Welcome to the The provides information, outreach, and support to Vanderbilt students who have the potential to become candidates for nationally-competitive fellowships. This includes helping candidates navigate the wide landscape of funded academic opportunities, identifying programs for which they may be a fit, assisting them in preparing an application, with a special emphasis on essays, reviewing and submitting applications and preparing finalists for interviews. Though a record of academic excellence, leadership and service are necessary preconditions for candidacy, these fellowships are not a recognition of past performance, but an investment in future potential.
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE. They are not a reward for past accomplishments.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDY TEACHING RESEARCH SERVICE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS LANGUAGES INTERNSHIPS VANDERBILT ACHIEVEMENTS
SCHOLARSHIP CHARACTERISTICS Competitive. Most require a certain academic standing. Each has its own personality. Require a record of commitment to service. May only care about your academic and research ability/promise. Certainly care about your professional goals/aspirations. May require a project or language proficiency. Want to see consistency. Will require 3 8 letters of recommendation.
Jim Cooper Brian Greene Todd Peterson Nicholas Kristof David Souter Rachel Maddow Lynn Enterline Bobby Jindal Cory Booker The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international fellowships, were initiated after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford. The first American Scholars entered Oxford in 1904. 32 Americans (83 worldwide) are selected each year. Bill Bradley Myron Rolle
The four standards by which prospective Rhodes Scholars are judged: (1) Literary and scholastic attainments (2) Energy to use one s talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports (physical vigor) (3) Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship (4) Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one s fellow beings.
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP The Marshall Scholarship was created by the Parliament of the United Kingdom when the Marshall Aid Commemoration Act was passed in 1953. They serve as a living gift to the United States of America in recognition of the post-world War II European Recovery Plan, commonly known as the Marshall Plan. The idea behind the Marshall Scholarships was to build on the Rhodes Scholarships established by a private bequest a half-century earlier. The Rhodes scheme was acknowledged to be an outstanding success, but it was restricted to one British university and, in 1953-54, to one carefully defined category of male candidate. The Marshall would extend the Rhodes Scholarship idea and apply it, without distinction of gender and with a wider age range, to any university in the United Kingdom. They are the only scholarships funded substantially by Her Majesty's Government. This provides unique and wide access and links with the British government and its peoples.
GOALS OF THE MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP To enable intellectually distinguished young Americans, their country's future leaders, to study in the UK. Their long-term nature (2-3 years) allows for total immersion in one field of study or for Scholars to pursue two degrees at the same or different institutions or for doctoral research. To help scholars gain an understanding and appreciation of contemporary Britain. To contribute to the advancement of knowledge in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences and the creative arts at Britain's centers of academic excellence. To motivate scholars to act as ambassadors from America to the UK and vice versa throughout their lives thus strengthening British American understanding. To promote the personal and academic fulfillment of each scholar.
MARSHALL APPLICATION 1,000 word personal essay describing your educational interests and professional goals Identification of at least two graduate degree programs in which you are specifically interested and with whom you have made preliminary contact. Programs may be one, two, or three years in length. An essay detailing the reasons for selecting these academic and why they need to be pursued in the U.K. Essay describing your reasons for studying in the UK and how they will participate in the community. 4 letters of recommendation
MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP Named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, this scholarship is designed to connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition accommodations, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
MITCHELL SELECTION CRITERIA Scholarship -- Academic excellence and intellectual distinction. Although the Scholars program does not require a minimum GPA, a prospective candidate must have the academic ability and preparation to succeed in a postgraduate program. Leadership -- An outstanding record of leadership which may be evidenced through a variety of activities and accomplishments. These efforts may be on- or off-campus, local, regional, or global. Commitment to Community and Public Service -- A record of and sustained commitment to service and community, on-campus, locally, nationally, or internationally.
THE MITCHELL APPLICATION INCLUDES: Identification of at least three one-year graduate programs in Ireland and/or Northern Ireland in which you are interested. 1,000 word personal essay that describes your background, educational and professional goals. You will also need to make a case for how spending a year in the proposed program in Ireland will help you achieve your goals, as well as fulfill Mitchell s mission of promoting cultural understanding. 5 letters of recommendation
Candidates for Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and Churchill must be endorsed by the University. Prospective candidates must meet with the no later than April 1 of their junior year to assess their potential candidacy. Only candidates officially approved by OHS will be permitted to prepare an application. Those selected to apply will work with the OHS to complete their applications over the summer in preparation for final submission no later than September 5. All candidates will be interviewed by a faculty committee who will make the final determination as to which ones will be forwarded on to the national level Interested candidates should consult the scholarship website for information on the types of academic programs available and links to University websites. Students must have an academic profile that makes them admissible to one of the top Universities in the world.
GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP In October 2000 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $210 million to the University of Cambridge, establishing the Gates Cambridge Trust. This is the largest single donation to a UK university. Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive full-cost scholarships awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time graduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
GATES CAMBRIDGE CRITERIA Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded on the following criteria: Intellectual ability Leadership capacity Desire to use knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to communities and applying talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others All applicants for the scholarship apply for and must gain admission to the University of Cambridge. There must be a good fit between the abilities and aspirations of the applicant and what the University of Cambridge can offer in its graduate program.
CHURCHILL Established in 1959, the Winston Churchill Foundation was founded by American friends of Churchill, who wanted to fulfill his wish of always having young American graduate students at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. A one-year scholarship tenable at Cambridge University, UK that offers American citizens of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences at Cambridge. Churchill College was built as the national and Commonwealth tribute to Sir Winston, who in the years after the Second World War presciently recognized the growing importance of science and technology for prosperity and security. Churchill College focuses on the sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
CHURCHILL SELECTION CRITERIA A capacity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics by pursuing original, creative work at an advanced level as demonstrated by awards, prizes, research, and letters of recommendation. Applicants in the sciences and engineering will demonstrate extensive laboratory experience, internships, or other related work, while applicants in mathematics will show substantial independent work or other projects. The Churchill Foundation does not seek so-called well rounded applicants; instead, it seeks applicants with what we call interesting jagged edges. Successful applicants display a bewildering array of talents activities outside of academic pursuits, especially in music, athletics, social service, among other activities.
FULBRIGHT "Fostering leadership, learning and empathy between cultures was and remains the purpose of the international scholarship program." Senator J. William Fulbright Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Fulbright is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and teaching in schools worldwide. It was established in 1946 by the U.S. Congress to "enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Awards approximately 1,000 research/study grants and 700 English teaching assistantships annually.
FULBRIGHT ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS An English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) places a Fulbrighter in a classroom abroad to provide assistance to teachers of English to non-native English-speakers. English Teaching Assistants help teach English language while serving as a cultural ambassador for U.S. culture. The age and academic level of classroom students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. ETA s spend 20-30 hours a week helping to teach English and U.S. culture in the classroom. The remaining time spent on a community-focused project that emphasizes community engagement. Language proficiency is required in countries where German, Spanish, French and Italian are spoken.
FULBRIGHT RESEARCH/STUDY GRANTS Applicants design their own projects and will typically work with advisers at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education. Program requirements vary by country. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Statement defining the who, what, why, where, when and how of the project. Must show that you have the education, training and skills necessary to carry it out and have the support of a Vanderbilt faculty member. Letter of affiliation/admission Personal Statement Certification of the language necessary to carry out the project Three letters of references written in support of the candidate s project. Campus Committee Evaluation
FULBRIGHT APPLICATION TIMELINE Online Application Available Design Project, Seek Affiliations, Secure References, Prepare Application Scholarship Writers Workshop May May-August August Final Campus Deadline September 15 Campus Interviews September 19 October 14 Finalists notified and referred to January 31 host country for review Host countries notify grantees March - June
BUT WAIT THERE S MORE Gates-Cambridge Carnegie Junior Fellowship Luce Thomas Pickering International Teaching Rotary Jack Kent Cooke Arts Beinecke NYC Urban Fellows Princeton Critical Language Summer Institutes Magnolia Awards Keegan Traveling Fellowship DAAD/DAAD RISE NSF Churchill NDSEG/SMART Knowles Math for America Woodrow Wilson
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS Requires a minimum GPA 3.0 in concentration (varies) and exhibited capacity for independent study. Candidates are required to demonstrate some degree of originality and maturity in the methods of independent investigation, analysis, and criticism, and skill in the written presentation of independent work. This standard usually requires a senior thesis but may be satisfied, in departments that have gained approval of this procedure, by a series of briefer critical papers. Culminates in an examination given in the second semester of the senior year. Generally honors students are exempted from some normal junior and senior class work in their major fields in order to devote time to independent study under the supervision of a faculty adviser. Successful candidates are awarded Honors or High Honors in their field. This designation appears on their diplomas. Apply to the chair of your department in your junior year
PHI BETA KAPPA Up to 6 Juniors with a GPA of 3.85 and who have completed at least 70 credit hours AT Vanderbilt and seniors with GPA of 3.6+ and who have completed least 60 hours complete IN A&S are eligible. To be considered for election in the junior year, students should have completed all of the CPLE requirements by the end of the junior year, including both of the upper-level options in mathematical reasoning/foreign language. Students who study abroad during the spring term of their junior year are not eligible for election as juniors, but can apply in their senior year. At least 90 hours of the student s total program must be liberal, rather than applied or professional, in nature; and the breadth of a candidate s program, as shown by the number and variety of courses taken outside the major, is considered. Candidates are expected to have satisfied both of the upper-level options in Mathematical Reasoning/Foreign Language. These mathematics and language courses cannot be taken on a P/F basis. Applications are sent in January to all eligible students who have at least one A&S major.
WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF HONOR SCHOLARSHIPS STUDENT: Do all the things necessary to have the choice to apply for these scholarships, joining us on Facebook, checking out the OHS website periodically especially early next semester, reading your email, contacting OHS to set up a meeting to discuss programs for which you may qualify, and not missing deadlines. OHS: Work individually with you to help match you with the right opportunities, guide you through the application process, teach you how to write fellowship essays and preparing you for those programs. When to meet with OHS? As soon as you know that you are interested in a program so we can talk about your qualifications/what you need to do to become qualified, and give you a working timeline.
http://ohs.vanderbilt.edu lyn.fulton-john@vanderbilt.edu 204 Student Life Center Phone: 322-6329 todd.e.peterson@vanderbilt.edu 203 Student Life Center Phone: 343-8924