• Home
  • Nomination Process

Nomination Process

Nomination Process

The Wells Scholars Program uses a nomination rather than an application process for the selection of Scholars. This applies to incoming freshmen and current IU Bloomington undergraduates. For specific instructions, please visit our Domestic, International, or Internal nomination process pages.

There is no one strict model of an award recipient: however, past successful nominees have typically:

  • Shown exceptional qualities of character and leadership
  • Been significantly involved in extracurricular activities
  • Demonstrated a concern for their community
  • Excelled in terms of class rank, GPA, and/or (optional*) standardized test scores
  • Expressed interest in joining a community of scholarly individuals with diverse interests beyond a pre-professional track

Put simply, following the ideals of Herman B Wells, we’re not interested in students who see a brilliant career as their primary goal. We are looking for Scholars who want to contribute and make an impact on their community, the nation, and the world. They will encounter like-minded Scholars in our program and will forge lifelong friendships. If you have any questions about the suitability of a candidate you are considering for a nomination, feel free to reach out to Wells Scholars Program at wellssch@iu.edu.

*The Wells Scholars Program follows the same test-optional policy as the Office of Admissions. Your completed file will be reviewed whether or not you choose to submit scores. However, unlike the Office of Admissions, the Wells Scholars Program cannot accept changes after the November 1 deadline.

Letters of recommendation

We deeply appreciate the time and effort you are taking to provide additional insight into your nominated student!  Letters of recommendation are among the most vital components of a candidate's file.  Based on our selection committee's experience evaluating hundreds of applications each year, here are a few suggestions to help your letter stand out:

  • Go beyond the resume: Please try to avoid summarizing the student's grades, activities, or application essays as these are already part of their application materials. Instead, give us a genuine sense of who they are as a person by sharing a memorable story, recall an insightful conversation, or describe an impact they made in your classroom, school, or community.
  • Be specific rather than generic: Stereotypical phrases like "a bright student with a bright future", "exhibits strong critical thinking skills”, "capable of doing whatever they set their mind to”, "well-rounded," "an asset," or "an investment worth making" blend into the crowd.  Faculty reviewers are reading exceptional application material and these statements can usually be made for all applicants. High praise is most compelling when grounded in specific examples or heartfelt personal observation or stories. (e.g., "In my twenty years of teaching, this student stands out because...").
  • Provide depth: We know how many demands are placed on your time, but a detailed, substantive letter makes a powerful impression. Brief or superficial letters can inadvertently signal to our faculty reviewers that a nominee's accomplishments did not warrant a more thorough evaluation.

Thank you once again for your dedication to your students and for supporting our future Wells Scholars!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at wellssch@iu.edu.