What is the best strategy for applying to WashU merit scholarships?

For WashU, the best strategy is to apply Early Decision 1 only if WashU is clearly your first choice and the financial side works even without merit, because merit scholarships are not limited to Regular Decision and ED can reduce your ability to compare offers. The biggest mistake is assuming every merit award is automatic or waiting too long to check the scholarship-specific requirements.

WashU has offered major merit programs such as the Danforth Scholars Program, the Ervin Scholars Program, and the Rodriguez Scholars Program. Those programs are highly selective, so your application should show more than strong grades and scores. It should also show a clear pattern of leadership, service, intellectual energy, and fit with the values each program emphasizes.

The strongest overall approach is to build one very compelling main application first, then tailor any scholarship materials carefully. For example, Danforth often values community engagement and character, Ervin has emphasized leadership and service, and Rodriguez has focused on commitment to diversity and inclusion. That means your activities list, recommendation letters, and essays should already support those themes before you get to the scholarship-specific pieces.

If merit money is a major factor, I would not rely on WashU scholarships as a likely outcome because the top awards are extremely competitive. Treat them as a bonus possibility, not the base plan.