and academia. The Woodruff Fellow designation provides lasting recognition of achievement.

All incoming three-year JD students are eligible to apply for the Woodruff Fellowship program.

Application

The selection process for the Woodruff Fellowship is rigorous. The selection committee, composed of faculty, staff, and Woodruff alumni, looks for outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and out-of-school activities as well as the potential to make a significant impact on the Emory Law community.

Two-Step Application Process

  • First, submit your application for admission to the three-year JD program through the LSAC website by February 2, 2024.
  • Second, have a professor, colleague, employer, or another person who knows you well submit a “Letter of Nomination for the Woodruff Fellowship” by February 2, 2024. We do not recommend using one of your admission recommenders for this letter. 

Finalist Interviews

In the month of March, up to 15 finalists participate in our annual Woodruff Finalist interviews. This year's interviews will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024, and the finalists will be invited to attend our admitted student Visiting Day the following day, Saturday, March 23. At the conclusion of the interviews, the Woodruff Selection Committee will notify the chosen recipients of their award. Applicants who are not selected as a Woodruff recipient are still eligible for other merit-based scholarships.