Exact dates will be finalized with each specific high school and announced to candidates by their high school guidance counselor.
August 13 - Counselors Summit
An on-campus lunch will be offered to school counselors and community partners to outline scholarship program guidelines and overview the recruitment timeline and selection processes.
On this date, school counselors will receive the Bell Tower Scholarship application link to share with eligible students at their respective high schools. Each student must meet with their school counselor to discuss the steps required to apply for the Bell Tower Scholarship Program. Counselors will support students in accessing and completing the application. Additionally, the Bell Tower staff will collaborate with counselors to facilitate Bell Tower Admissions Sessions at each of the 12 MNPS Academies.
August 19 - Virtual Open House
An online information session will be hosted by Belmont University to learn more about the scholarship program, application process and timeline. Parents are also encouraged to participate. (Virtual invitation, registration, and access instructions to follow.)
September 19 - Belmont Preview Day
Interested Candidates and their families are highly encouraged to attend Preview Day to learn more about Belmont University. Sessions will cover everything from academics to student life. Register at www.belmont.edu/previewday.
Click here to register for Preview Day
September 24 - Virtual Open House
An online information session will be hosted by Belmont University to learn more about the scholarship program, application process and timeline. Parents are also encouraged to participate. (Virtual invitation, registration, and access instructions to follow.)
October 1 - Bell Tower Application Deadline
Eligible students must submit the application for 2026 Undergraduate Admission, consisting of a completed essay and resume of activities. Counselors must submit official high school transcripts, ACT/ SAT test scores (optional) and guidance counselor (or principal) recommendations. Contact your School for application instructions and fee waiver.
October 9 - Counselor recommendations due
October 24 - Belmont Preview Day
November 6 - Notification
All candidates selected to move forward to Candidate Day/interviews will be notified.
November 14 - Belmont Preview Day
Interested Candidates and their families are highly encouraged to attend Preview Day to learn more about Belmont University. Sessions will cover everything from academics to student life. Register at www.belmont.edu/previewday.
Click here to register for Preview Day
November 18 - Candidate Day
Nominated students come to Belmont for a campus tour, meet current Bell Tower Scholars, faculty and staff members, and participate in group processing activities with all high schools. Attendance is mandatory for all students nominated to attend candidate day. Interviews will be conducted during candidate day.
January 15 - Scholarship Decision Notifications
Decisions for selected Bell Tower Scholars will be announced, and decision letters will be distributed to each high school within the first two weeks of February
April 3 - Be Belmont Day
An invitation-only event for all Fall 2026 admitted seniors held at Belmont. All new Scholars are required to attend. Key announcements and action steps for the Bell Tower program will be discussed.
April 15 - Decision Day
The deadline to submit signed offer letters to Belmont University to confirm acceptance of the scholarship offer.
May 20 - Bell Tower Onboarding Day
Students will participate in a Bell Tower Scholarship Onboarding Session designed to provide an overview of program expectations, scholarship requirements, and available support resources
Application Checklist
- Candidate Interest Submission from School Counselor:
Interest form should include:- Official high school transcript (minimum GPA: 3.00 weighted)
- Bell Tower supplemental essay responding to the prompt: “Why are you interested in the Bell Tower scholarship program? Include reflections on your academic and future career goals, how you feel the scholarship program components will help you throughout your college journey and what you hope to contribute to the scholarship program and Belmont University.”
- Belmont University Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Application for Fall 2025: Candidates with a submitted interest form from their school counselor will receive an application fee waiver. They may submit their admission application without paying the application fee.
- School Counselor or High School Principal Recommendation: This item will be submitted as a part of the standard application for admission
- Official ACT/SAT test score: Belmont University is test optional for Fall 20265. Applicants may choose to waive this requirement.
- By February 1: FAFSA submission (if eligible): Financial need is considered when reviewing scholarship applications. All eligible citizens and non-citizens must submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. The FAFSA should be available by October 2025 (subject to change based upon the U.S. Department of Education).
Contact information
For questions about the application process:
DeVanee Lasley-Brown Ed.D. | devanee.lasleybrown@belmont.edu | 615.460.6374
Assistant Director of Admissions for Community Engagement, Advocacy & Belonging
Follow us on Social Media: @belmontadmissions @bridgestobelmont