A selection committee generally reads hundreds of applications in a short period of time. Readers are looking for essays that:

• clearly answer the prompt
• make sense—logically, grammatically, thematically
• engage their attention
• provide substantive and relevant information
• share your voice and point of view

Write down two or three experiences that have shaped who you are. Write down two or three significant problems you have faced and how you solved them. Then look for patterns.

• what values keep popping up
• what interests
• what strengths and skills

Now take a look at your transcript.

• how does your coursework express your interests and talents
• how has it developed them

Consult with a fellowship advisor for essay writing tips.  Try several different approaches until you find the right fit.  Revise, revise, revise!  If you need help with structure, visit a mentor in the Writing Center.  As you draft your essay, share it with people who know you well and ask if it captures you accurately. Be sure to show your essay to faculty advisors and recommenders before submitting a final version.

Before soliciting feedback, however, make sure to review the policies of the scholarship for which you are applying.  Some programs, such as Rhodes and Mitchell, do not allow students to receive outside feedback on their application materials.

Weak essays generally share one or more of the following characteristics:

• melodramatic or self-congratulatory statements
• vague, abstract ideals
• laundry lists of achievements
• jargon and specialized vocabulary
• misspelled words
• poor grammar
• convoluted syntax

The project proposal describes:

• a concrete plan of study or research
• your goals
• the facilities or program that will provide you with the means to achieve those goals
• an elaboration of how qualified you are to achieve those goals
• a statement describing how your plans for the fellowship fit in with your personal, academic and/or professional goals

A strong plan is well-researched and reflects an awareness of current activity in the field. Ensure that your project makes sense for the program or place you have targeted by checking in with:

• facility or academic department you are interested in
• professors in your field of interest
• people who have actually studied in the program or place you are targeting
• people who have carried out similar projects or programs of study

Always review your essay with a faculty advisor in your field before you send off a final version.

Choose people who know you well – both in and out of the classroom, and personally.  Short references from “well-known folks” don’t go over too well. Likewise, academic letters from high school references are not recommended without discussion with a fellowship advisor.

Any student writing an honors thesis should request a letter of recommendation from their thesis advisor who is most often in the best position to comment on a student’s academic abilities and potential. Non-academic letters should highlight your leadership qualities and service contributions.

Identify your recommenders and meet with them as early in the process as possible. Discuss the specifics of the fellowship to which you are applying: timeline, expectations, and opportunities with regard to the scholarship(s). If your recommenders are familiar with your plans and the application process, they will be much more helpful when offering constructive feedback.

To make the most of your meetings with recommendation writers, be sure to bring:

• Copy of transcript
• A current resume
• Draft essay(s) and application
• Background information on scholarships
• Properly addressed, stamped envelopes, if paper submission is required, along with all necessary information as to date references are due
• A copy of work you did for them (essays, projects, anything to help remind them of your excellent work)

Follow-up with recommenders and keep them up to date with your progress. Confirm that they have completed and submitted your recommendations prior to the deadline.

No two interviews are alike. Still you can expect a significant number of probing questions about your primary application materials.

See the College Office policy for funding travel for student finalists, and talk with the office about options for requesting additional funding, if needed.

Preparation and practice reduce anxiety and increase the odds of success.

• Reread your application. Know your essay, activities, transcript, and academic plan of study thoroughly. Your interviewers will.
• Be very familiar with the origin and intent of the award and know how you fit in with its goals.
• Develop an overarching strategy: define the things about yourself you would like to highlight and topics you would like to explore.
• Catch up on current events and think too about what you read for pleasure.
• Practice! Ask faculty to give you a mock interview. Or brainstorm a list of potential questions and ask your roommate to “interview” you. Tape record or video the discussion so that you can listen to yourself later.

Maintain a sense of humor. The fact that you are there for the interview is proof that the committee thinks highly of you. Share your thoughts, energy, and enthusiasm with your interviewers. Body language is important—as much for you as for the interviewers.

• Dress formally. (Suit and ties for men and equivalent for women)
• Breathe.
• Smile and look each interviewer in the eye.
• Sit tall.
• Take your time and *listen* carefully to every question.
• Be honest and straightforward.
• Take pride in your accomplishments.
• Share your convictions, but do not make assumptions about the views and opinions of your interviewers.
• Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” or to ask for clarification.

The College Office will cover 50% of travel & housing costs for Arts & Sciences students who are selected as finalists for a prestigious award that requires travel for an interview, if/when the award foundation does not cover the expense. 

(Note: Not all awards require travel for finalists.) 

Students who need additional financial support will receive assistance from the Fellowships Advisor in requesting funding from their major department and the Student Success Fund. Students who require further financial support may petition for additional funding from the College Office. Alumni who receive university endorsement for a prestigious award may petition the College Office for funding to support their travel expenses as well. 

This policy may be revisited in consideration of number of finalists, student finalists from other divisions, and student need on a case-by-case basis. 

Being named a finalist for one of these prestigious awards is something to celebrate, regardless of outcome. You will be contacted by a member of the WashU Marketing & Communications team to learn more about you, your application, and your personal and professional goals. You will be featured in a published article, and you will have final approval of that article before it goes out. We ask that finalists are in communication with their Fellowships Advisor as well as the Marketing/Communications team.