To qualify, the student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen applying for ninth or tenth grade
• Demonstrate a strong academic foundation
• Be in the upper echelon of scores on a Salem Academy approved admission test
• Have demonstrated school and community leadership
• Foster trust, responsibility, and a sense of the value of each member of her community

*Recipients of the Sisters Merit Scholarship must be boarding students (outside a 25-mile radius); the Founders Merit Scholarship is open to boarding and day applicants.

To be considered for the Sisters and Founders Merit Scholarships, the student must:

• Complete a Merit Scholarship Essay (300-500 words) on one of the following topics:
  1. Do you know any women who work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)? Why is it important for women to contribute to these fields?
  2. Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?
• Submit one personal recommendation from someone outside the applicant’s family (e.g., advisor, coach, mentor)
• Essay and recommendation must be submitted by the deadlines listed below. Submissions may be sent to the Admissions Office at academy@salem.edu; please indicate the student’s first and last name with your submissions.

• January 26, 2026: Completed admissions application, merit essay, and test scores due for applicants.
• January 30, 2025: Scholarship finalists will receive an invitation to a scholar’s visit.
• By mid-March: Recipients are notified.

Both scholarships are renewable, providing the recipient:

• Demonstrates a commitment to the Honor Code
• Demonstrates consistent academic achievement
• Shows involvement in the school community through athletics, arts, clubs, or activities
• Participates in community service each semester
• Serves as an ambassador for Salem Academy