Who Can Apply?
These programs are designed for highly motivated first-year students with strong academic records. LASP courses are discussion based and work best when students are willing to share experiences, opinions and observations. LASP students certainly get involved in classes and clubs that are not LASP-related, but applicants should be students that embrace the idea of having some shared coursework and housing with peers.
To be eligible to apply, students must first be admitted to UVM’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) for Fall 2026 through the Admissions Office. For 5 of the LASP themes, students can be in any CAS major, including Undeclared. For Life Science Scholars only, applicants must be in one of the following CAS majors: Biology, Biological Science, Plant Biology, Neuroscience or Zoology.
What is the timing?
The application for the Liberal Arts Scholars Program opens each January and accepts applications until April.
What is the application like?
The application to LASP consists of 1-2 short essay questions. Most questions can be answered in about 600 words. Each LASP program has specific questions; you can find questions from previous years on the program web site under each theme’s section. These supplement the materials you submitted to Admissions when applying to UVM.
Why can’t I log in to access the application?
This program is limited to students starting in fall in the College of Arts & Sciences. If you have been admitted to a different UVM school or college, you will not be able to access the LASP application. Feel free to contact the Student Services Office of your school or college to inquire about any special programs or opportunities for close faculty and peer connection.
What are the 6 themes and how do I know which one to select?
The six themes are Arts, Earth & Environment, Humanities, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and World Languages & Cultures. With the exception of the Life Sciences LASP program, students can be in any CAS major, including Undeclared. (Life Science Scholar applicants must be in one of the following CAS majors: Biology, Biological Science, Plant Biology, Neuroscience or Zoology.) Apply to the program most interesting to you. There is a section on the application to express interest in one or more additional themes.
Further Questions?
Feel free to contact program coordinator Catharine Diamond at Catharine.Diamond@uvm.edu