Fellowships

How to look?

There are thousands of fellowships available. To focus your search effectively on those fellowships that match your strengths and needs, you will need to take some time to examine your qualifications and goals.

• Step One: Self-Assessment

 

Make a list of the following information:

 

• Your Strengths
• Your Goals 

 

• Step Two: Special Eligibility Requirements

 

Some fellowships are designed to target specific types of individuals. Take advantage of any factors in your background or heritage that may increase your options. Make a list of the following personal information

Your Background and Heritage

 

• Step Three: Identifying Appropriate Fellowships

The information you have compiled should suggest possible keywords or categories you can use to search and print online listings of fellowships. (examples: minority, Alaska, leadership, humanities, Washington University) Start with general listings, and then move on to more narrowly focused collections. Compile a list of possible fellowship opportunities.

• Step Four: Deciding Which Fellowships to Target

Take a look at your list. For each fellowship,

• make sure you meet the confirmed eligibility requirements
• make sure your aims are compatible with the goals of the fellowship

Circle those fellowships that seem to provide the strongest match between the fellowship’s requirements and goal and your strengths and future plans.

Since the application process is basically the same for most fellowships, applying for one entails just about as much work as applying for several. Choose 2-6 fellowships to target, including one or two “more aggressive” ones that might be long shots, and one or two "less competitive" ones that seem to be reasonable bets.

How to apply?

What You’ll Be Asked For ?

Every fellowship has its own application form. However, fellowship selection committees generally ask for:

• a transcript and extracurricular record 
•  two or more letters of recommendation
• a personal statement

For more competitive fellowships, you may also be asked for

• a project proposal or plan of study
• an interview

What Makes A Strong Application?

In a strong application, the separate components of the application fit together well, and offer a convincing composite picture of your strengths.

Online Fellowship Databases

• FastWeb: A database of over 180,000 funding sources. Register at the site by answering a series of questions about your background and interests. Relevant opportunities are placed in a personalized mailbox, which is updated periodically as new listings are added.
• The Financial Aid Information Page: provides descriptions of sources and links to other financial aid sites.