Admission

The Jarvis Scholarship

    • Jarvis 2

      Upper School Handshake Ceremony

    • Jarvis 2

      Robotics Students

The Jarvis Scholarship

We are looking for the kind of young men who will ask the hard questions, invent better solutions, meet the challenge, strengthen the community, and forge their own path. 

University School is awarding fully funded, four-year scholarships to up to ten rising ninth-grade young men, regardless of family income. The Jarvis Scholarship is a merit-based award given to students who excel academically.

Candidates for a Jarvis Scholarship will progress through three rounds of the application process and will complete two test assessments, several essays, an interview with a member of the selection committee, and attend a special event for finalists.
 
 

A completed Jarvis Scholar Application includes:

  • Official Application
  • Student Visit
  • Teacher Evaluation Forms
  • Personal Recommendation
  • School Transcript
  • Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
  • Two Jarvis Scholar Essays
All items for the application are available through the online admission portal.

The application process for 2025 is closed.
Sign up below to be the first to learn when applications will open for boys entering the ninth grade in fall 2026.

List of 1 items.

  • SIGN UP NOW

    SIGN UP NOW
    SIGN UP NOW
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • What are steps for applying to be a Jarvis Scholar?

    Candidates for a Jarvis Scholarship will progress through 3 rounds of the application process.

    Round 1: 
    • The completion of a University School online application* by January 8, 2025
    • A student visit to the Hunting Valley campus (schedule a visit)*
    • Submission of two academic letters of evaluation from current classroom teachers* (included in the application)
    • Submission of one personal letter of recommendation from a non-family member who knows the applicant well
    • Completion of the Upper Level Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
    • Submission of two Jarvis Scholar essays from prompt selections
    * These three requirements of the traditional application process are waived for eighth graders who are enrolled at University School.

    Round 2:
    All eligible students will be notified and asked to attend an additional on-campus (evening or weekend) session where they will sit for a school ability test (Otis Lennon) and also be interviewed by a committee member.

    Both the Otis Lennon and the interviews will take place between January 13-23, 2025

    Round 3:
    Selected students will be invited to conclude the Jarvis Scholarship application process at a final on-campus event. This event will take place on campus - Sunday, February 9, 2025.

  • Are current US students eligible?

    Yes! Any eighth-grade boy in Greater Cleveland is eligible.  The process for current US students varies slightly. Current US students must:
    • Sit for the ISEE
    • Complete two Jarvis Essays
    • Provide a personal letter of recommendation (non-family member and non-US employee)

  • Is family income a consideration?

    No. The Jarvis Scholarship is a merit-based award given to boys who excel academically, regardless of family income.

  • How much is the scholarship?

    The Jarvis Scholarship is a fully funded, four-year award.  This covers the full cost of tuition.

  • How do I maintain eligibility for a Jarvis Scholarship?

    Students must maintain a high academic average, display excellent citizenship, and maintain a strong investment in the life of the school in order to continue to receive the award during their four years of high school.

  • Have additional questions?

    Send us an email or call us at (216) 292-2149.

The Legacy of a Legendary Educator

Beloved friend and teacher, Rev. Tony Jarvis joined the University School upper school faculty in 1967 and taught English, history, and philosophy, later serving as Chairman of the History Department and then Upper School Director of Studies. Rev. Jarvis' guiding philosophy is memorialized in our school’s mission in that "each boy is known and loved." He instilled confidence in his students, and his students knew that they were essential to the school community – that they belonged. Rev. Jarvis went on to lead The Roxbury Latin School for 30 years until his retirement. During his lifetime he inspired hundreds of boys and was grateful for each opportunity. “I know that I can sometimes actually make a difference in a boy’s life," he said in 2001. "And that is the greatest feeling in the world.” His compassion, selflessness, and brilliance serve as a guiding light for the modern-day University School teacher.
 
 

Shaker Heights Campus JUNIOR K – GRADE 8

20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
Phone: (216) 321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus GRADES 9 – 12

2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
Phone: (216) 831-2200
© 2025 University School. All Rights Reserved.