Mission

The Rhodes Scholarship, which funds all course costs and provides a living stipend for a graduate degree at Oxford University, has a proud legacy, and VMI has been part of that legacy from the early years of the award.  Two cadets in the class of 1921 were chosen as Rhodes Scholars.  Since then, nine more cadets have won Rhodes Scholarships, most recently Gregory E. Lippiatt in 2009. Many other cadets have been finalists.  Cadets are a good fit for this highly prestigious—indeed life-changing—award because it emphasizes leadership and strong character alongside academic ability.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3.7 or higher cumulative GPA
• Extracurricular activities that demonstrate talent and leadership
• A well-written personal statement that conveys moral seriousness and commitment
• A clear plan to pursue a specific graduate degree at Oxford University
• 6-8 recommendation letters that testify to academic excellence and strong character
• Institute endorsement
• An in-person interview for finalists

Top Attributes of Successful Candidates

• “literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)”
• “energy to use one's talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved)”
• “truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship”
• “moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.”

VMI Contact: Col. Steven Knepper, knepperse@vmi.edu

More Information: Homepage | Rhodes Trust