Frequently Asked Questions
These terms are often used interchangeably. There are a few minor distinctions:
- Grants are the most inclusive, representing any grant of money in exchange for a purpose or project.
- Scholarships usually provide support for undergraduate or graduate education.
- Fellowships often support post-graduate projects which may be pursued outside the normal curriculum. Typically, funding is provided by a foundation, institution or other organization to support academic work, research, independent projects or community service activity.
- an opportunity to define your goals, to narrow or broaden your interests, and to look at yourself realistically while examining your strengths and weaknesses.
- a chance to learn real skills including: learning to write outstanding proposals a and personal statements; how to highlight your strengths and talents; how to select and request recommendations; how to research opportunities in your field or in your area of study; and how to organize your time to meet deadlines.
- an understanding of how to connect the dots – to look closely at your interests, skills, passions and commitments and to see how they create the big themes in your life.
- excellent preparation for applications to graduate school, other fellowships and scholarships, and future jobs. You will learn what it takes to organize and coordinate all the pieces of an application and to meet the deadlines.
- an opportunity (for awards requiring campus and national interviews) to develop interview skills and to learn to present your ideas and interests clearly and persuasively.
Start early! Whether or not you plan to study abroad before or after graduation, or go to graduate school, you should learn about your options as soon as you set foot on campus. Attend information sessions as a first year student. Use your time, at Hamilton wisely and get involved in meaningful activities and pursuits. These experiences often provide excellent preparation for future research or study and strengthen fellowship applications.
Every fellowship has its own process and application.
Most awards require a traditional application with essays, short answers, or a project proposal or plan of study. A college transcript, record of extracurricular activities and two or more letters of recommendation are typically required.
Some awards require interviews, and many have internal processes.
While this varies by award, these are some of the things funders might be looking for:
- academic excellence
- the breadth of your interests
- record of leadership
- public service
- research experience
- meaningful participation in extra-curricular activities
- demonstrated commitment in a stated area of interest
- a clear sense of purpose
- future promise
Grades alone are less important than the overall combination of qualities (which might include research, service, leadership, and so on), but they are still significant. For example, the level of competition for Fulbright Scholarships will vary from country to country. A well thought out proposal for study, research or independent project combined with the background and skills to carry out the proposal is essential and can be as important as GPA.
Near perfect grades are never, by themselves, enough to succeed in these competitions. Some funders do provide guidelines. For example, the Marshall Scholarship requires a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
In a strong application, the pieces of the application fit together well and offer a convincing composite picture of your strengths, commitments and interests. Your application may be compared to hundreds of others and will likely be read by several groups of people during the selection process. To ensure that you are conveying the impression you intend, take advantage of the knowledge and experience of others are you're putting together your application package. A strong application will stand out from the crowd, and will impress a variety of people.
Instead of trying to game the system, do what comes naturally. Hamilton gives you time to explore and nurture your academic interests, passions and commitments by participating in research and special projects, summer jobs and internships and co-curricular activities. In addition,
- Be active and engaged in the life of the college. Take on responsibility / leadership roles in organizations and activities that are meaningful to you.
- Know what's going on in the world around you. Complement information from social media with more traditional media (The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Al-Jazeera) to broaden your global knowledge and political spectrum.
- Read both what you love already and things that challenge you.
- Know your world geography.
- Stay up-to-date on political and cultural dimensions of, and ethical issues in your field of study.
- Read the major journals in your field. (Ask your professors if you don't know which ones are best).
- Study another language.
As soon as possible, connect with the Director of Student Fellowships!
First and second year students
- Start cultivating relationships with people who can mentor you - faculty, advisors, supervisors, etc.
- Develop your curiosity about the world around you.
- Identify the things most meaningful to you and pursue them energetically.
- Read often and widely.
- Develop strong writing skills.
- Practice the art of conversation.
- Learn how to listen, process ideas, and express an opinion.
- Pursue extra-curricular activities, summer jobs, and internships that develop your skills and talents
- Start exploring study abroad / away.
Juniors
- Continue to engage deeply in your studies.
- Get advice on postgraduate plans from your mentors.
- If studying abroad, use the chance to explore future research, study or independent projects, including postgraduate opportunities.
- Continue to seek out leadership opportunities in the organizations that matter the most to you.
- Pursue opportunities to serve the wider community, too – be creative and use initiative.
- Work with the Director of Fellowships to design your postgraduate application plan.
- Take advantage of the programming offered by the Office of Student Fellowships.
- Prepare for awards with deadlines that fall in late summer / early fall of your senior year.
- Draft a personal statement.
Seniors
- Be sure that you understand application processes for senior year awards and add the deadlines for awards that interest you to your calendar.
This varies with each application. It is not unusual for those who become finalists for prestigious fellowships to report spending as much time completing the application materials and preparing for interviews as they would spend on a regular academic course in one term.
National awards are highly competitive. While the majority of applications are not successful, the process of applying will help all candidates:
- clarify their career goals;
- get a better sense of the range of possible postgraduate paths;
- become more aware of their strengths, interests, and ways to prepare for what comes after Hamilton;
- improve their writing and interviewing skills;
- get a head start in preparing applications for graduate and professional education.
Yes. It is possible to apply for some major post-graduate fellowships after senior year. Fulbright Grants do not have an age limit, while other awards including the Rhodes and Marshall have some limitations. Check the eligibility requirements for each award.
Some students may put together stronger applications after graduation since they will have completed a senior project and developed a clearer understanding of their future plans and goals.
Recent Hamilton alums are encouraged (and in some instances required) to work through the Office of Student Fellowships and will have access to the same guidance and information as undergraduates.
The Director of Student Fellowships will assist you throughout the process as you explore your interests and ideas, make informed decisions regarding the pursuit of awards, and apply for awards.
Faculty advisors, professors, and others in your field of interest can be helpful in terms of formulating ideas, identifying contacts and reviewing proposals for research or study.
Writing Center tutors are ready to give you feedback on your essays and other written materials.
Oral Communication Center tutors will help you prepare for interviews.
Be sure you are able to clearly communicate why you are interested in a particular project, program of study, university or country. Discuss your ideas and plans with your mentors, friends, roommates, parents, and anyone else who will listen. The more conversations you have, the better you will be at articulating your goals. This is wonderful practice for both writing essays and interviewing with selection committees.
Contact
Contact Name
Lisa Grimes
Director of Student Fellowships
