Fellowships

Fellowships are competitive opportunities for funding that are designed to foster intellectual, leadership, and professional development through providing funding for study, research, independent projects, participation in programs, or travel. Fellowships encourage the academic and professional growth of recipients who will in turn make an impact on the larger world. It is a mark of academic and intellectual distinction to be awarded one of these competitive fellowships. The fellowship experience will both foster your intellectual development and have an enormous impact on your future academic and professional success. Competitive fellowships reward not only academic excellence, but also demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and dedication to extracurricular pursuits.

It is important to begin thinking about possible fellowship applications early in your academic career and conduct research on available funding, deadlines, qualifications, and required materials. Applying for fellowships requires careful thought, preparation, patience, and time. Before you begin, consider why you are interested in applying for fellowships, what you hope to gain from the process, and whether or not you are willing to commit the time and effort necessary to achieve favorable results. While competitive fellowships are challenging to obtain, the process of applying for them is an accomplishment in itself and will help you develop skills that will enhance your applications to graduate school or jobs and help you to better clarify and articulate your goals and qualifications.

Before you Begin

Reflect - on your past accomplishments (academic, professional, and personal)
Assess - your skills and qualifications
Clarify - your future goals (academic, professional, and personal)
Draw Conclusions - about how a particular fellowship will enable you to achieve your goals
Be Realistic - about time commitments and choosing to apply for fellowships for which you are most qualified

Resources:

Selected Fellowships
Grants and Scholarships Listings (scroll down towards bottom of the page)
Common Application Materials
Tips for Writing a Personal Statement
How to Write a Resume