PRIORITY DEADLINE INFORMATION

Juniors and Seniors: What you should be doing NOW

Finding the Right Program

Finding the right program is is no easy task. Most importantly, you should not apply for a scholarship solely because you want to be a Rhodes Scholar or a Truman Scholar. Research several programs and find the ones that are best for you. Understand what the specific graduate programs you are applying to excel in, what kind of research the faculty conduct, and how both fit with your goals. Don't be afraid to contact faculty, staff, and students to learn more about a course of study. Apply for several scholarships that fit your professional and personal objectives, but be sure to have a back-up plan if you are not awarded a scholarship. This website contains a plethora of information about scholarships, and you should also independently seek funding for the programs that you are interested in. Selecting the appropriate programs will strengthen your application, as well as fit with your personal goals.

The Essay

Your personal essay complements the other parts of the application -- the vital statistics on the application form, your hard-earned transcript, your résumé, and the various letters of recommendation. The personal essay, more of an intellectual biography actually, helps to fill out the picture and present the living, breathing you. The scholarships office has winning applications on file for students to view. You may also view winning applications for some awards at www.livetolearn.com.

Recommendation Letters

Different scholarships require different numbers of letters of recommendations, from two to eight.

The selection committees want to see what others have to say about you as a scholar and a person. These letters of recommendation need to be strong endorsements to make you competitive as a scholarship contender. Whomever you ask to write a letter for you, that person should know you well enough to be able to address your strengths and potential.

What can you do to strengthen your letters of recommendation? The best approach is to be proactive-- to interact with professors over time so they can get to know you.

Someone writing a letter of recommendation needs to know, first of all, the name of the scholarship for which you are applying, its criteria, the date by which the letters are needed, and to whom they should be sent. You should discuss with your references: their thoughts about the scholarship, whether they recommend you apply for it, and whether they know you well enough to write a strong letter on your behalf. It would be helpful also to provide references with your personal essay, résumé, and transcripts. Advice on selecting and approaching potential letter of recommendation writers is available on the Web.

Tips for Referees

Your Résumé

Most scholarships require some form of a résumé that highlights your accomplishments and activities. You should keep a detailed record of everything that could possibly be included on a résumé. Many scholarships limit the the size of your résumé so you will have to decide how to best represent your accomplishments.

Sample Résumés (pdf file)

The Interview Process

If you are shortlisted for a scholarship, you will most likely have an interview. The procedure is different for many scholarship, and some, such as the Fulbright, only require an interview in special circumstances. Some will be grueling, others less formal. Several sources are available to help you strengthen your interview skills. The Office of Scholarships for International Study regularly conducts mock interviews for shortlisted applicants. The following web sites may also prove helpful.

Illinois Career Center
Willamette University's Interview Guidelines