How to Apply

Applying for Fellowships

A strong application is made up of some or all of the following: essays, references, transcripts, CV/resume, and interviews. In our office, we also have a little slogan: Winners read websites. Almost everything you need to know about a scholarship or fellowship, from your eligibility to the timeline, but also the expectations and implicit considerations of a foundation can be found on their websites. Read carefully and thoroughly!

When you have decided to apply for an award that requires WashU endorsement, submit the Intent to Apply form to be added to our mailing list for the award(s). If you are interested in an award with an open application, you are encouraged to meet with an advisor for guidance and/or feedback on your materials. Students and alumni are welcome to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor to discuss scholarships and fellowships at any stage in the application process.

Application Timeline

The most competitive applications take a great deal of time and effort. It is therefore essential to start working on your application as far in advance of the deadline as possible. In the process, be sure to tap into the rich resources WUSTL has on offe

January thru March: Gather Information

Attend an information session, research scholarships, search host institutions and build contacts if applicable. Now is the time to begin thinking about recommendation letter writers as well as contact a Scholarship & Fellowship Advisor to ask questions.

April: Let Us Know Your Plans

Many fellowships and scholarships require a university endorsement. If you have decided to apply, fill out our Intent to Apply Form and meet with a Scholarship & Fellowship Advisor to begin the application process officially. You may also begin to familiarize yourself with the scholarship’s application requirements. (Winners read websites!) Begin drafting your materials, and develop and update your resume/C.V. if required.

May thru August: Prepare Your Application

Integrate critical feedback into your essay(s). Stay in touch with your Fellowship advisor; they will offer support throughout the summer as you work on your application. Continue discussions with faculty members (and others who will be providing recommendations), and ask faculty, friends, family and other trusted individuals to look at your essay(s) and give feedback.

Early Fall: Campus Application Deadline

If the scholarship or fellowship for which you are applying has a university sponsored nomination process, submit your materials as specified by your advisor by the campus deadline.

Late Fall/Winter: National Deadlines

There are a number of other scholarships and fellowships available that students can apply to directly without going through a university sponsored nomination process. If you are applying for such an opportunity, follow the directions for submission as supplied by the scholarship provider. Keep in mind that a WU fellowship advisor can still provide you with mentorship and feedback on your application materials even if there in no nomination process.

Application Resources

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an essay designed to give the reader a sense of who you are and how closely your goals and strengths match the ideals of a specific fellowship. While such writing offers a great deal of compositional flexibility, it should clearly address some basic points, including your qualifications for the given fellowship, and how the fellowship fits in with your personal, academic and/or professional goals.

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Project Proposal

When selection committees read fellowship proposals, they are not only looking for strong evidence that the proposed program is feasible (both in its aims and in the applicant’s foundation for successful completion), but also that the applicant will carry something forward from the experience.

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Letters of Recommendation

The best recommendation writers provide expert support for your proposal and direct knowledge of your relevant background. Letters are most useful when they include specific comments on the strength of your preparation and potential. Recommenders should be able to comment on your ability to carry out the proposed course of study and the suitability of the university or program chosen. If you have any questions about how to select your referees, please see a Fellowship advisor.

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Endorsement

Some prestigious awards require endorsement from your undergraduate university. This selection process means that WashU is limited as to the number of candidates we can nominate for a particular award. We enlist the help of endorsement committees comprised of faculty and deans in order to determine which candidates the university will put forward.

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Interviews

Most competitive fellowships require at least one interview as part of the selection process. Below are some basic tips for preparation before and best practices during the interview. Be sure to also consult with your advisor for fellowship-specific advice. We schedule mock interviews to make sure our students are prepared to do their best.

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Information for Finalists

As a finalist, there is important policy and communications information you will need to know to help prepare you for next steps.

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WashU Pre-Application Form

The College Office Fellowship Advisors are here to meet with students and recent alums at any stage of the application process. If you would like to have an exploratory conversation about scholarship and fellowship opportunities, please go to our contact page to schedule an appointment.

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Awards and Notables, Research

Collado named an Astronaut Scholar

Tomás Collado, a rising senior studying mechanical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named an Astronaut Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious STEM fellowships.

6.5.24 | The Source

Awards and Notables

Senior Tori Harwell selected as a Rhodes Scholar

Senior Victoria “Tori” Harwell has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar, the 30th winner in university history. Harwell was among the 32 students nationwide selected Saturday, Nov. 11, to receive the prestigious honor that provides scholars the opportunity to earn an advanced degree at Oxford University.

11.12.23 | The Source