Hamilton Prize FAQs

• What is the Wesleyan University Hamilton Prize for Creativity?

  The Wesleyan University Hamilton Prize for Creativity recognizes creative written work by an incoming student that is judged to best reflect the originality, artistry and dynamism embodied in Broadway’s Hamilton. Winner of eleven 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hamilton tells the story of our country’s youngest founding father: Alexander Hamilton, a brash young immigrant who changed the course of history. The scholarship was established in honor of Hamilton creator, writer, composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda ’02 and director Thomas Kail ’99—award-winning Wesleyan alumni who embody the University’s spirit of boldness, creativity and experimentation.
  
  Beginning in 2019, we will expand opportunities for incoming students and recognize superlative creativity in each of three categories—Prose, Poetry/Song, Screenplay/Playwriting. We will award one grand prize—a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to attend Wesleyan—and two honorable mentions, along with $5,000 stipends to support the students’ future creative endeavors.
  

• Who is eligible to apply for the Hamilton Prize? Are international students eligible? What about Early Decision applicants?

  All incoming first-year students at Wesleyan are eligible to apply for the Hamilton Prize, whether they apply through early decision or in the regular decision round.

• Do I need to apply to Wesleyan University to be considered for the Hamilton Prize?

  Yes. The Hamilton Prize will be awarded as a four-year full-tuition scholarship to an incoming first-year student beginning with Wesleyan’s Class of 2021. To be considered, you must also apply to Wesleyan using the Common or Coalition Application. Interested students can apply to Wesleyan online at wesleyan.edu/admission.

• How do I apply for the Hamilton Prize?

  In addition to a completed application for admission to Wesleyan, Hamilton Prize applicants must submit a single submission of original work of creative written expression. Acceptable submissions include short fiction, poetry, slam poetry and song lyrics, as well as excerpts from longer works of fiction, creative nonfiction, screenplays or theatrical plays, and any other form of creative written expression. Specific details and submission guidelines can be found here.

• What is the deadline to apply for the Hamilton Prize?

  Regardless of the Wesleyan application round to which you apply (early decision I/II or regular admission), completed applications for the Hamilton Prize must be received on or before January 1.

• Should I still apply for financial aid if I apply for the Hamilton Prize?

  Wesleyan University is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. We strongly encourage you to apply for financial aid in addition to the Hamilton Prize if you know you will need financial assistance. For details on applying for need-based aid, visit wesleyan.edu/finaid.

• Is the Hamilton Prize only open to students who are eligible for Financial Aid?

  No. All incoming first-year students are eligible to be considered for the Hamilton Prize, regardless of financial need. For details on how to apply for need-based aid, visit wesleyan.edu/finaid.