»Fellowship Opportunities
What are Fellowships and
Scholarships?
Fellowships, scholarships and grants are
generally financial awards for study and research beyond the baccalaureate
degree. These can be awarded by private organizations, by academic department,
or by institution.
+-Receiving Post-Graduate Fellowships
Success in finding awards is usually a function of being an outstanding
student, providing evidence of leadership experience, contributing to the
welfare of your community and having excellent letters of recommendation.
Persistence, determination, and thoroughness will enhance your search. Luck and
timing can also play a vital role.
+-Getting Started
Your research should begin at least one year prior to the time you plan
to submit an award application. Meet with the advisor for the award, and talk
with other faculty. Many deadlines will be in the fall for grants awarded the
following spring or next academic year. So, start your search well in advance!
+-Gathering Information
Generally you will need to obtain the grant information and
criteria as well as an application. You will need to collect or prepare letters
of recommendation (usually three), official or unofficial copies of your
transcript, a list of honors and activities (sometimes a resume is required),
and a personal essay or curriculum vita.
+-Completing a Self-Evaluation
Decide which of your qualities to emphasize. What weaknesses must be
turned to your advantage? What have you not done that your record indicates
that you should have? Use this information to identify appropriate fellowships,
create an effective essay and prepare for an oral interview. Weave your
strengths, the specific criteria of the award, and letters of reference into a
solid presentation.
+-The Essay
This may be a personal statement, proposal of study/research, or
both. Remember: the essay often is the deciding factor in who is invited to
interview.
- Present
personal reflections in your essay. Show how significant experiences are
tied together.
- Have
a firm idea of the connections you need to make among the different
elements of your experience. Relate these to the fellowship criteria.
- Talk
to insiders. These are the individuals who advise on the particular grant,
faculty members in the related area, and former fellows or recipients of
the award. Learn about the grand criteria. List aspects of your experience
or achievements that relate.
- Be
direct; get to the point. Be specific and demonstrate ideas with examples.
The essay is usually short - about 1,000 words.
Prepare yourself to talk about every aspect of the essay in
an interivew. Do not include something that you cannot elaborate on in an
interview.
Ask two or three professors to read and critique your essay. Write
at least three drafts and have someone proofread the final draft.
+-Letters of Recommendation
Selection committees examine these to flesh out the details of your
application and worthiness. Choose your references carefully. Usually they are
your faculty advisors or your professors. Talk with these advisors - do they
feel they can write a supportive letter? Can they comment on what you want to
reflect in your application package? Prepare a packet of information for these
references including: a list of your honors and activities, a copy of your
transcript, class papers you completed for them, information about the award,
and a copy of your proposal for study or research.
+-Ask for Assistance
To obtain information about the kinds of services Chapman provides in
assisting students who wish to explore and pursue fellowships and scholarships,
please contact Dr. Eileen Jankowski, Director of Fellowship & Scholar Programs
at (714) 744-7661 and
jankowski@chapman.edu. Her office is
located in Wilkinson Hall 214.
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