Scholarships Augustinian Scholarship

 

The Program

Westmont awards at least 60 Augustinian Scholarships to incoming first-year students each year, offering them a personal yet demanding education that fosters a deep love of God. These students receive a scholarship covering 85% of tuition for four years, and they participate in the Augustinian Honors Program. 

Two key qualities make Augustinian Scholars exceptional: intellectual curiosity and openness to God’s work in their lives. They challenge themselves with rigorous training in every area of human knowledge so they can lead and serve in every sphere of society. In the fifth century, Augustine made the finest defense ever for the enduring presence of thoughtful Christians in society, and Westmont seeks to educate a new generation of Augustinians.

Discover your Calling

The Augustinian Honors Program blends an engaging seminar with hands-on activities as scholars begin to discover their calling in life. Westmont’s caring Christian community encourages their discussions, reflections and actions as they develop into thoughtful, well-informed Christians equipped to make a winsome defense of their faith. Leadership training and study abroad enhance their education. 

If you are a high school senior graduating in 2018, you can start thinking now about the Augustinian Scholarship. You'll need to apply to Westmont by November 15, 2017. The college invites candidates to campus in January and February to compete for at least 30 awards and announces the recipients in late February.

How to Apply

To be considered as candidates for the 2019 Augustinian Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Apply Early Action to as a First Year Student for Fall 2019.
  • Submit excellent high school grades and SAT/ACT test scores.
  • Take an interest in and show an aptitude for leadership; demonstrated leadership experience in high school, church and/or volunteer activities desirable.
  • Profess a commitment to the Christian faith and a desire to grow spiritually.
  • Commit to spending a semester studying abroad.
  • Agree to live with other Augustinian Scholars in Westmont’s new Leadership Center during the senior year.

 

2017 Augustinian Profile

Academic and Personal Profile of Augustinian Scholars in the Class of 2021
  • 8 National Merit Finalists
  • Average GPA: 4.3 (weighted) 
  • Average SAT: 1458; Mid 50% scoring: 1410-1520 (new SAT scoring)
  • Average ACT: 33; Mid 50% scoring: 32-34 
  • From 14 states and four countries
  • 25 men and 35 women
  • Ethnic Background
    • 73% White
    • 20% Asian, Asian mixed race
    • 13% Hispanic/Latino
    • 5% Black or African American
    • 2% American Indian or Alaskan Native, White

About Augustine

Aurelius Augustine, who lived from 354-430 A.D. in Northern Africa, served as bishop of Hippo and published numerous works about the Christian faith that continue to inspire believers today. Recognized as the most significant Christian thinker of his time, Augustine created an influential and compelling theological system. 

In 410 AD, Alaric and the Goths stormed the citadel of Rome and burned the city gates, symbolic of conquest in the ancient world. The act traumatized the citizens of Rome and set off a wave of panic across the entire empire. Eventually, the Romans repelled the barbarian hordes, and the political leaders regrouped. But like all corrupt politicians, they needed someone or something to blame to divert attention from their own gross incompetence. As historians have carefully documented, the Romans accused the Christians of causing their demise and began to mount a case against the new religion. 

When Augustine heard of the attack and the response accusing Christians, he grew alarmed that Roman leaders might succeed in discrediting the church. He began to write The City of God. From 413 to 426 A.D., he excavated the history of the Roman Empire, pointing out in case after case that, contrary to popular belief, the Christians had not contributed to the demise of Rome. Instead, he identified them as the moral thread holding the empire together. 

This was the last book Augustine wrote. He died four years later after making the finest defense ever for the enduring presence of thoughtful Christians in every society.